Decisions … Decisions

~ humoringthegoddess

This weekend is my annual pilgrimage to Irishfest, a four-day festival of Irish music, American beer, and Irish hearts.

I love to say that my mother was Irish — which she was — although she was of the Heinz 57 variety. I so identify with their culture, their music, and their cosmic presence that it’s really a part of me, no matter what percentage my mother was.

Irish music is either incredibly happy or incredibly sad. The song “Wild Mountain Thyme” makes me cry every time I hear it, making me think of my mother whom I lost 40 years ago. And my favorite Gaelic band Gaelic Storm makes me clap and sing and dance around the place (hence, I don’t play their music at work).

My husband and I have gotten into semi-discussions lately, though, on why would I want to spend my money going to Paris for a week when I’ve talked about going to Ireland half of my life?

Good question.

Us folks in the states don’t get a chance to go across the sea very often, so when we do, we like to make it a “key destination.” And what better place to spend my hard-earned money than the home of my ancestors?

Yet when I think of going to Paris for a week, I get a different emotion running through me. Instead of looking off the Cliffs of Moher and connecting to my heritage and soul, I think about sitting in the park in front of the Eiffel Tower, sipping wine, eating a croissant, and writing about my journey.

Two totally different worlds.

Two totally different emotions.

Or are they?

I’ve had this tugging in my heart to go on my own adventure for a long time, now. Bringing someone to France with me who isn’t into what I want to do would be more of a burden than an escape, as I’d be worrying if they were bored or hungry or brooding.

Touring Ireland is something I’d do with my partner. We’d explore and tour and have a beer together at a local pub. I doubt if he would want to sit in the plaza of the Louvre for three hours while I nosh and write my book.

And who would want to spend time walking across a historic bridge inspecting every gargoyle and plaque or sitting in an old library or sitting at a cafe during the late evening? How boring to those who don’t walk the same path as you do.

At this point I’m not sure if I’ll ever go across the sea to see anything new and historical and exciting.  Technically there should be enough history and excitement right here where I live. If I need the music, I’ll go to Irishfest. If I need a croissant, I’ll go to the bakery.

But still….

Where would you like to visit if you could?

Published by humoringthegoddess

I am a writer of fantasy fiction that often surrounds middle-aged women. I am a married mother of two and granny to three, a BoHo Chic kinda gal. I am recently retired and busier than when I worked 9-5. But writing and blogging is my main game.

16 thoughts on “Decisions … Decisions”

  8. I would honestly go back to Atlantic Canada. Our first trip there was much too short, and I would love to see more of this part of my home country.

    Like

  12. Oohhh….you know my secret dream! Was just talking to a woman who spent 16 days in Ireland in April and she said it was a trip of a lifetime.

    Like

  13. I never went to Ireland, but a few times in Paris, so my judgement is kind of biased. But I am addicted to travel, and wherever I go, the feeling of being in a place where nothing is familiar is in itself, worth the trip. I never regretted anyone I made, there is always something interesting to learn. As I always encourage everyone to travel, I say, start with Ireland (you will not need to learn french…) and who knows, you might find stories to write over there? And keep Paris in the back of your mind…

    Like

  15. I do look at going to Ireland through your eyes — that’s why I always wanted to go there. Us Americans are too sheltered most of the time. Are lucky to leave our own back yard. And there is so much history in Ireland too. Since all these daydreams won’t take place until next year, I still have time to wonder….thank you so much for pumping me up!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Ireland is amazing! If you ask me, that’s where you should go.

    The Irish love North Americans. They love to talk, they’re funny and gregarious. There are castles and sheep and stone walls and rolling hills everywhere. It’s beautiful countryside with lots of small towns dotting the landscape. And green… it’s so green; that’s why it’s called the Emerald Isle.

    The the entire island is a third of the size of the state of California (where I reside), so you can navigate the entire country in a week if you so choose. It’s just amazing. Oh, and the food… soooo good. Especially the dairy and chocolate.

    I highly recommend you plan a trip to go there, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, you can take a train to Paris in less than a day, so why not do both?

    Liked by 1 person

Share Your Thoughts!