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December 17, 2004

Comments

Eamonn Fitzgerald

Buchwald's comment applies as much to rural Ireland -- contemporary Ireland -- as it does to the USA. The only difference being that an Irish driver is assumed to be an alcoholic. As a non-driving expat, I have mixed feelings about my upcoming Xmas visit to the homeland. The narrow roads around the foothills of the Galtee Mountains were not designed for the traffic they now carry so walking, which was once a pleasure, has become a high-risk activity. Last Christmas, while as walking past a local farmhouse, my companion and I counted nine cars in the front yard. "There's the Celtic Tiger for you!" he said. Added to the danger on the roads and the unease about such excess is the condescending incomprehension of the neighbours that one can get through life without a car. But one can.

Dick O'Brien

You know, I was just about to make the same comment as Eamonn. The fact that I can't drive to save my life is the source of much amusement with the Kerry side of the family.

Abiola Lapite

"if a man doesn't drive, they think there must be something wrong with him"

There must be something wrong with quite a few New Yorkers then ... er, wait a minute, that's true.

Frank McGahon

You effete childless urbanite bipeds!

John

Yes, people from NYC often cannot drive. If you live in Manhattan, owning a car is a real hassle. Just dealing with alternative side of the street parking regulations requires paying someone to move your car twice a week. Uggh!

John

But, where I grew up, I didn't know ANYONE who didn't have their license before they graduated high school. It's a rite of passage more important than graduating.

Caoimhe

Interesting comparison to rural Ireland...you had me ringing off cousins names in my head trying to find the exception...fruitless..

I do think there's much more of a stigma attached to non drivers in the U.S though. Only in America has anyone ever expressed surprise that at the tender age of 23, I'm only learning now to drive ;op

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