Since we've been back we've had plenty of administration-type activities to occupy us, and we've had a great time visiting friends and family. We've managed a few excursions, including a drive to Derrygoolin, just across the border in county Galway, a place that feels utterly remote and pristine (see the photo below), and have meandered down some enticing-looking side-roads in Ogonnelloe (hilly, twisty) on the way to Killaloe where we do our grocery shopping/post things (I'm a big fan of the post office). We also took a spin out to the coast, to Doonbeg and Kilkee... I hadn't been to this southern part of the Clare coastline before but I got that familiar feeling of wilderness and otherworldliness that I always experience when I drive around West Clare, and we had a grand day out.
Along with my love affair with the radio, I am overjoyed to discover that every shop here sells homemade brown soda bread and apple tart - I’m not sure what constitutes ‘homemade’ but they taste fairly legitimate to me so I’m happy! I'd also forgotten the chattiness of Irish people and what wonderful conversationalists they are, along with their kindness and compassion. There is a softness and relaxed attitude to life that isn't always apparent in England, and I think this is possibly due to that Irish chaos I mentioned above, and the fact that everyone has a say here: England is an incredibly well-structured society - a carry-over from the old class system that still lingers more than people will admit - and is doggedly capitalist. There is little support from the government for the poor and families can be quite fragmented, so life feels that much tougher - the danger of falling off the hamster wheel is very real and there isn't a robust safety net when that happens. I don't deny that life can be hard in Ireland as well, and some people have been extremely badly hit by the recession (for example, there are many stories of families being evicted because they're unable to repay their mortgages) but, in general, there is real sympathy for those who are in financial difficulties here and the problem is entirely in open view - in England the poor or working class are barely represented at all in the media, and there is almost a sense of shame at having to admit that you need help. On reflection, I think I would prefer to live in a kind society than one which is efficient, so Ireland is probably the place for me!
Well, this was supposed to be a light and breezy 'initial impressions' post and it's turned into something slightly more political than intended. When I start writing I never know how it's going to turn out, so I tend to just go with it - and sometimes I have a lot on my mind that I didn't even realise was there at all. My next post will be a frothier affair, I promise...
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