Lessons learned

We learned a lot on this trip...and some of these lessons we will use again when traveling... and some, hopefully, all the time. Here goes!

1. We have a rich history as Americans, but it is not as deep or as varied as the remarkable history of other countries. We should learn from that and learn to appreciate all that we have as a result of what our ancestors brought to these shores.
2. In Ireland, when you need to get past someone, or you ac
cidentally bump into someone, you don't say "Excuse me."... you say, "Sorry."
3. The Irish say "Thank you" a lot... if you hand something to a shopkeeper, they say "Thank you." When you give them your money, they say, "Thank you." When they give you your change, they say, "Thank you." We should all be so quick to thank others.
4. When you see something you need in a store, don't tell yourself you'll get it somewhere else. If it's something you need (or want), get it then! You may not see it ever again.
5. The opinion that others hold of Americans is stereotypic for a good reason... it fits much of what you see in Americans traveling abroad.
6. No matter how far someone says it is to your destination, it's always just a little bit farther. (Lesson: Don't give up too quickly!)
7. As expensive as we think everything is around here, it's much less expensive than in other places.
8. Heat is a wonderful thing!
9. We should all be ambassadors for our country, putting the best face on things. The Irish, to a person, want you to love their country and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.
10. Internet access is a wonderful thing... it shrinks the world and brings us closer to people we love and miss.
11. We think Americans are fanatical about sports... You've never seen sports fans until you've watched people crowd into a pub so they can see the rugby match!
12. Baseball - it's an American thing! (And as a fan, we sure missed the box scores!)
13. Ireland is now as much a destination for immigrants as it is it is a place to emigrate from.
14. Our cars are REALLY big!
15. Our roads are REALLY REALLY big! (And, potholes and all, we should be thankful!)
16. Ireland loves its past and is racing to the future, on the cutting edge of so much technology.
17. The Irish apologize for their "bar food"... food served in pubs. It is incredible food and needs NO apology.
18. Irish accents are as many and varied as American accents. In many respects, what we hear here is an exaggerated version. Regardless, they're delightful to hear!
19. There's no place like home... but Ireland is a fast gaining second!