Ireland

Ireland

Thursday, August 12, 2010


I just spent a week in the land of make believe.
It reminded me of a Hitchcock movie that had never been made or a Disney World neighborhood. I couldn't decide.

I spent a week where everyone was over the top nice.
So nice, it was weird.
It took me about 2 days to get comfortable with seeing all the big smiles worn by everyone I passed. And they were aiming those big smiles at me.

Imagine today, you go about your business and everyone you pass smiles at you.
You stop for gas and 4 people you don't know go out of their way get your attention, just to greet you and wish you a good day.
As you sit on your front porch sipping your morning coffee or tea, you settle in for a few minutes of what you think will be unnoticed quiet people watching, only to find out that people watching on Harbor Island is an interactive sport. Lots of waving and smiling from all participants.

Every person you watch walk by catches your eye and waves, wishing you a great day.
I'm from the North East, near Philadelphia, where "Yo" is used sometimes as a greeting, but mostly used as a warning.

The people of Harbor Island are special.
After an hour or so of dealing with these very friendly people, I looked at my wife and said something like, "What the heck is going on?"
She just shrugged, and smiled.

Yo! Excuse me for being skeptical. I just wasn't used to this.
But I learned to love it...real fast.

5 comments:

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Sounds like a wonderful place, Mark. I'm hoping to book a trip to that very island.

You know, I'm from New York, and I have to say, they are nicer than most people think... certainly better than Boston people, who I find really rude and cold.

Weird, the difference. Why can't we all wish each other a great day.

Vicky said...

I thought you were going to say you were here :) I live in the middle of Midwest "nice." Aren't people like that everywhere? *wink*

After seeing all your fantastic pics I think Harbor Island definitely has us beat, happy people plus gorgeous surroundings is indeed magical.

dcpeg said...

Don'tcha luv it?! We've found that most of the islands are like that. It's the tourists who aren't friendly. Glad you and your wife loosened up enough to enjoy the friendly atmosphere!

Sueann said...

That sounds fabulous! I love the idea that everyone is smiling and greeting you.
Hugs
SueAnn

Marilyn Miller said...

How wonderful to be greeted like that. I am happy you got use to the greetings. Never heard of Harbor Island, but sounds like a great place to vacation.