Cork, Ireland in $440s-$510s from the USA

Alright, lads, what's the craic? You're in good hands with this one because it just so happens to be that I am writing to you in my hometown in County Cork!

Yes, it is wet. Yes, it is August. For the love of river dance, can we move on, please… 

While I've spent most of my life trying to fly as far as I can from this very damp nest, the more I roam, the more I'm charmed by the quirks and beauty of my lovely little isle.

And no, I'm not just talking about the comfort of a good cuppa or spontaneous céilí. 

I mean the kind of magic you find tucked away in a pub somewhere down in Kerry — where the locals seem to have uncanny knowledge of your family tree. Or the serendipitous moment when a stranger pulls over to give you a lift out of the rain. 

While your American TV sets might overflow with their fair share of clichéd paddywhackery, I'll tell you one thing you've got right.

My people really are that kind.

And that forty shades of green thing? Gospel truth.