I leave Cork, Ireland in about two weeks, and it's a concept I can't wrap my head around. So often we're in a place in our life, looking from a distance at a time and place that we never think we'll get to. So when you get there, and it's almost over, it's a bit shocking. Somehow, I never thought abroad would end. Four months seems like a long time in your head, but when you're busy traveling, it feels like a lot less time.
Cork has given me the chance to explore another culture that I always thought I knew a lot about. But, Cork has given me the chance to rediscover my Irish roots, and truly experience the life of the Irish. I feel more at home here than i ever have. Whenever I travel somewhere else, I always find myself excited to return to cork. To return to the familiar. Which is such a strange concept, because four months ago it was as strange as all the other countries I've been visiting, but now it's like a home. I know the streets, the shops, the campus, how the bus works. These are all things that have made living Ireland wonderful.
Most importantly, Ireland has taught me to truly enjoy what I've been given, and to really take the time to enjoy those gifts. We are always taught to keep moving, and to move fast within America, and I know for a fact that after living in Cork for four months, I am changed. I don't move that fast anywhere, especially here. I take my time, observe things I would never take the time to see in America. The Irish celebrate life by truly living it, and I plan to take that aspect back to the states with me.
When I first arrived in Cork, I think I knew deep down that this place would change me. I wasn't sure how, but whenever I travel someplace new and stay for more than 2 months I tend to come back home as a bit of a different person. However, I've never been upset about the person I've become after leaving. I know that leaving Cork will be sad, but it's only helped shape me more into the person I want to be.
The first month of living in Cork was full of firsts. Learning how to get around, meeting new people, trying new foods, visiting new places. These were all good things, but now i've come from all of these firsts to calling Cork a home. I do all these things all the time. The people I wasn't sure I would be friends with here have become some of my closest friends. I've been able to have a wonderful experience abroad mainly because of the people i have met.
I'm a firm believe that the people make a place, and as exciting as Cork is, I know that I wouldn't have been as happy as I am now if I didn't get to experience cork and Europe with my new friends. Four months seems so short, but it's more than enough time to really get to know the people you're surrounded by. And thankfully, I did just that.
I can't bring Cork back with me, but I plan on bringing the Irish way of live back with me to America. I love the people of Ireland. They are kind, caring, and very very friendly. I wish that America was more like this, so when i go back not only will I try to slow down and observe, but I want to bring a bit more kindness into the world. Who knows, maybe someday it will affect someone the way it affected me.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Sunday, April 1, 2018
Ireland is Healthy
Ireland is full of healthy food. Fresh produce. Bread made in front of your eyes. Jams and jellies produced within Ireland. Lots of food that you find in Ireland is made in Ireland. When you compare this to the U.S. it's a completely different story.
The U.S. has food shipped from all over there world. It's not to say that the U.S. doesn't make some of it's own food, but compared to Ireland I found that most of the food I find in store within the U.S. hold more foods and produce from outside of the U.S. than it does from inside. This doesn't necessarily mean it's unhealthy, but if you're shipping foods, especially produce, that typically means there needs to be preservatives and chemicals to keep the food fresh. However, the food isn't always actually fresh, like in Ireland. It's just saturated with chemicals that keep them 'fresh'
All of the chemicals and preservatives that the U.S. throws into it's own food isn't surprising either. Now only do we accept food containing chemicals from outside the U.S., but we'll also find that the produce that is grown in the U.S. typically is full of preservatives as well. This is the only kind of life I've known growing up, so when I arrived in Ireland and most produce went bad within a week, I was shocked.
I remember attending a meeting with past students who studied in Cork before I left, and most of them mentioned how food goes bad really quickly, so you'd have to go to the market basically every week. I honestly didn't take this to heart. I didn't think I'd actually have to do that, but in actuality, I do. I go to the market every week, and buy only what I need for the week or else it will go bad. And I've come to enjoy this because it mean's that I don't have to worry about eating food containing chemicals.
I also feel like the produce in Ireland tastes better. It's fresh, usually very flavorful, and I know it's chemical free. Not to say that produce in the U.S. tastes bad, but there have been times when I could taste the chemicals.
Ireland also doesn't have as many 'snack' foods as the U.S., which are really just foods packed with junk and fake flavors. The U.S. doesn't really care what it gives to its people, which sounds harsh, but after being in Ireland and seeing how much less they have for snacking, it makes me question why the U.S. even allows some of these snacks into out country. It's not helping us in any way, and it's not good for anyone.
Ireland has made me realize that the U.S. has a long way to go. We might want all these chemicals because it makes food last longer, and typically people doesn't want to go to the grocery store all the time so buying food that will last long makes sense. But in the long run, getting fresh food, and knowing that the food you're consuming is chemical free should be what we truly want.
The U.S. has food shipped from all over there world. It's not to say that the U.S. doesn't make some of it's own food, but compared to Ireland I found that most of the food I find in store within the U.S. hold more foods and produce from outside of the U.S. than it does from inside. This doesn't necessarily mean it's unhealthy, but if you're shipping foods, especially produce, that typically means there needs to be preservatives and chemicals to keep the food fresh. However, the food isn't always actually fresh, like in Ireland. It's just saturated with chemicals that keep them 'fresh'
All of the chemicals and preservatives that the U.S. throws into it's own food isn't surprising either. Now only do we accept food containing chemicals from outside the U.S., but we'll also find that the produce that is grown in the U.S. typically is full of preservatives as well. This is the only kind of life I've known growing up, so when I arrived in Ireland and most produce went bad within a week, I was shocked.
I remember attending a meeting with past students who studied in Cork before I left, and most of them mentioned how food goes bad really quickly, so you'd have to go to the market basically every week. I honestly didn't take this to heart. I didn't think I'd actually have to do that, but in actuality, I do. I go to the market every week, and buy only what I need for the week or else it will go bad. And I've come to enjoy this because it mean's that I don't have to worry about eating food containing chemicals.
I also feel like the produce in Ireland tastes better. It's fresh, usually very flavorful, and I know it's chemical free. Not to say that produce in the U.S. tastes bad, but there have been times when I could taste the chemicals.
Ireland also doesn't have as many 'snack' foods as the U.S., which are really just foods packed with junk and fake flavors. The U.S. doesn't really care what it gives to its people, which sounds harsh, but after being in Ireland and seeing how much less they have for snacking, it makes me question why the U.S. even allows some of these snacks into out country. It's not helping us in any way, and it's not good for anyone.
Ireland has made me realize that the U.S. has a long way to go. We might want all these chemicals because it makes food last longer, and typically people doesn't want to go to the grocery store all the time so buying food that will last long makes sense. But in the long run, getting fresh food, and knowing that the food you're consuming is chemical free should be what we truly want.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
English Breakfast
You know how Americans always complain about Canadian bacon? We're always saying, It's not "real" bacon. I'm pretty sure memes even exist about it. Well, apparently, we are the only ones who have bacon like that. Ireland had bacon that looks more like ham. And in no way does It look like the bacon I've grow used to, but it's not terrible. (American bacon is still better).
English breakfast exists in Ireland, and I honestly didn't expect Ireland to take so many concepts from England, but they do exist. English Breakfast was the very first thing I ate when I arrived in Ireland. We were tired out of our minds, and we stopped in this small hotel on the way to Cork, and were told we would have breakfast. Well, English breakfast is the only kind of breakfast that exists here. Similar to how we always have bacon, eggs, and toast out in America, the Irish always have over easy eggs, grilled tomatoes, hash browns, and ham (bacon).
It seems delicious, and tastes completely different from the food I was used to in America. The tomato combo really threw me off, but now I've grow used to It. There is also typically mushroom available or sausage. It's a wonderful combo, and something I would never think of.
I remember telling my friends, "I didn't even know you could grill tomatoes." Not that I'm an expert chief, but I thought I knew a thing or too.
Since the breakfast consists of a lot of different food, I tend to stick with the eggs, hash browns, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. The ham (bacon) tastes okay, but I always feel like i'm sitting down from dinner if i order It, so I tend to stay away from the bacon. It smells good, but even the taste isn't something i'm a fan off.
I like that vegetables are a part of the breakfast. It's definitely a healthier option, and something I plan on taking advantage of since I'm only here for so long. Plus, the state's don't typically serve vegetables during breakfast, which isn't surprising.
It's interesting to me to think that breakfast is different for countries around the world, and the English breakfast is just a staple here. All of my friends have becomes huge fans, and although I really like it I still prefer an American breakfast. I just wish we included the tomatoes and mushrooms more often.
English breakfast is an acquired taste. and sometimes I still feel like I'm acquiring a taste to certain parts of it.
English breakfast exists in Ireland, and I honestly didn't expect Ireland to take so many concepts from England, but they do exist. English Breakfast was the very first thing I ate when I arrived in Ireland. We were tired out of our minds, and we stopped in this small hotel on the way to Cork, and were told we would have breakfast. Well, English breakfast is the only kind of breakfast that exists here. Similar to how we always have bacon, eggs, and toast out in America, the Irish always have over easy eggs, grilled tomatoes, hash browns, and ham (bacon).
It seems delicious, and tastes completely different from the food I was used to in America. The tomato combo really threw me off, but now I've grow used to It. There is also typically mushroom available or sausage. It's a wonderful combo, and something I would never think of.
I remember telling my friends, "I didn't even know you could grill tomatoes." Not that I'm an expert chief, but I thought I knew a thing or too.
Since the breakfast consists of a lot of different food, I tend to stick with the eggs, hash browns, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. The ham (bacon) tastes okay, but I always feel like i'm sitting down from dinner if i order It, so I tend to stay away from the bacon. It smells good, but even the taste isn't something i'm a fan off.
I like that vegetables are a part of the breakfast. It's definitely a healthier option, and something I plan on taking advantage of since I'm only here for so long. Plus, the state's don't typically serve vegetables during breakfast, which isn't surprising.
It's interesting to me to think that breakfast is different for countries around the world, and the English breakfast is just a staple here. All of my friends have becomes huge fans, and although I really like it I still prefer an American breakfast. I just wish we included the tomatoes and mushrooms more often.
English breakfast is an acquired taste. and sometimes I still feel like I'm acquiring a taste to certain parts of it.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Fish N Chips
This might sound hypocritical, and we all know that fish n chips are more of a British food than an Irish food, but Ireland was under British rule for a long time so that's my reasoning for It being here. Fish N Chips is definitely my favorite meal in Ireland! It's everywhere, how could It not be my favorite?
It was actually the first day in Ireland, when we were all stuck on a bus from Dublin to Cork that our bus driver pointed out Jackie Lenox. He made sure to tell us that it's the best place to get fish n chips in town! And although half of us thought we were going to die if we didn't get sleep that very instant, I made sure to put a little star on the place in the back of my mind.
And thankfully, that little star came in handy. I was with a group of friends, and we were on a food hunt. It's only fair to state: Ireland isn't known for it's food. I mean, they have good food, but in no way is it a food capital of the world. Trying to find places to eat in Cork is harder than one might think, but we ended up going to Jackie Lenox that night and It was quite an experience.
Jackie Lenox was packed, and apparently our bus driver isn't the only person who knows that they have the best fish and chips in town. So we waited in line, and this place is so busy that you don't even wait to get to the counter to order. They just yell at you while you're in line and then you have to order. And like the bunch of Americans we are, we all just yell Fish N Chips. All 7 of us. We get our food and realize that there isn't anywhere to sit. It's so busy that most of the space is used to hold all the people in line. However, there is a small area for eating the food in the back, and we take up all the seat very quickly.
Now, I've never had fish n chips. It's basically fried cod, filled with more grease than french fries. They didn't offer much in terms of silver ware there, so we had to eat it with our hands. The chips were a larger versions of french friends. Everything was incredibly salted and greasy, and i knew the moment i told a bit out of my fried fish that i liked It. I mean, there was a reason this place had a line out the door. We all nodded our head in approval as we devoured our fish n chips.
Jackie Lenox gives more fish n chips than necessary if I'm being honest. So I always know that i'll have food for the next day. However, i always try to finish the chips when they're fresh and hot, because they just don't taste the same when you heat them up. Anyways, i did discover that fish n chips taste amazing with Mayo and Ketchup. That may seem like a strange combination, but now every time I eat fish N chips I make sure to smoother It in these sauces. It gives the fish more flavor!
Now, Jackie Lenox isn't the only place in town to serve fish N chips. But they're the only ones who serve It for a very cheap price, and is well known. I've gone to other restaurants to get this meal because It is a very popular meal in cork, but they aren't as flavor full, or as well salted or even greasy as Jackie Lenox. I look forward to stepping into the restaurant and smelling grilled fish and salt and vinegar every time. I look forward to eating it even more.
It was actually the first day in Ireland, when we were all stuck on a bus from Dublin to Cork that our bus driver pointed out Jackie Lenox. He made sure to tell us that it's the best place to get fish n chips in town! And although half of us thought we were going to die if we didn't get sleep that very instant, I made sure to put a little star on the place in the back of my mind.
And thankfully, that little star came in handy. I was with a group of friends, and we were on a food hunt. It's only fair to state: Ireland isn't known for it's food. I mean, they have good food, but in no way is it a food capital of the world. Trying to find places to eat in Cork is harder than one might think, but we ended up going to Jackie Lenox that night and It was quite an experience.
Jackie Lenox was packed, and apparently our bus driver isn't the only person who knows that they have the best fish and chips in town. So we waited in line, and this place is so busy that you don't even wait to get to the counter to order. They just yell at you while you're in line and then you have to order. And like the bunch of Americans we are, we all just yell Fish N Chips. All 7 of us. We get our food and realize that there isn't anywhere to sit. It's so busy that most of the space is used to hold all the people in line. However, there is a small area for eating the food in the back, and we take up all the seat very quickly.
Now, I've never had fish n chips. It's basically fried cod, filled with more grease than french fries. They didn't offer much in terms of silver ware there, so we had to eat it with our hands. The chips were a larger versions of french friends. Everything was incredibly salted and greasy, and i knew the moment i told a bit out of my fried fish that i liked It. I mean, there was a reason this place had a line out the door. We all nodded our head in approval as we devoured our fish n chips.
Jackie Lenox gives more fish n chips than necessary if I'm being honest. So I always know that i'll have food for the next day. However, i always try to finish the chips when they're fresh and hot, because they just don't taste the same when you heat them up. Anyways, i did discover that fish n chips taste amazing with Mayo and Ketchup. That may seem like a strange combination, but now every time I eat fish N chips I make sure to smoother It in these sauces. It gives the fish more flavor!
Now, Jackie Lenox isn't the only place in town to serve fish N chips. But they're the only ones who serve It for a very cheap price, and is well known. I've gone to other restaurants to get this meal because It is a very popular meal in cork, but they aren't as flavor full, or as well salted or even greasy as Jackie Lenox. I look forward to stepping into the restaurant and smelling grilled fish and salt and vinegar every time. I look forward to eating it even more.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Slow down
I've always been a fast paced person. I walk fast, I drive fast (Don't worry, not too fast), I talk fast, I like to multitask so I get more done. Point is, I always feel like I'm in a constant rush. I mentioned this in my past blog, but Ireland is all about leisure. Cork is like the polar opposite of who I am.
Cork does what it want's when it want's. It rains whenever it pleases, and doesn't really take into account convenience of it's inhabitants. Speaking of it's inhabitants, these people don't seem to care what other's think either. They wear what they want, walk as slowly as they want, and most importantly, it's never a race. And because of being here, i've slowly started to pick up the motto: Slow and steady wins the race. I'm too competitive to cross out being in a race completely. However, I have started to adopt the leisure that Irish people seem to have since being here.
After being in Cork for a while now, I can't help but ask myself why I am the way I am? Why are these people the way that they are? And honestly, it's because of how different our societies are. America is about making it, and competing against everyone. Sometimes I wonder if that's what life should really be? The Irish seem to live life differently but not in a lesser way. Maybe Ireland got it right.
Although I will never be able to truly change who I am, and I really don't want too. I'm glad for these couple of months. They give me a time to live and look at life differently. If I tried to live this relaxed life in America, surely I would be judged. We see those who do things slower or don't seem as ambitious as lesser. And Cork has given me the chance to see how people live different lives. And no one is better than anyone else because they walk faster and get to where they need to be quicker. Irish people always get to where they need to be, but they do it without rushing and far less worrying.
Isn't that better though? As an American I feel like I could do with less stress. As I meet more people here and walk through these streets I find that stress isn't as much as a problem here. American could definitely learn from some things that Cork has taught me.
I hope that when I go back to America, I will be able to walk a bit slower. Maybe even try to stop viewing everything as a competition, which I know will be hard because I know it has been ingrained into me.
However, I think the time that I have been here will do me good, and just might be enough to truly help me change some aspects of my life. Even when I go back home.
Cork does what it want's when it want's. It rains whenever it pleases, and doesn't really take into account convenience of it's inhabitants. Speaking of it's inhabitants, these people don't seem to care what other's think either. They wear what they want, walk as slowly as they want, and most importantly, it's never a race. And because of being here, i've slowly started to pick up the motto: Slow and steady wins the race. I'm too competitive to cross out being in a race completely. However, I have started to adopt the leisure that Irish people seem to have since being here.
After being in Cork for a while now, I can't help but ask myself why I am the way I am? Why are these people the way that they are? And honestly, it's because of how different our societies are. America is about making it, and competing against everyone. Sometimes I wonder if that's what life should really be? The Irish seem to live life differently but not in a lesser way. Maybe Ireland got it right.
Although I will never be able to truly change who I am, and I really don't want too. I'm glad for these couple of months. They give me a time to live and look at life differently. If I tried to live this relaxed life in America, surely I would be judged. We see those who do things slower or don't seem as ambitious as lesser. And Cork has given me the chance to see how people live different lives. And no one is better than anyone else because they walk faster and get to where they need to be quicker. Irish people always get to where they need to be, but they do it without rushing and far less worrying.
Isn't that better though? As an American I feel like I could do with less stress. As I meet more people here and walk through these streets I find that stress isn't as much as a problem here. American could definitely learn from some things that Cork has taught me.
I hope that when I go back to America, I will be able to walk a bit slower. Maybe even try to stop viewing everything as a competition, which I know will be hard because I know it has been ingrained into me.
However, I think the time that I have been here will do me good, and just might be enough to truly help me change some aspects of my life. Even when I go back home.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Florida Vs. Cork
Florida and Ireland might be the most different places in comparison to each other. The people and atmosphere of both are completely different. However, I find the differences to be good things and I like them both more because they are so unlike each other.
It's always hot in Florida. Even in the dead of winter and you'd expect some snow. The morning might be a chilly 55, but by the time one in the afternoon comes around we are back to 75 or 80 degrees. Whereas, in Cork, it never changes. It's cold in the morning and it's cold in the afternoon. However, as much as it's fun to come home to Florida in the dead of winter and go to the beach, I also enjoy having snow during Christmas time. There are positives and draw backs to living in a state that doesn't have snow! However, I am getting enough of it in Cork.
Not only is Cork cold though, It also rains a lot more than where I grew up. Florida is a very fickle state when it comes to weather, but typically it's sunny! It is called the Sunshine state for a reason, however, it in no way rains half as much as it does in Cork. It rains in Cork at least 5 times a week, and it's randomly throughout the day. Cork could have rain on and off for five hours. Usually in Florida when it rains it just rains for a straight 2 hours and then is done.
Traffic here is very different from Florida. It's more small town, small lanes kind of driving. Where as back home their are 4 lane highways, and huge intersections with large amounts of traffic. Traffic doesn't exist in Cork. If the bus system say's you'll get there in 3 hours, it will take you three hours. However, back home, you always have to give yourself a good 30 minute cushion because traffic is a very real thing.
The city life in Cork is more appealing than my life in Naples, Florida. The people here are kind and very helpful! And although shops are busy, it's never too crowded. Whereas in Naples, it's always busy and people aren't always kind. Usually cities have a negative connotation next to them when I think of them. However, Cork is a great city and makes me rethink what a city really is and what it means.
Finally, living in Naples is extremely expensive.There is a reason we were named one of the happiest cities in America. It's because we have people come down here and spend all their money on beach houses and expensive restaurants The majority of the population is old people, of course they're happy. However, just because they can afford the high end life of Naples, doesn't mean everyone can. Some places you know just not to go. Cork is the complete opposite. When I first arrived here I thought everything would be expensive. It's the complete opposite, and I've never been happier. As a college student on a budget, living in a town that is affordable is perfect.
Naples and Cork are not only on complete opposite sides of the world form each other, but they are opposite in every other way too. Both places are homes though.
It's always hot in Florida. Even in the dead of winter and you'd expect some snow. The morning might be a chilly 55, but by the time one in the afternoon comes around we are back to 75 or 80 degrees. Whereas, in Cork, it never changes. It's cold in the morning and it's cold in the afternoon. However, as much as it's fun to come home to Florida in the dead of winter and go to the beach, I also enjoy having snow during Christmas time. There are positives and draw backs to living in a state that doesn't have snow! However, I am getting enough of it in Cork.
Not only is Cork cold though, It also rains a lot more than where I grew up. Florida is a very fickle state when it comes to weather, but typically it's sunny! It is called the Sunshine state for a reason, however, it in no way rains half as much as it does in Cork. It rains in Cork at least 5 times a week, and it's randomly throughout the day. Cork could have rain on and off for five hours. Usually in Florida when it rains it just rains for a straight 2 hours and then is done.
Traffic here is very different from Florida. It's more small town, small lanes kind of driving. Where as back home their are 4 lane highways, and huge intersections with large amounts of traffic. Traffic doesn't exist in Cork. If the bus system say's you'll get there in 3 hours, it will take you three hours. However, back home, you always have to give yourself a good 30 minute cushion because traffic is a very real thing.
The city life in Cork is more appealing than my life in Naples, Florida. The people here are kind and very helpful! And although shops are busy, it's never too crowded. Whereas in Naples, it's always busy and people aren't always kind. Usually cities have a negative connotation next to them when I think of them. However, Cork is a great city and makes me rethink what a city really is and what it means.
Finally, living in Naples is extremely expensive.There is a reason we were named one of the happiest cities in America. It's because we have people come down here and spend all their money on beach houses and expensive restaurants The majority of the population is old people, of course they're happy. However, just because they can afford the high end life of Naples, doesn't mean everyone can. Some places you know just not to go. Cork is the complete opposite. When I first arrived here I thought everything would be expensive. It's the complete opposite, and I've never been happier. As a college student on a budget, living in a town that is affordable is perfect.
Naples and Cork are not only on complete opposite sides of the world form each other, but they are opposite in every other way too. Both places are homes though.
Naple and
II
Traffic
Thursday, February 22, 2018
People Roll Their Windows Down Here
Everything in Ireland is about leisure. No one walks as fast as Americans do. I think when we walk through the streets of Cork, everyone know's we're from America because we do everything faster, and everything is a race. but I think the question that Cork has made me ask myself is: A race to where? and what's the prize?
As I walk through the city of Cork, and pass other people, I notice their contentment. An old lady, walking with her husband. A group of friends laughing loudly. A couple holding hands. No one rushing to work. No one honks. People in Cork enjoy the company of one another.
I walk into the bookstore to find a quiet that I seem to find in all book sanctuaries, but smiles are still passed between people. Whispered help is offered instantly by friendly faces. Somehow, kindness seems to be placed into every inch of this place. Even places where words aren't necessary.
The English Market is still one of my favorite places in Cork. The atmosphere of it is completely different from anything you'd expect in the states, and the people are even more different. The grocery store is a chore. One we hate doing in America. It's something that gets in the way of us doing something else or getting closer to that "finish line". But here people enjoy it. It's a social event. Families buy their produce together, and meet up with other families. People get food before getting their groceries for the week. It's time spent doing what's necessary but while feeling happy about it.
I'll stop to get bread while in the english market, and people will dig into there wallets and hope to find change for the $2.50 loaf of bread. It's freshly made, and it's a mess of people leaning against a counter like a bar hoping to get the attention of the seller first.
Life is lived differently here. People take the time to stop and talk to one another. It's not a race to the finish line, in fact, I don't believe a finish line exists here. Life isn't a competition, and its something that I've come to admire.Something I even want. We've always been pushed; push to do more, and be more that I haven't taken the time to stop and enjoy this life fully. While in Cork, I've been given an example of how life should be lived. The University is a 25 minute walk, and usually I can do it in less, but I've found myself slowing down. Looking around more. Hoping to live more like the Irish do.
As I walk through the city of Cork, and pass other people, I notice their contentment. An old lady, walking with her husband. A group of friends laughing loudly. A couple holding hands. No one rushing to work. No one honks. People in Cork enjoy the company of one another.
I walk into the bookstore to find a quiet that I seem to find in all book sanctuaries, but smiles are still passed between people. Whispered help is offered instantly by friendly faces. Somehow, kindness seems to be placed into every inch of this place. Even places where words aren't necessary.
The English Market is still one of my favorite places in Cork. The atmosphere of it is completely different from anything you'd expect in the states, and the people are even more different. The grocery store is a chore. One we hate doing in America. It's something that gets in the way of us doing something else or getting closer to that "finish line". But here people enjoy it. It's a social event. Families buy their produce together, and meet up with other families. People get food before getting their groceries for the week. It's time spent doing what's necessary but while feeling happy about it.
I'll stop to get bread while in the english market, and people will dig into there wallets and hope to find change for the $2.50 loaf of bread. It's freshly made, and it's a mess of people leaning against a counter like a bar hoping to get the attention of the seller first.
Life is lived differently here. People take the time to stop and talk to one another. It's not a race to the finish line, in fact, I don't believe a finish line exists here. Life isn't a competition, and its something that I've come to admire.Something I even want. We've always been pushed; push to do more, and be more that I haven't taken the time to stop and enjoy this life fully. While in Cork, I've been given an example of how life should be lived. The University is a 25 minute walk, and usually I can do it in less, but I've found myself slowing down. Looking around more. Hoping to live more like the Irish do.
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