Where to start? Ireland is a small country. It's population is less than NYC. Backward in many ways, because, until recently, very poor. Now, it's booming. The EU has helped them a lot. The roads are as bumpy as any I've ever seen. There are no freeways in our sense of the word. They have a few 4-6 lane divided highways, but you can run into a four way red light at frequent intervals. Crazy. The beer is wonderful. Guiness is quite different from what we get in the US. My fav is Smithwick's. Great stuff, amber, lots of flavor. I tried at least 6 different Irish whiskeys. I liked Jameson best. About $3, or less, a shot. Very similar to some Scotch brands, but lighter. Most like Chivas. Food is quite good, on balance, but rather expensive in the best restaurants. Oysters are huge, twice the size of any in the States, but tasty. About $9-10 for 1/2 doz on half shell. They serve them with lemon only. I had them create a sauce of mayo/catsup and loads of horseradish, which was excellent.

The people are simply wonderful. Friendly, helpful, polite, energetic. At the completion of High School, all grads take a test which determines whether thay get a free college education. Trinity U. in Dublin gets the cream of the crop, and is a wonderful university, according to all I talked to. No quota systems or affirmitive action in Ireland! It's put up a good grade, or learn a trade, or work on a farm. Period. Also, a lot emigrate to USA. I think the Irish are our best friends in the world, and I'm proud of them for overcoming so much trouble through the Centuries. (In the Republic).

The cars are small and economical. I saw one very nice A4, with a turbodiesel. I saw about 2 dealers (very small) and only 1 or 2 A6's. Lots of VW's and Ricers. Also a lot of Renaults. If I lived there and had to negotiate their horrible traffic, narrow and bumpy roads, I'de probably go to a Jetta or a Passat, with a big turbo diesel. No place to let out a 2.7T, or V8.

Our dog died about 10 minutes afer we got home. (A Schnauzer). Mama wants a replacement Yorkie. Any test report on Yorkies out there??????

 

"Fred" was our family's schnauzer who we "inherited" when his owner (my mother's great uncle) died in our front yard (clunk--dead). Fred was the KING of all dogs for his remaining 6 or 7 years...he ruled the world! Oreos and White Castles (Whities) were his favorites until diabetes took them away. I will never want another dog another than a schnauzer...they are king.

 

Anyone with any smarts or ambition, until just recently, had no choice but to leave and go to Europa mainland or the US to seek their future.

Second that about the dog.

 

They are so awesome to work with. One thing for sure, when we wine-and-dine with them, I haven't a chance of keeping up....glug glug glug.

So sorry about your dog, glad he/she waited for you to get home though.

:-(

 

Amazing animal,tough little bugger.

 

...because there's been no major group they've oppressed there. Too busy with the war between the Catholics and the Protestants, which sucks up everyone who's a little slow.

I do agree that the time for affirmative action in the US is *almost* past, though. I just experienced a case where someone with significantly (10+ years) less experience and questionable background than me was hired into a position while I was passed over, for what almost has to be a racial preference.

I share your grief over your dog. Sometimes older dogs get very excited when their owners return after being away for a long time. I hope his passing was an easy one.

 

Sorry about your pup. Typical of a loving, loyal dog to hang on till you got back. Don't know a great deal about Yorkies, but have seen them at shows. My impression is that they have a good personality. Tough, maybe a little yappy, but not whiny. Seem smart, determined and devoted.

 

Only F/S/L governments could do it. If you work for a regular business, what you describe was probably more about how much less they could pay the other person.

Just my 2 cents

 

They're paying him $40K more than what I asked for. 'Nuff said?