cultural differences

Tea and Coffee vs. Soda and Water

When I lived in Ireland for 5 months, I had to opportunity to also travel to England a couple of times and meet people from England as well. It was always to common trend for down time or to offer to a guest, tea of coffee. I went to many events in Ireland including a ceili which is traditional song and dance for the Irish people. We were able to hear the beautiful music played live and then learn some traditional dances that went along with the songs: a jig vs. a reel. After a while there is always a "sos beag" or a little break, which always included tea of coffee and "biscuits" which we would identify as cookies. Since I have been back in America, I forgot how often it is expressed "soda or water". You never hear people stress tea or coffee here in America. I had to opportunity to live with an Irish family and they told me throughout the day they would have about 5-6 cups of tea. This also began at a very young age, the youngest in the family was 13 and he would have about 3 cups of tea a day. Typically the tea was like a black tea, we might think of it as Earl Grey or Irish Breakfast. Here, in America, we find many options of tea offered, but it just isn't as cultural as it is in Ireland. When I was there I lived in a campus owned "flat" and each "flat" had its own tea kettle. It was uncommon not to have one. It just facsinates me, because since I have been back in Milwaukee, I have been trying to drink more and more tea like I did in Ireland, but because of the cultural difference, it still makes it a bit harder than when I was in Ireland. I hardly drank soda in Ireland, however it has been my guilty pleasure. Now of course that I am back in America I drink it way too much. I just would like to be more conscious about what a drink and my surroundings. I really do enjoy tea and Ireland made me realize that. The caffeine that tea offers too is sufficient throughout the whole day! :) 

WINsconsin

"WINsconsin"

With the Brewers, Packers and Badgers on an extreme winning streak, the state of Wisconsin has gone crazy for our local sport teams. It is fair to say that Wisconsin sports in general has not always received the credit they deserve, especially the Wisconsin Badgers. Now it is evident that these teams have earned their respect and are the talk of the Nation! As you may or may not know, the Brewers haven't done as well as they are now since 1982, when they made it to the World Series, but lost to the St. Louis Cardinals. This year the Brewers have shown their dominance through their starting pitchers, their strong bullpen and of course the "dynamic duo" and their offense. They won their division- "Division Champs" and won their first playoff series and are now well on their way to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals and go to the World Series. As for the Wisconsin Badgers, we all remember the terrible loss to TCU in the Rose Bowl, but as for this season the Badgers are unbeatable, with the offensive line averaging 6'5'' and 322 pounds and our new strong quarterback, Russell Wilson, who is already a considerable Heisman Trophy winner. The Badgers have not lost a game yet and in their biggest game (I think of their whole season) against Nebraska, the Badgers put Nebraska away on a 48-17 win. It is quite possible we see Bucky in the BCS National Championship game and we bring home a win! Now on to the most well-known, well-liked team in America, the Green Bay Packers. Last year, the Packers brought home the Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. Their team last year put the most starters on Injured Reserve and started playing rookies or players who may not have ever played in an NFL game before. Every single player on this Packer team stepped up into position and took on the role with the greatest reward. The Packers hardly made the playoffs, with help from other teams they gained the Wild Card spot in the playoffs and went on undefeated to bring home the trophy where it all began.. Lambeau Field. This year, the Packers are 5-0, their best start since 1965 and, like the Badgers appear unbeatable. Is it possible to see them in the Super Bowl again and bring home the Trophy for the second year in a row? Is it possible  the Brewers win the World Series? Badgers win the National Championship and Pack win the Super Bowl all in one season. Is it fair to say that these teams aren't just good, they are INCREDIBLE. They all entail strong team camaraderie, extreme talent, motivation and a purpose to WIN. I have always been a sports fan and always a strong fan for Wisconsin sports. I would never call myself a Bandwagon fan, but with the common trend of winning in this state, it is easier to find more and more Wisconsin sports fans. It's become a priority for the people of Wisconsin to watch these games each week and cheer on their team. In general, Wisconsin fans have always been loyal and always been there for their team. You will often hear on the TV fans chanting "GO PACK GO!" or "LETS GO BREWERS" when they are playing at an away stadium. Wisconsin is well known for their beer, but also for their sports and typically they go well together too! It has only just begun, Wisconsin is feeling pretty good and have their heads up pretty high right now. I look forward to each week or day I get to watch my team(s) play. It is the effort of distraction toward satisfaction :)