Kindness in Ireland

Before coming to Cork, I was told two things about the Irish:

1. They're very nice

and...

2. They drink a lot. 

After the semester, I came to find out both of these things were true. People in Ireland have shown me extreme kindness over the past few months. I want to share a few stories that perfectly exemplify the thoughtfulness of the Irish people. 

My first story surrounds my visit to a newly opened cafe, Joes+Bro's. I walk into the vibrant cafe for the first time. The workers dance behind the counter as loud electronic music fills the room. A young girl takes my order and I hand her my credit card to pay. She looks at me and politely says, "I'm sorry we don't have a card machine yet." I didn't have cash on me, so I said, "No problem" and headed for the door. The owner, Joe, stopped me and said, "Just come back tomorrow with cash." He insisted it was the least he could do while expressing his appreciation for my visit. I enjoyed a delicious cappuccino and avocado toast at a secluded table by the window. I returned to Joes+Bro's the next day with cash. Joe simply said, "I knew you'd come back," with a soft smile on his face. 

The second story of kindness occurred on a rainy walk home from city centre. After running errands all day, I carried several paper bags in each hand. As I was ten minutes from my apartment, I felt a few raindrops hit my head. I muttered a few quick prayers to make it back before it poured. Go figure, I didn't. Apples and oranges rolled down the sidewalk after my drenched paper bags fell apart. My new sweaters laid on the ground soaked. I bent down in defeat trying to gather my newly purchased items. All of a sudden I notice two boys jog across the street in my direction. They asked if I was okay and began to help me pack my things in my backpack. I repetitively thanked them and they insisted it was no bother. One boy said, "I hope someone would have stopped to help me if I were in this situation cause it looks like it sucks." He was right, it did suck. However, way less after their gracious help.

As I left Cork to return back to the States I experienced another Irish act of kindness. After checking my luggage I still had to lug around a heavy backpack and two jackets. I arrived at my departure gate and dropped my belongings in relief. A few minutes later I decided to grab a bite to eat. So, I picked up my things again and made my way to the small cafe. I was halfway through my scone when I realized I had forgotten one of my jackets on the floor of my gate. I rushed back to the gate although I was sure the jacket would be gone. However, the jacket I carelessly left on the ground was draped around the same chair I was sitting in. A stranger picked up the jacket hoping it's owner would come looking for it.

These three instances are just a few illustrations of the consideration Irish people express. They have gifted me with their trust and generosity on multiple occasions. Although these individuals will never realize it, they have taught me the importance of treating others with kindness. They taught me to help others because you want to not because you have to. No matter how small the act is... it will go a long way.