Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Florida Vs. Cork

Florida and Ireland might be the most different places in comparison to each other. The people and atmosphere of both are completely different. However, I find the differences to be good things and I like them both more because they are so unlike each other.

It's always hot in Florida. Even in the dead of winter and you'd expect some snow. The morning might be a chilly 55, but by the time one in the afternoon comes around we are back to 75 or 80 degrees. Whereas, in Cork, it never changes. It's cold in the morning and it's cold in the afternoon. However, as much as it's fun to come home to Florida in the dead of winter and go to the beach, I also enjoy having snow during Christmas time. There are positives and draw backs to living in a state that doesn't have snow! However, I am getting enough of it in Cork.

Not only is Cork cold though, It also rains a lot more than where I grew up. Florida is a very fickle state when it comes to weather, but typically it's sunny! It is called the Sunshine state for a reason, however, it in no way rains half as much as it does in Cork. It rains in Cork at least 5 times a week, and it's randomly throughout the day. Cork could have rain on and off for five hours. Usually in Florida when it rains it just rains for a straight 2 hours and then is done. 

Traffic here is very different from Florida. It's more small town, small lanes kind of driving. Where as back home their are 4 lane highways, and huge intersections with large amounts of traffic. Traffic doesn't exist in Cork. If the bus system say's you'll get there in 3 hours, it will take you three hours. However, back home, you always have to give yourself a good 30 minute cushion because traffic is a very real thing. 

The city life in Cork is more appealing than my life in Naples, Florida. The people here are kind and very helpful! And although shops are busy, it's never too crowded. Whereas in Naples, it's always busy and people aren't always kind. Usually cities have a negative connotation next to them when I think of them. However, Cork is a great city and makes me rethink what a city really is and what it means. 

Finally, living in Naples is extremely expensive.There is a reason we were named one of the happiest cities in America. It's because we have people come down here and spend all their money on beach houses and expensive restaurants  The majority of the population is old people, of course they're happy. However, just because they can afford the high end life of Naples, doesn't mean everyone can. Some places you know just not to go. Cork is the complete opposite. When I first arrived here I thought everything would be expensive. It's the complete opposite, and I've never been happier. As a college student on a budget, living in a town that is affordable is perfect.

Naples and Cork are not only on complete opposite sides of the world form each other, but they are opposite in every other way too. Both places are homes though.
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1 comment:

  1. Steph, Good discussion of the differences between Florida and Cork. Good job of detailing specifics such as traffic, weather, and expenses. Also, good discussion of how Cork has caused you to rethink what a city really is. Nice insight.

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