St Patrick's day

I've just made my Irish baptism, or what I consider my enthronement into the country: St Patrick's day.

Despite biting frozen weather (with some snowflakes), it was a very warm day. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of Paddy's day. Because everybody seems to be really part of it. Everyone's wearing something green, from hat to makeup, tights, laces, jacket, glasses. The best I saw was a pant looking like a leprechaun, supporting the guy in it. Hard to describe but it was very funny. And everyone remains good, there were policemen (Garda) of course, but it's really less scaring security than in Paris for Bastille Day. If it's better to have a national day in summer like in France or the USA for the weather, it's great that the St Patrick's parade is not only military, you have some like for example canine police, but it's more about show and bands, artistical. And I believe the President of Ireland Republic was in a coach (like the Queen's one). But the one I saw for sure was Ser Davos, I mean Liam Cunningham, the Irish actor from Game of Thrones. It's so cool to see how many different nationalities came to be part of this day. American who have Irish ancestors of course, but also many Europeans, who might not have such ancestors, like Italian or Dutch.

There"s a lot of people, it's true, but not so many I guess, because it's only the second-largest St Patrick's parade in the world. New-York comes first, maybe because there are more people living in NYC than in Dublin, but also because there are 7 million people claiming Irish ancestors across the world, while there are only 4 millions Irish people actually living in Ireland. So the main problem is to find the right place, especially if you're not as tall as Irish men. I finally found a window, from where I could see what was happening in the street. But after 1h not moving, I was getting so cold, I had to go to the pub.

Such a wonderful idea. I already found one which suited me the day before, where I've been able to drink half a pint of Guinness. I wanted an Irish coffee to get warmer, but there were no hot drinks said the barman, so I went to the basic and asked for a pint of Guinness. And I've been able to drink it all while watching the rugby match between Ireland and England. Of course, Ireland won the match (15-24) and also the WestNat Grand Slam. Besides the match, there was traditional Irish music, the kind I love so much, and it made the atmosphere so good. It's exactly what I was looking for! Let's say it was like being in a "Lord of the Rings" with hobbits, beers and music, dancing in a pub, but with taller men.

To resume, as a friend who used to live in Dublin told me: I was in the best place in the world at the best moment!