Sneakers in Ireland???
Jul 5th, 2007, 02:44 AM
#61
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Ireland now has its first black mayor - a Nigerian man who arrived as an asylum seeker 7 years ago. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/6251094.stm
Jul 5th, 2007, 04:08 AM
#63
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"DD's Irish boyfriend told her all the leprechauns had emigrated to New Zealand and become Hobbits!"
- They didn't make it. They were arrested as illegal immigrants on their way through Sydney and put to work in the opal mines of western New South Wales. Australians may have plenty of Irish blood, but we're an unsentimental lot.
- They didn't make it. They were arrested as illegal immigrants on their way through Sydney and put to work in the opal mines of western New South Wales. Australians may have plenty of Irish blood, but we're an unsentimental lot.
Jul 15th, 2007, 07:41 AM
#65
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I cannot believe the discussion that such a simple question has spawned.
The combination of angst, criticism and ridicule is unbelievable to what I feel was a valid question.
Unfortunately, my husband is currently having trouble with his back and feet and his new balance are the only comfortable shoes he can wear.
Having lived in Italy (post 9/11) and travelled extensively in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where "sneakers "(aka tennies, rubbers, tennis shoes) or whatever you choose to call them have never been a part of our wardrobe , as they should not be , this was a serious question. Other parts of the world, do have trouble with "American" whether you choose to believe it or not. There are crimes against us just because we bear that "name". When you need a police escort in Egypt, are instructed by the embassy and Italian police to pose as Canadian while living in Italy, or need to dress" European" in France or Spain to resist being a "target" , these are unfortunately all valid circumstances. As we have been lucky enough to have never been the recipients of any kind of incident, we have travelled with many who have while minding their own business, and not exhibiting any so called crude "American " behaviors . We are Americans and as such are proud of this country and the lives that we lead .
Unfortuately, all of the world does not agree and therefore when travelling abroad, we need to be sure that we "conform" in such a way as to not stand in an extreme way.
As to the sneaker discussion, thank you to those of you who responded re the weather and the rain, the sheep and cow poo etc. Being of Irish descent, I am very excited to be visiting but also having never been, these are issues that I never considered when thinking of footwear. I appreciate that insight and will plan accordingly.
The combination of angst, criticism and ridicule is unbelievable to what I feel was a valid question.
Unfortunately, my husband is currently having trouble with his back and feet and his new balance are the only comfortable shoes he can wear.
Having lived in Italy (post 9/11) and travelled extensively in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, where "sneakers "(aka tennies, rubbers, tennis shoes) or whatever you choose to call them have never been a part of our wardrobe , as they should not be , this was a serious question. Other parts of the world, do have trouble with "American" whether you choose to believe it or not. There are crimes against us just because we bear that "name". When you need a police escort in Egypt, are instructed by the embassy and Italian police to pose as Canadian while living in Italy, or need to dress" European" in France or Spain to resist being a "target" , these are unfortunately all valid circumstances. As we have been lucky enough to have never been the recipients of any kind of incident, we have travelled with many who have while minding their own business, and not exhibiting any so called crude "American " behaviors . We are Americans and as such are proud of this country and the lives that we lead .
Unfortuately, all of the world does not agree and therefore when travelling abroad, we need to be sure that we "conform" in such a way as to not stand in an extreme way.
As to the sneaker discussion, thank you to those of you who responded re the weather and the rain, the sheep and cow poo etc. Being of Irish descent, I am very excited to be visiting but also having never been, these are issues that I never considered when thinking of footwear. I appreciate that insight and will plan accordingly.
Jul 15th, 2007, 08:26 AM
#66
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irishgreen, I think you need a bit of cop-on.
You were not subjected to criticism or ridicule. Your question was treated with some levity because, to be frank, it invited it. It invited it because of your suggestion that Americans in some European countries are "marked".
In your most recent post, you select Italy, France, and Spain as places where an American should conceal his or her nationality. I find that incredible. So too, I suspect will vast numbers of your compatriots who visit those countries and are not embarrassed to be seen for what they are.
What embassy suggests that Americans pose as Canadians? Quite apart from being silly, I would think it highly inappropriate that any embassy should issue such advice. I suspect that the Canadian government would find such a practice objectionable.
The message in this thread is simple. Wear what you like on your feet: nobody gives a damn. Don't pretend to be anything other than American: you'll be spotted. Most of all, lighten up: Irish people have a sense of fun, and if you don't have one, you won't like it here.
You were not subjected to criticism or ridicule. Your question was treated with some levity because, to be frank, it invited it. It invited it because of your suggestion that Americans in some European countries are "marked".
In your most recent post, you select Italy, France, and Spain as places where an American should conceal his or her nationality. I find that incredible. So too, I suspect will vast numbers of your compatriots who visit those countries and are not embarrassed to be seen for what they are.
What embassy suggests that Americans pose as Canadians? Quite apart from being silly, I would think it highly inappropriate that any embassy should issue such advice. I suspect that the Canadian government would find such a practice objectionable.
The message in this thread is simple. Wear what you like on your feet: nobody gives a damn. Don't pretend to be anything other than American: you'll be spotted. Most of all, lighten up: Irish people have a sense of fun, and if you don't have one, you won't like it here.
Jul 15th, 2007, 03:51 PM
#68
I always say, I won't answer another fashion/shoe thing. i weakened after a glass of wine. First of all what we call running shoes, trainers are thiose ugly soled and upers like the gaudier the bettewr which is ok if one is a runner(I'm a former)The Europeans do wear snaeakers but they are trim. I bought a few in St Remy at the shop that makes them, BENSIMON. They look good on everyone(including me with big feet) casual skirts, capris, jeans
Jul 15th, 2007, 07:21 PM
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Irishgreen
One thing you will definitely need to get before you go to Ireland is a sense of humour. The mild ribbing on this thread is nothing compared to the wit you will experience in Ireland. There is nothing the Irish enjoy more than a bit of the Craic.
One thing you will definitely need to get before you go to Ireland is a sense of humour. The mild ribbing on this thread is nothing compared to the wit you will experience in Ireland. There is nothing the Irish enjoy more than a bit of the Craic.
Jul 16th, 2007, 07:15 AM
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Finding the generalisations re what the Irish like misleading.. Ireland is many things to many people.... ribbing is rare, believe me.... unless you seek it.....
Last weekend I saw one elderly American in Donegal Town wearing blue plastic clogs, and baggy shorts khahki reaching above his knees. It was very cold.. He came to the stall and asked if I could knit him a pair of woolly trousers..I said it would take me four hours to do that .. sadly they were only there an hour more. I never saw that kind of shoe before.
Last weekend I saw one elderly American in Donegal Town wearing blue plastic clogs, and baggy shorts khahki reaching above his knees. It was very cold.. He came to the stall and asked if I could knit him a pair of woolly trousers..I said it would take me four hours to do that .. sadly they were only there an hour more. I never saw that kind of shoe before.
Jul 16th, 2007, 07:18 AM
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I'm guessing they were probably Crocs, anchoress. http://shop.crocs.com/c-4-Footwear.a...nname=footwear
Jul 16th, 2007, 08:03 AM
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Ah, I think something like that! Thank you...They probably have them here, but we only have one pair of shoes each. And those have to be black. They look so comfortable.... It was just the whole image of the man! I cannot remember what he wore at the top either!
Jul 16th, 2007, 08:23 AM
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Ah, you are likely speaking of Crocs, made right here in beautiful Colorado. They have become incredibly popular here despite the fact that they are hideous (IMO). They are available in a rude array of colors and the word is that they are incredibly comfortable though I've never slipped a pair on my feet.
I agree that public ridicule in Ireland is not common even when dealing with someone as "fashion unaware" as myself.
As far as the angst, criticism, and ridicule, 1st, irishgreen, I see you are relatively new to this board (at least under this pseudonym). None-the-less, if you've paid much attention, there are regular threads on this board on this board covering "why not to look like an American" and what appeared in your thread isn't close to the usual level of vitriol that is reached in those posts. I can understand people being stunned at your claim that both the US Embassy and the Italian police suggest that you pose as a citizen from another country. Where Ireland is concerned, if you've done any research and I presume that you have since you have traveled so extensively in Europe, you'll know that it's hard to find an Irish citizen that doesn't have a relative that is living in the US or a US citizen. It would be silly to think that Irish consider Americans "targets". Americans land on Irish soil by the thousands wearing all sorts of shoes and all of the advice has been correct. They will know you're an American pretty shortly, if not by your shoes than any number of other signs.
It should also be said that your notion of the great fortune you've had of not having to travel with folks that exhibit "crude American behavior" is insulting in itself. It is simply a stereotype that is probably perpetuated more by Americans than anyone else. Someone with your travel experience should realize that and not continue to add to the myth. Quiet frankly, you'll have a hard time finding a country that doesn't send tourists out that exhibit "crude (nationality of your choice) behavior". Well, except the Irish ... they're lovely people ... right guys?
By the way, if it helps, Rockport has come out with a "sneaker" that they sell in a color called "sport white" or in other words, already dirty looking.
Have a safe trip.
Bill
I agree that public ridicule in Ireland is not common even when dealing with someone as "fashion unaware" as myself.
As far as the angst, criticism, and ridicule, 1st, irishgreen, I see you are relatively new to this board (at least under this pseudonym). None-the-less, if you've paid much attention, there are regular threads on this board on this board covering "why not to look like an American" and what appeared in your thread isn't close to the usual level of vitriol that is reached in those posts. I can understand people being stunned at your claim that both the US Embassy and the Italian police suggest that you pose as a citizen from another country. Where Ireland is concerned, if you've done any research and I presume that you have since you have traveled so extensively in Europe, you'll know that it's hard to find an Irish citizen that doesn't have a relative that is living in the US or a US citizen. It would be silly to think that Irish consider Americans "targets". Americans land on Irish soil by the thousands wearing all sorts of shoes and all of the advice has been correct. They will know you're an American pretty shortly, if not by your shoes than any number of other signs.
It should also be said that your notion of the great fortune you've had of not having to travel with folks that exhibit "crude American behavior" is insulting in itself. It is simply a stereotype that is probably perpetuated more by Americans than anyone else. Someone with your travel experience should realize that and not continue to add to the myth. Quiet frankly, you'll have a hard time finding a country that doesn't send tourists out that exhibit "crude (nationality of your choice) behavior". Well, except the Irish ... they're lovely people ... right guys?
By the way, if it helps, Rockport has come out with a "sneaker" that they sell in a color called "sport white" or in other words, already dirty looking.
Have a safe trip.
Bill
Jul 16th, 2007, 09:40 AM
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My girlfriend and I were in Ireland 3 years ago. We wore sneakers (running shoes). In Dublin (where I was mistaken as "finally a real Irish woman" by many other tourists) we had no problem. In Belfast we were stopped once tyring to get into a bar with said footwear...within seconds we were identified as american tourists and permitted entrance. Take form that what you will. Have a fun comfortable time and be ready to discuss current events in the pubs!
Jul 16th, 2007, 10:10 AM
#76
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Oh yes Crocs... we have them all over the place, the 'knock offs' you find at boot fairs for a fiver a go. They only look good on the kids I think! Black ones are ok though.
I really don't think we look any different from each other, generally. I find that I can only tell if an American has spoken to me once he/she has opened their mouth and I have then heard the accent. Why do you guys think Im Australian anyway LOL!! - Had a nice convo with a nice guy from Minnesotta on Capri the other day, convinced we were from the Colonies!! ;-) And we used to get it all the time in California. I suppose the gutteral vowels we express here in the Thames Valley is similar (well a bit..) to the Aussies
I really don't think we look any different from each other, generally. I find that I can only tell if an American has spoken to me once he/she has opened their mouth and I have then heard the accent. Why do you guys think Im Australian anyway LOL!! - Had a nice convo with a nice guy from Minnesotta on Capri the other day, convinced we were from the Colonies!! ;-) And we used to get it all the time in California. I suppose the gutteral vowels we express here in the Thames Valley is similar (well a bit..) to the Aussies
Jul 16th, 2007, 07:25 PM
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Would love a pair at that price...sigh! Where I set up to sell in Donegal Town is where the tour buses come in, so I see all kinds of clothes.....Anything goes, but the tourists tend to be more sensibly dressed than the locals. I hear so many languages and see different spending habits too.. the ones who spend least are the French and the Aussies.....Interesting times.....The man I spoke of was an exception!!
Jul 17th, 2007, 07:40 AM
#78
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anchoress:
The Crocs corporate office is just up the road from where I work. They make 34 different kinds of footwear including one that might substitute for wellies (dare I even suggest it?). The original crocs are available in 31 different colors. If you start hearing me mutter about a trip to Donegal, remind me and a pair might show up on your doorstep.
Bill
The Crocs corporate office is just up the road from where I work. They make 34 different kinds of footwear including one that might substitute for wellies (dare I even suggest it?). The original crocs are available in 31 different colors. If you start hearing me mutter about a trip to Donegal, remind me and a pair might show up on your doorstep.
Bill
