こんにちは。私、石川と申します。昨年末の英語会に一度だけ参加させていただきました。
皆さまいかがお過ごしでしょうか。緊急事態宣言が延長され大変な毎日をお過ごしかと思います。
私はと申しますと、現在イギリスのすぐ西の島のアイルランドに滞在しています。
今回長谷川さんと吉田さんのご厚意でこちらに滞在記を投稿させていただきます。
拙い英語ではございますがよろしければご覧ください。
The report of Stay in Ireland
I have been living in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, since this February on a working holiday. Now Ireland has been locked down since 13 March. All shops and institutions except supermarkets, pharmacies, public transportation and banks are closed. People aren’t allowed to gather outside and travel more than 2 km from their home. But I’m enjoying life in Dublin very much.
Now I live with 6 girls, a Japanese, a Brazilian, a Panamanian and 3 Mexicans. It is general in Europe to share an apartment or room with someone. Most of my flatmates are students to learn English. I usually spend the time on reading, cooking and jogging. We often cook own country’s food for the flatmates or have a movie party. We are making efforts to enjoy everyday. The cost of living isn’t so expensive, especially under the lockdown. For example, the cost for food on April was about ¥18,000. Groceries at supermarkets are much cheaper than Japan, but it is more expensive to eat outside. For example, we have to pay at least ¥1,000 for lunch.
There are so many statues and monuments of the important people and events of Ireland in Dublin. You can find one of them per 20 m. My favorite pastime is taking a walk and looking up the person or event I found the day. There is an impressive word that my teacher of the language school told me when I asked him the reason why there are many statues and monuments in Dublin: “It is our duty today to remain and remember the history.”
The restrictions against COVID-19 will be relaxed gradually from 18 May. The last phase including opening pubs or returning to work is planned on August. I’d like to find a job then.
4 May. 2020 Ishikawa
Dear Ishikawa san
I'm Massie Koike. How do you do?
I was amazed to read your letter from Ireland. Yes, it's owesome and respectable to stay in foreign country under such devasting situation. I envy your positive way of living.
Speaking of Ireland, I remember rugby. Last year I volunteered for the Rugby World Cup 2019. At that time I worked at the information section of Fan zone, Meriken-park, Kobe. It was the very day that the match between Ireland and some country(sorry, I forgot) was fought. There were many enthusiastic Irish people, drinking much beer and singing loud to cheer on, under a huge tent accommodating at least 100 people in a downpour. Among them I saw a young man smoking. So I said to him, "somoking isn't allowed here, so,would you smoke at the smoking area over there?" He seemed drunken but he followed my words without resisting me. However enthusiastic and drunken, he was a gentleman. Through the activity as a volunteer, I 've come to like Ireland. And I keep it in mind that when abroad I'm the representative of Japan.
Anyway, Ishikawa san, enjoy your life in Ireland and take good care of yourself.
I'm looking forward to your next letter.
Best regards.
M K