The history behind this nickname for Ireland was first used in the poem “When Erin First Rose” written in 1795. Part of the stanza reads: Alas! for poor Erin that some are still seen, Who would dye the grass red from their hatred to green… Let no feeling of vengeance presume to defile The cause of, or men of, the Emerald Isle. Though it started with a political purpose, the term was soon used to attract tourists to the stunning green landscape that covers the 20th-largest island by area (almost the size of Indiana) with a verdant shade on every rock, tree, and meadow.

Ireland, for us, was almost seen in 2016 when I had planned a grand trip to land in London, drive to Wales, and then fly to the Republic. Short version: Caleb said there would be too much time flying, the rental car broke down in Wales, and England has small roads with low-speed limits that turn a small island into a place that takes a long time to see; even if you take the trains. So we left that country on our list for another time, which now happened to be between Caleb transitioning from the Navy and starting his internship with Cummins where he can turn wrenches and forgo piles of paperwork.

Caleb was given 60 days off with the requirement to return to work, in San Diego, after each 30-day segment (flights and travel we’d have to pay for). We used this time to move across the country (a first without the government’s help) so more money out of pocket but we still wanted to do something memorable before whatever the next chapter brings. I’m still unsure how I choose which country to visit next, but this one was easy because I wanted it to be for Caleb, and Ireland is at the top of his list (and Australia at the top of ours, but we both agree we need more time there).

I started my research with National Parks, World Heritage Sites, Atlas Obscura locations, and the top ten things to see or do while there. I read some local blogs about which routes are the best, what clothes to bring in May, places to stay according to budget, and bars to try (but no food recommendations). Brú na Bóinne sells out a month in advance and Skellig Michael is twelve miles off the coast with trips weather permitting so no UNESCO sites for this visit as we only had eight days to peek around. Ireland is known for having four seasons in a day so we packed for cold, cloudy, wet, and windy.

One of two Sing for Hope pianos in Newark International for the 2024 program; this one, Infinite Possibility, was painted by Nick Stavrides. It will then be transferred to a school, hospital, or other community-based organization to continue to spread art globally.

I was grateful for our experience in England when planning this trip as I knew better than to try and see everything (never can anyway) but also to double any drive times that Google suggested (as not everyone does 100mph their first time through Yellowstone, for reference) because I had no idea what roadside attractions would distract us. I made my usual list of ten to twenty things to see daily so that regardless of road delays, business closures, and working hours we always have something to guide us to the next activity or direction.

I also made use of Wanderlog, an excellent app that lets you build an itinerary with time, distance, fees, directions, phone number, website, and recommendations based on interests and location. The best part is having the locations in their home lingo as places can get lost in translation, especially if words are added or missing. Caleb flew into Tampa Saturday night from San Diego and we took Sunday to pack and clean and prep for the trip and our absence by going to the park and looking for boba for me while Caleb talked to his mom on Mother’s Day.

I’m usually restless the night before and this one was no different. Caleb takes me for an early morning walk since we chose to set the alarm when I might’ve slept in to pass the time before our Uber was due. We get picked up in a dirty van with commercials on the radio and a video of us on the driver’s in-cab camera. Through security at the airport; and at the window seat next to us is a communications graduate who celebrated too much last night, tossed on her oversized hoodie in a rush, and filled her barf bag quietly and neatly so as not to upset any nearby stomachs or noses while taxiing.

During our layover in Newark, I see a dog trying to scratch his way to freedom through his pet carrier bag so I walk over quickly to assist him with pets but this only starts him barking, so I back away as I hear the bark double. The man waiting with the caged dog was wearing the other dog on his back, covered like a bird to keep the noisier one from creating a scene. Boarding our plane at Dulles, the row behind First Class gets to interact with Captain David, while the row behind us has a few upgrades for the 6.5-hour flight.

It just so happens that I follow a few pilots on Instagram and one of them mentioned the most useless switch in the cockpit. I used this bit of knowledge to get myself, and Caleb, invited in to see and use said switch and get our photo taken. This small act of kindness brightened the last bit of our day as two men had finished running across an airport to finish theirs. A stewardess brings them water for their efforts as we leave the gate making this one of the nicest crews we’ve flown with in some time. I understand how customer service can leave some people irritable – they need a vacation of their own.