During the past year of my life I chose to study abroad in what I consider the best place possible: Ireland. Drawn to the mythology of the land, the much-talked-about friendliness of the people and a master's degree that would cost me less in Ireland than in Washington, I departed for the Emerald Isle.
And I've never regretted it. After months abroad, I picked up little Irish-isms and Irish sayings. I now harden my 't' at the end of my sentences, pronounce words more clearly than before and draw surprised questions from strangers asking where I'm from (which is Kent).
Instead of "twenny" I say "twen-tty." It's no longer "wha" but "wha-ttt." I throw in the odd "right so" at the end of a sentence, use "pissed" as an expression of how drunk a person is and say "wrecked" for tired.
During my time abroad I was able to modify some of my misconceptions and some misunderstandings about the Irish many Americans have grown up with.
The rain in Ireland is unbearable and constant
It rains a lot, especially in the West, which sits right on the Atlantic Ocean, much the way Seattle sits on Puget Sound; but the similarities end there. Though torrential rain will pound down one minute, the sun never fails to appear at least a few times during the day as the clouds shift and change to allow for the next downpour.
The summers are beautiful
The rain, sun, clouds, mist, rain, sun, clouds, mist routine doesn't lift year-round, but if you're from anywhere around Seattle, I'd say you won't be too bothered by it. The sparkling green countryside with its miles of stone walls supersedes the rain and enchants the mind.
The Irish drink like fish
Although it is quite commonplace to go for the traditional pint or three after work, or get dizzy with drink on the weekends, I feel the binge-drinking award still goes to American fraternity boys.
The Irish are so friendly
I have never been so amazed by the open generosity and friendliness of folks in Ireland. A smile or wink is always ready with the Irish, but don't be fooled - the Irish are human, too, and ready with a cutting word or a quick temper if you cross them. Where do you think the term "Irish temper" came from?
And the service industry? Don't get me started! If you go into a restaurant for a meal, be prepared to be out in half an hour or have plates slammed and glares leveled at you. It's an eat-up-and-get-out sort of mentality.
The "tradition" of Ireland is all put on for the tourists
Surprisingly enough, Irish (Gaelic) is still taught in schools, and most of my friends were fluent in Irish. A few even practice Irish dancing and enjoy traditional Irish music, and all seem to be avid followers of Gaelic football and hurling games, drinking mass quantities of Guinness while watching the matches.
The "Celtic Tiger" that helped Ireland's economy boom has made Ireland a technology mecca
Although Internet cafés dot the streets of every city, town and village, try finding an Internet connection or even a phone line in any house you live in.
The Irish education system is better than ours
I'm surprised the Irish students manage to learn. Everything on campus closes by 10 p.m., thus allowing for the students to finish any work that needs to be done and head into the pubs and clubs for some good old-fashioned craic - lively conversation with good friends - by 11 p.m.
In general, most students in Ireland don't do one iota of work until the end of the semester when they are given usually two weeks to do all of their studying for their exams. The exams, by the way, usually make up the best part of 90 percent of their grades. No daily exercises for them!
The Irish, along with the rest of the world, are riding an anti-American wave
While most Irish, and indeed much of the rest of the world, certainly seem to loathe President George Bush and his clan, their dislike doesn't rub off on the rest of Americans.
Besides, how could they hate Americans when half of America can claim their great-great-great-great-granny or their four-times-removed third cousin hails from Ireland? Many Irish want to move to America, for it is still seen, in a way, as the land of opportunity.
With America being so big and Ireland being so tiny, a vast opportunity for employment seems to call them here.
On a whole, Ireland is relaxed, welcoming and full of youthful energy. It's an uplifting place to work hard, party hard and even do a little studying... right so!
Christina M. McDonald is a freelance writer currently living in Magnolia. Write her at mageditor@nwlink.com.[[In-content Ad]]
