Beyond the Pale: Cead Mile Failte! (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!)

Just as in Italy for my first sabbatical, my first guests in Ireland are my parents. They are helping me “break in” my Irish hosting skills. We have learned all sorts of things. For example, we now know how to get the water in the guest shower started if it goes off unexpectedly. We also know that when in a pub, one is expected to pay one’s bill at the bar, not wait for the server to take it. We learned the hard way that train tickets can be significantly cheaper when purchased online. Through time-consuming exploration, I finally figured out the online Bus Eirann schedule.

I have so enjoyed showing Galway to my parents. I find it fascinating how familiar places and spaces take on different character when I have company. This may occur because my guests invite me to see things through their eyes.

My dad, in particular, is taken with the activities of the active dock on which I live. My parents have been treated to the sight of the small pilot boat guide massive ships in and out of Galway Harbor. They have heard the wind moan, blow rain sideways and set sailboat clips and lines clanging against masts in a rhythmic and insistent way. They have also been treated to the beginnings of a new scrap heap, though this one, so far, is comprised mainly of metal shavings, so the noises are primarily from the machines in use not the sound of metal crashing against metal.

My mom asked her friend, Candy, who has travelled to Ireland what she liked about Galway. Candy said, “the water, the rocks and the people.” My mom would agree. She loves the open hearts and colorful language of the Irish. She is particularly taken with the taxi drivers. From them we have heard wonderful stories of family. Almost all of them comment on the recession. The soulful street and pub musicians are also especially delightful to my mom who enjoys watching the effect of the music on the crowds as they join in the singing.

My mom has been able to use this visit to make some professional contacts. She identified owners of a few stores that might be a good fit to sell her Mystic Marks bookmarks and emailed them her website address (http://www.mysticmarksonline.com/), told them she was coming to Galway and asked them to let her know if they were interested. We met two proprietors. I have enjoyed making contacts that are quite different from my usual day-to-day interactions.

We have been so blessed by the weather so far. I kept an eye on the long-term forecast as my parents’ visit approached and I was worried; it looked fairly miserable. To the contrary, we have been treated to seasonally beautiful weather. Today has been the rainiest so far and it has been an adventure to watch the weather change almost minute by minute. Layers and umbrellas are a must.

Incidentally, I have also learned I might have visited Sweetie Pies, a local cake shop, a little more than I thought. I went in to buy cupcakes and the young man working said, “Hello, we haven’t seen you in awhile.” After being taken aback, I answered, “I was in a few days ago; you weren’t working.” Hmmm…

Right now, mom and dad are sitting on my couch. While Irish music plays on iTunes on my laptap, dad is praying, mom is reading and taking vitamins and I am writing this blog. We have all just finished eating cupcakes. Lovely.