Travel Tales
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| Charles and Phillis in a 1972 passport photo in preparation for their adventure. They were married 44 years before Phillis died in 2000. Charles is a retired journalist living in Rhode Island. |
Every month we feature funny, cautionary, or inspiring anecdotes from travelers. If you have a true (short) travel tale to share, send it to stories@ricksteves.com. If you have a photo that illustrates it, please attach it. And don't forget to tell us your first name and the city where you live. We'd love to hear from you!
An Irish Blessing
Hail, Rick,
Deeply enjoyed your piece on Irish music in homes and pubs. Stirred memories, some as distant as the 1930s when I heard fiddles and foot stompin' in kerosene-lit farm houses "Up the Rideau ..." beyond Ottawa, Ontario, land of my mother's Irish-wrapped birth — she a Kavanagh, her mother an O'Brien.
Far later in 1972 my wife and I traversed the UK. A serendipitous stop in Galway led us to a pub at night. The band leader wanted to know who were the visitors. I raised my hand. He asked me to stand and introduce myself. I did, quickly following with a shouted verse I learned from a Clancy Brothers record:
"Up the long ladder and down the short rope,
to hell with King Billy and God Bless the Pope.
If that doesn't do we'll tear him in two
and send him to hell with his red, white and blue."
The crowd went wild. I wasn't allowed to buy another pint of Guinness the rest of the night. I recall closing time. We all rose, joined hands and sang "The Parting Glass." To this day the thought sends chills down my spine.
I have reached the time of the Old Dutchman who sits by the sea and remembers, but I wish hardy times for those who will trace your steps and embrace the lyrical riches of travel.
Best always, Rick.
— Charles in Richmond, Rhode Island
Fine print: We reserve the right to edit and post all Travel Tales submissions. Please provide us with your full name and city/state. We will not print your last name or email address in Travel News.