Last night in Dublin

Here we are. It's 7:20pm in Dublin. We've come full circle. Since Latvia we spent a week and a half in St. Petersburg,Russia. Faith lived with Kristina Petrushina, and Rigel lived with AnastasiyaUshakova, Kristina's best friend. Our experience was lovely! We spent two daystouring the Hermitage (and barely scratched its surface...). It's the largestmuseum in the world, no big deal. Free entrance for students, by the way. Didyou hear that New York City? Anyway,in the museum we saw works by Monet,Picasso, Canova, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and a multitude of others. The outside ofthe Hermitage was fantastic as well. A brilliant teal blue with ornatedecoration, and plenty of tourists with cameras (including us!). The city was full of history, and definitely the mostmajestic of any we saw. There are probably a million palaces crammed in...someare now home to mcdonalds and subway. Welcome to 2011! We loved thearchitecture and we managed to learn some about Russian history...we're tryingto keep some brain cells alive. The "history" of the city, though,was obvious in more than just the buildings. The metro, the tram, the planes,the buses...all were in need of an update. We bounced along underground in themetro with the wind rushing above our heads, and bounced our way from Latvia toSt. Petersburg on a bus that felt balanced on a rollerblade. We were a bitnervous for our lives at times...but around the travelling, we experienced allof this culture, so different from anything we'd seen yet. We ate borscht, wentto the "russian sauna", which is apparently a really common thing,tried russian salads, and wore heels (city russians are formal dressers. It washard to pull off the look with the supplies that we had, but...we managed.American style.) We met Kristina's grandma, who talked to us about the war andher time growing up, and familiarized ourselves with roubles, the russian currency. On the 24th, we gathered the two families together, and hada thanksgiving dinner with a russian twist. It had turkey, roast vegetables,and a bunch of russian salads...we did our best! It was delicious, and fun tomake it happen halfway around the world. The mixing of cultures was reallyspectacular to see. Our final stop was London. We stayed with Dirk Van der Walfor the first two nights in a flat on Weymouth Street in Westminster, and movedinto our own luxurious flat for the remaining 3 nights! Rigel spent hermornings running around Regents Park and scoping out the visible parts of theLondon Zoo from said park! Faith visited the National Gallery and mourned thehours-long que for the Da-Vinci exhibit...as well as the price. I really wantedto go! We walked down Oxford Street, saw Picadilly Circus, went to the movies(it had been ages! We're cinema girls), and caught the end of achoral/candlelight service on Marylebone Street. We spent lots of time walkingaround and exploring, seeing everybody rush around close to Christmas. We alsorelaxed...we're so tired. Our flat was...fabulous (thank you Dad's connectionswith apartment building owners), so we took advantage! We've really been so lucky. This trip wouldn't have beenpossible for us without the hospitality of so many people. We were alwayswarmly welcomed and helped around. We are so thankful. Also, we avoided majorcatastrophes. We're still alive, nothing is broken, and all of our valuablesare present (for the most part). As incredible as this adventure has been, we are ready forthe comforts of home. Family, friends, our pets, actually knowing where we arefor a change, and our beds are at the top of our lists of things we are excitedfor. If anyone is still reading this... We love you, and can't wait to see you.Really. Well, it's now 7:30... Lately, that can only mean one thing: Time for bed. Failte!

Latvia? Yes... Latvia.

Hello all!

Faith and I have been in Germany for the past week and a half, spending time with Philipp and his wonderful family. When we first got off the plane in Germany from Girona (a small one-night stop after Barcelona) we saw him and his mom, Martina, standing at a big glass window overlooking where we were coming off the plane. We were both overjoyed!

We spent a wonderful week and a half with his family: Martina, Andi, Caroline, and Moritz (Mo). Philipp's family lives in Bad Schon Born, very close to a train that takes passengers all over Germany. Because of that we had the opportunity to visit a lot of incredible German cities like Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and Manheim. 

I spent a lot of time in elementary school reading about The Holocaust for personal interest in the subject. The Holocaust is a subject that a lot of German people don't like to talk about (while, on the other hand, some bring it up during relaxed conversation), so I was a bit nervous to ask about seeing a concentration camp. I got the feeling that Philipp didn't want us to think of Germany as 'the place where the Holocaust happened,' but when I asked about seeing a camp Philipp and his family were all very accomodating and understanding of my request. We went to Struthoff Work Camp in France. The camp was up a mountain and several miles away from a neighboring city so as not to draw attention. When we got to the top of the mountain I was struck by how beautiful the area was, how wrong that felt, and the feeling that something had happened there. It's an experience that is beyond my writing ability, or my ability to understand, but it is one that I will never forget. 

We met a few of Philipp's friends, spent time with his family, and watched a full season of the show '24'... I know... The best way to spend time in Germany? Well, we needed some downtime and even though that show brought a lot of stress into our lives (seriously, this show is insane) it was nice to just relax with one another at night after a busy day.

The food in Germany is AMAZING! My favorite is spetzel, which is essentially thick, short pasta. The breads are all very hearty and grainy, and everything in general is very rich: The chocolate, meats, sauces, everything. That being said it's very easy to find food for days when you're not especially hungry. It's really easy to stereotype a country into having food, music, or people who are a certain "type." What's important to remember and what we have been consistently reminded of is that so much of life and culture in a place has to do with who you are staying with, what their own personal tastes are, and what is accessible to you. Each nationality has pride, and the stereotypes I have been taught are becoming less and less of something I think about as I travel more. This is a good thing, I think.

And so now, we're in Latvia. We left Frankfurt yesterday afternoon and were planning on having a layover here for an hour. Instead, we learned minutes before boarding the plane to Russia that our visas aren't authorized for entry into Russia until the 20th of November. So here we are, in an awesome hostel in Riga, Latvia, enjoying ourselves! 

Love and more love,

Rigel

You Are Tired (I Think)

This poem has nothing to do with our travels.... I just really like it.
-Rig

You are tired,
(I think)
Of the always puzzle of living and doing;
And so am I.

Come with me, then,
And we’ll leave it far and far away—
(Only you and I, understand!)

You have played,
(I think)
And broke the toys you were fondest of,
And are a little tired now;
Tired of things that break, and—
Just tired.
So am I.

But I come with a dream in my eyes tonight,
And I knock with a rose at the hopeless gate of your heart—
Open to me!
For I will show you places Nobody knows,
And, if you like,
The perfect places of Sleep.

Ah, come with me!
I’ll blow you that wonderful bubble, the moon,
That floats forever and a day;
I’ll sing you the jacinth song
Of the probable stars;
I will attempt the unstartled steppes of dream,
Until I find the Only Flower,
Which shall keep (I think) your little heart
While the moon comes out of the sea.

- e.e. cummings

Holla

Hola (not to be confused with "holla"),

We're in Barcelona! It's currently 1:30 in the morning here. I know what you're thinking... "Oh that Rigel, what a teenager. Staying up late in Europe probably up to shenanigans."

False. I am an old woman in a 19 year old's body. Last night Faith and I took an all night train from Madrid to Barcelona and I was in a car with two Argentinean men. They snored. I didn't sleep at all. Today, after visiting the National Museum and 'Plaza de Espana' I went back to the apartment and took a nap. Much to my dismay, I can't sleep now. So here I am!

We have been in Spain for about a week now after staying in Edinburgh for a few days.

In Edinburgh we visited the National Gallery. We were both struck by the interior of the gallery as well as the artwork itself. Faith finds herself gravitating more towards sculpture, whereas I am interested in gothic architecture and figure drawings. We also had lots of fun exploring 'Old Town' and 'New Town'.  We did plenty of walking around, eating scones as per usual, hiked Arthur's Seat, and spent time with Hilary Lynd! We also saw the Occupy Edinburgh protest in St. Andrew's Square and climbed the Scott Monument (287 steps...the ultimate Stair Master).

Malaga was wonderful. We got to see Paula Fernandez, a good friend of ours from junior year in high school (gosh... high schol... that was just SO long ago...if you can't sense my sarcasm we need to have a chat). While Paula was at 'the university' we went into the city and explored. This mostly consisted of tripping over cobblestones and art galleries. The ground was covered in tiles in the  center of town, and there were plazas nearly everywhere. We saw an old roman ampitheatre and an ancient Arabic fortress from 1060, and a beautiful museum dedicated to the spanish artist Revello de Torro...it was wonderful. We also learned about the wonders of olive oil and salt on bread. How mediterranean.

(It's morning now...Faith here!) Then Madrid! Wow this is a lot... I realize we haven't blogged for a while *slap on wrist*. We stayed right near the center of the city, and were able to walk around quite a bit (our feet hurt). We spent a lot of time in Puerta del Sol, one of the city's central plazas, visited the cathedral, saw the Palace (but didn't go inside...these things are expensive!) and visited one of Madrid's famous museums. There was music everywhere, and people dressing up for halloween. We really loved it...we got a chance to meet up with Paula and some of her friends for lunch, also, before we left on an overnight train for...

Barcelona! Yes, here we are in Barcelona, blogging and eating oil/salt bread and a mango before going out to do more exploring. Yesterday we saw la plaza espana and the national museum, which used to be this amazing palace. At night it's all lit up and the fountains are going...we think we may have to see the spectacle, as cheesy as it may be. There's so much to do and see, lots of parks and the beach, of course. Statues everywhere. Gaudi's masterpiece buildings...I saw the Sagrada Familia yesterday which may be the most unique building I've ever seen. I think I may head to the Cathedral for mass so I can see it for free (we're on a budget...6 Euros is a lot of money!) Rig is off to bike about the city and read...
We leave for Frankfurt on Friday, and Girona Spain tomorrow, where our flight takes off. So...Chao!

We have less than a week left in Ireland. Wild!!

Rigel's first bunch! Such a proud mama.

Today I'm not feeling well so Edie and I have positioned ourselves on the couch and are watching Cinderella.

Our plans have changed a bit! Here is our new travel itinerary for the next few months. Something to keep in mind is that we are only allowed to bring a backpack for luggage that weighs under 20 pounds... This may be the ultimate challenge consdering a.) the climate changes we are going to go through, b.) the different activities we hope to engage in, and c.) my affinity for clothing and shoes.

October 22-25: Edinburgh, Scotland
We will be staying with a Dartmouth professor (most likely). We hope to do a lot of hiking and exploring the area. Hilary Lynd, a friend of mine from home who is studying in Edinburgh with Brown University will be a delightful addition to the trip as well!
October 25-28: Malaga, Spain 
We will be staying with Paula Fernandez, a girl who stayed with Faith during junior year for a few weeks as part of an exchange program.
October 28-31: Madrid, Spain
Staying with another Dartmouth professor! Faith is excited to speak spanish in Europe as opposed to Central America. I'm excited to have a translator!
October 31 -Nov 4: Barcelona, Spain
More sightseeing and frivolity. Mostly sightseeing.
November 4-15: Frankfurt, Germany
We will stay with Philipp Langer!! Hooray! Philipp has the time off from school so we'll have plenty of time to spend with him. Other than that I'm not really quite sure what's on the agenda... We shall see, and we shall take pictures!
November 15-30: St. Petersburg, Russia
Faith will be staying with Kristina Petrushina (!!), and I will be with Anastasia Ushakova, her best friend! I couldn't be more excited to be in St. Petersburg, even though it will be bitter cold. It is a challenge I accept.
November 30-December 5: London, England
That's right. Hopefully I'll get to see some of my fellow Skidmore classmates here... But not quite sure how that's going to work out. We shall see!
December 5-6: Dublin, Ireland
December 6-7: Flying home to all of you lovely people




Lydia is going to Paris with her best friend Freya this week and Faith and I are going to be picking strawberries this afternoon to make some extra money for our travels (aka "Ooooh I like that hat!"). Now if you'll excuse me I'm terribly preoccupied with cartoons.


Slainte! (Cheers)

Rigel, like.

Hello hello!

After being here for almost 3 weeks, we are feeling very settled in!

On Sunday, Faith and I took a trip in to Bantry, a quaint little town (but what isn't quaint here?) to the west of Clonakilty. After driving for less than an hour we watched the landscape change from farm land to a more tree covered landscape. Bantry is a peninsula right on Bantry Bay, and though the weather wasn't 100% in our favor it was still a wonderful day. We got lunch, spent time walking around, went to a beautiful estate with fabulous gardens... And in typical Rigel and Faith fashion (we go by 'Faigel' now, by the way) ended up in a cafe reading our books.

Faith's best statue impersonation!

The gardens

Feeding the swans

After a full day of flowers, coffee, reading, and cobblestones

Lydia came and picked us up. We went home and spent the night with our lovely family.

Tomorrow, we have a beach day! Thursday will be full of picking flowers, and Friday will be preparation for a wedding on Saturday! All hands on deck for this one.


- Rigel

Exploring Cork City...and settling in

It's sort of a lazy Sunday in Clontakilty today...we're all drinking tea and trying to keep warm. It's 15/60 degrees, but the wind makes it feel a lot colder. Brrrr.

Rigel and I went to Cork City this past weekend, a beautiful place an hours bus ride from where we are full of rivers, bridges, steeples, and plenty of Irish accents. The city centre itself is actually an island! It was voted the kindest city in the world a few years back, and is the second biggest port in the world. It's also our new favorite city in the world. Basically, it's fabulous.

We stayed at a hostel, and did plenty of exploring. Unfortunately we found a store called Penney's which is basically the cheaper, European version of Forever 21...that's no good for my bank account--steering clear of that general area in the future. We went to a cafe for breakfast, walked down the skinny streets, explored some of the gigantic churches that are squeezed oddly between both old and modern buildings, and took way too many pictures. Then we broke down and got subway because apparently nowhere else outside of city centre sells warm food...and it's cold here! We've made the decision from here on in to avoid chain restaurants from the US...sorry subway.

City slang: langers=drunkards

Anyways, we're getting used to the schedule here:

8:00: stumble out of bed, take care of the chickens, eat breakfast, help edie find a mismatched outfit
9:00...well....we try: Take Edie and Noah to School and go to the "tunnels" to pick flowers or weed and     do maintenance

Lydia's roses

1:00: FOOD! Bring buckets of flowers inside and make lots of sandwiches. Play with Edie. Shower (maybe). Hoover...or vacuum. Read. Get a rugby lesson from Noah. Pick tomatoes and peppers from the garden outside. Do laundry...basically whatever.
4:00: the daily walk! Everyone (except for me) power walks to who knows where for a good 45 minutes and comes back and stretches. Edie and I have a good time being bums and watching Dora!
7:00: Make dinner, which usually includes potatoes in some form. Yum!
8:00: Eat together, talking about anything from Becc's tardiness to Edie's excessive chatting habit.
9:00: Watch tv by the fire with Cougar and tea

Home

Our Backyard

The castle down the road...

We'll take it over essay writing for the time being...

A picture from Skib!

A trip to Skib

Yesterday Faith and I took a day trip to Skibbereen, the capital of West Cork! Skib was one of the areas most affected by the Great Famine (or, 'The Great Potato Famine') and in it there is a mass grave called the Abbeystrewery Cemetery where between 5,000-8,000 were buried.

On a lighter note... We had a great time! Many of the shops were closed since it was a Sunday, but regardless there was still plenty to do and look at. We had lunch at a place called 'The Church,' which is a very traditional Catholic church that has been transformed into a restaurant. It is amazing how much smaller the portions are here! Faith got an Irish coffee which was delectable. Then we got the best desserts of our life. Faith got a toffee pudding ("pudding" means dessert) and I got a banana... Graham crackery crust... Something. With ice cream!!! I forget the name of it but pictures will follow and that's all you need.

To travel around we have been taking the Eireann bus. Luke, who is Lydia's stepson, and his girlfriend Ella were with us for the past few days so we spent time with them. Ella is diabetic so she travels for free (bus, train, everything) and gets to take one helper with her for free as well on each ride. Faith and I were not quite so lucky. The cost of living is really quite high here!


Some commonly used slang:
Mank - Gross
Trousers - Pants
Knickers - Underwear
Get off it! - Get over it!

Here.

Hello, it's Rigel for now!

It's 13:08 in the afternoon. I have to get used to this sort of time.
After 2 buses, buying tracphones, hauling massive suitcases all over the Irish countryside... We are here! This place is phenomenally beautiful. This morning (or actually I suppose it was afternoon... I slept until noon! Wonderful!) I went for a run and would take about 20 steps before stopping and being in awe of what I was looking at. Where we live is lush with greenery, cows, landscape, narrow streets, stonewalls... I feel as though I've stepped into a fairy tale.

Our family is wonderful. There is Lydia (our "mum"), Noah who is 9, and Edie who is 4. Edie and Noah are both adorable and Edie can't remember either of our names, but she loves to sing and climb us as well as play dollies. Also - Her nickname for me is 'Fibby.' Why? Not sure. But I like it! Lydia is also equally as great! We are also staying with one another girl named Rebecca (Bec) from Australia who has been here for several months, and another help-xer named Hannah will be coming in a week. She is dutch and this is not her first time staying with the Bushbys!

Alright... More from me later. Faithie is just starting to wake up...

Oh, and by the way while we were walking all over Dublin I was wearing new boots that I was very excited about but they gave me godawful blisters. As Noah would say, "Those are MANK!"

Pictures on the way!

ASK YER ARSE!!!

It's Rigel... AND FAITH!!!!!

We're sitting in Logan Airport in Boston, MA right now. Things are exciting. Jersey Shore won't buffer, but our spirits remain high.

After a flight cancellation and brief moment of panic we are now flying on Aer Lingus! Gracie (Faith's sister who is going to Mali, Africa) also had some flight issues. These hurricanes are out of control. Aer Lingus is an Irish airline that will take us directly to Dublin! We will be arriving there at 5:40am their time, or 11:40 Eastern Standard time. Breakfast in Dublin, then off to Clonakilty!

Last minute things we have discovered:
1. We are not "gaeligoeurs" aka we don't speak gaelic
2. This is Clonakilty!!!!

3. THIS IS ALSO CLONAKILTY!

See you in Europa :))))))))))

Faigel

ONE DAY MORE

Hello, it's Rigel again. Surprised?

I had my last dinner with my family tonight before heading off to the land of greenery and potatoes. Both Faith and I met our monetary goals for the summer, and I have promptly spent some of it on "Mom"jeans and lots of wool socks.  I look forward to spreading some New Hampshrie sexiness all over the countryside.

Our flight will be leaving at noon from Boston. From there we will be in North Carolina for 3 hours, and then off to Dublin. We have Student Traveler Discount cards, Russian Visas, passports, tickets, bus schedules... It's all very overwhelming. Luckily, there are more lists going on in my life (thanks to Mary Maxfield) than I care to share so I think we will be okay. Faith is also great at memorizing schedules and keeping track of things, and I'm really good at asking for directions.

We will be meeting Lydia in Clonakility after spending some time in Dublin. Jet lagged or not, we WILL be the most enthusiastic members of that bus ride.
Here is a picture of Faith and I during our first trip to NYC together during sophomore year...
This vacation lasted 2 days. Three things are evident from this photo:
1. We enjoy travelling.
2. We enjoy each other.
3. We both may have unhingeable jaws.
These things are all still true.

   Мы идем к европе!

Wir gehen zu Europa!

We are going to Europe!

 

Sometimes we have to work.

Hello. 'Tis Rigel.

Faithie is off in Boston right now. She is showing Melanie (her Costa Rican host sister) before she goes back to Coronado. We will miss her!

The summer is 1/2 over... And Faith and I are now working women! Faith is working at the Fireside Inn, as a caterer, and babysitter extraordinaire! I am painting for the Hartford School District and at the Jewel of India in Hanover.

39 days. Hoo-rah!

Rigel

From Lydia

Here's what Lydia (our host mom) writes about her home!

Hi, Here's what I do... I grow Vintage Cut Flowers, providing a sustainable alternative to mass produced imported florists blooms. Most of what I grow is old fashioned and nearly always scented, grown both outside and in commercial polytunnels. It is seasonal with the year kicking off in Feb/March with oooodles of seeds to be sown and we wrap things up in Oct/Nov time. I'm a small unique operation and what I do I love, every plant I grow I know personally, and I take huge satisfation in producing such a beautiful, unique product. My flowers are sold direct to the consumer through local markets, private orders for weddings/parties and I also sell them to country shops for retail. My business is based just down the road from where I live at my parents strawberry farm, where we grow not only strawberries but squash also and french beans...or as the french call them..green beans!!

And who we are.....I'm a mum of 2 kids, a little girl (very cheeky "sausage") of 4. And a much bigger (notso cheeky) boy of 9. We live in a lovely comfortable 5 bedroom cottage in a very scenic area of West Cork. We are out in the country but not too far from anywhere. We have a busy life, with lots of fun for good measure thrown in. We have a dog..a German Shepard, who is a lamb in wolves clothes. Some chickens, who keep us in eggs, and a cockatiel who really rules the roost....pardon the pun! We have a big garden where we grow veggies (to have some thing to go with the eggs!!!! )We are pretty busy, but we try to keep a balance and I always try to make sure we get quality time with each other as a family. I ride with my neighbour regularily, who has a yard of young horses, my daughter also rides..well bobs along.We enjoy walking, bike riding and exploring our beautiful and magical countryside. My son is into rugby, surfing and kicking my ass on the sand dunes!

What I'm looking for..... Being a single mum juggling all that I do, I do need help! I need some help with everything from gardening (though no experience is needed) including weeding, seed sowing, planting ect.Picking beans, flowers, including cutting and prep. Market selling. Help around the house, walking the dog perhaps and hanging out with the kids (they work with me alot of the time but its great to have someone willing to play games with them). None of it is hard work, and when the sun shines it isnt really work at all. Every day is different. and its not all day, every day. No experience is needed just a willingness to learn and a pinch of patience for the kids.

What you'll get..If any of this is of interest to you then please come stay, I love having people around. You'll have your own private bedroom, either a double or a single so couples are welcome. You'll be well fed (not just eggs and veg I promise).I am passionate about food and cooking! you'll be included in our family and hopefully become a honoury member. You can join in on any activities we are doing or I can try to accomodate any activities you wish to persue. You'll get plenty of free time. Our home is very cosy and comfortable house with Wifi internet and digital TV. There are lots of lovely walks right outside the door, I live a 5min walk from a 600yr old castle that sits beside a lake.There is a bicycle you can use to explore(though I do live on a hill!!!)and I am a short drive from many beaches and 15mins from Clonakilty one of West Corks most amazing little towns. So theres lots to do.

Safe travelling!

Over a year of summer.

Mornin'.

Faithie hasn't started writing on this yet, so I'm sorry I'm monopolizing these posts.  I'm also sorry that I haven't really told anyone about this blog quite yet. Oh well.

This morning when I woke up Faithie was already en route to Costa Rica with her aunt, Marcia. She will be there for 3 weeks visiting her old host family, friends, and everything and everyone inbetween. She will also be finding out information about our Costa Rica trip (where we will be staying, with who, for how long, what we will be doing, etc.).

We had graduation and project grad on Thursday night/Friday morning. I rode a mechanical bull, played laser tag, got hypnotized, got a massage, and plenty more. The parents did an amazing job... After 18 years of birthdays to practice on and so many of them it's no wonder they throw an awesome party.

What an incredible journey this has been, and what a perfect way to end it. There is a lot of love that exists in our class. Love for each other, but mostly a love for life. It's really amazing to be a part of. Friday morning Faith, Jon, and I stayed up and watched the sun rise from the top of the ski jump at Storrs Hill. Faith and I have about a year and 3 months of vacation ahead of us. Jon is going to Cornell this fall.

It's all happening, and here we are.

- R


Here's a little Irish slang, just because:

Ask me arse/ Go and shite:  F off and stop annoying me
Aul man/ Aul wan:  Father/ Mother
Battle cruiser: The pub
Bird: Girl, or girlfriend
Bollocks: Anyone or anything you think is stupid

What's a "buzzy"?

"Buzzy" is Irish slang for traveller, and on September 7th we (Faith and Rigel) are voyaging across the pond from Lebanon, New Hampshire to West Cork, Ireland.

The two of us will be living with Lydia Bushby, her two children, Noah (10) and Edie (4),  their dog Cougar, a cockatiel, and bags of chickens. Next door is a horse farm that we will also be tending to.
Please note: I said "bags" of chickens because "bags" is Irish slang for "plenty." Clearly, I am going to fit right in.  As if the hair wasn't enough. - R

Lydia and her family live on a vintage cut flower garden. We will be helping her with the garden for a few days a week, and also bringing flowers to market several days a week. Essentially, we're going to be additional family members who help up with whatever needs to be done in terms of housework, yardwork, babysitting, etc. as well as helping with the garden.

We found this wonderful opportunity through "helpxchange," an online site. Don't worry... Not as dodgy as it sounds. We've done plenty of research.
Dodgy = Sketchy/Shady. Slang schwang!

We will be updating this blog throughout our journeys, and we hope you enjoy what you read! If you would like to contact us via the blog please do so by commenting and posting yourself!

Best,
Faithie & Rig

P.S. More Irish slang: A 'cock manger' is a urinal. Incredible!