The Social Side of Shopping

When you’ve been to the shops, it’s nice to sit down with a friend for a chat.


Apertureƒ/1.8
CameraSM-G998B
Focal length6.7mm
ISO639
Shutter speed1/500s

Bicycles and Banter on Castle Street

I interrupted a conversation in process when I took this photo, as the man on the bike noticed me. I don’t think I’ve seen his since I took this photo in March, 2021.


Apertureƒ/3.5
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO250
Shutter speed1/500s

A Tartan Souvenir Moment

A woman inspects a set of playable junior bagpipes that her husband bought in a nearby tourist store near Edinburgh Castle, Scotland.

She smiles, but I’m not sure if she’s happy. đŸ˜‰

Did you know, the bagpipes, often considered Scotland’s national instrument, actually have ancient origins that trace back to the Middle East before finding their iconic home in the Highlands?


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7RM5
Focal length16mm
ISO200
Shutter speed1/500s

Next Stop: Shopping in Cork

Three women wait at the traffic lights on Grand Parade. They’ve all been shopping in NEXT.

It’s odd what Lightroom sometimes does to a photo when you correct for lens distortion. đŸ™‚


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO160
Shutter speed1/500s

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

Last Minute Shopping at O’Donovans Butchers

O’Donovan’s Butchers on Princes Street is long gone but back in 2002 I took this photo on Christmas Eve of shoppers getting food for their dinner the next day. 19 years ago to the day.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraFinePix2800ZOOM
Focal length6mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/20s

Corned Brisket

One of the many butchers in The English Market. I’ve had brisket a few times, but only ever in the USA. Doesn’t seem to be a popular cut of meat here.

Taken on the World Wide Photowalk on July 18th.

Aperture ƒ/4
Camera Canon EOS 40D
Focal length 10mm
ISO 1600
Shutter speed 1/250s