Poisoned chalice

We Corkonians take a lot for granted living down here on the south coast. Take Dubliners and non Dubliners living in Dublin for example, by and large they dislike living in the capital. Some of them actually hate it.

If it's not the traffic congestion it's the long commute times to and from their homes and jobs and if not that it's the rudeness of fellow Dubs or bad, impersonal service in shops, restaurants or the like. Everybody is in such a rush. A female friend of mine recently unloaded on how she has "got to get out of Dublin fast" for her sanity and well being.

Many work to live and while I accept the same can be said for Cork city its no way near as bad. We too have our impolite service staff, but there are still glimpses of friendliness and personality. If I were to be critical at all it's the coldest of non national staff, which perhaps are not trained or experienced in our ways and just go about their jobs in a robotic fashion. A Dublin broadcaster friend of mine says that Dublin on the other hand destroys people. Especially those from around the rest of Ireland who migrate there for work and prospects.

He says its not long before those up from the country get poison and turn into self centred, self opinionated sh***s. So while the south link can be a head wrecker from time to time, be thankful that your in Cork, it could be a lot worse.

Make hay while the sun shines

This recent wonderful spell of weather has proven that Ireland is up there with the best in the world when the sun shines, sadly that is not always the case, so during the few sunny weeks, to coin a phrase, I made a lot of hay (socially speaking).

On Monday evening I sat with buddies in my balmy garden until midnight following a bit of a barbeque without even the company of a garden heater. Mind you things heated up considerably when we got to discussing the economy with the company divided whether or not you should shop locally or go for the cheapest option overseas.

For once in my life I could see both sides of the argument (I must be getting old!) I like the idea of supporting Cork businesses but I can see why people get completely frustrated with being ripped off and go to the north of Ireland, Europe or the US to get cheaper electronic gear, fashion, jewellery or what ever tickles their fancy.

We are ripped off continuously in this country where the only thing that ever comes down is the rain!