Ireland with an Old Irish Friend

I was invited to an Irish wedding that took place on Valentine's day 2014. I went with an Irish friend, also my only Irish friend, that happened to be one of my very first friends upon moving to New York City's Upper East Side. His name naturally was Mick from Ryan's Daughter named after the Irish movie, Ryan's Daughter. Let's call him The Irish Man.  We landed in Dublin, made our way down to Cork (the country) which is extraordinarily beautiful, and then up to the ring of Kerry.

Here are some things I noticed in Ireland:

• I can't speak proper English and my English is extremely casual and informal. 
• I have a very thick Miami accent but it's not as thick when comparing it to the true Miami accent which, unfortunately, is rather annoying (sorry, not sorry)!
• Guinness is equivalent to water... It's a daily need.
• I realized that saying cool and awesome is completely inappropriate as I am now 31.
• One isn't allowed to buy any booze before 10:30 am or Sunday after midnight. 
• They really like the color green here. 
• Rugby is (really f*cking) sexy. And Rugby was never even part of my vocabulary.
• Everyone running looks like they are running to work because they wear these funny orange jackets with reflectors. But they are just joggers that want to be visible.
• Driving here makes me feel out of control, helpless and pretty afraid.
• This country is generally homophobic. And all they debate on the radio is precisely that. As well as money laundering business and soccer. Soccer. And more Soccer. 
• The products made here such as Jameson or Irish wool knit sweaters are way more expensive than they would be if they were imported to in the States. 
• Everyone in small towns wave hello at one another if driving or walking. Kind of weird but admirable.
• Their go to snack is extremely strange: white bread with French fries and some sort of sliced deli meat when they actually have access to other delicious foods options. 
• It rains in Ireland is a HUGE understatement. Probably the biggest EVER said in all of man kind history. 
• Americans sound so stupid here. (I was at a bar in Dingle called DICK MACK'S PUB and overheard this retired American couple. I was mortified. However, the result was great. People asked where I was from, I said I fled from Cuba and all the Irish were fascinated. I was lucky enough to meet Finn Mac Donnell, who was tending on us and might be the owner. He opening a new bar in Dingle, Ireland called __________. Stay tuned on that!)
• Older Irish men are cool or as they say here - SOUND. But there might be an update on this since it's only half of my trip.  [Update: yup. they are sound as sound can be].
• The Irish Man is an amazing human being with a beautiful soul. His family is so welcoming and inviting. Overall, they are very family oriented which was a surprise because I thought the Irish in general would be very cold from the plays I have read.
• Stereotypes are mostly true - people from Alabama are pretty large. There was a couple from deep Alabama neighboring my sweet bed & breakfast stay. 
• People here, for the most part, have wide and high cheek bones, are relatively pink with mostly blue or light eyes. 
• I asked the Irish if they have had hurricanes ever. I believe they are in complete denial because I experienced and saw a category two hurricane.
• Very surprised to not have seen a few flying sheep in the air. 
• I like leek and potato soup.
• I despise the cold and realized I don't mind the rain as much as I mind the cold. 
• Haven't seen one gypsy or camper person. I'm really bummed about that.
• Coffee is usually instant but deceivingly delicious. 
• They have a great store here called Dunnes and it's great. I am fully aware I probably like it because I don't have access to it. I wish I had it in America. 
• Manuka honey is my new thing. I have three different kinds I'm importing from Ireland back to the US. 
• Gas stoves are the way to go. 
• Some of the most incredible views my eyes have ever laid eyes on up until now (31 years) has been here.
• I wish my mother could have seen what I saw these last few days.
• The beauty is really intense, saturated, and just flawless. 
• I'm overwhelmed by the beauty. I want to take it all in. 
• Losing power gives one perspective (I am pretty sure this was due to a hurricane).
  • Sitting around the fire with The Irish Man's family sharing silly or serious stories, jokes, songs, and quietness together around a fireplace has been one of my favorite things. Mostly because I know my friend is happiest when he is doing this. Watching him laugh so hard simultaneously with his father gave me pure joy and filled my heart with warmth. Maybe it was just the fire :).
• Being disconnected from technology and sitting in the dark with candles and fire as your only source of light, eating whatever u could and doing everything in the dark without depending on electricity is interesting.
• I realize the amount of excess crap we have and how much we can really do with out it all. Instead of being focused on these great moments we are distracted by nonsense clogging our brains and tarnishing our hearts. 
• Taking off your contacts without a light or a mirror is so hard. 
• People are polite and don't like to be interrupted or interrupt conversations. I love that. 
• I interrupt people all the time because my thoughts are rushing at full speed and I forget everything so fast. 
• Ireland trusts you will pay after you pump gas. I figured it's their own secret way of helping out the gypsy/campers or people with very little.
• They give everything they have, even if it isn't much. The Mellamphy family gave me all their love immediately upon arrival. Their home. Their food. Their time.  The Irish are givers.  They are so good and selfless. It's a beautiful quality and hard to come by that type of generosity these days. 
• My friend has taken very good care of me. I'm lucky for him. I am extremely sick. Partially ruined the trip.
• A doctor was called to my fancy hotel suite. 
• Black Irish do exist.
• Discovered a great boutique pharmacy. So much better than CVS. 
• Marshmellow Root + Ginger powder = My new fave things.

I will come back to you, Ireland, but in only in the Summer time!