Each month in Home from Home we ask someone to compare Dublin with another city in which they have lived. Sometimes they are Irish who have lived (or are still living) abroad, sometimes they are expatriates in Dublin. Irish tourist will find the congested streets of Rome “lively”, while the Italian visitors will dreamily report back on the folkloristic drinking habits of Dublin pub-goers. Isabella, a native Roman who has spent more than her fair share of time in Ireland, tells us about the upsides, and downsides, of both before reaching no verdict whatsoever on where the best potential boyfriends can be found.
Many Italians say that Dublin is an infinitely more tourist-friendly city than Rome. Why do you think that is?
I agree, I think we have a lot to learn from the Irish in terms of hospitality! I am always ashamed of how lost tourists can feel in Rome. But if Romans are ever a bit rude to you don’t take it personally – it’s all part of our charm!
The Italians and the Irish are supposed to be the “friendly nationalities” of Europe – is that true for either of them?
I think that’s very true, but in different ways. I feel like Irish friendliness has a lot to do with the sheer alcohol intake of this small nation. Romans can be a bit harder to approach, but I promise you can meet the loveliest people once you just give them time. Most importantly, Italians seem to have an of obsession with anything Irish – if you’re even in Rome I recommend hunting down the Trinity College Pub in Via del Corso for some proof of that – you’ll feel right at home.
You’re continuously flying back and forth between Dublin and Rome – what are you glad to leave behind when you take off?
I always know I’m not going to miss the Roman traffic! Dublin is also a much calmer and student-friendly city, and when I’m back home I miss how international it is. People definitely know how to have fun in Ireland, and are less obsessed by appearance than in the Roman scene.
And equally, is there anything you miss as soon as you land?
This is going to sound incredibly stereotypical, but it has to be the cheap, amazing coffee you can get in any small bar in Rome – and the hilarious small talk with the barista, of course.
Would you rather be married to an Irishman and live in Rome, or be married to a Roman and live in Dublin?
Be married to a Colombian in either city, of course!
Words: Laura Gozzi
