Adopted by the Warm and Friendly People of Ireland

After three weeks of traveling around Ireland by myself, I'm still constantly touched and amazed at how friendly the people are. Traveling alone has these truly amazing moments, but it also has some pretty lonely moments. This isn't really a surprise. What has been surprising is how quickly the lonely spells pass, because the Irish have the absolute biggest hearts.

It's a bit overwhelming how frequently I'm taken in, welcomed to join a table at a pub, given a personal, local tour and sometimes even adopted by the people here.

I first wrote about Dave, the charming, life-saver of a tour guide who took me in when I was very lost on my second day. That same night at dinner, I met Maurice and Pam, a boisterous, fun-loving couple. Upon learning I was American, they immediately blamed me for the practice of tipping waiters. Admittedly, I had asked them to confirm the amount of a proper tip for Ireland. So the ribbing was in good-nature and well-deserved. I gave them a cheeky apology and we proceeded to chat and laugh for an hour. Pam insisted I meet them the next night for an event at at their son's local craft brewery. I was firmly instructed that my B&B would drive me there and she would drive me home, so I could have a proper time at the tasting. She wrapped me in a tight, fierce hug and that was that.

So I arrived the next evening as instructed and quickly met lots of friendly, very local faces in Trim. I had a wonderful evening with Pam and Maurice, as well as brewers, Patrick and Daire. I also met Peter a fascinating, local, organic pig farmer who had left a corporate job to start farming. And last but not least, I spent hours chatting with John and Alice, an incredible couple who have traveled all over the world.

They all patiently answered my millions of questions, shared their stories, as well as favorite things to see and do in Ireland. The evening flew by and as promised Pam and Maurice dropped me safely as my door with everyone's contact information and heart-felt requests to reach out if I had any questions or needed anything in my travels. It was truly a bit overwhelming, but so amazingly welcomed as home-sickness had set in a bit that day.

This theme has continued and there are truly too many stories to tell of the wonderful people I've met from Ireland, Germany, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Peru, and America ... But one of my absolute favorite encounters came in Galway.

My first evening there, I braved dinner on my own (still not my favorite thing at that point) and then headed to a local pub hoping to enjoy some live music. The first floor was empty aside from the bartender and two avid rugby fans in a lively debate. I ordered a Guinness and headed up the stairs, lured by the tuning of instruments.

It was packed. Clearly, I had found the right place. Now I just needed to find a spot to stand. My towering stature (wink, wink) comes in really handy in those moments and I managed to sneak over to the far side of the bar and found a little nook, just the right size for me and with a great view of the musicians.

After a few minutes, a charming, older gentleman next to me offered his stool, and while I was truly happy to stand, he and his wife would not have it. So I thanked them and switched spots with him.

When the musicians took a break, I got to know this amazing couple, Patty and Tommy from Dublin. Married for fifty years, they were celebrating their anniversary and Tom's recent recovery from a triple bypass, by returning to a B&B in Galway where they had stayed years before with their young children. Patty truly glowed as she held her Tommy's hand and talked to me about how blessed she was to have him with her still.

I'm routinely reminded on this trip that life, love, experiences and time with those we love are really all that matter, but that's a whole new post ...

So Patty, Tommy and I talked through the intermission and long after the second set. They shared stories of their children and grandchildren, as well as their own travels. They too had recommendations for things to see on my trip (I've yet to meet an Irish man or woman who doesn't - It's lovely.) They made me smile and reminded me of my own parents, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary this fall. (Yes, I miss you lots, Mom and Dad!)

And while I don't think my story is all that mysterious or interesting, Patty and Tommy were fascinated by a girl traveling alone and peppered me with loads of questions. In the end, Tommy summed up my trip in a way even I haven't been able to do ... "You're on a journey to your own heart and down that road leads to contentment".

So here's to the warmth of the Irish, to the many charming people who have made my trip delightful, to many more celebrations for Patty and Tommy (pictured above), and to my family and friends at home - you're with me always.