Yesterday was uneventful, other than getting out for a walk in the afternoon to the Blessington Street Basin park while listening to some podcasts. The weather has been chilly, in the 40s F / high single digits C, but been dryer than expected… I still haven’t used an umbrella since my arrival.
This morning I have my interview over Zoom with Outhouse, Dublin’s LGBT centre. One staff member and two board members are on the call, which only lasts about 20 minutes. I think it went well, but even during the interview I acknowledge that I’m probably overqualified for the job. It’s only a part-time, 20 hours per week position that would entail mostly finance but also some administrative responsibilities. We’ll see if I make it to the second round.
At 1:30pm today, I have a “test drive” at the Prometric testing centre where I’ll be taking my CMA exams. Basically, it’s a chance to go through the check-in process and take a short sample test at one of the computer stations in order to get a feel for everything before the actual exam. The testing centre is located in one of the original International Finance Service Centre (IFSC) buildings, on the northside of the Liffey not far from the Customs House. The first IFSC buildings went up in the late 1980s / early 1990s, but it’s more than just an office park… the IFSC refers to a “special economic zone” on the derelict state-owned former port authority lands. This special status granted a reduced 10% corporate tax rate on finance services operating in the IFSC up until the mid 2000s, when Ireland lowered the rate for all companies to 12.5%.
The “test drive” lasts about 45 minutes. The testing room accommodates about 30 people in rows of cubicles set up with computer stations. They provide a locker for personal items, and before being allowed into the testing room, they do a check to make sure you’re not smuggling in any cheat sheets by asking you to roll up your pant legs and shirt sleeves, then turn your pockets inside and out. Of course you also have to provide a photo ID with a signature to compare against a logbook which you are required to sign when entering and leaving the centre. They provide a pen and scratch paper, which must be left behind when you’re done with the test. It goes without saying that masks are to be worn at all times. It’s good to go through all the protocols in advance, so that I know what to expect – the whole idea is to relieve the anxiety so that you can focus on the actual exam. My first one is 2 weeks from today, and I’m already mentally preparing myself for the grueling 4 hours… breaks are allowed, but it requires checking out and back in, and the clock doesn’t stop running so it’s best to avoid taking any if possible.
The “La Touche” building at the IFSC where the Prometric testing centre is located:
Some other random photos…. a view from the O’Connell Bridge and a seagull with a COVID mask in its beak:
A sleak, Airstream-inspired coffee trailer kiosk not far from the IFSC:
A view of Capel Street (where the Outhouse building is located) looking towards the domed Dublin City Hall in the distance — I stopped by a hardware store there today on my way home for a few things, as well as an automotive parts store to get more “de-ionized water” for my CPAP:
Map for reference:
COVID update
This evening at the 6 o’clock news, Taoiseach / Prime Minister Micheál Martin announced a much anticipated phased easing of restrictions for the coming months. The plan is actually more aggressive than most people expected, so it comes as welcome news. However, some commentators say the government is gambling that the vaccine rollouts will keep the virus under control, and if things go south again like they did in December and January, then it will be absolutely devastating for the current government. Next in queue to receive the vaccine is the 50-59 age group, which may be able to start registering as early as next week.
The various changes to restrictions follows below. The good news is that travel throughout the country will be allowed, hair salons and barbers can open back up, and outdoor dining may be coming soon. Some of the guidelines about the number of people allowed to gather together are somewhat laughable, given that larger groups of people have been gathering outside for awhile now in parks etc.
May 10
• Intercounty travel ban will be lifted.
• People can return to hairdressers and other personal services.
• Households can meet outdoors in groups of six, including private gardens, not counting children under 12.
• Grandparents who have been vaccinated will be able to meet indoors with grandchildren and other family members who have not been inoculated.
• Non-essential retail will begin again, starting with click and collect. Garden centres may reopen and all construction work can resume.
• Up to 50 people will be permitted to attend religious services indoors, including weddings and funerals; wedding receptions are still limited to 6 people inside or 15 outside, but this is expected to increase to 25 at some point in June.
• Cultural institutions such as museums, galleries and libraries will reopening (excluding special events).
• Capacity on public transport will increase to 50% normal loads.
May 17
• The rest of non-essential retail is set to return on this date including many shops which have been closed for months now.
June 2
• Hotels and guesthouses can reopen. indoor dining will be allowed for residents only; just before the June bank holiday weekend.
June 7
• Restaurants and bars/pubs will be allowed to open outdoor service; no distinction will be drawn between pubs that serve food and pubs that do not; for some it will be the first time they will be open in more than 400 days.
• Gyms and swimming pools are also expected to reopen on this date but with strict social distancing requirements.
• Sports matches will also resume, but no crowds will be allowed.
• Visiting indoors in private homes can resume, with visitors from one other household permitted – this suggests that visits between unvaccinated households will be considered from this date.
Until next time….
