Seperated by a common language & DAY 3

Since I will spatter my blog with Irish sayings, I figured a glossary of terms was in order. Gaelic is actually the first and official language, but it is only spoken in small pockets of the country. Everyone learns it in school, but in most areas it is not spoken at home and then of course the students lose it. So here are the subtle changes in language which are fun and sometimes comical.

That was good “craek.” Pronounced like crack, but with a way different meaning. It means that was good fun.

He’s a good “craeker.” Again way different meaning than here.

“Cheers.” Not used before drinking as much as it is used as a salutation.

"Oh Feck" classy way of f-bombing

That TV show was pure "Shite" Classy way of saying the s word

That is a “lovely” chap.

Come on “lads.” Lads are of course young boys.

There is a basketball “match” tomorrow.

Meet me at the rugby “pitch.” Field

Let’s eat “take away.”

That area of town is a little “dodgey.” we would say ghetto

The camp ends at “half 4.” 4:30

We’re going to the “cinema” to see a “film.” With film pronounced filim.

Where’s your “toilet?”

We are going on “holiday.”

Give your friend a “ring” on your “mobile.”

Don’t miss your basketball “training.”

I’m “grand.” This means happy, content.

That food was “gorgeous.” You can guess what that means, but I told them we reserve gorgeous for people or scenery.

My old and somewhat broken glasses are a wee bit “wonkey.” screwed-up

“Mind” my purse. That means watch it.



9:00 AM 1st Irish shower is an adventure. Close readers of this blog will realize this is my first shower since Tampa on DAY 1. Bathroom is small and when I ask my host for a towel, he realizes he has no clean ones. Needless to say he is single. Why I didn't pack a towel is beyond me. Apparently you have to push an immersion button and wait fifteen minutes to get hot water. There is no curtain, just a folding glass door that I cannot figure out. This leads to half of all shower water now on floor, with again no towel to clean up. Hopefully tomorrow will bring more bathroom success.

10:00 AM Camp starts at half 10. Half 10 is 10 in IST (Irish Standard Time). Half the coaches weren't even there till 9:55. Camp is great. Kids work hard and appear to listen better than their American counterparts. Other than when I say y'all (nasty habit) they can understand what I am saying. I love basketball. In any country or language the fundamentals and passion needed for success are the same.

4:00 PM After camp...Jet Lag. I knock out for two hours. I was hoping I could rise above this thing called jet lag, but that nap was the best part of my trip so far.

6:30 PM After nap, I go to my new roommates practice for his under 14 basketball team. He lets me show him a lot of drills and they seemed to have fun experiencing an American type workout.

8:30 PM First pub meal and more importantly first Guinness. There is much truth to the rumor that it is much better over here. None of that strong and bitter after taste, just Irish goodness. Then we pick up two Irish lassies and head home.

10:30 PM Who can guess the false statement in the above entry? So my host and I go to see his buddy Mel (alone). Mel owns a B&B (very prevalent on the Emerald Isle) and collects beautiful and pricey furniture. He is also the only guy in Ireland who doesn't drink. We have an amazing "chat" about life, love and the pursuit of happiness, which he feels socialists (including Obama-be real he's a socialist) ruin that pursuit of happiness. Interestingly, not all Europeans are socialist leaning.

"ONE TRILLION DOLLARS FOR SOCIALIZED MEDICINE IS AWESOME!!"