i just visited liverpool for thanksgiving. it was a really short visit--a mere 48 hours.

it was so good to see friends who know me really well and to spend time in a city that i've grown to love. liverpool is definitely unique, i was reminded of that by some of my encounters.

encounter #1 taking place on a bus into city centre at 4:30pm.

man approaches me at front of the bus: can i ask you a question?

me: uh, yeeeeeah.

man: do you think i look drunk?

::me looking him over::

man: tell the truth.

me: yeeeeeah, a little. it's mostly in your eyes.

man: my eyes always give me away! that's not good.

me: why?

man: i'm heading to work.

me: where do you work?

man: poundland.

me: well, maybe they'll just think you're tired.

encounter#2 as i'm walking through city centre with naomi saturday afternoon.

a man walking by stops, looks at me, and then looks at the winter hat i have on.

man screaming across a sea of people: WITH THAT HAT, YOU MUST BE IRISH!

what does that even mean?

only in Liverpool.