If NYC had an Affair with Amsterdam, their Love-Child Would be Dublin

Posted on April 21, 2013 by The Roaming Bean in International Travels // 17 Comments

Walk down a few streets and it seems as if you’ve been here before; you’ll feel as if you know everyone and you realize you’re not worried about getting lost.

The best way I can describe Dublin is if New York had an affair with Amsterdam and Las Vegas, and some how all their genes formed a love-child.

Ok, let me explain. Dublin is New York-like in the sense that it has that gritty street feel to it, minus the skyscrapers. The Amsterdam-ish vibes, well I can’t really quite figure out yet why I am reminded of the city… All I know is that when I was walking down some of the streets, I felt like I was in the ‘Dam, minus the coffee shops. Las Vegas, simply because of all the drunk people I’ve seen in the streets.

I love it here.

Out of any city I’ve been to, I have never felt more safe than here in Dublin (which is awesome after what I just dealt with!). The locals are some of the most friendly people I have ever met and within only one day here the city is jeopardizing bumping Paris out of my number one spot (GASP!!!!!!). Yes, I know, I am prematurely assuming this based on a one day visit so far, but the possibility is totally there in my book.

In the morning you can have an Irish breakfast, complete with black pudding (or blood pudding)…

You can roam the rainy streets…

You can stroll through Trinity College, check out the amazing library and see the Book of Kells…

Or you can pop into a low-key pub with amazing, friendly staff and have a few Guinness beers…

…And you realize that the entire world should be covered in cobblestone streets…..

I leave tomorrow for my tour of Ireland with Shamrocker Adventures; when I’m finished, I’ll return to Dublin for a week… I can’t wait to spend some more time in this amazing city!

About The Roaming Bean (109 Articles)

You're probably wondering what the heck is a "Roaming Bean"... Given that I am clearly not a Bean, and my name is Jen, what gives with this Bean thing, right? A friend of mine called me JenBean as a child, and it kinda stuck. Actually, it really stuck... even my license plate says Jenbean. And seeing as I have this grand lust to wander the world, The Roaming Bean seemed suitable. I've changed my career path more times than I have my underwear (minus all the times I've gone commando).... from animating, to forensic pathology, to international business, to fashion marketing and even to my wonderful and favorite of the bunch, degree in culinary arts, nothing kept my attention. Nothing was fun enough to do every day for the rest of my life. I mean, even though I cooked for celebrities in the heart of Hollywood, CA, why the hell would I want to sweat my ass off in a ridiculously HOT kitchen for most of the day and go home smelling like beef and onions? And the chef hat?? Do you know what that did to my hair?? Enter traveling.... The rainy day I descended down the tower of Notre Dame in Paris, gripping on to the railing for dear life so not to slip and tumble to an early death from the torrential down pour that was causing a small flood in the stairwell, my life changed. When I safely made it to the ground, legs shaky from an apparent lack of fitness it requires to walk up and down 387 steep stairs, I realized my hands were stained a delightful copper color from the rusted hand rail I had so dearly clung to. Desperate to get the icky stuff off my supple hands, and no running water in sight, I did what any other hopeless idiot would have done: I washed my hands in the nearest Parisian gutter. It was that moment that changed my life... I threw away my hair dryer, my rolling luggage and my dignity. I let my hair go natural, I bought a back pack and I CAMPED through Europe for a month and a half. Yes my friends, I crossed over into a savage traveling beast. Ok, a lot of people travel that way. But I didn't. And I'm so incredibly thankful for that rainy day in Paris that made me realize the world is a pretty sweet place. That realization led me on a quest; a quest to get out there, see things, soak up some local culture and eat my way around the world (with minimal food-related illnesses, such as but not limited to raging diarrhea).

14 Comments on If NYC had an Affair with Amsterdam, their Love-Child Would be Dublin

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Andrea // September 27, 2013 at 2:00 am // Reply

You just made me laugh so hard – just because of the title of this post! But you are so right, too! I’ve lived in Dublin for over 6 years now and yes, it reminds me NYC sometimes – especially Brooklyn. And I can see where you coming from comparing it to Amsterdam, too! Anyway, thanks for the laugh! This will definitely be shared! 🙂
- The Roaming Bean // September 27, 2013 at 10:33 am // Reply
  
  Thanks, Andrea! I would LOVE to live in Dublin! It’s just such an amazing, welcoming city! I truly wish it were easier for me to move there, but it looks like it’s pretty hard for an American to get a work visa 😦
  
  Thanks again!!! Maybe I’ll see you at TBEX?!
  - Hotelsireland.comAndrea // October 2, 2013 at 1:34 am //
    
    Not sure about work visas as I’m from Europe, so it is much easier for me to live & work in Ireland. But on the other hand I wish it was easier to get a work visa for the US! Poetic justice?!
    Anyway, I read your latest post and hope you made it to Dublin safely in the end. I’m sure you needed a couple of pints to settle your nerves – even after arrival. 😉
    Was meant to go to tbex myself but can’t make it now – bummer! 😦
    My 2 colleague Niamh & Emer will be there though. Maybe you will see them – they are big fans of your blog, too.
    Anyway, enjoy your stay here in Dublin!
  - The Roaming Bean // October 2, 2013 at 3:25 am //
    
    I talked to my taxi driver this morning, and he said it’s so easy! He said to get a student visa, take a class or two, and then find a job while staying as a student. Brilliant! I’m so happy to be back, minus the plane from the depths of hell, and pints of Guinness are happening shortly!
    
    Wish you could’ve made it! I’ll try and find your friends!
    
    🙂
debbie // April 25, 2013 at 6:09 am // Reply

I WANT TO GO TO IRELAND , NOW, GLAD YOUR HAVING SUCH A GREAT TIME
- The Roaming Bean // June 3, 2013 at 11:46 am // Reply
  
  So get your buns on a plane and GO!
janalinesmalman // April 25, 2013 at 2:45 am // Reply

Very interesting blog! Love reading about your adventures, definitely going to look out for your next post!!
- The Roaming Bean // April 25, 2013 at 5:41 am // Reply
  
  Awwww, thank you so much!
geekhiker // April 22, 2013 at 7:42 pm // Reply

See? THAT’S the Dublin experience I wanted! Glad you’re having a good time, and hope my post didn’t worry you too much. After all, it could’a happened anywhere, just a bit of bad luck on my part.

Keep enjoying Ireland. 🙂
- The Roaming Bean // April 24, 2013 at 3:37 pm // Reply
  
  Awwww.. Well I hope you experience it too one day!
Pam // April 22, 2013 at 6:05 pm // Reply

Ireland is beautiful, If it rates this high on your list then I really need to go! Thanks for the great pictures. I can’t wait to read your next venture.
- debbie // April 25, 2013 at 6:07 am // Reply
  
  I WANT TO GO TO IRELAND, NOW
debbie // April 22, 2013 at 8:12 am // Reply

I had a large guinness yesterday after work, and i thought of you on your wonderful trip. CHEERS TO YOU GIRL