THROUGH OTHER EYES
We had the good fortune to entertain a couple of delightful Irish visitors the last two days. Kate and Jack are completing a California odyssey, San Francisco to San Diego with side trips.
Jack had fun asking our friends and other he met "if there was something special about the 4th of July?" His humor belied an extraordinary knowledge of American history.
And their very presence exposed what could well be an American assumption about the Irish. In the course of our first dinner I apologized for not having any Guinness on hand, as I had finished my supply a couple of days ago.
"I've never had a Guinness" he confessed. The next day we were at a winery when the owner stopped by to chat. Learning that Kate and Jack were from Dublin, he proceeded to sing the praises of Guinness.
"I'm an Irishman who doesn't drink Guinness," Jack retorted as Kate chuckled knowingly.
Friends who hosted a 4th of July party had stocked the chiller with Guinness. Seeing such Kate smiled and said in an aside comment "Guess we need to work on our reputations here."
So easy to make assumptions isn't it? While we hope we helped them record great California memories, Lana and I will recall and tell again how these two travelers knew more about the history of the US than A) we knew of Ireland and b) than many, many Americans know about their own nation's history. Being a history nut, I was pleased to have such an affable, witty and knowledgeable conversation mate.
We look forward to returning the pleasure with a visit to them. With that wry sparkle in his eye, I expect Jack may offer us a pint of Guinness. And I need to read some Irish history.
HERE'S A GREAT VARIATION ON THE FLASH MOB
(thanks to Bruce for the forward)
Have a great weekend. See you down the trail.
I've had that happen to me more than once over the years. I have a German friend who like Jack knows a great deal more about the US than we do about Germany. I experienced the same with a guy from Switzerland, a student from London and a Dutch broadcaster I met in Boston.
ReplyDeleteLove the flash mob video. I didn't realize they were reenacting Rembrandt's Night Watch until the very end. Very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI loved that video, too, and thought about posting it on my blog but just as well on yours.
ReplyDeleteBTW, the BRD would drink all the Guinness Jack and Kate would pass on. It's a bit too strong for me though I do like the dark ales.
That was great!!!
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