Impressions of Dublin -- things I love most (Ⅱ)

No.2 Environment

• City Environment

Dublin is not polluted by the manufacture. The few factories are all located closely to the sea, far away from the city center. Even if there is air pollution, it will disperse very soon, because the wind can blow it away. Since Ireland is a small island, I guess a big sea wind can change the air all over the country in one day. The first benefit the wind brings to the Dublin is the clean and uncontaminated air. I like to breathe the air in the city. When cycling to work in the morning, I try to breathe heavily to enjoy more fresh air, which tastes like a light jasmine tea. You can also the sky here is clear and low. It seems that you can catch and touch the clouds in front of you if running fast enough.

The rain is another free purifier. It works very day -- actually, this is why I do not like it generally -- to clean the streets, architectures and moisten the plants and grasses, which keeps the city clean and nice-looking. There are lots of plant and grass in this city and the frequent alternate appearance of rain and sunshine makes the them grow well. They return fresh air and fine scenery to the city. I have to mention the river traversing the city, Liffey Reiver. The water in the river changes every 2 or 3 days as the ebb and flow of the sea. This makes the water in most of river within the city keep flowing and the city full of vigour.

• Human Environment

The environment mentioned here mainly referes to the non-human environment, but I can still talk about the human environment I have felt on campus--anyway, it is impossible to know much in such a short period. Firstly, people are treaded equally here, just as what I mentioned in the talk of people. So you generally have the same chance as others to do what you like and be successful.

Moreover, the academic atmosphere relatively open and free. People are open-minded to the new ideas and those they are not familiar with. They are willing to listen to the new ideas and will not deny them at first sight. Thus, as the students can be curious and think what they like, their curiosity can be well protected and even encouraged, which, I guess, is one of the primary reason that they can have more innovative talents.

Finally, let me talk about the competition. People from the countries with high competition like China tend to believe that Ireland is not a so competitive country, but I have to say "It depends". It depends on the environment you are in and the people you are with. Generally, you can live a not so competitive life if you want. But actually, competition happens everyday. If you apply for the research funding, you will find lots of colleagues have the same idea. If you go to the public hospital, you always have to queue for a long time. And you may find that the prices of the dailies are lower than before nowadasy, which may make you, the consumer better, but actually indicates that the competition among sellers are more severe.

Dublin The Impression - SunCity

(to be continued...)