Feb 4th 2011
“Tet – the lunar new year” is knocking the door when I start writing this entry. This year we Vietnamese students welcome our traditional “Tet” in Ireland – a wonderland in my mind. Missing home so much, I know that I will miss this land evermore when I am back to Vietnam.
There are thousands of reasons that make me love this country. My first impression is Irish people, who are very warmhearted and friendly. You can easily get acquainted with people and talk with them, even on the buses or in the streets. I still remember a cold winter day, when I got lost on Moorehampton Road. Thank God, an old lady passed and asked if she could help. She took me to the nearest bus to get home and told me about Ireland in the past. Her stories conjured me up an old Ireland with family ties, catholic norms and community spirit. Above all, I feel the very human nature of Irish people when they communicate and do charity, as in a lyric of my favorite song: “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, sure, they steal your heart away”.
Nobody who ever comes to Ireland can refuse the beauty of this country. The allure of the mountains, ever- lasting green fields, gorgeous harbors and sparkling beaches charm me always. Before coming here, I had been drawn by many romantic Irish songs, the mellow sound of harp, and the jolly step dance (the origin of Riverdance). Only indulging myself in this country, could I understand why Irish people possess such valuable heritage. Maybe, the beautiful nature, community life tradition and plain people of Ireland intermingle to create those unique properties.
My love for Ireland is so huge that I think no word is sufficient. Nargiza, my classmate, has written about Dublin with great enthusiasm. I understand how much she loves this city as we used to say whenever we went along the Liffey River. The stories of Dublin and Dubliners may take me longer time to discover -when our MBA schedule is easier.
March 2nd 2011
Today I have just finished the third term – the last one that I have full day class with 44 friends. About half of them are Irish, and they have greatly contributed to our class culture with hard work, caring, joy and sharing. All of us will always remember the time “back to school” with MBA, which is really tough, practical but very enjoyable.
Outside the window, the sun is coming out of his hibernation to waken the sleeping flowers. That looks like a bright signal of our MBA’s next journey, with the international trips and challenging company projects. We are likely to have another great time during the last four months. And I myself could spend more time exploring this graceful island in the splendid weather. .
“…While the springtime is ours, thru all of life’s hours,
Let us smile each chance we get”
From the song: When Irish Eyes Are Smiling-
The four seasons at UCD Smurfit (2010 -2011)
Thanks again our classmates who have cheered us and brought us all through the tough terms of MBA. Thanks Barbara (a very smart MBA) and her recent blog entry, which reminds me of the very warm atmosphere of TET at UCD Smurfit.
– Toan Do
