Nice surprises

Image: Idea go / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have been living in Ireland for a while now and I never cease to be amazed that most of Irish demonstrate towards public responsibility regarding drinking and driving. I come from a country where drinking is widely accepted and drinking excessively a reality. Unfortunately driving after drinking happens commonly. There are laws against it. There is knowledge and information available to discourage drinking and driving. But it happens frequently. Worst of all, most people exchange stories of how drunk they were “when they drove home after that night out”… And people joke and laugh about it. Only a handful of people there would not find these stories fun. And only a handful of people would prevent a friend from driving after drinking.

After growing up with this culture and arriving to Ireland I found different approach to this issue. Well, the Irish people drink as much as Portuguese… They do love their pints… However, they generally do not drive after drinking. They get upset and shocked when people drink and drive. This is not a source of jokes or pride. Well, at least with most people I met. Since I am in Ireland, I met people that invited me to stay over after I drank, shared a taxi home and drove me home to ensure I would not drink and drive. I would not drink and drive, anyway, but it was nice observing such positive attitudes. Irish people may plan to stay in a hotel or a friends close to the restaurant they are going, avoiding driving after a big dinner party.

No one and no society is perfect, but this is a nice attitude and an example to follow. After this, I definitely do not have any beer at this pub…