03 August 2020

(Almost) new beginnings

 Just when you thing everything is grand, and life is peachy, 2020 happens. So here I am, in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, and I have just landed in my new home.

Welcome to Dublin Sign

Now, I have to admit, I am not entirely new to Ireland, and Dublin specifically. In fact, it is almost 18 years to the day that I first arrived in Dublin. It is this familiarity with Ireland and the Irish standards that has sparked interest in my abilities, and has ultimately led to my appointment. That, and the fact that once again, there is a rather large skills shortage in Ireland.

Now, the trip over here was interesting and frustrating, to say the least. The South African government has made it all but impossible for anybody to leave the country, and I had to jump through some hoops to get out, eventually catching a repatriation flight for Europeans from South Africa, departing from the Netherland Embassy. To say that flying out of an all but abandoned OR Tambo Airport was an experience it putting it mildly.

Masked in Schipol Airport

Then, obviously, sitting on the aircraft with masks in place, even sleeping (or trying to) with a mask on. Running around a very quiet Schipol Airport with the same mask still in place and eventually arriving in Dublin where I now have to self isolate for 14 days in an Air B&B.

First Glimpse of Ireland

I'm tired. Really tired. Not much sleep on the plane last night, so properly bushed. Checked into the Air BnB. Going to catch some Z's now. I start working tomorrow. The company will drop over Laptop and the other necessities tomorrow. No rest for the wicked.


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