Shopping in Cork: Day 2

     Shopping here in Cork is an experience to be had. The good news: there are plenty of bike lanes! The bad news: the lanes (for all roads) are so small you practically sideswipe every car you pass. Don't even try messing around trucks or buses unless you are dim in the head or have some sort of death-wish.
    There are shoppes and pubs on every street and if you are not prepared to walk at least two miles or more than you are in for a long day. City Center is pretty tight-knit and so once one is down there it isn't difficult to find what you're looking for. If ye are ever lost or turned around one may ask anyone the way to the courthouse and you're are on your way again!
     Our first day here we found the main stores everyone knows and goes to: Dunnes (pronounced "Done", as in "finished"), Pennys (perhaps somehow connected to J.C. Pennys back home? and Guineys (pronounced "g eye knees" as in "gynecologist"). Oh,and there is a T. K. Maxx, much like the T.J. Maxx back home.
      Many things are pronounced slightly different or have different words for 'em altogether . You = Ye, cookie = biscuit, cart = trolly, Craic, pronounced "crack" = fun, Banter, or, "out for a bant' " = fun. Failte = Irish for "welcome", and a few others.
    If you are from Cork, folks can usually tell--if not by the manner of your speech then by your general attitude--same as folks can usually tell if you are from Dublin or Chicago. Apparently we talk rather fast and sing-song like. We also have a bit of an attitude that says, "I am from Cork and I am proud of it. You don't have to like it, but you must respect it or I'll whip the legs off ye"For those of you who don't know, we are, in fact, the real capital, by the way.

P.S. look what's on the gate off of Western Road near campus! lol