Chapters 5 and 6

Once again in chapter five Monagan juxtaposes the pre-and post-Celtic Tiger Ireland. Magnificent places which once where in harmony with nature today function as building sites for the bungalows of the rich. With wealth comes the desire to change everything in a way that this newly acquired wealth becomes obvious. Thus, today many pages from the Irish past have petered out.

Goodbye to the dusty roads of Ireland. Goodbye to bicycles as the only means of transport. Even the old Irish pubs are threatened by extinction.

It pains me to talk about the above because on the Croatian coast the situation is exactly the same. Huge and alien hotel complexes are mushrooming. Wherever there is a burgeoning economy, the environment is changed beyond redemption.

In chapter 6, on the other hand, Monagan touches upon a topic I rank as something highly dangerous. Stereotypes. Which country doesn't have them? After all, it is much easier to see the world through rose-tinted spectacles than to be culturally sensitive. This is apparently how a true Englishman looks like:I dare say, in every country you will find people who confirm a certain stereotype and those who run against it. Truth be told, it would be much wiser not to pigeonhole people, but instead have a broad view of the peoples and the society of a country. Only then can you say that you are an open-minded individual.

Vocabulary-wise, I've decided not to serve you everything on a silver plate anymore. So, I'll give you four words and three possible answers for each word's meaning. Have a merry time guessing:

1.benevolent
a) kind
b)happy
c)sensitive

2.an accomplished person
a) happy
b)educated
c)skilled

3.vacillate
a)moarn
b)fickle
c)be injured to

4.bash
a)a party
b)a concert
c)a contest