I Love Insurance

Banned for being grotesquely obese

Eugene — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:40:56 +0000

The award winning Compare Travel insurance, ‘Save Yourself the Risk’ advertisement is back in action after being banned for discrimination against obesity in late 2011.

The dwarf, the fat man and the chainsaw have tidied up their act and have been allowed back on air. After receiving Mumbrella’s ad of the month in December 2011 the advertisement received mixed reviews as it pushed the boundaries of the Advertising Standards Bureau.

The ad portrays Eugene, a traveller, whose holiday experience is affected by the presence of a very fat man (‘Big Risk’) and a dwarf (‘Little Risk’).

Media spokesperson for Compare Travel Insurance, Natalie Ball said that original advertisement sparked significant controversy amongst a number of viewers.

“The original ‘Save Yourself the Risk’ campaign received a great response, some were amused others not so much.” she said. “It was disappointing to learn that the ad had been banned -we wanted to entertain not offend.”

A scene portraying a half-naked obese man receiving a massage from a disgusted masseuse flagged the attention of the Advertising Standards Bureau. Complaints of discrimination were deemed offensive and demeaning to overweight people – the scene was removed and replaced with half-naked models on rollerblades.

“The majority of the board determined that the overall tone of the advertisement was light-hearted –slapstick’ humour – we want to uphold the ad’s original intention,” Ball said.

Jeff Purser, creative director at Blow Communications agency, was the artistic mind responsible for one of 2011 funniest advertisements. Knowing the ad would receive mixed reviews from the public; Jeff was determined to have his infamous Eugene return to TV.

“An ad campaign with an edge gets stronger cut-through, and it’s refreshing to work with a client with the ingenuity and sense of humour to understand that,” said Mr Purser.

Eugene, Big Risk and Little Risk will now live to see another day. You can find more Eugene videos, blog posts and photos online at www.iloveinsurance.com.au. To view the new advertisement follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJT2o0W9I00&list=UUyrZkZpOEG1Y4oNxOXgFPCg&index=1&feature=plcp.

ENDS/….

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

Natalie Ball, Business Development Manager

Compare Travel Insurance

P: 02 8252 0607

E: natalie.ball@compareinsurance.com.au

Surviving your first trip abroad.

Eugene — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:27:03 +0000

Your first trip abroad is possibly the most exciting and daunting experience of your life. Like anything new you are feeling slightly hesitant because you’re not sure what to expect or what will happen.

To set your mind at ease, I have never met anyone who regretted travelling abroad. It is the most exciting experience of your life. You will learn, discover and embrace new cultures, beliefs and customs. However when deciding on a destination it is important to consider language and cultural barriers. For first timers I suggest selecting a place you will feel safe, comfortable and not too out of your depth.

To help you on your journey here are my top tips for first time travellers.

TIP 1# What are your hobbies and passions?

It is always a good idea to write down all the things you love and align them with the strengths of destinations, for example if you really love surfing then Bali or Hawaii would be great.

TIP 2# How far away is home?

You don’t have your own pair of red ruby slippers so when you’re abroad you won’t be able to click your heels together and whisk yourself home. Remember if you think that you are going to get home sick and want to bail, consider a holiday closer to home.

Travel distance also comes into play. Check how long your flight will be and work out if you truly think you are ready for the arduous journey to and from your destination. There is nothing worse than jetlag and you don’t want to spend your trip lying in a hotel room catching up on z’s.

TIP 3# Communication is key

First time travellers should really travel to a country which speaks their own tongue. Not being able to be understand your surroundings while travelling can be one of the most isolating experiences, even for the most experienced traveller.

Many countries speak English, so don’t be worried – just do your research. You should also carry around a translator or learn a few key words to get by – just in case.

Tip 4# Budget conscious

Work out how much money you want to spend travelling and stick to your budget. There is no point travelling to a destination if when you get there all you can afford is to lie on the beach. You should also consider booking online – you will save yourself a lot of coin.

Tip 5# Seasonality

Pick a season that you prefer and base hemispheres and proximity to the equator. Most guide books will list climate conditions. Oh, and don’t forget to pack appropriate clothing. Winter getaways often require larger suitcases.

LASTLY

Once you have considered the above write down the countries that seem like the best option. Also nut-out some pros and cons of your top 5 destinations. Hopefully you’ll be on your first holiday escapade in no time. Good luck and happy travelling.

Wow check out that tourist

Eugene — Thu, 03 May 2012 03:17:11 +0000

“The worst thing about being a tourist is having other tourists recognise you as a tourist.” – Russell Baker

I came across the quote by Russel Baker and instantly an image of a guy wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a fanny pack came to mind. Tourists are those people that wander the streets looking lost, puzzled or posing next to a street sign or statue.

They are also infamous for being annoying. But like it or not, travelling comes hand-in-hand with being a tourist.

Some countries treat tourists like royalty because they know you’ll be visiting their expensive restaurants, shows and shops. On the other hand some countries see them as complete nuisances. If you ask for directions you’re more than likely going to be ignored.

This is what inspired me to write this blog. How can you disguise your tourist behaviours?

1# Avoid carrying a map

Don’t stand in the centre of a street, holding an oversized map, turning it upside down and inside out. Maps are a dead giveaway that you’re a tourist, that you are lost, and that you may be an easy target -locals will be able to point you out in a heartbeat. Instead, trying carrying a GPS to give you discrete instructions or view a street director in the subway. Oh and avoid fighting with your partner about which way to go…

2# I love shirts

As much as you love your signature ‘I love USA’ shirt don’t wear it walking around the streets. Souvenir shirts are great… I love them… but maybe just wait until your back on your home turf to wear it.

3# Camera: click, flash, cheese!

Photos are memories; I am a big believer of that. But sadly if you walk around taking happy snaps of every monument you see I’m afraid that well, you’ll be pin pointed as a tourist.

4# Fanny packs

Fanny packs are possibly the most horrendous fashion accessory ever invented for travellers. II suggest trying a handbag or even a backpack. You can also pick up cheap passport wallets that hang around your neck under your clothes – inconspicuous!

6# remember to exchange your dollar for the country’s currency.

It doesn’t take long, please everyone go and have your cash exchanged for the country’s currency. It may seem obvious but you’ll be surprised how often I hear tourists say “do you take Australian dollars?”.

7# McDonalds is everywhere but it doesn’t mean you should eat there.

So often tourists will eat at Pizza Hut or McDonalds over traditional Chinese or Italian because they see it as safe. Although this may be true, eating at chains is predictable. To be on the safe side simple eat at local favourites so you won’t be pinned as a vulnerable tourist.

8# Speaking English

Sometimes this is unavoidable but speaking English in a non-English speaking country can do you more harm than good. If you really don’t want to be seen as a tourist, consider learning some basic words and sentences to get buy abroad.

Be bag savvy

Eugene — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:01:29 +0000

As you line up at the security gates, you look ahead at the large authority stricken security guard ushering you into the airport security cue. You look down at your carry-on luggage thinking to yourself, ‘what will they steal from my bag this time!’

Airport Security has strict rules that need to be complied with when travelling. They will only accept certain items to be taken aboard the flight. This helps them to manage and protect other passages.

Nearly every airport will have a security gate that you must pass through before boarding an aeroplane. Knowing what is and isn’t allow aboard the flight can sometimes be tricky, so here is a quick guide to help you be in know when packing your carry-on luggage.

TIP 1: It is always a good idea to organise your carry-on luggage and pack your luggage in a way that will allow security guards to see and identify exactly what is in your bag.

TIP 2: Wrap up electric cord so they aren’t floating around your bag.

Tip 3: Never wrap gifts. If airport security can’t see inside a package they may open it. So avoid wrapping twice and organise this when you arrive at your destination.

Tip 4: Over-sized electrical devices, like your laptop, will need to be removed from your bag when going through security.

Tip 5: Medication, baby formula and food can be taken aboard a flight but you must declare these at security.

Tip 6: It is always safe to take roll-on deodorant when travelling however some small size areoles cans be taken aboard but they must be declared at security. Ensure they have a lid.

Tip 7: To eleviate the concern of whether your toiletries will be accepted when travelling, it is always a good idea to purchase all the essential toiletries when you arrive at your destination. You’ll also save on space!

Tip 8: The age old rule when packing carry-on luggage is: if in doubt, don’t pack it. If it has a sharp edge or could potentially be dangerous then leave it at home. If security is unsure about a certain item they will not allow you to take it.

If you have followed all of these tips and you are still caught out at the security gate then you are often given the following options to dispose of the item:

Take the disallowed item to the ticket counter and check it in.
Go to the mail facilities at the airport and post it home
Give it to the person seeing you off at the airport
If you are parking your car at the airport then leave it in your car.

Depending on the item and how risky security deems it to be sometimes the item will be completely confiscated. If this is the case the easiest thing you can do is simply cooperate with them.

Travelling on a shoestring budget is possible- Find out how?

Eugene — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 04:48:14 +0000

Do you have a terrible case of the travel bug?Are you itching to get out there and explore the world But one thing is holding you back – your bank account?

Travelling on a shoestring budget is possible; the only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be roughing it. There is nothing luxurious about a shoestring budget holiday. Here is my quick guide to becoming a shoestring budget traveller.

Firstly there are a few travel options out there:

1. Couch surfing

2. House swapping

3. Volunteering

4. Wwoofing

5. Working aboard.

Depending on your own personal style and how willing you are to ‘rough it’, one of these options should suit you.

Couch surfing

One of the most expensive things about travel is your accommodation. Couch surfing will not only minimise this cost but it will completely eliminate it. Couch surfing is exchanging hospitalities with another family, person or group. You are offered the couch, spare room or mattress in their home for free whilst you’re travelling; in exchange you offer them the same hospitalise when they come to Australia.

Couch surfing is not only great because you’ll save cash on accommodation but it will also help you better understand the culture of the locals. You’ll be thrown into living and conforming to their societal norms.

Visit this website to find out how to get involved with couch surfing: http://www.couchsurfing.org/

House swapping

Made famous by Camera Diaz and Kate Winslet in the movie, Holiday, house swapping has become a common way of travelling for many people. House swapping works on the principle that you offer your house to a traveller in exchange for them offering you their home.

Similar to couch surfing this form of travel cuts the cost of accommodation whilst allowing you to truly experience the local’s way of life. The thing to remember when house swapping is that you need to make sure the house swap is legitimate. You will need to sign up to a house swapping agency. Once you do this you’ll be able to search the site for potential house swaps, then make an offer to the home owner, sign a house swap agreement and then you’re on your way!

Volunteering

Volunteering is not only rewarding but it can be a cost effective way of travelling. It will allow you to experience a new way of living whilst you reap the reward of giving back to a community.

Volunteering doesn’t necessarily equate to a cheap holiday so you’ll have to do your research to find a cheap volunteer organisations to work on behalf off. Some volunteer organisations can allow you volunteer opportunities where you pay very little and your accommodation and food is covered.

Wwoofing

WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunity on Organic Farms. Wwoofing is when you are linked with organic farmers all around the world and you volunteer to work on their farms in exchange for accommodation, food and education about sustainable living and organic farming.

Wwoofing is offered all over the world by a variety of wwofing organisations. Although more suited to the hippy in us all this is a great way to learn something new whilst still being able to discover a new country. To find out more about Wwoofing visit this website: http://www.wwoof.org/

Working abroad

If you travelling on a budget don’t expect to be sitting around relaxing on the beach the whole trip, you’ll need to pay the bills somehow. One of the most popular forms of travel for many of us is working abroad. Millions of people are working in different countries whilst they travel. Whether you work behind a bar, waiting tables or even in the same position as you’re working in Australia, working abroad is a great way to travel.

Australia is lucky in that it has a number of countries which allow Aussie to work while on their holidays. If a working holiday sounds like the best option for you then you’ll have to arrange to get a working visa. These can be quite tricky to obtain but once you jump through all the hoops it’s pretty smooth sailing. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship website provides information on countries and regions participating in the Working Holiday Program with Australia. Please be advised however that the working holiday program is only for Australians aged between 18-30 years.

Travelling on a shoestring budget means that you’ll be slightly roughing it. But it will cure you of your travel bug and you’ll have the opportunity to experience a new way of living.

Where to spend the ultimate Easter holiday

Eugene — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:13:09 +0000

Chocolate, a big fluffy bunny and a four day long weekend- Honestly could this get any better?Easter holidays are my favourite. It could be the extra-long weekend, or it could be all of the chocolate I know I’ll be eating.. Truth be told, I’m completely addicted to chocolate so please excuse my enthusiasm,

Chocolate has been around for quite a while – since 1100BC originally crafted by Mesoamericans.Chocolate is now being enjoyed by nearly every nation on earth, but there are some places that have better chocolate than others. For all the chocoholics out there here are my top 5 places on earth to enjoy the best chocolate in the world.

5# the chocolate capital of Germany, Cologne

Cologne is the home to the second biggest supplier of chocolate to the United States, Stollwerck Chocolate Company. The company has its very own chocolate museum, The Imhoff Stollwerck Museum. If you visit the museum you can’t miss the enormously large chocolate fountain. It is the most amazing sight to see… It makes your mouth water.

4# Dubbed as the sweetest place on Earth, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Home to the infamous Hershey Chocolate Company there is no wonder that Hershey, Pennsylvania is one of my top 5. If you visit you must go to Hershey’s Chocolate World. You can go on a chocolate adventure and taste the best chocolate you’ve ever eaten.

3# New York

The amazing thing about New York is that nearly every single chocolate company in the world has set up shop in the city. If you visit you must go on a Luxury Chocolate Tour, where you’ll be taken on a guided tour to the world’s best chocolate cafes and restaurants.

My favourite chocolate bars in New York are MarieBella, Li-Lac, Richart Design et Chocolate and lastly the best of all Jacques Torres Chocolate.

2# Zurich, Switzerland

The Swedish consum more chocolate per person than any other country and they are the creators of some of our favourites like Lindt, Toblerone and Nestle. Zurich is the hub of where the majority of Lindt is produced. The Swiss also have the Swiss Chocolate Train which stops at Callier-Nestle Factory.

1# The chocolate capital of the world Brussels, Belgium

With 12 chocolate factories, 16 chocolate museums and 2,100 chocolate shops Brussels definitely take the cake for the world’s best. Expect to put on a few extra kilos after visiting Brussels. The city is home to two of the biggest chocolate companies in the world, Godiva and Leonidas.

Ah gosh after reading this does anyone fancy some chocolate? I know I do. Well I’m off to over indulge on chocolate and enjoy my Easter break. Happy Easter everyone, remember to eat chocolate for breakfast, lunch and tea!

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‘No advice, is it good advice’?

Eugene — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:19:06 +0000

The pros and cons of listening to those who trod before you?

“So everyone, I’m going overseas”- BAM from nowhere a group of wise travelling nomads will appear to share their wisdom and guidance of how to stay safe when travelling.

Make sure you don’t drink the water.

Only eat where locals eat.
Don’t wear revealing swim wear at the beach.
Always book accommodation prior to arrival.

Sound familiar- yep that’s right, everyone has heard one, if not all of these little pieces of travel advice. Whilst it might seem monotonous and annoying, it is highly valuable information because it is generally sourced from someone’s own personal experience gone wrong!

After hearing 5 years’ worth of travel advice from my family and friends before I set sail, I’ve decided to write a blog about how I feel about travel advice. Whilst I think everyone should take on board the advice others give you, I believe it’s critical to find your own experience when travelling, even if it means throwing out the big book of travel advice (But please use your common sense!).

Pro’s to travel advice

The advice can help you to avoid spending your holiday in the hotel bathroom: The health conditions in some countries overseas are vastly different from Australia. This means that the water quality, food preparation conditions and overall food quality can be significantly less than what we Aussie are used to. They don’t call it Delhi Belly for nothing, listening to advice about where to eat and drink is definitely worthwhile… TRUST ME!

Cultural divides: Many countries have special customs, ways of living and social courtesies that travellers need to be aware of before travelling abroad. To avoid being embarrassed or worse, being sent to jail, travel advice about customs and laws is worthy of note taking; after all it’ll allows you to be prepared.

They are only telling you because they care: When family and friends share their wisdom with you they are only doing so because they want to make sure you come back in one piece. They may have experienced frightening situations overseas that they don’t want you to have to experience.

Con’s to travel advice

When so-called wise wisdom vergers on the borderlines of lies: You can’t trust everything you hear from so called ‘wise travellers’. Some people will tell you stories and experiences that are completely and utterly false. If you are ever uncertain or unsure about advice someone has told you, research it and find out the reality. Don’t let some silly lies discourage you from experiencing and embracing everything a country has to offer.

If you listened to every single piece of advice, you would never leave your hotel room: Make sure that you experience everything the country has to offer. Travelling is all about experiencing different cultures and ways of life. It is about learning and growing personally. Please don’t sit in your hotel room, frightened to leave, because your friend Tom told you that “there are pickpockets who will spot you out of the crowd and steal everything on you”. Guys, just make sure your bag has a zipper and go out there and EXPLORE! Whilst the advice might be true, if you are aware, prepared and conscious of the situation you’ll more than likely be fine.

Contradicting advice: Whilst all advice might be true, often it can be very contradicting. Everyone has their own personal experiences of a place they have travelled to. So if your head is full of advice that say do this, don’t do that- FORGET IT! Be smart and make your own travel experiences! Make your own stories and advice to come back to Australia and share with some poor Aussie about to set sail.

Travelling is all about experiencing the world we live and understanding new ways of life. Be smart, have common sense and think before you act.

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The Great Wall of Culture – The Chinese do it differently.

Eugene — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:21:49 +0000

I’m going to put something out there – I bet you’ve had some ‘WTF’ thoughts when travelling abroad. Simply put, ‘they’ do it differently. As an Aussie is can be hard to understand why they do, say, wear or play the way they do, but remember; a little bit of cultural consideration could save The Great Southern Land quite a bit of humiliation. Here’s a rough guide I recently put together about surviving the cultural divide – China’s edition.

The first thing you need to keep in mind when venturing into China Town is China is entrenched with centuries of cultural traditions and customs. In comparison, Australia is still a pup with very little traditions of its own. So think back to the wise wisdom your grandmother told you: respect your elders!

One of the major differences I found in China was how hierarchical and formal the social structures are. In Australia we have very loose hierarchical social environment. Our boss, parents and grandparents are respected, however not at the same level as they are in China. So don’t go balls in expecting everyone to give you the respect you THINK you deserve!

Being an Aussie if I have a problem or issue with someone, I don’t muck around, I sort the issue out ASAP! Well this is definitely a big NO, NO in China. Direct confrontation is considered shameful and highly frowned upon. Resolving issues are always done indirectly and politely. Good luck this is not easy!

Me, myself and I, right? WRONG.

In China the collective group is seen as far more important than the individual. Yep that’s right you’ll have to learn to take a bullet for the team!

How about a crazy, drunken night out? The type where you wake up wishing you didn’t do, say or act the way you did. Slightly on the embarrassing side but ah well these things blow over. Not in China! Jeopardising your reputation is very damaging and could see you with little to no friends. Respecting and maintaining your reputation over there is imperative so remember cross your legs, no elbows on the table and be polite.

The last difference that stood out to me was the idea of personal relationships. Do you remember your high school crush? I sure do… Well in China dating during adolescence and early adulthood is highly discourages. Relationships and marriage is not encouraged until you’re in your late twenties. So perhaps hold off on the extravagant PDAs.

There are 1000 more cultural traditions in China that differ from the Aussie way. And on top of this, there are millions of difference world-wide and across cultures. My advice would be to do some research before you go. Don’t be the ‘silly tourist’.

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Anyone fancy an Irish whisky, Guinness or an Irish Martini?

Eugene — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 06:06:25 +0000

This Saturday, 17^th March, your streets will be filled with green leprechaun, floats bearing decorations in all shades of green and your pubs will be serving Guinness by the pint to loud people shouting Slainte (cheers). Ok you’ve guessed it… Saturday is the almighty St Patricks Day.

I don’t know about you but the Irish know how to put on a great party. St Patricks Day is by far one of my most favourite celebrations. The festival seems to get countries across the world on board, with a St Patricks Day parade in almost all major cities.

Unlike any other Saturday, green gatherings will be celebrating the Irish Saint, St Patrick who devoted his life to establishing churches and monasteries across Ireland. However if you’re anything like me, you simply see this day as the perfect excuse to jump on board the band wagon and PAR-TAY!

Now here are my five tips to mastering this magnificent day, no matter what country you are in.

Step 1: Finding the parade

Finding the perfectly festive St Paddy’s Day parade is definitely not hard, no matter where you are. Of course if you want to celebrate the day in all its glory, Dublin is the place to be, second to that is Boston and New York. For all parades and event information near you visit www.st-patricks-day.com.

Step 2: Locating the Irish Pub

The Irish are great at ensuring they have their very own pubs across the world. I know I’ll be deck in green streamers, sitting on a bar stool, enjoying the ambient environment of the perfect Irish pub. To find an Irish pub near you visit www.IrishAboard.com.

Step 3: Throwing down a few pints

To pay your tributes to St Patricks in the most honourable way you’ll need to slam down some mighty pints of Guinness. This is one day in the year that sober people are just not accepted. I suggest you drink up and let your hair down!

Step 4: A hearty meal

The Irish don’t believe in drinking on an empty stomach. There will be an array of Irish delicacies on offer. From a hearty Irish strew to the deliciously scrumptious Sheppard’s Pie, the Irish will make certain that everyone is filled to the brim.

Step 5: The Irish Shamrock toast

My last and final piece of advice that I will give to you is make certain you are in on one of the many Irish toasts. No celebration or gathering will be complete without at least one slurred, loud spoken Irish fellow shouting out a phrase or two, followed by a loud laugh of agreement.

Tipping etiquette – do we have to?

Eugene — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:48:29 +0000

I’m heading to LA soon and I’m fairly well-prepared. I’ve organised my travel insurance (of course!), bought a set of mini toiletries and booked my accommodation. One thing I’m not prepared for, however, is tipping.

When I wine and dine at home, I only tip when I have an awesome experience and want to say thanks. It’s often a couple of bucks tossed on the table, or I just tell them to keep the change. In many other countries, however, tipping is expected.

But do we really have to tip every time we eat, drink, hop in a cab, take a tour, use the bathroom or have our bags carried? And if so, how much should we tip?

The reason why tipping is expected in America, and some other countries, is because service staff are often paid below minimum wage and they rely on tips to meet their living expenses. In the US, their tips are even taxed, as the government sees tips as being part of their wage.

In Europe, wages tend to be a little higher, so tipping isn’t always customary. In Germany, Austria, Holland and Switzerland, a 5-10% tip is common. If you’re travelling through France, you will find your tip is included in the bill. You won’t be expected to tip in Italy or Spain.

If you don’t know how to tip, it can get a bit awkward. The other day, a friend told me about his tipping experiences in New York. He’d just arrived at his hotel and noticed the safe in his room wasn’t working. The concierge sent up the ‘safe man’ and when he had fixed it, my friend fumbled in his pockets before pressing a crumpled dollar bill into his hand. They then shared an awkward pause, before the worker walked away. “I didn’t know if I was even meant to tip him, and if I was, I worried that I hadn’t tipped enough! I kept imagining the hotel staff were whispering ‘stingy Australian’ whenever I walked through the lobby!”

To avoid any awkward moments, here are some top tipping tips:

Always tip with cash.
Give the tip to the person who served you, so they are directly rewarded.
Tip a little more if you have had exceptional service.
If in doubt, it’s better to tip a little more than to under-tip and appear tight.

Though I think the best advice for tipping is this: treat others how you would want to be treated. Be generous if it’s deserved, because the person you’re tipping might need it more than you think.

I Love Insurance

Banned for being grotesquely obese

Surviving your first trip abroad.

Wow check out that tourist

Be bag savvy

Travelling on a shoestring budget is possible- Find out how?

Where to spend the ultimate Easter holiday

‘No advice, is it good advice’?

The Great Wall of Culture – The Chinese do it differently.

Anyone fancy an Irish whisky, Guinness or an Irish Martini?

This Saturday, 17th March, your streets will be filled with green leprechaun, floats bearing decorations in all shades of green and your pubs will be serving Guinness by the pint to loud people shouting Slainte (cheers). Ok you’ve guessed it… Saturday is the almighty St Patricks Day.

Tipping etiquette – do we have to?

image source

This Saturday, 17^th March, your streets will be filled with green leprechaun, floats bearing decorations in all shades of green and your pubs will be serving Guinness by the pint to loud people shouting Slainte (cheers). Ok you’ve guessed it… Saturday is the almighty St Patricks Day.