Pub experiences

It has finally hit me that in a few days the trip I've been waiting for since November will be over. Everyone will be leaving but myself and billy will be continuing our stay. We have a two day tour to Blarney Castle, Dingle Peninsula, and the Ring of Kerry. I cannot wait to see these historical areas! Every time we go explore the city, we realize more cultural differences.  For example, European people call a waiting line a queue. I have no idea where they came up with that jargon but it is used throughout Ireland. We first heard it at Trinity College when our tour guide was like, "the queue will hopefully go by fast." We all were confused but later found out. At the Guinness factory there was also a sign that said "queue here." I actually kind of like it, it's unique. Another difference I learned here was that their bathroom stalls are much larger than ones in the USA.  I think it's funny since I barely saw any large, over weight people. The USA is full of obese, unhealthy people and our stalls are smaller. The thing that surprised me the most was how they never put ice in the water. They enjoy warm beverages such as milk and water. Im the complete opposite. I love ice, put it in everything. When I had cereal, they had their milk just sitting in a pitcher and it tasted so gross. I was not expecting them to drink warm milk, they even advertised "hot milkshakes" at some restaurants. I've acquired not only business information and Ireland history, but also friendships. I came on this trip only really knowing two people really well and I'm finishing with nine new friendships. We all bonded right away and our group was inseparable every since. We go to the pubs and dinner every night together. It may seem like we go to the pub every night to drink but it's really one of the biggest things in their culture. By going to the pubs, we've talked to a lot of locals about a variety of things. We talked about their education and what they did for fun. It was very informative and a lot more fun then just reading it in a book. We experienced the real thing.  All the advertisements around town are alcohol related. Even being of the USA legal age, I never got carded. Yesterday we visited Shannon Airport and the guy who gave us the presentation briefly asked us if we went to the pub to watch the soccer game. We said yes and he talked about how drinking in young kids in Ireland is so common and everyone's just used to it. Unlike USA, they have a drinking age of 18. Tonight seven of us got concert tickets for Blink 182 and The All American Rejects! I can't wait to see how a European concert differs from one in the states. I have a feeling it will be a great time, I'm so excited!!