Moorsy
Kathleen, aye it was just as well we did,nt realise how bad of we were
Growing up in Belfast ( born 1942 ) In my naivety, I thought most of the
Western World lived the same kind of lives as us.
Unknown to me, Ireland had the lowest standard of living in Europe, at
that time, I suppose we were happy in our ignorance.
Most people did not have the money to holiday in Foreign countries, so
they did not know any better.
When I came to Canada in 1971, it was a case of Culture shock.
Even in the smallest Restaurant, each table had its own salt / pepper /
Ketchup / vinegar / paper serviettes, and " FREE " glasses of water
At lunch time, I would go to a nearby Greasy spoon type Chinese
restaurant still wearing wearing my overalls, and at the next table were
Business men with their briefcases and 3 piece suits.
Coffee was 25 cents a cup, refills 15 cents----------nowadays coffee is
about $ 2.2, with unlimited
free refills.
There was less class distinction, and one did not need University entrance
qualification, to become a clerk / typist.
When you left School, one did not have to sign a form that you understood
that you could not return at a later date.
Night Schools are open until late at night, you can go back to school
no
matter what age you are.You can start an Apprenticeship at
ANY age
Churches are for the people, none of this " having to dress up to go to
church ", you can see jeans / t shirts, and at Christmas Eve the young kids
might be wearing pyjamas.
It is a more easy going lifestyle here, with less of the " keeping up with the
neighbours."
At one time I had 4 cars, all taxed and insured, one car was only for taking
the dogs down to the [censored] for a swim.