Words, Words, Words (Second Edition)

Thought this rude little social observation was just a one-off event? Think again. It turns out that hearing strangers begin to talk with one another fills me with immeasurable anticipation, like they might all conspire to offer me a free meal. This reaction may very well turn out to be an unhealthy and Pavlovian, but while I'm here I'll indulge it like I do the three-rolls-for-one-euro Tesco deal. Surely I can begin quitting and detox any time; I'll start immediately. When I return home. In January.

As I attend classes, walk the campus, and expand my travels to other parts of Ireland, the words I read and hear will reflect the new places accordingly. In short, Ireland is no longer safe. Joking aside, I do hope that everyone will enjoy these snippets as thoroughly as I have.

"Guess whose nose ring fell out?" - UCD girl greeting her friend before a lecture.

"I feel so frumpy." - girl outside Cafe Grey in Greystones.

"People getting pernickety about points of detail." - lecturer describing those who care about spelling.

"You've been bombarded with information for two hours. So now go ahead and have a drink." - same lecturer two hours later.

"But Mamma Mia! has got, like, legendary status." - UCD girl rebutting her friend's preference for High School Musical.

"Have you met real-life children yet?" - professor questioning a future primary school teacher.

"He prefers blondes." - brunette tour guide of Malahide Castle explaining why she has never seen one ghost.

"If I see him I'll punch his head clean off." - man on phone in Dublin.

"It's the sound of all the secrets." - professor explaining why the Irish countryside is so quiet.

"You don't even know what it's like to be dead!" - boy in face-paint to his father in Galway.

"Try the beer. It's good for you." - shopkeeper in Galway.

"Galway: probably the best city in Ireland." - reasonable t-shirt in Galway.

"That's a Dalmatian." - breathless girl upon seeing a Dalmatian in Galway.