The first thing I noticed as I was getting into the taxi on the way to the hotel in Galway is how warm and chatty the driver was. As I have learned, this is in stark contrast to the demeaner of the British, who are very nice and friendly once you get to know them, but for as a stranger, they can seem a bit cold and off-putting. Out and about in England, you will find that eye contact and smiles are in short supply, and that it takes awhile for people to warm up to you enough to strike up a conversation...even if its about something as innocent about the weather.
In Ireland, however, I barely could get a word in edgewise from any of the drivers I encountered in 1.5 days in Galway. And as the company I visited was 30 mins outside of Galway, I got to engage in everything from the weather (a favorite topic of conversation both in Ireland and in England) to the economy to what I thought Obama was going to do about healthcare. Irish people are one of the most lively groups of people I have ever encountered, and they are more then happy to not only share their thoughts but want to hear about yours. All of them were very interested in what I thought of living in England so far, and was even told by one of the drivers that he would never suspect that I was American, as I was losing my accent. (I think he is off his rocker, but whatever).
Even more impressive than the people was the landscape. Galway is a university town on the west coast of Ireland, and was in the middle of a rare, but beautiful stretch of sunshine and mild temperatures. Having been to the south and east of Ireland before, I was most surprised by the rocky terrian of the area in contrast to the lush, green area I was use to. I was told by Josephine (my Wed morning driver) that this area of Ireland was the most "Irish" (Gaelic), and indeed all the road, street, and building signs were written first in Gaelic, and then (if at all) in English. It is even hard to buy property north of Galway if you do not speak Gaelic, as the government is trying to perserve the tranditions and culture of Irish heritage.
I was very disappointed that I did not get to spend more time in and around Galway, but I plan on going back very soon. Anyone want to come?
http://www.connemara.ie/
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We were in Western Scotland last year (actually, the wedding we attended -- they are now living closer to London and I'm pointing her on to your blog -- she's got a lot of insight in the whole suspicious stranger Britain thing) -- anyway, after seeing Western Scotland, I can imagine Western Ireland to be equally enchanting in mild temps and lush green. I've not been to the Vancouver area, but I'm told it's similar. We have been contemplating moving to Skye for a few months (quite honestly) just to have more time to explore. (Unfortunately, the cheap Scotland-Ireland-Orlando travel company we used to travel so cheaply is now out of business!!)
ReplyDeleteI am reading this book called "Watching the English" which talks about all sorts of mannerisms of the British. Very interesting
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