Grab a mug and enjoy the company

There are two worlds. One lush, green, soft, and vulnerable. The other rugged, untamed, and formidable. The pounding waves crash against the latter. At first glance one appears to be easily overtaken, but when the other is revealed it is seen to have an unknown and unforeseen strength. Taking a train along the coastline it's amazing to see the two stark contrasts of beautiful green against the hard rocky crags.





WILD ROVER

I've been a wild rover for many a year,
And I spent all my money on whiskey and beer,
But now I've returned with gold in great store,
And I never will play the wild rover no more.

And it's no, nay, never
No, nay, never, no more,
Will I play the rover
No never, no more.

I went down to an ale house I used to frequent,
And I told the landlady my money was spent.
I asked her for credit, but she answered me "Nay.
Such custom like yours I could have any day."

I took from my pocket ten sovereigns bright,
And the landlady's eyes opened wide with delight,
She said, "I have whiskeys and wines of the best,
And I'll take you upstairs, and I'll show you the rest.

I'll go home to my parents, confess what I've done,
And I'll ask them to pardon their prodigal son.
And if they caress me as oft times before,
I never will play the wild rover no more!

This song is generally recognized as a traditional Irish drinking song. The chorus is very well known through Irish and Irish-American cultures, even without knowledge of the rest of the song.

Although this song isn't necessarily inspirational, it is incredibly entertaining to be around when it's being performed. I had the opportunity to visit Dublin during St. Patrick's Day. My first night there, I went with a group of friends to The Temple Bar. While we were there, two older gentlemen-one with a guitar and one with a fiddle-began to sing this song. The entire bar began to sing it-some without knowing the words. When they sang the chorus "no nay never", people would clap four times to the rhythm-slamming beer mugs on the table, pounding their fists on the nearest object, and sometimes even using just their hands. It was so much fun to just be surrounded by everyone singing, laughing, and (of course) drinking. The rest of our stay for St. Pattys Day, Wild Rover kind of became our song. I have a CD with some Irish ballads, and everytime I hear Wild Rover I always remember that first night in Dublin.

When I was younger, I always wanted to know about the story of my family. I had Mexican friends who could tell me about their great great grandparents and trace their lineage much further back than myself. As I asked family members about my lineage, I found out that I was basically a mix (surprising I know). However, part of that mix involved having Irish ancestors. My curiosity was sparked. So when I went to Spain last semester, I made making a little road trip to Ireland a top priority. Shortly after I arrived, I took a traveled down the coastline of Greystones-a little town outside of Dublin. Throughout the parks and grassy areas in Dublin-especially on the train ride to Greystones-I was awestruck by the beauty of the landscape. I remember seeing hues of green that I could never have imagined and to which no photograph or portrayal could ever do justice. But what was even better than the beauty of Ireland, was the hospitality of the people. Everyone was helpful and willing to start a conversation with you. They had a genuine desire to really want to get to know you-even if it was only for a brief period of time. After departing Ireland, I knew I wanted to return. This class not only gives me the opportunity to learn more about the aesthetic aspect of Ireland, but will also allow me to have a closer experience with the amazing culture I encountered while there.