ABC Family always promotes its "25 days to..." countdown. Christmas, Halloween and Easter seem to be the bigger holidays it likes air the classics and newer movies. Regardless of production date, they all have the same theme of "The Christmas Spirit" is or what "magical encounters" (or scary) will appear on Halloween or "love" and "forgiveness" on Easter.
Funny enough, I do have a theme for my countdown, "adventure". A bit cliche, yes, but it fits. I look forward to my journey involving all of the following; hope, love, magic, spirit, probably forgiveness and a bit o' luck. My "25 days until" countdown has to do with Leprechauns, rainbows and a couple of those lucky four leaf clovers. (Pretty good countdown, aye?)
You guessed it, my countdown is to St. Patrick's Day 2012, one holiday that is kind of idolized in the American culture. I find St. Patrick's Day in the U.S. to be more of an identification and celebration of being Irish than celebrating a religion and a Saint. Last year, I experienced "The Shamrock Fest" at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. I found myself immersed in a sea of green, music, food and not to mention (what seemed to be) limitless beer. Everyone was deemed Irish and a bit o' smashed. Needless to say, it did make for some great entertainment. (Especially this guy).
The picture is was taken at "The Shamrock Fest" last year.
This year, I expect will be slight difference. A bit o' Irish/Gaelic be spoken along with more of the traditional Irish songs, but end result may be a bit simular. Though, I do hope to attend a mass in the morning of the 17th to experience part of the Irish Catholic traditions. Random fact, green hasn't always been the color of choice for St. Patrick's Day, it used to be blue. And, even though its said to be myth, it must be said I love St. Patrick for driving out all the snakes on the island. ;-) I'm not a big fan of snakes. But, I digress.
Some of you have been asking about when I’m leaving, who I'm going with and what I’m doing. Lucky for you, here are some of those answers.
Here is a tentative schedule:
March 14 - Stay at Dulles hotel
March 15 - Catch flight at 6 am
Arrive in Boston at 7:31 am
Leave Boston at 7:15 pm
March 16 - Arrive in Ireland at 5:25 am
Stay at Hotel in Dublin
March 17 - Stay at Hotel in Dublin
March 18-22- Stay at Cottage
March 23- Stay at Hotel in Dublin
March 24 - Leave Dublin at 1:00pm local time
Arrive at Boston at 2:04 pm local time
Arrive at Dulles at 9:08 pm local time
I'm not going by myself and I'll be sharing my adventure with 4 other ladies, 3 of which I haven't met yet. But, I am very much looking forward to meeting all of them! My to-do list is getting a bit more manageable these days. Things may/not include; new hair cut, wardrobe, find things to do and bank visit. ;-) And, while I get to my list I'll leave you all with an Irish Blessing:
"Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers—
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours—
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!"
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