Our flight from Bergamo in Italy departed on schedule and took just a couple of hours to reach the Emerald Isle. Finally we were on our way to Ireland to celebrate Easter! On our plane the passengers comprised mainly Italian citizens, who broke into applause as the big metallic bird was brought down on the tarmac.
It was nearly midnight by the time we arrived, so l was unable to see much of the airport surroundings in detail, but from the little l saw illuminated by electric lights, it appeared to be huge, well kept and well designed.
In the terminal, the immigration officers were friendly and acted swiftly with dexterity and professionalism. I must also give thanks to Ryanair for their policy of encouraging passengers to travel with as little luggage as possible, for we had nothing to wait for at baggage claim.
As a result, mere minutes after landing, my wife and I were on a blue-and-yellow bus heading into the city centre through the magnificently wide O’Connell Street – and we had no difficulty in making our way to our accommodation, which we’d reserved in advance online.
By the wonders of modern technology, the receptionist had our booking ready to confirm. It’s thanks to Microsoft, Yahoo!, Google and the rest of them for working hard to bring our world together! In a moment we had our room key and that was it. We made our own way to our room and went straight to bed.
The next morning, after getting showered and dressed, we went down for breakfast, which was as much a feast for the eyes as the stomach! Such variety to choose from: toast, jam, marmalade, cereals of all categories, tea, coffee and to cap it all off, the full Irish breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes and black and white pudding. For most non-Irish, especially in Europe, breakfast is usually just coffee, some cereal or fruit – this was the equivalent of lunch or dinner! It was a great meal and a great experience, we really enjoyed it all.
With our bellies full, we stepped outside with our map to explore the city by foot. And that’s when we hit our first sour note. I was perplexed to see bags of rubbish lined up on the pavement, blocking the way for pedestrians. At first, I did not pay too much attention, but on the second day noticing that the rubbish was still in the same place, I began to wonder why.
I started to scrutinise the neighborhood more closely, and to my dismay I saw many of the entrances to homes and guesthouses where littered with cigarette butts and other accumulated dirt. The pavements were cracked and worn down, in spots smeared with pet excrement that ruined the shoes of passers-by who didn’t watch where they stepped. Sometimes there were even splashes of vomit left by drunkards on the pavement!
These kinds of things, for me, are utterly unacceptable in this great, positive and hospitable nation. Are they seen only in the city centre areas, or is the entire island of Ireland like that? I was appalled, alarmed and very, very angry at seeing that level of abject abandonment and carelessness.
What are the reasons for this kind of attitude? Who is supposed to be responsible for keeping the city clean? Why are the authorities in charge doing nothing or saying anything about it? I simply cannot reconcile this pretty city with its beacon of positive energies and welcoming vibe with such recklessness.
No, ladies and gentlemen, it is unacceptable! They say cleanliness is next to Godliness: how can we all dress neat and nice and be happy and hopeful, but at the same time neglect the fundamental aspects of our environment? No, my brethren! It is utterly unacceptable!
l believe we all understand how to clean up our garbage, and l want to use this medium to appeal, beg and solicit to everyone – visitors and residents alike – to please help keep this great, reserved, lovely, inviting and hospitable island clean. To neglect our duty here is not only unacceptable but insulting and disrespectful to this great nation.
Ebe onyebi kaa ona awashi! Whichever place you live or find yourself, you should cater for!
Amaechi Obi is a freelance journalist based in Italy.
