We were given an introduction to Ireland and the Irish today in class. It was actually very interesting. I never thought about it before, but because of American television shows and movies the Irish know American’s much better than we might know the Irish, or at least they think they do. It seems in many cases they view American’s as represented by the reality show Jersey Shore. Probably not a good portrayal. After the lecture and lunch we took a city bus (that’s right folks Bill took a bus – not a taxi or an Uber) into City Centre for an orientation to the city. We started at the gates to Trinity College and then walked around the city core. There is lots of history here but nothing from Viking times because the English tore all that down to build their city of Georgian architecture.
Afterwards, a couple of members of the class asked me to join them for a pint or two at a pub called the Hairy Lemon (I don’t know how you come up with a name like that). I took that as a real sign of inclusion for this old guy and we had a great time sitting around a big table and sharing life stories. It was fun!
I am continually amazed at the friendliness of the Irish. On two occasions today I went into a business to inquire about how to get somewhere, and on both occasions the person I asked insisted on stepping outside with me to point out the way using a tall landmark I should head towards or some building I should use to turn in a direction. On flip side I did have one very curious thing happened. When I got back to the college I went to the student union for a nightcap with our group. You may remember I said our college is packed with students from other counties taking English language classes and these are people that my class would not know. While I was waiting to order I asked a guy standing there if he was in line or just waiting for food he had ordered. He very curtly told me he was in line to order. I then tried to strike up a conversation by asking him where he was from, to which he responded “I’m not going to share that with you”. After a pause he looked back at me and said “don’t worry I am not coming to your country” and then he abruptly left the building. It was really weird! On reflection, although I did not think it at the time, from his appearance I am inclined to think he was from the middle east, possibly Syria, and he didn’t like American’s and was sure I didn’t like him. Then again I could be all wrong with that conclusion, but I doubt I will ever know.
Hate to end on something of a down event, but I found the experience very interesting and what I am here for are interesting experiences.
The 3 pictures included with this blog are: The River Liffey looking towards the harbor from the Ha’penny Bridge; The lowering of the colors in front of the General Post Office where the Proclamation of Republic was read to start the 1916 Easter Rising (revolution); a street scene from the Temple Bar entertainment district.
Glad you were included in an invitation for a pint, Papa. I remember the Irish being very friendly too. I also remember it being eye-opening learning how other countries feel about Americans…I can only imagine the negative feelings have gotten worse since my trip over 15 years ago. Stay positive and keep representing us well 🙂
I’m enjoying the blog. Pictures are great. Keep the stories coming. Your encounters with others are interesting. It is odd how some people are so dependent on stereotypes. Thanks for the pint updates, too!