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10 things you'll miss if you're Irish in the U.S.
Irish in the U.S.? You're not alone. There are over 125,000 people living in the U.S. who were born in Ireland.
But no matter how much you enjoy living in the U.S., there will always be things you miss about home.
So, Wise has rounded up a few things that the Irish will miss most about Ireland -- from Tayto Chips to (paid) vacation time.
Tayto Chips
Living in the land of Lay's chips, it will be hard to find a substitute for this crunchy goodness, best downed with a glass of Guinness or Barry’s tea in the afternoon.
Jennifer, an Irish expat in New York, explains:
“For me and most of my Irish friends here, this is our most missed snack food, especially the cheddar and onion flavor."
Short travel distances
In Ireland, a two hour drive means a long journey across the country.
For many Americans, it equals their daily commute -- sometimes one-way for poor souls stuck in traffic jams. Irish in the U.S. are often struck by the sheer expansiveness of the US.
Ian, an Irish expat in New York, explains:
“I almost coulda’ traveled back to Ireland in the time it took me to fly across the country to California,”
A heavier focus on exams
No matter your age, if you study in the U.S. you may feel like your professors pile on a fair share of studying and work outside of class.
Be prepared to be assigned more homework or busywork than in Ireland, where when exam or test will often count for upwards of 50 percent of your grade.
Being more f@%king open
Tune into some American TV or radio channels, and it will seem like nearly a third is muted out with beeps.
Swear words in the public sphere in the U.S. are “cleaned up” more than in Ireland and, in many places, people are more sensitive to swearing. Over drinks, however, the 'feking' playing field is often evened out.
Vacation time
A vacation: you know, that concept that for the rest of the developed world means time to step away from your hectic work schedule and recharge.
In much of the U.S., the only developed country not to mandate paid holidays, it’s a different story however.
Colleen, an Irish expat in San Francisco explains:
“I was surprised at how many of my colleagues don’t even take all of the two weeks vacation we receive each year,” says Colleen, an Irish expat in San Francisco.
The real St. Patrick’s Day
On March 17 in the U.S., it seems half the population dresses in green and proclaims to be a wee bit Irish.
They will incorrectly say “St. Patty’s Day” (Patty is short for Patricia and not Patrick) and drink green beer. While both sides of the Atlantic share parades on this day, it’s treated more solemnly in Irish, with many pubs on the public holiday actually closing early.
The metric system
Americans like to do things a bit different than the rest of the world, and how they measure things and read temperatures is no exception.
In the summer, don’t be surprised if you proclaim, “It’s 35 degrees! It’s so hot out today!” and receive some strange looks.
Optional tipping
While the Irish are also used to tipping at restaurants (though slightly less than in the U.S.), they are not used to tipping for every service under the sun -- such as to hotel receptionists or taxi drivers, or even bartenders.
In the U.S. you’ll get more aware that the man at the gas station offering to help wipe your windows is not just being friendly.
Universal health care
If you are an Irish person living in the U.S., chances are that at some point you’ll need to pay the doctor a visit.
Yet so matter small your ailment may be, you’ll likely be surprised at the massive bill to match it. Be sure to snag a good health insurance, and take note that it will only cover you at some hospitals, or only part of the cost.
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