American Southern Girl Seeks Guidance

seamus · 01-02-2005 12:58PM

No more offtopic crap in this thread. Thanks. (Looking at karlh and Papa Smut mainly)

karlh · 01-02-2005 01:00PM

i thought it was a very funny comment on a light hearted thread. usually you can leave my post and then say that, not delete it.

and Papa suggested a bar for her to go to. hardly off topic.

*back in my box

01-02-2005 01:03PM

Please also remember OP, not all people from Ireland have a sense of humour. Be careful of what you say, even when it seems inoccous enough.

seamus · 01-02-2005 01:08PM

Funny comments are all well and good, but not when they're completely disrupting a legit thread. If you want to talk ****e with your mates, PM them or use one of the other numerous pointless threads on this forum.

(Though mainly I deleted karlh's posts because I had just stripped a load of posts out of this thread and dumped them in the bin, then he posted.)

Now, back on topic.

Spalk0 · 01-02-2005 01:13PM

Id take a bit of Konekos advice aswell on this!In my line of work we get a LOT of American tourists and they allways love to tell you about their Irish roots or the fact theyre Irish and it gets very annoying!This is providing you do have Irish roots though but its best to probably kreep it under wraps Unless your asked about it!

The Corinthian · 01-02-2005 01:20PM

MizzKattt wrote:

I'm almost afraid to ask, but since my accent is a little noticable...what is the general conception of southern Americans?

Be prepaired for numerous fun remarks about US foreign policy. It's made all things American very popular in Europe... :rolleyes:

daymobrew · 01-02-2005 01:33PM

For ideas what to view in Dublin city look at
http://www.dublinbus.ie/your_journey/sightseeing_tours.asp
The stops on the Hop On/Hop Off tour will indicate popular sites.

Outside of Dublin I suggest Newgrange and Glendalough.
You can get to Newgrange with Bus Eireann. Stick 'Dublin' and 'Newgrange' into their Journey Planner to get times. Best to leave early in the morning as Newgrange gets busy, especially at weekends.
I suggest a bus to Newgrange because a portion of the train line between Dublin and Drogheda (which is where you'd get a bus to Newgrange) is closed at weekends. If going on a weekday then get the train from Dublin (Connolly, Tara St or Pearse St stations) to Drogheda and connect to a bus.

Not sure how you get to Glendalough. A visitor to my office went there last weekend on a tour (39 euros for 10 hours) but I don't know how he got there.

In Dublin there is the Guinness brewery tour. The top of the building where the tour is held has a bar with panoramic views of Dublin city (see pic on home page).

The DART electric train line serves Dublin's coast. Nice and quick and some good places to see along it (to the north the small fishing village Howth, and nice seaside walks to the south at Sandymount, Dun Laoghaire and others).

MizzKattt · 01-02-2005 02:05PM

The Corinthian wrote:

Be prepaired for numerous fun remarks about US foreign policy. It's made all things American very popular in Europe... :rolleyes:

So no bribing locals with goods from home. Noted. Thx.

01-02-2005 02:07PM

We're suckers for beads.

01-02-2005 02:09PM

MizzKatt, If I may enquire, how old are you? It might help people think of things to do.

seamus · 01-02-2005 02:12PM

MizzKattt wrote:

So no bribing locals with goods from home. Noted. Thx.

I hope I don't insult your intelligence by saying this, but don't attempt to pay for anything in dollars. It won't be accepted. I've heard of (and experienced) quite a few Americans trying to pay for stuff here in dollars, as if it was a 3rd world country. You'll receive a blank look and a "Eh, no, sorry". The currency is Euro, and apart from a few major stores, 99% of shops won't take anything but.

MizzKattt · 01-02-2005 02:15PM

Papa Smut wrote:

MizzKatt, If I may enquire, how old are you? It might help people think of things to do.

You may, and I am 28. Where I respect and admire our elders, I would rather do something with a bit more pizzazz than most of them are up for.

01-02-2005 02:16PM

Cool! See ya then!

MizzKattt · 01-02-2005 02:20PM

seamus wrote:

I hope I don't insult your intelligence by saying this, but don't attempt to pay for anything in dollars. It won't be accepted.

Not an insult at all. I appreciate the directness. I have traveled extensively on the Pacific side of the world and this is my first time to Europe. You are right. The American dollar is a generally accepted on that side of the world. I'll do my best not to play the part of the pompous, self-centered American stereotype. I also appreciate any tips that may help me be respectful and prevent me from making any social blunders.

solas · 01-02-2005 02:24PM

I'll do my best not to play the part of the pompous, self-centered American stereotype.

think you've covered all your bases there.

seamus · 01-02-2005 02:28PM

Restaurants:
Some add a service charge, others don't. They usually say on the menu. I'm not sure how it works in the US, but here, generally if there's a service charge, you don't tip. If there's no service charge, no-one will look down on you for not giving a tip, but personally I'd give nothing for crap service, 5% for normal/good service, and anything up to 15% for great service.
If a restaurant adds a service charge, you are not legally obliged to pay it. If you are unhappy with the service, you pay the amount on the bill, tell them you're not paying the service charge and leave it at that. Many Irish people (and restaurants too, probably) don't realise this.

Pricing:
In general, all goods are priced with VAT (Tax) included. By law, retailers must include VAT on all goods intended for sale to the general public. The only time you'll see prices ex. VAT is when they are being sold to other businesses.

Anything else?

MizzKattt · 01-02-2005 02:40PM

seamus wrote:

Restaurants:
Some add a service charge, others don't. They usually say on the menu. I'm not sure how it works in the US.

Pricing:
In general, all goods are priced with VAT (Tax) included. By law, retailers must include VAT on all goods intended for sale to the general public. The only time you'll see prices ex. VAT is when they are being sold to other businesses.

Anything else?

Restaurants only add a service charge with a group of 8 or more and one is legally obligated to pay it whether the service is good or not. This is being debated now in some lower courts. A normal tip is 15% here and a good tip is 20% +. I hadn't even thought of that, but I am glad you did.

Tax is the same here in relations to retailed goods.

I am a little curious with conventional customs. Example: Generally doors are held open for elderly and women with children. If I do hold the door open, will it seem strange? Also, we say 'thank you', 'yes sir', 'no ma'am', etc. for everything here in the south. Will someone find it offensive or sarcastic if I carry the custom with me there?

Here you are not allowed to travel (walking/driving/etc) with an open container of alcohol and/or beer. It is punishable by law. Are there similar laws there?

Also, are there jaywalking laws?

Additionally, I will be traveling with male companions. Are there stigmatisms against the four of us staying in the same room?

Dr. Loon · 01-02-2005 02:48PM

Manners are manners (or should be) the world over. Use them as you would anywhere else.

You probably wouldn't be arrested for strolling down the street with a beer, but only scumbags really do this.

Jaywalking isn't an offence.

No.

solas · 01-02-2005 02:49PM

I think such mannerisms would be very refreshing to most people you encounter in Dublin, certainly not anything would bring offense.

With regard to drink, afaik it is illegal to drink in public places (I'm sure seamus will validate or not) Smoking is banned in all public buildings too.

Also, are there jaywalking laws?

Don't think so, again if there are no one pays any attention, just try not to get hit by the luas when crossing the street.
With regard to accomodation I assume that depends on where your staying, but generally no.

The Irish are fun light hearted people (really) I think it would be difficult to offend them, but it would be good to avoid poilitical or religious discussion.

Blub2k4 · 01-02-2005 03:18PM

Drinking on the streets in Temple bar is illegal.

joejoem · 01-02-2005 03:27PM

I think a picture of yourself would help greatly. Are you a southern Belle???

Dr. Loon · 01-02-2005 03:31PM

Something is very wrong with boards. I've been gone for a few days, and now every thread is turning into some sort of cyber shíte. Some idiot called Shrimp and some other idiot called chick I think are the cause of this madness. Can someone explain what's happening.

Joejoe whatever... why do you want a fúckin pic?

MizzKattt · 01-02-2005 03:31PM

solas wrote:

Smoking is banned in all public buildings too.

The Irish are fun light hearted people (really) I think it would be difficult to offend them, but it would be good to avoid poilitical or religious discussion.

My brother smokes and will be with me. Is smoking banned in outdoor public places as well? Parks, sidewalks, etc.?

So the list so far goes...no paying in dollars, no political or religious discussions, no Irish heritage lectures, no walking with beer, and no smoking in public buildings. It is ok to hold doors, use ma'am or sir, give servers tips, stay in a room with three guys, and be proud of my southern twang.

If I haven't already said thank you in a private message for your detailed replies on what to do while in Dublin, I am very appreciative of all the information ya'll are taking the time to give me. If I may return the favor, please feel free to call on me.

seamus · 01-02-2005 03:33PM

MizzKattt wrote:

I am a little curious with conventional customs. Example: Generally doors are held open for elderly and women with children. If I do hold the door open, will it seem strange? Also, we say 'thank you', 'yes sir', 'no ma'am', etc. for everything here in the south. Will someone find it offensive or sarcastic if I carry the custom with me there?

Not at all. "Yes sir" and "No ma-am" will be seen as quirky, but certainly not offensive. As Dr. Loon says, manners are universal. In fact, a "Thanks" or "Thank you" will be very much appreciated, as will holding doors for those who need it. Simple manners have very much taken a backseat in Ireland since the boom, so any display of them is usually met with a gratious surprise.

Here you are not allowed to travel (walking/driving/etc) with an open container of alcohol and/or beer. It is punishable by law. Are there similar laws there?

Also, are there jaywalking laws?

Thing with Ireland is that we don't have enough Gardai (police). Unlike in the US, you're unlikely to be caught for minor public order offences, such as the above, and even if a Garda sees you, they're even less likely to bother arresting you.

Travelling with open containers is fundamentally illegal, but it's really only common to see students and drunks walking down the street, beer in hand. Open containers in cars, is illegal, and is something that's just not widely done, even though the chances of being caught are miniscule.

Drinking on busses and public vehicles, again is not common, but you're more easily caught, and can be fined extra amounts under bye-laws.

In general, the Irish stick to drinking in pubs or at home. Drinking outside is fine if it's a beer garden in a pub, or a garden in your house, and it's warm. Which it generally isn't.

As said, it's illegal to smoke in any workplace that's "indoors". There are certain exceptions, but by and large, if someone works there, you can't smoke anywhere in that building. Where there are exceptions based on the type of roof, or the absence of some walls, you'll find smokers huddled in groups.

Smoking outside is legal everywhere.

Additionally, I will be traveling with male companions. Are there stigmatisms against the four of us staying in the same room?

Rarely. Some B&B's will be run by a 1950's-style landlady, but most will be fine. Hotels won't be a problem. There are stories of a Galway landlady who will only allow married couples to share a room in her B&B!

Blub2k4 · 01-02-2005 03:34PM

Personally I would advise against the Ma'am and sir stuff, it is OTT and American.
Politeness is cool but that is too American.

Trojan · 01-02-2005 03:37PM

Final warning: seamus, please stay on topic or your posts will be deleted.

joejoem · 01-02-2005 03:39PM

Dr. Loon wrote:

Joejoe whatever... why do you want a fúckin pic?

For the laugh, more to the point why dont you?

Dr. Loon · 01-02-2005 03:41PM

joejoem wrote:

For the laugh, more to the point why dont you?

Oh I don't know. 'Cos I'm not a sad gít!? Maybe.

Also Trojan - was that meant for me? Séamus has stayed on topic

pickarooney · 01-02-2005 03:49PM

Blub2k4 wrote:

Personally I would advise against the Ma'am and sir stuff, it is OTT and American.
Politeness is cool but that is too American.

But she is American and shouldn't pretend to be otherwise. There's absolutely nothing wrong with using Sir and Ma(d)am if it's done sincerely. On the other hand, MizzKattt, it will sound peculiar if you try to use 'bud', 'mate', or 'ye langer' as replacements.

You may find it strange at first the way so many people will refer to you as 'love', 'darlin', 'pet' (or maybe not, it might be similar in Sayoth Cayolahna). just remember that it's not necessarily a term of endearment. People will call you 'darlin' while stabbing you, ripping you off or selling you rotten vegetables.

Trojan · 01-02-2005 03:54PM

Some Americans find it useful to wear a small red and white maple leaf as they travel around Europe... this may not be for you, especially with that accent

Dr Loon, my message was meant for seamus, as I said. Please bear in mind that moderaters are inphallible.

American Southern Girl Seeks Guidance

Comments