Hello there! My name is Samuel, and I’m from BigAppleSchool, and this is our very first podcast which we have tentatively entitled “What’s the craic?” which is one of my favourite phrases. Probably my most favourite phrase. With me today is...
Ken, and I’ll be hosting together with Sam today. And could you tell us a little bit something about this “What’s the craic?”
“What’s the craic?” about “What’s the craic?”
Oh, wait! I have to tell our listeners first what it’s all about before we discuss the word itself. Well, “What’s the craic?” basically is BigAppleSchool’s podcast where we talk about anything and everything under the sun.
We can talk about culture, travel, entertainment, and anything else that’s of general interest. But before that let’s discuss what do we mean by craic, as in C-R-A-I-C.
Well, this word is spelled in an Irish way, but it was originally taken from English and Scottish and it’s used now everywhere in Ireland, Nothern Ireland, and it’s everyday you’ll hear it if you’re there.
But it really means “news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation” and it’s just a fantastic word. For us it’s more meaning than just saying “that was good fun”. To say “it’s good craic” is really common.
Like if I tell you, Ken, you were good craic.
Thank you. And that’s basically what this podcast is all about. It’s all about fun. With that said What don’t we talk about your country first for, you know, our pilot episode.
Absolutely. Fantastic place, except I should point out it’s not really a country. I mean, some people consider it so, but it’s a region or a province.
Should they call it a principality?
I usually call it a region.
A region? Ok. Alright. I stand corrected.
Yeah, absolutely you are.
Go ahead then. So, what is Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland it’s sort of out on its own. It’s part of the UK but not part of Great Britain. It’s stuck there at the top northeast of Ireland, but it’s not connected with the Republic of Ireland politically, although they’re very close neighbours of course.
And politically it’s still part of UK, and technically the government’s in London, that’s the control and everything, and the Queen is like the ultimate boss. There are differences of opinion and feeling in Northern Ireland about that.
Hmmm, that’s interesting. I’m just wondering how’s your relationship with England, Scotland and Wales.
I would say, we’re basically countrymen. Although we live in different regions, different countries even, we’re still in the same overall country, in the United Kingdom. And we consider, at least I think so, we consider each other neighbours, friends and fellow countrymen.
So it’s fairly good, I would say. But of course when you go to England, I go to England, they’ll know he’s not English, they’ll know it straight away as soon as I open my mouth.
Alright. So there are differences in accents. Yeah?
And I’m so sorry, I know that you’ve told me you don’t want me to ask this question, but I’m just really curious and I’m sure that our listeners are interested in what you have to say, but culturally do you identify yourself more as an Irish or more as a British?
Ok, let me see, by history or tradition my family name, my surname is Potts, which I think is English. So I even though I like Irish and I like the culture and Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, I am British really.
But a lot of people in Northern Ireland tend to call themselves now Northern Irish.
Ok. And what about in terms of how closely related are you with the Irish culturally?
Culturally I think there’s a difference. There’s a different atmosphere I feel when I go a little jaunt down, a little travel down to Dublin for example, or somewhere in the south of Ireland. I can feel the difference in atmosphere.
The look of the place isn’t hugely different. Little differences: different speed limit, different currency, the road markings are a little bit different - they have yellow. You imagine?
Yellow road markings on the sides. And we have a lovely white one. It’s terrible.
So, that’s quite different.
But really, I think they’re a bit more laid back down in the south. Like my mom for example brings the dog into the filling station, petrol station, whatever you wanna call it, and they’re all like, ah yeah, go ahead, take her in, not a problem.
But if you do it in Northern Ireland, they’d be like, why are you doing that? We’re not so sure.
What about in terms of the religion? Forgive me for asking this. I may be ignorant or whatever.
I’ll never forgive you. I can never forgive you.
No, I’m just interested. When it comes to religion, so what is like the dominant religion in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland there are two distinct religions. But a lot of people don’t really class themselves as religious people. But there are Protestant, Christian and Roman Catholic Christian. And they don’t mix really, not generally.
And what about you? Do you have any religious affiliations?
Yes, I’m Christian, I guess, on the Protestant side, though I don’t really like to [unintelligible], not always a good name for it.
When you say Christian you mean Roman Catholic Christian or..?
No, Protestant. It’s Evangelical, really the Bible talking about say “born-again”, this sort of phrase. It’s... How can I say? I think it’s quite popular in the US. But I mean it’s a big thing in Northern Ireland too. There’s percentage there.
I see. Alright then. I’m just also interested, when it comes to the English and Northern Ireland, they have any distinct words or maybe expressions that you use that is, just among your people?
We like to chew our words and spit them out. It’s not unique to Northern Ireland necessarily but we love our “R”’s. Some places in England, there’s no specific English accent, there’re many, and many Northern Irish ones, plenty.
But we will say “carrr”, whereas in England some people in England many maybe will say “caaa”.
Yeah, that’s typically British, I would say. So car which I also like pronouncing. But what about words?
When we meet each other, like if we’re at work walking past each other we say: “aright”? Can you translate it?
Yeah, I mean what do you think the other person might reply?
Alright. He’ll just repeat the exact same thing. So one is like a question, the other is a response or a semi-question. And we might say: “bout ya Ken?”
It means “How about you?” We don’t like to say too many words, too many syllables, so “How about you?” Take away the how, just put in ‘bout’ and ‘bout ya’.
Absolutely. We don’t like to talk too much.
I have a couple more questions here.
How true... Yeah, I have. Are you getting impatient now? I have a couple more. How true is it that-
Only a couple?! On my first time?
You keep interrupting me! Ok. Let me finish my question.
How true is it that if you are from Northern Ireland you can have two passports: one is Irish, as in Ireland, and the other one is British?
That’s one hundred per cent true.
So do you have two passports?
It’s absolutely true and it’s a great thing, I think. I like it and I had two passports. Well, originally, as you know, I’m calling myself British and I am, so I had a British passport. All my family has it. But I thought, why not have an Irish one just to have another option?
Some countries don’t like if you go to a certain country and you come to another country, maybe they don’t like each other.
Right, then you can use your other passport.
Yeah, and also Irish tend not to get involved in too many fights so it’s great. It’s better for me to have the one of Ireland to be honest.
That’s a great advantage on your part.
At the moment I only have Irish because I don’t want to spend the extra, what, 80 pounds for a British one when I don’t need it.
You can have both at the same time any time you choose.
And I wonder, do you have any idea as to the coverage, like, how many countries can you go to visa free when it comes to an Irish passport as opposed to...
I wouldn’t like to say for sure. I’ve been to Australia and all I had to do was register.... I don’t know if it was called a visa, but I just register online. It was very simple, no complications.
It doesn’t sound like a visa process to me.
Having an Irish passport I can go to the European Union after Brexit.
They have... Some of them do have wigs.
Yeah. And I can’t remember the term off-hand, but there is a common area you can go. If you’re Irish, you can absolutely go into Britain, at least at the moment... I hope it stays that way. You can go in and out. I mean, they are neighbours, they’re more or less friends, so...
You can go in and out and no problem there. Common, what is it, common travel area or something like that they called it.
Alright. Can you share with us some of your unique traditions? What sets you apart from your...
So on this I’m gonna tell you about the divide in Northern Ireland a little bit again. So you know, it is quite a divided area, where there are people who “we’re pure Irish” and others who “we identify with UK and Britain itself”.
Not even a snake that would lick you.
But they have their own kind of holidays. There’s Saint Patrick’s Day. Have you heard of it?
Well, I’ve heard it... somewhere.
I’m gonna do what teachers do, Ken. I’m gonna ask you to explain it to me. I want to elicit this information.
You have to give me time to...
Tell me about St. Patrick’s Day.
All I know is that Patrick, Saint Patrick is a saint, a religious figure obviously, but I don’t much about him.
Long time ago like first century I think.
What is he known for? I mean, for example saint you know there are certain saints for every kind of situation, or was that, the patron saint of animals, I just don’t remember.
He was touted to have chased all snakes out of Ireland. We do not have a snake. Not even like a grass snake that won’t hurt you.
Oh, that’s good. So are saying that it was Saint Patrick who, you know, banished all of them?
It’s kind of legend. I don’t really believe it but it’s a nice story. He also explained God with a shamrock. You know shamrock?
This green leaf has typically three parts to it. And so he was like explaining God with that. He was kind of Christian missionary. That was him. But today he’s celebrated as like a national symbol. Saint Patrick’s Day is like a national day.
It must be a very important day.
I was in Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Are there any kind of celebrations associated to this, you know, important day?
Oh yeah. In Dublin I don’t remember what it was but oh, man! The atmosphere there’s so much craic, Ken. So much craic!
I mean walking down the street in Dublin everybody’s wearing green, faces painted, green all over, and they’re just talking to each other as if they’re friends. Like strangers are like I like your hat, some craic with you.
That sounds like a lot of fun.
I mean the atmosphere on Saint Patrick’s Day in Dublin I’ve never felt this amazing. It’s fantastic. You can have craic with anyone.
I would love to go there some day and have fun.
Parades like it’s quite funny the only time I’ve been cause it wasn’t I didn’t often go to Dublin but one time I’ve been it was so fantastic, but there were parades and there were some people these very artistic people in one float in the parade
they we just like quoting random words like “Cheese strings!” or “Let’s talk about oxymoron!”. They were very artistic.
Ok, I know that Saint Patrick’s Day is supposedly, a religious celebration but is there drinking or other kinds of alcohol that people drink on this day?
Ken, It’s an Irish holiday.
Drinking is included in every holiday, and even in the days in between holidays.
Speaking of which, do you drink?
I’m not a big fan, Ken, to be honest. I don’t like beer. Maybe a little touch of wine, but only very rarely.
Maybe a little cognac, but very rarely, Ken. I’m not a... I try to avoid it.
We are very different in that sense, because I love drinking.
Of course! But I don’t drink as much now, unlike before.
How much have you drank this morning?
No, of course I didn’t drink today!
Did you notice my mistake?
Grammar. “Have you drunk” is my mistake.
Yeah, good thing that you...
No, I didn’t drink anything at all... at least for today. But maybe at the weekend.
NO! It smells terrible. Anyway, let me move on. How about interesting places or some tourist destinations that maybe foreigners can go to in Northern Ireland?
Yeah, it’s packed full of them. My fiancée and I were there last summer and we didn’t get time to see everything honestly. The one tiny disadvantage, although it can be an advantage depending on how you look at it, is that they’re spread out.
Though Northern Ireland isn’t a big place, like two hours across East-West, North-South, but they’re kind of spread out. So you need to take bus or train or drive in a car, someone maybe drive you.
But there are some really good ones. There’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant’s Causeway it’s called.
It is basalt columns. Basalt is a type of stone. It’s actually the same, similar in Russian. They’re like twelve, I think the highest are like twelve meters high. And they are hexagonal, hexagonial, as I remember correctly.
They’ve got a few sides. And really, as to quote a Ballymena guy (this is in Northern Ireland) “they’re a really raily-lookin hank”. This is how they talk.
I could hardly understand that.
They’re unusual. It’s a really popular site. A little bit expensive, but worth seeing.
It’s unusual especially if you love geology. But even if you like a bit of a myth it’s great because it’s called Giant’s Causeway after the giant Finn McCool, who supposedly built it, cause he was readying for a fight.
Oh, alright. That’s kind of like a legend.
There’s a little bit of a site in Scotland too and there’s the idea that there were two giants: one in Scotland, one in Northern Ireland, who were gonna kinda fight each other. Finn McCool was less keen on it. He didn’t really wanna fight.
That sounds cool. There’s a story behind it.
There’s a whole myth. So you can learn the geology side, scientific side, or you can learn the myth side. They are both interesting I think.
Yeah. That sounds great. Now, I know this is a sensitive topic and I don’t wanna ask you because you told me about this... Oh, yeah, I’m so sorry. Go ahead. Tell us more.
I’ll tell you about Marble Arch Caves.
We have a cave system in Northern Ireland. I can’t tell you how big it is. I was there when I was a schoolboy, you know. Can you imagine little Sam? He was a naughty little boy.
You must be a bit skinny at that time.
I was always kinda chubby. In primary school I loved my going for second desserts. Do you know custard, pink custard and cornflake cake?
It’s fantastic. I was a little bit chubby and a little bit naughty but not too much at school, I think.
I was in Marble Arch Caves. I loved bats, but I think the only bats were in the gift shop. But it’s a really interesting cave system. You can walk around some of it and then go on a little boat trip inside the caves, and it’s worth visiting.
Aren’t you scared of bats though?
I mean, you know, they look creepy and for some people, they’re associated with what Dracula or all those stuff.
I gotta be honest, I don’t believe it. No, I mean when I was twelve-ish I saw bats outside my bedroom window in the summer, 11-12 at night and I was just amazed. How quickly they move, their acro, forgive the pun, acrobatics.
Their acroBATics... But they are amazing. They can move... I don’t know, it’s just me maybe, but the more I learn about them the more I’m like, wow, they’re, they’re strange and fantastic. And kinda mysterious, like me, you know?
I’m not nocturnal like... But their wing, Ken? Their wing, Ken, is a hand with skin stretched over.
They have a thumb sticking out, so they’re always doing a thumbs-up.
No, you’re kidding. Now you’re kidding!
Unless they’re upside down, they’re always doing a thumbs-up. And they’re so much more maneuverable than a bird because of their wings-hand.
I know, because I’m a big fan of bats and that’s why I love Batman. As a boy he was like my childhood hero. Because, well...
I watched all the films, although don’t love the recent ones, but yeah... I mean, you could find me in my house watching 1989 Batman, 1992.
Oh I’ve watched, I know all the lines.
And including the new ones, with the- what’s the name of the actor? Batman.
Christian Bale, yeah, exactly. Anyway, let’s...
So Christopher Nolan’s films, yeah?
I’ve forgotten. My God, it’s such a shame, because...
you’re trying to avoid the next question.
We have time, we have time. So, there is also a museum to the Titanic.
Yeah, and it’s... Titanic was built in Belfast back in the glory days of shipbuilding in Belfast. And it was built there, and on the site where it was - where it was built or where it was ported, or whatever the proper verb for that is.
It’s there, the museum, and it’s got a lot of technology, interactive, lot’s and lot’s of, full of information.
And does it have, I don’t know, remnants of the ship itself?
It has... I think it has some, and I don’t wanna say it for sure, but it does have... there is a little boat restored which tugged it in France, helped tug it.
And it’s there also harbored maybe, maybe harbored is the word, or moored, instead of ported, okay? But it’s there anyway. And it’s on stilts or something, it’s not in water.
But it’s very interesting to see that too. It’s history that you can go into it, walk around, but you can see lots of exhibitions, like, exhibits...
It’s really good, a little bit on the expensive side, but worth it, for sure, very worth it.
I would love to see that.
And I want to tell you about one more. Before... I know you’re burning to.
Yeah, I really can’t wait to ask the next question, but okay, go ahead.
My all time favorite place in Northern Ireland.
Which you might not see as a tourist necessarily, is the Mourne Mountains. M - O - U - R - N - E Mountains.
M - O - U? - R - N - E Mourne?
So that must be a “sad mountain”.
They are always in mourning. They are beautiful. Not too big, I think... Am I right? 800 meters maybe the highest. But they are beautiful, great to walk in.
Look, you need a little bit of energy to do it, but they are fantastic. My birthday two or three years ago, I went up the mountains just on my own, it was spring time, and just... oh!
Because it’s a Mourne mountain, so I was just assuming you were.
Beautiful. It will mourn you to leave them.
Okay, I’ve finished my...
Okay, finally. I know that you’re trying to avoid this question, but you have no choice, you gotta answer this one.
I don’t know. I don’t even know what you’re talking about.
Well, okay, this is a bit controversial, but I’m sure everybody wants to know this one.
You’re never a controversial guy.
Well, now I’m gonna be, because I’m gonna ask you this question. Let’s talk about Brexit. What is-
[Sigh] Come on, Brexit. British Exit. What is the stand of Northern Ireland when it comes to this? I mean, generally.
As I understand looking at the figures, majority of people voted not to leave in Northern Ireland.
But overall in the UK by a small, I think it was 52% maybe or something, we all voted in the UK to leave.
Uh, yeah. I voted to leave...
I personally and some of my family voted to leave. Kinda maybe regretting that now, I don’t know what is gonna happen, but we never knew what was gonna happen.
Well, you never know the consequences, but I think it’s becoming more and more apparent now because of... I don’t know, maybe it’s just scaremongering for some people, but I’m sure you’ll be good.
So, I think, generally people think we voted to leave to control our borders. Maybe that was the case for most people. For me, I thought, let’s just be able to make our own rules and keep it simple.
Maybe I made a mistake, I don’t know. I mean, who knows? The problem was, I think, is... no one could predict what would happen either way and we still can’t.
But the thing is, at least now you will have more sovereignty, I mean, you don’t have to depend on Union to come up with your rules, I mean, your own country, own rules.
Well, who can say? Fingers crossed. It’s gonna be a tricky one with Northern Ireland because we’ve that border and it’s gonna be EU/UK now, so I hope everything goes well with that. We’ll see.
I still have a pass, don’t I? For any of my questions?
No, you have to answer all the questions that I’ve prepared for you. Okay, let’s talk about something interesting. How will you describe Northern Irish people? Your sense of humour maybe, or the way you look at life in general.
So, as I’ve said I think the Irish People I mean Republic of Ireland are a bit more laid back. So I’d say we’re a bit more serious. But it’s a rural place.
Generally, it’s a countryside place, so we’re not so strict really, but we do kind of take the rules seriously, like to be organized, like to be on time.
But there are always exceptions. There’s danger of saying “this is exactly the way you people are”. I myself don’t think I’m a typical Northern Irish person.
I mean, I don’t love tea, I’m not a big fan of football. That’s really, really popular in the UK, and in Northern Ireland too.
And generally I think you I’ll find that they’re quite friendly, fairly laid back but still like to be organized, follow the rules generally.
I wish we were like that though, because it’s totally different when it comes to... Okay, I just wanna insert something about our people because we are a little more happy-go-lucky.
“About our people” You’re talking..?
I mean people of the Philippines. And from time to time we like breaking rules for our own convenience, which is, I don’t know, I’m probably a different kind of Filipino.
No! I am that type of person who really follows rules strictly, as much as I can of course.
Well, my education was following rules and equations. And when you follow an equation you get an answer and it’s fantastic. And the feeling is great. So I’m like, oh, rule, a rule! Great. I’m gonna enjoy following that.
Maybe it’s just me, but I think a lot of Northern Ireland people like, right there is a rule, we’d better do that. Yeah. Queueing. Oh, I didn’t tell you about queueing.
We are so serious. It’s like a sport. Queueing. You have to do it. You cannot in any circumstances... I know it’s fairly serious in Russia, but it’s so strict. You cannot even look like you’re gonna go in front of someone.
It’s very strict. You have to think of that. Ken, you have to look for a queue if there’s not one. Create one.
It seems to be like a mentality.
Not that much, but it’s a way to organize things.
It’s the order of it, the perfection in it.
Yeah, and they’re obsessed with this.
First, second, third. You can count them all...
I’m just wondering though, how do you react if there’s someone who cuts the line?
Do you say something to that person?
You glare at them evilly. You know looks can kill.
Yes, I know. The death look.
Oh, they’ve broken every rule.
Oh, my God, is it like a mortal sin?
Is that you’re committing some very serious mortal sin?
I mean, the police won’t come, but you know... You’ve like broken everything.
Oh, my God. So that’s how serious people are when it comes to queueing. But going back to my question, do you say something though? Do you say, oh my God what the heck?
I personally wouldn’t shout at them. But I might say, hey I’m first here, or, excuse me, maybe... I don’t know it depends on the situation. It depends on my mood maybe too. How much time I have, what I’m holding...
Speaking of which, when you said “depending on your mood”... So if you’re not in the mood...
It depends. So my mood as I’m drinking a little coffee depends on coffee, I guess.
Would you punch somebody who cuts the line?
Ken, haven’t I already punched you today?
No. You wouldn’t dare. You wouldn’t dare.
Violence doesn’t really solve anything.
Oh wow. You’re such a good boy.
I wouldn’t say that, but I don’t tend to punch people. I don't think it's the Northern Irish way to punch people who skip queues, but we really don’t... In our heart and in our soul they're blacklisted forever. That is a person of evil.
I wish though we had that thing, because... Sometimes I just really hate people who cut the line. And they feel like they're entitled to do so, just because they think they’re older than you, or they are a person of authority.
Don’t forget, in our culture everyone follows these rules, so it’s very unusual for someone to skip the line. And if they notice like, oops, they will be like, oh, turn red, I’m offended, or I’m so sorry, they would be so apologetic if they try to skip the line.
And it doesn’t matter who they are. It doesn’t matter, how high in standing they are in society. They would be like, right, there’s this rule, queues, I know it, it’s my culture, I’ve grown up with it, they’ll stick to it.
Wow, I like that. All right.
Can I pause for a second?
Should we comment on these ginger biscuits we’ve been given?
Do you call them biscuits or do you call them cookies?
Ginger bread. Do you know that? Do you call it ‘ginger bread’?
Some Filipinos would call it like that, but cookies... Thank you for giving us this one.
You have a tank, 23 February.
That’s a great symbol for, I mean, today is the National Defender’s Day.
Yeah. Weirdly, Defender’s of the Fatherland
The country’s now gotten like home, right?
We’ll try our best, I mean, we will try, right? Anything else you wanna..?
Yeah, I still have one more here. What are you most proud of being Northern Irish?
We once beat England in a football match. One to nil.
So, that’s the proudest thing?
Oh, that was a proud moment, I can tell you. England, they’re often if not always in the world Cup, and Euro, and... It was fantastic.
That must have been a big accomplishment.
It was, like, I remember in my work at that time, we were celebrating so much. There was this slogan, this Song: “We’re not Brazil, we’re Northern Ireland” Don’t ask me why.
I don’t know why. I answered the phone and then instead of saying the name of the company I talked about “we’re not Brazil”.
We were ecstatic. And I didn’t even care much about phone calls.
I guess we’re proud of the green beautiful place we live, lot’s of nature, quite friendly I think, got lots of heritage, some problems in the past, hopefully now quite peaceful, and we get on well with each other.
But I think we’re just generally proud of who we are, where we’ve come from, if you’re Irish, proud of Ireland, and I love it, and part of the UK in there heart to turn to for some people.
Wow, you sound patriotic.
I like my country, I like my region, I love those mountains, family, and I don’t know if I would say I’m super patriotic.
With that said though, I’m gonna touch on another sensitive topic, it just popped out of my mind.
I’m just wondering though, do you have any kind of criticisms against any part of your culture, maybe with your tradition? To be honest with you, I can be a bit critical of my own country too, with our own traditions. Of course, I am proud to be Filipino, but...
I told you about St Patrick’s day, but I didn’t tell you about the other alternative, which is the kind of Protestant British tradition, which is to also have a parade but on the 12 of July and with a lot of historical stuff and bands and less...
It’s not less funny, but still it’s a good day and enjoyable, interesting to watch. And the only kind of criticism I would have is that some people take that a bit too seriously.
They tend to really dislike the other crowd. There’s this kind of “we’re us and you’re them”.
I don’t like that. And I’m not unique, that there are people in Northern Ireland who are tired of that kind of attitude. But still it’s there and some people feel that way. But I tend to respect everyone, trying to respect everyone and their culture and their tradition.
Wow! You’re such a good man.
I like to. I think it’s right. If you expect to respect you, you should respect them.
Respect begets respect. And I wanna talk about food. What about food in Northern Ireland?
Oh come on! With that size?
Potato. The potato. Observe the simple potato, Ken. My parents, people in Northern Ireland, they are just like, let’s have potatoes every day. Too much for me now. My mom knows this. But potatoes are regular.
Absolutely. But all the alternatives are available: pasta, rice, everything is available. Lots of different restaurants from different cultures, different countries are available. But your traditional fast food, although we have McDonald's and all that, is fish and chips.
So it’s still typically British.
Absolutely, same. Although there’s your variant in “the fry”, you know, the breakfast with an egg? Now, not everyday food, but there is a variant of that which includes something called “potato bread”.
Oh wow, that sounds interesting.
Google it later, it’s better than tasting it. And the soda farl, which is another type of bread. So it’s a bit different from the English breakfast, but same in principle and fantastic. Very filling, I recommend it for breakfast and lunch together.
00:36:50 K: What about you though? Do you have some potatoes for each meal of the day?
I’m not such a fan of potato. I like them, I enjoy them, but not every day. I like variety.
So you’re not stereotypically, what, British? Or Northern Irish?
Eating a lot of potatoes every day...
That makes you different.
I’m different. We’re all unique.
In our own way. Me too! That’s the one thing that I really don’t like much about...
No, I love myself of course! But, the thing is, when I was in Kazakhstan, and even here in Russia, I really don’t like anything to do with potatoes, because I’m from East Asia, and normally we have rice as our staple food...
I wanna say, I thought it would be stereotypical.
No, but it’s true. Every time I go to a cafe I always look for rice, rice, rice. But sometimes they would offer me if not potatoes sometimes bread. And bread? Oh come on, don’t you have rice? I need the rice! I am stereotypically East Asian.
You know what we should do?
We should talk about your country.
Well, we’re gonna talk about that in the next episode, not in this episode yet.
Let’s do that. So should we end it, Ken? What do you think?
Yes, I guess that’s about it for our first episode.
The craic is all about your country, Northern Ireland. All right, see you next time!
See you Ken, I’ll see you around!
