Home > Wendy Does Waco > Archives > 2009 > June > 02 > Entry
No black socks and sandals for this savvy traveler!
I’ve gone 33 years without being too much of a Griswold, I hate to start now.
I’m going to Ireland in August and I’m completely freaking out over it.
My own Nanny (Mom’s mom) traveled the world drinking wine from a goatskin in Spain and having saris handmade for her in India. But she never got to Ireland, where our family is from. For about 10 years I’ve obsessed about going. Finally it was time to stop putting it off.
Over a month ago, my Mom got sick and scared us all pretty good and the following week I said, “Screw it, I’m going to Ireland this year and she’s coming with me.”
Days were chosen, tickets were bought and then the misery began. See, normal people plan. I don’t plan. I fret. And worry. And second-guess. And over-analyze.
I’ve been going to Mexico since I was, like, 4. Such is the vacation destiny of a Texas child. I’ve also spent a week on St. John.
I’d be less frantic if I was heading back to Mexico or the Caribbean or somewhere of other such southern climes. In those places, I don’t fit in. I know I don’t fit in, they know I don’t fit in and we all happily deal with it. I’m like the pink elephant in the room that everyone DOES see.
But in Ireland, I might fit in. I mean, I could try. I”m super pasty, I have red hair (yes, I actually just said something that stupid, but I stand by it).
So here is the $64,000 question — what’s the difference between being an Irish super pasty redhead, with slightly dorkish tendencies on holiday with her adorable mom … and an American of the same breed?
Difference #1. White athletic shoes. Us Americans love them and apparently other cultures find that funny. I love my Rykas, but am afraid they look too “Let’s get physical” so I’ve been hitting every granola shoe spot I can find looking for something walkable, pubbable, castle trounceable, cobblestone hobbleable (carried away? me? pish tosh!).
Difference #2. Clothes. Umm, all of them, at least all of them I like to wear. My weekend outfit? Khaki shorts, Winthrop University T-shirt, duh. It’s comfy. It’s sporty. It says, “I went to college” or at least “I have a shirt of a college that a lot of other people don’t know about.” You can dress it up with gold flip flops or dress it down … with gold flip flops. Whatever.
I’m clearly a master of persuasion when it comes to talking up this little ensemble, but I don’t think even my fancy words are going to make this outfit acceptable in Ireland. It makes me a little sad. weep, sniffle. Because I like to think my people would accept me as is. But no, everyone on the internet (ok, not EVERYONE on the internet) says I need to wear black and gray and other such lifeless colors.
These are the two things I’ve figured out so far. Please, if you have more advice to keep me from being a Griswold in Ireland, I surely welcome it. Help me represent Waco well!. Oh God, that’s another question, do you actually tell people you’re from Waco?
Help!
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By Catherine Atkinson
June 2, 2009 4:14 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Just so you know, my boyfriend and I are both jealous. I loved Ireland when I went there in 2000.
As far as the clothes, I love black, so I had no problem wearing that all the time in Europe. You’ll want some sturdy shoes — boots even — because you’ll walk around a lot. And you’ll want to check the almanac (or weather.com) for average temps, because it could be a lot cooler there than here, which might influence your clothing choices. But otherwise, I wouldn’t worry as long as you obey such fashion laws as: Make sure your socks aren’t darker than your shoes; don’t wear loud Hawaiian prints; and don’t wear socks with sandals.
If you have a chance, check out the Cliffs of Moher. They are stunning, even when shrouded in fog.
By Cecil 1
June 3, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Noooooooooooo Love, never tell any one your from Waco, as far as dress is concerned, one must dress for comfort, and to blend in. Are at least, that the way we do things..
By Emily
June 3, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Congrats, Wendy!
So excited for you. I don’t know about Ireland, but I can tell you from the France perspective.
Hope that helps! Can’t wait to see pictures.
em
By Bob
June 3, 2009 12:49 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
For shoes: You could paint your feet.
For clothes in Europe: Stick with Earth Tones.
And as soon as you speak, they’ll know you ain’t from around there. And as soon as you eat they will know you are American. They use knife & fork for pizza. We swap utensils when we eat. They don’t.
Weather: It WILL Be cooler there, especially in the evening.
By Hope
June 3, 2009 1:59 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Destination cities thrive on the revenue tourists provide, and they will be glad to take your Euros. I’d think of it as a chance to sample another culture without trying to be anything besides who you are. You’ll probably see Asian, European, Australian tourists and more besides, all fiddling with cameras and staring in consternation at colourful maps that never seem to fold up quite right.
As for politics: people tend to compartmentalize their opinion of government policies vs the likeability of individuals. I lived in the UK during a time of intense anti-American sentiment, and as an American I still had plenty of friends.
As for clothes: stylish, casual footwear is good (ie Sketchers), but thick soled & contoured gym shoes are for going on a run, not wearing about town.
As for talking: the American accent is pretty normal to people who’ve watched Hollywood films and tv series for years. Potentially more embarrassing are divergent vocabulary usage.
Don’t mention pants. They’re trousers or jeans. ‘Pants’ are panties / briefs. I remember a movie audience gasping, then roaring with laughter when they heard a trailer for the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants. Gross.
Don’t mention a fanny pack. ‘Fanny’ is slang for ladyparts and not appropriate for polite society.
If you’re waiting in line, you’re really in a queue. Trash cans are bins. A sweater is a jumper. Sneakers are trainers. You are on holiday, rather than taking a vacation. ‘Check, please!’ will work in a restaurant, but it’s an American term: usually you’d ask for the bill. It goes on and on.
But don’t worry. They’ve heard it all and seen it all before.
You’re on holiday: let the stress go!
By skot
June 3, 2009 3:03 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Wendy,
I’ve been to Ireland and must warn you in advance, they are super friendly. We went almost 10 years ago and found that not long before, the government gave subsidies and tax breaks to anyone who opened at B&B or hotel, so every other house was a B&B.
As far as a tacky tourist — who cares? They are going to know you are from the States as soon as you open your mouth. The accent (especially from Texas) will give it away. It’s not a big deal. Last I checked, Ireland’s 2nd largest industry is tourism, so they’re used to it.
We met another American family while we were over there all stressed out about getting lost. Our host at the B&B asked us if we had been lost since we’d gotten to Ireland. Of course we had! Wasn’t that the point?
Even idioms aren’t a big deal. Sure, like Bob says, “panties” are called “pants”; “sweaters” are “jumpers”; and “rain” is “liquid sunshine.” You are a tourist and not expected to know all of the local lexicon.
Just relax, don’t stress and enjoy yourself. It’s a beautiful country, inside and out.
Scott
By El Diablo
June 3, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
As my grandfather, Paddy O’Diablo, used to say, “It ain’t so much what you wear on the outside, but what your dumping into your insides that counts.”
But he also used to say, “Who the HELL ARE YOU??!!”
By kay
June 4, 2009 8:47 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Hey Wendy,
I was in Ireland in August of 2008 and found it to be one of THE friendliest places I’ve ever been. The people are warm and friendly and always willing to help (getting lost is just part of the adventure). We were in Dublin and I would call it a “complete walking City.” We walked sooo many places and it was great fun. Just be sure and wear whatever shoes are comfortable to you for walking.
They have all types of transportation from the double decker buses (buy an all day pass and hop on hop off anywhere any time in that day) which are very reasonable to purchase. They had “rickshaws” (forgive the spelling), a man on a bike pulling a carriage with you in it. Bicycles for rent and scooters for rent and taxis and on and on and on. It’s a magical, amazing, wonderful place.
If you’re going to be in Dublin, take the Wicklow Tour, it’s cheap, it’s amazing, and they serve Jameson shots each time the bus stops for you to see something new. I refrained due to not wanting all the photographs to be out of focus.
And for heavens sake, eat things that you have NOOO idea what they are. We ate different things each meal and loved everything we tried. Most of the food is very hearty, earthy, and wonderful. Of course it’s the home of Guiness beer and Jameson whiskey, need I say more?
As far as their terminology for things and ours, trust me, once they know you’re not from there, they love to engage and talk and it was so amazing. The older generations that we talked to were a bit hard to understand, but they were kind and polite and very patient with us. It was magical.
The best advice we received before going was to not go down side streets and don’t carry all your money with you due to pick-pockets.
Good walking shoes, a camera with a huge memory card, clothes that make you happy, and away you go; face to the wind, no “boxes” or preconceived notions, and just go.
You’re in for the adventure of a lifetime…
By Mary
June 4, 2009 8:58 AM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
Congratulations on getting it together to go. We finally did that for New Zealand five years ago. While we have not been to Ireland, NZ is part of the Commonwealth so I would add this advice to what Hope said: Women in most other countries wear skirts more often than slacks. I took only one skirt and noticed that I set myself apart by wearing slacks most of the time. Also, they take ‘photos’ rather than ‘pictures’. I will never forget one woman asking me, “Why did you bring your personal photos on holiday?” (It was because we visited a friend while we were there.) A packable hat is also good to take, especially if you find yourself touring any churches. A sturdy hat also shields from the rain, even if it isn’t a waterproof rain hat. Have fun! You are wise to take Mom while she is still able-bodied enough to enjoy it.
By kay
June 4, 2009 4:17 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
I forgot to mention in my earlier post, you’ll need an electric outlet converter. If you are going to use your lap top or blow dryer or whatever is electrical that you bring from home in order to be able to use their outlets.
By Beau Bailey
July 11, 2009 4:33 PM | Link to this | Report comment abuse
WOW Wendy, long time no see. I just got back from Ireland in March. We were there for two weeks. It was the best weather for St. Patricks Day, only rain 15 minutes the hole trip. I am jealous, I want to go back.