They say (whoever "they" is) that you learn something new every day.  If you ever feel that this statement isn't true in your life, do me a favor and move to another country!  It's amazing all the little things I've had to learn in just one month.  None have been really earth-shattering, but they all require even the slightest shift in my thinking.  I'll fill you in on a few items of interest...Enjoy!

Vocabulary:
"press" [noun] - a large cupboard, usually with shelves for holding clothes, books, food, etc.
"flat" [noun] - a set of rooms for living in, including a kitchen, usually on one floor of a building (aka. an apartment)
"chips" [noun] - a long thin piece of potato fried in oil (aka. french fries)
(potato chips are call "crisps" here)
"chipper" [noun] - a shop selling fish and chips
"tea" [noun] - the cooked meal eaten in the evening, especially when it is eaten early in the evening (aka. dinner or supper)
"whinge" [verb] - to whine or complain
"slag"[verb] - to bug or pester

Other little lessons about Irish life:
1. Get your shopping done early in the day.  Most shops close here at 6pm each evening, except for Thursdays...then they stay open until 9pm.  You can find your occasional grocery story open around the clock, but there aren't many options.

2. Buses are a reliable means of transportation.  I have only missed one bus since arriving here a month ago.  I've found the Dublin Bus system is pretty punctual and easy to figure out.  The one lesson I did learn unexpectedly, is that on a bank holiday they run on Sunday time tables (about one an hour) instead of the weekday schedule.  Only one 40-minute walk home and I had that lesson learned!

3. Take your shopping bags with you.  In an effort to cut down on waste, many stores here in Dublin do not provide those hundreds of plastic bags we're used to toting our groceries home in.  I have purchased three tote bags useful for shopping, but on several occasions have left all three sitting in my kitchen.  America's Funniest Home Videos would have loved to see some footage of me juggling parcels as I walk the two blocks home from the bus stop.  Sometimes I just laugh outloud!

 


Comments

Amy
08/07/2008 18:39

Loved the Irish lesson! I love reading your blog!

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Grant
08/07/2008 19:19

I can't stand to be slagged! And, whingers ... who needs 'em?

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Mom
08/08/2008 05:55

I always said you were a fast learner. I could use a few of those 40 minute walks home. And hooray for them about all those plastic bags. I get a little convicted about them myself. I love you and still miss you, but am very happy for you.

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Uncle Gary
08/08/2008 06:16

Gee I log on every work day only to find no new BLOG. A week between BLOGs is too long. Are you picking up an Irish accent yet ? I love reading about your adventures. Are the food prices high over there ? I want to hear how your daily work day goes. I doubt if I will ever see Ireland, but it is exciting to experience it thru you. Stephanie, take care of yourself.

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Mark, Andrea, & Kids
08/15/2008 00:14

Great blog, Steph! We're thrilled you're here! See you soon!

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Leah
08/23/2008 17:09

Getting adjusted to another culture can be quite the challenge, huh? But it's always fun learning and sharing with others all the little tidbits. Just think, you will be one of "them" soon! =)

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