By AAH Amy Smith
Easy, just have an aunt living there with her new Irish husband!
For all my life, my Aunt Annita has always lived far away from where she once called home. But no matter how far she was, I always kept close, sending letters back in the days when text messages werenโt even a thing. When she found her home in Ireland, I knew this was my chance. I didnโt think twice, I booked the flight.
Would I have gone solo? Letโs be honest, probably not. Luckily, I had my knight in shining armor, Gary, by my side, making sure I didnโt wander off, get lost, or accidentally look the wrong way when crossing the street (because our โright-left-rightโ does not work there!).
For five magical days, our home was Waterford, Ireland. We explored cobblestone streets and rolling green hills, popped into pubs with live music that practically begged you to tap along, and drove the coastline of the Irish Sea. Finding seashells in colors I didnโt even know existed, like nature had its own secret paint palette just for Ireland.
We ventured to Mahon Falls, where waterfalls tumbled down towering cliffs and sheep grazed, ignoring all of our โbaaaโ calls. Castles, of course, were on my bucket list, and Kilkenny Castle did not disappoint. The beauty of its architecture inside and out left me speechless (which doesnโt happen often). As I exited the Castle, I told the security guard, โThe only thing missing is the dungeons.โ He grinned and pointed down some stairs: โThere you go.โ Let me tell you, nothing gets your heart racing like standing amongst dungeons where history feels like itโs breathing down your neck… Straight back up the stairs I went.
Traveling with a local is the secret ingredient for an unforgettable trip. My auntโs husband, Albert (Al), is a retired Waterford Crystal Master glass cutter. He took us to a local glassblowing workshop where Gary and I got to cut our own glass. Garyโs piece was display-case material, while mine belonged in the mishap pile. But hey, itโs all about the experience, right?
Whatโs a trip to Ireland without golf? Gary and I hit up a municipal course in Waterford and quickly learned that walking nine holes (instead of zipping around in a cart) will absolutely humble you. Al pulled some strings with his buddy Dennis and got us a tee time on Faithlegg Golf Course, established in 1783. 1783! Think about that, thatโs older than most of our country back home. The course was โlovely,โ as they say in Ireland. We couldnโt have asked for better weather, and the hospitality? Omg, let’s just say we were treated like royalty.
Ever have vacation food letdowns? Not here. And we had it all from traditional Irish breakfasts with black and white pudding (which I elected not to Google what I was eating), to hearty Guinness beef stew, to Indian food so good I am craving more! Even the pub food was phenomenal! The only thing that threw me off was tipping. As a former waitress, not tipping feelsโฆ wrong. But in Ireland, itโs just not a thing.
There were other little cultural shockers, like the lack of air conditioning. A cool blast of AC spoils this girl, so letโs just say I had a few โglowingโ moments. But with a temp not going much above 70, I suppose they are used to it. And the Irish are big on recycling and air-drying their clothes, which I found hilarious because…helloโฆhow does anything ever dry when it rains every other hour? But where thereโs rain, there are flowers! The most beautiful blooms youโll ever see. Even the weeds are stunning.
Then thereโs Guinness. The pride and joy of Ireland. With every pint perfectly poured, I cringed (itโs just not my drink), but Gary? He happily had his fair share. Thankfully, never enough to get โpissedโ as the Irish call it, which is something Iโd probably never get used to saying with a straight face.
While spending one day in Dublin, we traded Waterfordโs laid-back charm for the hustle and bustle of city life. Searching for something to do, we found a stunning theater showcasing โRiverdance 30.โ Boy howdy, did they have the moves! And then there was St. Patrickโs Cathedral, โbreathtakingโ doesnโt even begin to cover it. The history within the walls is the kind of tranquility that makes you pause and just feel โInsert chills!โ Pictures and words will never compare to the sheer beauty of this place.
All in all, this trip was one for the books, and weโre looking forward to our return. If Ireland taught me anything, itโs that life isnโt about luck. Itโs about slowing down, noticing the miracles that surround us, loving one another, and not letting life pass you by without having a good pint (justโฆ maybe donโt get “pissed” while youโre at it).
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