The Blarney Stone and Roof Dancing, Culture Smack! Insights Options

[worldneighbor]

Our trip to Ireland was a whirlwind. We made a point to go to Blarney castle to kiss the Blarney stone. We climbed the old stone castle and stood in a short line. We made the trip with Phil’s cousin Patty. She was first up. An old Irish gentleman was in place helping the tourists get into position on their backs, stick their heads over the ledge and kiss the Blarney stone upside down. When Patty jumped into position, the Blarney man said “well she sure is an eager lass isn’t she?” Patty just laughed and tapped him on the arm as if to say “oh you dirty old man”. She puckered up and kissed the stone. I was next up and I had put some Chapstick on my dry lips prior to climbing up the castle steps. When I got into position and pecked the old stone the Blarney man said “Oh boy he’s slobbering all over the stone he is”. He made a big production about taking a handkerchief from his pocket and wiping off the stone. I retreated red faced… but then I heard him repeat the same routine about 15 minutes. The old showman had to keep the crowd entertained!

We took off, made a short stop in Waterford for some crystal and went back “home” to get ready for a fun night. Patty’s husband Sean was DJ’ing at a local pub that evening so my buddy and I went along to help him set up. The three of us shoehorned ourselves into his small car with his two large speakers and DJ equipment. We road off down the country roads to the town and started the process of setting up the equipment. The pub owner told his son to take care of my buddy and me so we ordered up a few pints and settled in. My buddy Phil decided to switch over to the “mad cider” after a few pints. He asked for the pub owner’s son for some ice in his cider. The boy returned and, “plink”, dropped in a cube. Phil looked at him and asked for some more ice. The boy obliged, “plink”, in went another ice cube. Phil started laughing. “Boy-O, bring me a bucket of ice and make sure it is full to the rim”. He popped a couple of punt on the bar and the boy happily obliged.

We were having a great time hanging with all the locals and enjoying the music. There was a line for the WC so Phil got the idea to head out back to take a leak. When he came back he had a devious look in his eye and told me to follow him. We went out back where I saw a little ladder against the side of the bar. We climbed up onto the roof and had a drink. Before too long a few of the locals were up on the roof with us and we all started singing along to the music. We packed it up and went back down just in time for the last song of the night. The lights went up, the National Anthem of Ireland played and everyone sobered up for a few teary eyed moments. It was a pretty inspiring scene.

[Tester]

I loved my trip to kiss the ole Blarney Stone! Thanks for the memories...