Out Of Ireland, Into The States

Our last day in Ireland was spent in Downpatrick. We went to the St. Patrick Center, talking about what we've done, and did some exit interviews for the promotional DVD that is being made for future Young Ambassadors. At the end of the day was a send-off which included making us official Ambassadors, some presentations, and a short concert.

The next day was travel day. I woke up bright an early, finished packing, and hopped in a taxi at 7:00 am. We arrived at the bus station, where Tim met us for the last time and bought us tea (what a nice guy). We got on a bus at 8:00 and arrived at the Dublin Airport at 10:00. We checked in, got some lunch and did some duty-free shopping. Our flight left at 2:00pm and I landed in Chicago at 4:00pm (crazy!). Unfortunately, it took about 2 hours to get our bags, but we finally did. I said good-bye to the rest of the Ambassadors and hopped on a bus to Madison where my friend Kelly picked me up. Time to go home and into bed, right? Nah, Kelly and I went bar hopping and met up with friends. A great end to a great trip.

So now I'm out of Ireland. But I'm not exactly done. Last weekend I was up in Minnesota at the Irish Fair. I stayed with my friend Maggie, but she was unfortunately unable to join me at the event. The whole thing was great! I've never been to Minnesota's Irish Fair before, but I was really impressed. A great band line up that included Scythian, The Elders, Tannahill Weavers, and Flogging Molly. I was there unofficially, but still helped out at the Friends of St. Patrick table. Tim and some of the other Ambassadors were there, so it was nice to see them again. I got into the VIP tent, which included free beer and finger food. As if it wasn't already a great day, I had a great spot to watch Flogging Molly at the end of the night and they played all of their best stuff both old and new. It was a really great concert and the perfect way to end a great festival.

This next weekend is the "main event": Irish Fest. I'll be there officially with the Friends of St. Patrick, but I still hope to be piping with my old band, the Shamrock Club Color Guard Pipes and Drums. You know, I've piped with a few bands now, but none of them are as fun or musically talented as my first band the Shamrock Club. But even if they don't have a uniform for me (they never have enough to go around!) it'll be good to support them from the stands and enjoy Irish Fest as a whole. I'm so excited! I just need to find a place to crash in Milwaukee...