No Trolley Problem

Ah, so, what’s the craic with the shopping trolleys in Cork supermarkets, you ask? Well, let me tell ya, they’re as much a part of the shopping experience as the Barry’s Tea in your basket.

In Cork, like elsewhere, shopping trolleys are a staple in supermarkets, making the whole shopping experience a bit more manageable. However, there’s been some chatter about the deposit return scheme, where folks have been having a bit of a mare with the reverse vending machines. These machines sometimes refuse to take back bottles and cans bought from different stores, which has left a few shoppers scratching their heads and making extra trips.

When it comes to the trolleys themselves, they’re generally well-equipped for the job. You can find a variety of them, from the standard metal ones to the more modern plastic versions that are lighter and easier to handle. These plastic trolleys are a bit of a godsend, being rust-proof and made from recyclable materials, which is grand for the environment.

There’s also been the odd sighting of someone pushing multiple trolleys down the road, which is a bit of a head-scratcher and has raised a few eyebrows around town. But sure, that’s just part of the charm of living in Cork, where there’s always something to keep you entertained while you’re out doing the messages.

Sometimes the AI can talk like a Corkonian. Things are looking up.

(The photo above is of a supermarket in Valencia, but I’m sure they have similar problems with shopping trolleys. Hopefully, no ethical dilemmas, though.)


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length35mm
ISO5000
Shutter speed1/500s

Flamenco Flair in the Heart of Valencia

Ladies in dramatic and colourful Flamenco dresses, caught in a moment on the street. The men in black are smartly dressed, but they don’t compare to the red, black and white of the dresses!


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO8000
Shutter speed1/500s

Chihuahuas with lights

A man walks his two chihuahuas through the centre of Valencia. The two dogs had flashing lights on them, attracting lots of attention from people walking past.

I thought it was risky having two chihuahuas off the lead in a busy city centre, but the two dogs were calm and enjoying the walk.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length35mm
ISO5000
Shutter speed1/500s

Red Valerian on the Bridge

On South Gate Bridge last summer, I spotted flowers growing from between the stones of the structure. Google Images says they’re Red Valerian, but I don’t know. They were thriving in their little spot, but I think they’re gone now as the bridge was cleaned in the recent past.

Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is of course visible in the background, towering over nearby buildings, but still, nothing compared to nature growing, as it will.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length75mm
ISO1000
Shutter speed1/500s

A moment at a French Café

In parts of Paris, they have such wide footpaths that café and restaurants have seating outside. The city where I live has done likewise, sometimes successfully, but more often, impeding pedestrians and annoying people. One pub claimed so much public real estate that pedestrians had to walk between tables to get past.


Apertureƒ/1.7
CameraGalaxy S23 Ultra
Focal length6.3mm
ISO125
Shutter speed1/500s

Transparent Legs

On a busy street in Valencia, I took photos of the passing traffic under a cloudy sky lit by the setting sun. Another tourist decided they wanted to photograph the same scene and somehow failed to see me crouched near my camera. It wasn’t until his companion shouted at him to move that he obliged and moved!


Apertureƒ/16
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length35mm
ISO100
Shutter speed10s