blech*

*or, things that turn my stomach

I mentioned earlier about Polish girls in a coffee shop, this is what I mean:

Poland was just accepted as part of the whatever it is, E.U. or some sort of nation grouping but what it means is that they can now legally work in most parts of western europe. this has caused a bit of uproar as some locals feel as though Polish people are swooping in and taking away jobs that belong to them and whatever. I'm not going to take a side because I really don't know the situation. I guess it's similar to the attitude that some Canadians have towards migrant field workers or foreigners who run convenience stores or things like that. all that I know, is that I've been in Ireland for three days and have been served by as many Irish people as Polish people, and both are working hard for a living and both are earning a daily pay to provide for their personal livelihoods. the only problem that I can see is the difficult language transition that many of the Polish people I've encountered seem to be experiencing. for instance, today when I asked about wireless internet at the cafe I attended downtown, the girl at the till was enthusiastic to nod and say 'yes!' but did not understand the question. it's frustrating to not be understood.

I met Hilda's boys today! Alex is the youngest, he's 7. Mark just turned 10, and Greg is 19. Actually, Greg is headed to Florida to study aviation. Mark was telling me about the family's planned trip to New York City, and how he can't wait to go to Abercrombie & Fitch. I told him also not to miss Hollister (barf). Hilda is quite excited to see the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero. I told her to bring a parka.

most of the folks I've talked to think one of two things: that Amurrica is the blessed Mecca, or that it is going to explode within the year due to an overpopulation of idiots. either way, the USA is a focus EVERYWHERE I GO. somebody mistook me for an american and got the glare of his life (haha) I wish I could escape the machine! when I get my own place, I'm not going to watch tv or listen to the radio or get the paper or do anything that will wave those stars and stripes at me.