On Ireland

I have learned a lot about Ireland in the few days we've been here so far (museums have a way of helping out with that, I suppose).  But some things one must learn on the street.

Lesson 1: If you as local government want to stop people from doing something, it is not considered effective (as it seems to be in Canada) to simply say "Don't do X or we'll fine you a bunch of money".  Instead you need to try different approaches for your warnings.

Be ashamed, people who throw litter on the street!

"A Stolen Ringbuoy - A Stolen Life".  In other words, don't be a murderer.

Why throw gum on the street when you can throw it in the garbage while doing a back bend?

Lesson 2: Some stereotypes are true.

Found in a local bookstore.  Not pictured: the Lucky Charms cereal I saw at a grocery store today.

More to follow from the front lines...