Well, it really started in the Dublin airport on my recent trip to Ireland. As I, my sister, and our traveling companions exited the plane and trekked the long hallways in search of customs, I kept noticing signs that looked like this:
My sleepy, jet-lagged brain thought, Boy, these people sure like to run. Is there a track downstairs? Or is it in case of zombies…if the apocalypse hits, flee–this way! These Irish sure are prepared…
Then we get on the road, and I saw one of these:
Then another, and another. Honestly, I thought they were to warn people not to picnic on the road when I first saw them in Scotland. Though strangely they are usually located near an overpass. Who wants to picnic near an overpass? Voicing my strange thoughts to my sis, Ella Sheridan, led to a love affair with the oddly humorous signs we encountered throughout Ireland, Wales, and London.
Her interpretation of the picnic on the road sign was even funnier than mine, but I won’t spoil the joke. You can check out her version of this story from the link at the bottom of the page. First, let’s take a look at some of the very interesting signage that had us laughing, pointing, and scratching our heads in confusion:
Is this supposed to be an invitation to come on inside? Depending on how “kranky” the barber is today, you could end up with just a close trim…or completely skinned!
From Ella: Uh, no. Never trust anyone who is both ‘kranky’ and holding scissors.
My, what big teeth you have! What that poor little fish doesn’t know, won’t hurt him. Oh yeah it will–he’s what’s for dinner!
Um, just why? Was the Far Out Ferret already taken? I mean, this does not entice me to shop. I can’t even imagine what those clothes must smell like.
Ella: At least they’re right out there with it. The people with the next sign are just plain confused.
One thought: how fresh can poison possibly be?
Only 36 books? Are there more downstairs? Otherwise, this is the smallest bookstore I’ve ever seen.
Ella: And what if you’ve read them all?
Should the zombie apocalypse truly arise, Wales will be the country to beat. They have already brewed the perfect survival weapon: Brains beer.
Ella: Braaaiiins! Braaaiiins! (I bet they have fun at Halloween!)
This one is just for us ‘girl’s of plenty’. All you skinny thangs have to find another loo to use!
Ella: Do I look bloated? I feel a little bloated. Look at me from this side. Whatdya think? Bloated, right?
Do we really need to encourage this kind of behavior?
Ella: For the late-night snacker in you, apparently.
I have to wonder what kind of pharmacy these chemists are really running?!?!
We’re not the only ones, obviously the Irish think their signs are totally cool too. After all, even the banks are in on it!
I mean, over the top, y’all!
Ella: Not just out, but way out!
So there you have it! Our trip throughout Ireland and the UK, told through signs. We’d love if you’d share the favorite/funniest/weirdest sign you’ve ever seen. Or tell us your unique interpretation of these signs. Help us know we aren’t the only ones to view the world in a weird way…
Dani
For more kooky signs (and the other half of the story) visit my sister Ella Sheridan’s blog today, where she tells in her own words How it all started…
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Marilyn Baxter - November 4, 2013
I took a picture of the Kranky Barber too! And that town also had the European Family Restaurant featuring pizza, fish and chips and southern fried chicken. And as we left Dun Laoghaire (wanna explain to your readers how to pronounce that?) I saw a shop that was the School of Sugarcraft — Wedding Cake Specialists. Does that make the cake wickedly good? In Killarney I saw Brosnan’s Handy Store. I really wanted to go in and ask if they were related to Pierce. And some place (I think between Blarney Castle and Waterford) I saw a car parked along the street with this sign on the back: “!!Tuition Vehicle!! Please be patient. You were a learner once.” On the roof of the car was one advertising the John Kelly School of Motoring. I had a laugh, but he’s right. We were all learners once.
Great blog!
darynda - November 4, 2013
HAHAHAHA!!! This is hilarious! Thank you for the giggles!
Dani Wade - November 4, 2013
Thanks, Darynda! We laughed all the way across Ireland. 🙂
Dani Wade - November 4, 2013
Ah, Marilyn! Those are awesome!!!!