confidence, maybe?

Out of all the nights out I have had with Colm in Cork, I must say that last night was the most enjoyable so far. Perhaps it was because I wasn't as secluded as I was the last few times, or perhaps the drinks magically clicked on my "rise confidence" button. Whatever it was, I dared to talk to perfect strangers and what do you know? They understood me for a change!

It might seem a bit rude to say this for Irish - most people here can be prejudice when they hear you're from another country, especially from one of those -nia countries. The sign of tolerance is usually when they start speaking slower and start using more simplistic structures in their sentences. As if I'd be half-witted or something. Of course I would like to cut across by saying "hey, my English is just fine, thank you." but it would be unforgivably rude of me. After all - their country, their rules.

Somehow, last night, I managed to duck the "where are you from?" questions and rather focus on me and what I had to say. After that it was pretty safe and if I dare to add, even exciting, to tell people about Estonia, its culture and people.

Funny though, that most of the time I spent talking to an American guy, a fiance of one of Colm's colleagues, who alike me, was a foreigner there. It was sort of relieving to be talking to someone who shared your point of view. I must say, living in a foreign country is definitely an eye-opener.

I have grown rather fond of Ireland and its strange citizens. Still, I can't wait to have a week of holidays back in homeland with hapukoor and rukkileib.