The Brothers Hunt For Jobs

Previously, the Brothers were anxiously awaiting the day they could move into their Dublin flat. In the meantime, they had holed up in a townhouse a bus ride away from the city. Descriptors for this experience escape the Brothers; words like filthy, uninhabitable, and in disrepair come to mind. They affectionately nicknamed the house East Berlin because of its resemblance to what they imagine the area must have looked like shortly before the wall came down.

Fortunately, October 1st has come, and with it, Eric and Jeff were allowed to move into their 'permanent' residence, bringing us to our next topic: the job hunt.

Actually, only one of the Brothers is still hunting. Jeff got in right away with a temp agency and is working in the mail room of an insurance company. He can mail stuff for free to any part of the world (so be on the look out for postcards on the company dime). Unfortunately, Jeff's contract is up in a couple weeks, and he'll be forced back into the harsh world of the unemployed.

Eric, however, is an expert in this lifestyle. After getting out of bed at the crack of noon, he spends his days scouring the internet for possible jobs. His resume is out with several temp agencies, and seemingly every business in Ireland, with little result. Fortunately, Eric's savings allow him a little leeway.

Plans for the near future include a long weekend of farming in Wales and a trip home that takes the Brothers through the land of their forefathers, Glasgow.

Next time: some differences in Irish culture that have provided the Brothers with great amusement. Pictures may also be included. Stay tuned.

Somewhat recently, on a continent somewhat far away...

...The Brothers Rutledge began their adventure in the country of Ireland. They quickly learned a few things:

• Showering is difficult when you don't own bath towels.
• Regarding light switches: up is off and down is on.
• Contrary to popular belief, Guinness tastes the same here as it does at home: delicious. And it is not served warm anywhere.
• Irish pubs play only American music.
  

Their adventure began with no place to sleep. After briefly considering a night on the streets, the Brothers decided instead to cram into a friend's small flat where, unbeknownst to them, eight people were already planning on spending the night. A night on the hard-wood was enough to convince them to try a hostel.

On their first day in Ireland, Eric and Jeff landed a place to live. The Dublin apartment scene is rather competitive; they decided that bribery was their best option if they wished to find a place. So, with the help of a few beers bought for the right people, they bought and charmed their way into an apartment. Unfortunately, it wasn't available until Oct. 1st, so the Brothers took up residence for the week in a crowded house just outside the City Centre. It is here they now find themselves, awaiting the appointed hour at which they can enter what will be their home for the next four months.

Until next time, please enjoy this photo tour of the adventures of The Brothers Rutledge:

The River Liffey.

O'Connell St. The nexus of the universe in Dublin.

One of the Brothers engaging in, and failing at, some football. Fortunately for him -- and contrary to what all Americans seem to think -- Europeans aren't all good at soccer either.

The post- football pint of Guinness. The second, third, and fourth pints were not recorded.

Next installment: The Brothers Rutledge look for a job. Stay tuned.