Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day!  - a day for celebration, wearing green, remembering Ireland, and over drinking.  I loved St. Patrick's Day growing up.  Maybe it was the drop of Irish blood in me or the fact that Americans love the Irish.  There is a tradition that you pinch someone if they aren't wearing green.  One evening my dad came home from work without wearing any green on St. Paddy's day, and I asked him if he was wearing green underwear.  He told me "Yes," so he got away without a pinch.  Later he admitted that he had lied to me and he wasn't wearing green underwear.  He just didn't want to get pinched.

This year, I wasn't sure what I was going to do for St. Patrick's day, but after a family member asked me what I was going to do- I decided I should do something memorable for St. Paddy's day.  I heard a parade was occurring in town, so I invited my friend Paul to come with me for an afternoon of Irish adventure in Belfast City Centre.  Below are pictures documenting our St. Paddy's adventure.

Green Grass- one of my favourite things about Ireland.
Just lying out in front of City Hall

So what do you eat for St. Patrick's Day?  Actually people in Ireland Do NOT eat corn beef and cabbage on St. Paddy's day.  I've actually never eaten corn beef and cabbage before.  Paul suggested that we get "tradition" burritos from Boojum.  So delicious!

We came into town too late for the parade (had to go to Mass), but I was determined to find some St. Paddy's Day festivities.  Heading to the river, we found a free concert!

A little boy was collecting flags, so I asked him for one of his. 

I absolute love exploring new places in a city.  We headed to Cathedral Quarter to get drinks at The Duke of York Pub.  New discoveries were made while walking down alleyways and streets.  Paul frequently would take me into random pubs just to take a look before continuing our way.

A pint of Guinness!

We even met a cow along the way! It reminded me of home. 

On Sunday evenings, I work with the Well Youth Prayer group, and after missing one train, I was determined to make the next to get back in time. Unfortunately, the police closed down the railroad lines because of a bomb scare.  Usually the bomb scares never affect me, but of course on the day when I am running late it did.  I was able to get a black taxi up to Lagmore and be back for in time. 

Yikes, the train line is closed!

St. Patrick's Day a holy day of obligation for Catholics in Ireland. At Mass, we sang traditional Irish Catholic songs.  It was brilliant.  A few parts of the Mass were even said in Irish.  I only know the Sign of the Cross in Irish though. After going to Mass with Laura and Siobhan where I received blessed shamrocks, I went for a walk with my friend Christiana in Lady Dixon Park. 

The park was filled with blooming lilies!

I spent the afternoon cleaning my room, watching TV, and resting.  I even learned about GAA/ Gaelic  football and hurling.  Hurling is such a fast paced field game, and brilliant to watch.  Gaelic football is a little bit of everything including soccer, football, and basketball.  I don't fully get it, but I hope to play one day.  At 6'o clock we headed to the pub to listen to traditional music, dance, and banter with friends.  I loved it!

So, that's what I did for St. Patrick's Day, Aunt Margaret!  It wasn't anything too special, but it was brilliant.  I am so blessed by incredible friends, a beautiful country to live in, and a life full of adventure.  May I continue to remember the legacy of St. Patrick through the missionary work the Lord has called me to here in Ireland.