Ok, I seem to have really caused a stir here… looking back at my comments I do want to apologize for being a whiny visitor. Very un-Canadian of me (for those that don’t know, we sort of pride ourselves on being polite, gracious and internationally open-minded).
Anyways, towards the end of my stay in Dublin, I did come to realize that the best thing about Dublin (and Ireland in general) is the people: warm, friendly and less fussed by superficial things than North Americans. I still think Dublin is expensive and am far from in love with the climate, but I did come to appreciate its strengths and (as an aside) had a few great nights out before returning to Canada…
Another thing – I guess that one is always most comfortable at home. I am guessing that Irish visitors to Toronto would be freaked out by the hot summers/cold winters and “body beautiful” population that spends 5 days a week in the gym (reflective of a general image/health obsession def not present in Ireland), etc.
Cheers,
DJC