Sense of Security

Walking along the streets of a small town outside Dublin yesterday I saw a policeman, or garda, as they are called here.

My first thought was, he actually looks somewhat pleasant. I immediately got that feeling of security and safety that I often feel at home.

I’m going to be honest. The police in Brazil scare the hell out of me. They stand around very ominous looking and I find myself with my head down scurrying past without eye contact.

That is just in Maringá. I hear it is worse in larger cities, although I will say that the police in Curitiba didn’t seem so scary.

My point is I don’t feel safe in Brazil, at all.

I’m not talking about safety from the attack of a citizen here. I’m talking about the safety and reassurance you feel when you know law enforcement are on your side as a civilian.

In Brazil, I actually feel less safe when the police are around.

I know there are corrupt policemen/women everywhere and I’m not saying that everyone I meet in Brazil is, but I just have this overwhelming feeling that they wouldn’t help a gringa if she needed it. Sometimes I feel they might create more trouble.

I hope I’m wrong, but this is how I feel.

The police here appear as they do back home, approachable and friendly; the kind that you can walk up to and ask directions.

Now maybe my sense of security is false. Those types of feelings usually are. However, I can’t hide the fact that a big part of me feels relief and my fear lifted a bit once I arrived here.

I already had this written when my husband reminded me that Ireland was one of the few places left who has decided against their law inforcement carrying guns. Funny, that doesn't change my perception of safety at all for some reason.

Yesterday I went to Killiney and Dalkey. I walked the beach at the Killiney Bay. I guess I am a little amazed at how something so simple can be so beautiful.

Many of the beach areas here appear completely abandoned. Old buildings sit a long the edge, aged and dirty. However, there is something about just being in Ireland and the natural beach and landscape that makes it peaceful and overpowering site to behold.

I seriously need some type of rent-a-dog service. They were everywhere and I really wanted my own for playing fetch. They were hilarious. The perfect picture of happiness as they ran up and down the beach and swam in the waves.

Dalkey was a really beautiful little town full of shops, cafes and pubs. It is an attraction because some of its ruins, the Dalkey Castle, are right in the middle of town. I walked down to the water to get a view of Dalkey Island. It was amazing; full of history.

I also finally had my first Irish coffee of the trip. I'm not sure why last week got away from m before I revisted my all time favorite drink. I've vowed to have one every day this week to make up for it!

The first two pictures are from Killiney, the rest from Dalkey.