The accents, I tell you!

If you know me at all, you know my obsession with the unique ways people talk. Not only am I fascinated by interesting accents, but I also focus in on the particular phrasings people use. Ireland is chock-full of fascinating tidbits of language-related intrigue!

Here's a few:

1. Like: The Irish tend to add the word "like" to the end of some sentences. It is very similar to the way we American's use "like", except they finish their sentences with it. Not EVERY sentence ends this way. Just the ones where it would make sense and perhaps give the listener a better understanding of the method/attitude/feeling with which a situation or conversation occurred. Example: I stayed up all night. So now I'm wrecked like. But don't you worry about me, pet. I'll be alright.
2. That is not on: I don't believe this is unique to the Irish, because my Scottish friends say it too. Using this saying is replacement for the all-American "that was not cool" or something like that. I love this one. I think I'll integrate it into my repertoire.
3. Cup: Or Cuppa or Cuppie....all relates to having a cup of tea or coffee. I've been offered some version of this several times (daily) since I've been here. I'm in love with tea, especially with milk and two small teaspoons of sugar. Heaven on earth.

My purpose in coming to Ireland is far bigger than just getting cultural lessons, but I do love that element of this trip so far.

I went into downtown Killarney yesterday, just a mile's walk or so from where I am staying. My friends/pastors here walked with me to show me the way. We tried to find a little shop where I bought a claddagh ring 14 years ago, but we couldn't seem to spot it. The downtown has grown quite a bit and many shop signs have been updated. Mac's (my favorite little eatery) moved, but is still there! Yay!! Best chicken and chips (fries) ever!! I am definitely going back down there next week. I'm afraid I'll have to buy a second bag to bring back all the goodies I want to buy. Items on my wish list: new claddagh ring (nicer one this time!), a bodhran drum, t-shirt with Gaelic on it, secret gifts for my niece and nephew, a wool sweater, etc, etc, etc.....

Here are some things I've learned since I arrived:

1. Killarney's downtown shoots Neenah's downtown out of the water. But, that's not saying much. Seriously though, Killarney is super great.
2. If you walk slowly and look up at the shop signs, you're a tourist. (just like NYC or any other large city in the world, I suppose.)
3. Irish bankers are so nice. And a $100 gets you only 67 Euros right now. Such is life!
   
4. Coca-Cola in Ireland is AMAZINGLY better. It's made with real sugar, not corn syrup.
   
5. I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to pay for anything myself, unless I'm alone or I force my money into their hands/purses! My hosts are being too generous and Ireland is very expensive. I'm going to have to be clever on how I repay some of this generosity!
6. The houses don't have screens in the windows. No bugs. Well, there are a few, but not like Wisconsin. It's lovely!!!
   
7. The people are so friendly. I haven't met a person that I didn't like. I haven't met a lot of folks yet, so I guess that could change, but I doubt it.
8. I am praying that God will use me here. I feel like it has already happened some, but I know there's more I could do. So, I'm just asking, looking, waiting for opportunities. One thing I do know is that the Lord loves the Irish and so do I.

Love,
Katy