Final days

Today ended our 10 day trip with the school but also started the second part of our trip. It was very bittersweet leaving everyone but now we are forever connected by this trip. We made so many memories that I will never forget. Last night was our last night out all together so we went to a local pub in Dublin center called Flannerys. It was a lot of fun and a few girls that normally didn't go out with us decided to join us. Again we socialized with the locals and other tourists. It's great to learn about others through their habits and culture. One of the bartenders said he loves Americans because we leave tips. Tips in Ireland aren't expected, unlike in the USA. We are obligated to leave a server a tip because that is how they make a majority of their earnings. I also noticed that most of Ireland's advertisements involve sex appeal. Whether it's s half naked girl or sexual objects. For example, there are sex toy vending machines in the bathroom of many clubs and bars. I am not used to seeing them because they aren't acceptable in the USA. Our government isn't as lenient as the European government. I personally think they are putting the wrong thoughts in people's head by making these machines seem common. Common machines in a restroom is normally tampons or pads. However I do think that a machine with condoms in them is a good idea. It's advertising safe sex, especially if someone is drunk at a bar. They usually aren't thinking and can make a mistake, hopefully having this accessibility will help prevent unprotected sex. Next, we had Irish Chinese food to compare it to what it is like in the states. I have to admit it was basically similar except the porportions were smaller, which is common in Europe. In the states, we are used to having large portions or having the option to supersize a meal. In europe, you don't have that option. The serving sizes are smaller and I think that is why more people are healthier and slimmer over here.