Two weeks ago I came home from a four week stay in Ireland. I had so much fun there that by the time it was time for me to say goodbye to Ireland I didn’t want to. I found it difficult to leave it. There was still so much to see. My family and I were able to spend some time in Bundoran, Belfast, Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford, Sligo, Donegal and other towns. We explored as many ruins as we could. We went to a couple of museums. Spent time with friends and made some new friends. We ate at places like the Ramore Wine Bar in Port Rush. We enjoyed Irish Soda Bread with coffee for breakfast on most mornings. We watched sheep grazing in the grass and cows crossing the road.

After we got back home to New York we needed to get use to the time difference again. Our bodies were five hours ahead and we were getting tired sooner rather then later for about a week. During that first week back home as we drove to different places or went to our local gas station for gas and breakfast, I noticed the little or not so little differences between Ireland and New York.

I think the first thing I noticed was Upstate New York has way more trees then Ireland does. I mean a serious amount of more trees. Now, granted Ireland’s trees are a cool color of green, but Upstate New York definitely has more trees. On the other hand we have more mountains then they do. So I guess it kinda evens out. Another thing I noticed was the coffee at the local gas stations. Here in New York the coffee pots are on heaters and you pour it yourself. The gas stations in Ireland have coffee machines with different options. The options are americano, black americano, latte, cappuccino and a couple of others. You also choose what size small or medium and then you press the button. The gas stations in Ireland also have fresh scones, croissants and other pastries along with a hot food section with sausage rolls, white pudding, black pudding and other stuff. in New York the gas stations have stuff like a buttered roll, a roll with peanut butter & jelly and donuts.

Lets see what else is there. Ireland has amazing green colors. They have light green, dark green and even neon green. New York has green. That’s it, green. On the other hand here in New York during the fall season our green leaves change into vibrant reds and yellows. It’s an amazing sight to watch and see. We also have apple cider and apple cider donuts, I don’t think Ireland has apple cider donuts, but I could be wrong. Although when it comes to other types of donuts I think Ireland wins with Offbeat Donuts compared to our Dunkin’ Donuts. Another thing is New York has four seasons. It feels like Ireland possibly only has two.

Of all the odd or maybe I should say weird things I noticed different was the way the flushing of a toilet works in Ireland compared to New York. I found most toilets over there had the button on top of the toilet for you to push down on. That would flush it. Some had these big buttons you needed to push hard into the wall above the toilets. And then there were some where all you had to do was touch a sensor. Here at home most if not all toilets have a handle that you push down with your finger. Usually on the front left side of the tank. We also noticed over there they mostly use shower stalls with these electric power showers. I have to say they give you some nice hot showers, but the idea of something electric being in the shower is a bit nerve wracking. Here in New York the water gets heated in a water heater in the basement or somewhere. Pretty simple.

There is one particular thing that Ireland has that I absolutely love that New York doesn’t have. Ireland has ruins. Castle and abbey ruins which are amazing to see from a distance and incredible to walk through up close. New York doesn’t have any ruins that I know of. Of course New York also isn’t nearly as old as Ireland, but still the ruins are amazing and they are filled with such history. It’s funny as soon as we got back home I was feeling home sick for Ireland and it isn’t even my home or Country for that matter. I love my family and home, but at the same time I love Ireland and LOVE spending time there. Four or fives weeks never seems to be enough. Who knows maybe one day I’ll get to spend more then a couple of weeks in Ireland. Maybe then I’ll get tired of it. Maybe not…

 

Kathleen Smith is an indie author and blogger. Her books all memoirs can be found on amazon. If you would like to get to know her a little better try this book – Good-bye Brooklyn Hello Upstate