Monagan begins this chapter by describing Ireland in December or as he says a “season that is best spent in bed.” Not only does the countryside grow sullen but also their precious car. Besides, he points out that some crazy visitors to Ireland believe that it promotes health. Yeah, of course. It makes you want to sleep day in day out and as if this weren’t healthy :). 
Another thing that can have an influence on your health is the gardaí and their perfunctory engagement with the problems of their fellow citizens. Amongst the tribulations the Monagan family has so far stumbled upon is now the smashed window of their car. On calling the gerdaí the incident still remains shrouded in mystery.
As if this shattered window weren’t enough. Monagan’s wife Janie has problems finding a job. I the Hi-B Monagan was given an offer- his wife should call in the morning. But what turned out is that promises made in a pub are not to be stuck to. Moreover, they find out that when looking for a job, it is not the question of what you can but whom you know – “or you will officially be regarded as nonexistent.” The problem of who-do-you-know is also at the root of the emigration of qualified people.
The adjustment to the new environment seems to be more unsettling for the parents than their children. Mercifully, it is Christmas time, so all the bad memories can be swept into a corner, if only for a day or two.
Ireland is without doubt not the only country in the world with the question “Who do you know.” Bribery, corruption and who-do-you-know – it all perfectly epitomizes Croatia. Recently I heard from my friend that her friend who was an excellent (more then an excellent student) had “surprisingly” “little” difficulties enrolling for the course she wanted. Why? Because people who know THE MAJOR PEOPLE (professors, doctors and so on and so forth) jump the invisible line. That makes me furious.
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