Guinness Brewery

After our first day on the tour, we had finished our tour activities for the day, so we had the rest of the afternoon to ourselves. We were instructed to have something planned that afternoon. So, before we left the US, we booked the Pour the Perfect Pint at Guinness Brewery.  Our experience was amazing! Our server, Tony,  at the brewery - AMAZING! Our server at the Brew Academy at Pour the Perfect Pint, was so fun and patient! When our experience came to an end, as we were leaving, Tony gave us free tickets to the Stout Experience where you can take your photo and put it on your pint! 

Nothern Ireland Portadown

As a group, we had lunch on our own. My mother and I decided to have ICE CREAM for lunch! It was actually my mother's idea, believe it or not! We were in Northern Ireland, so we popped into an ice cream shop for a meal. We came in, not quite sure what to order. We let two customer behind us order first. When it was our time to order, we ordered ice cream cones. When we had finished our ice cream, I walked around to explore the shop. At this time, I struck up a conversation with our server Emma, who was increibly sweet and kind! As we were exiting the shop, she reached behind the counter and gave me a candy bar. I thanked her for her kindness and when we left the shop to rejoin our group, I felt like I had a new friend in Northern Ireland! 

When we returned to our tour group, my mother told our guide about the two experiences above. Our guide then explained that when someone in Ireland enjoys your company, they are inclined to give you a gift. We had received gifts at BOTH of these side adventures. This warmed my heart. The kindness in this country is infectious and heartwarming. Ireland made us feel so welcome. I pray that this scrapbook website is sufficient to say "Thank You" to the kind people of Ireland and the Rick Steves Travel Group! 

Fun New Sayings I Learned in Ireland!

Cheers - SLANJ-A (Good Health)   SLA-VANJ-A

Brooch- How friends greet each other and ask how are you (what about you)

CRAIC- CRAK- Pronounced Crack – Gaelic  word for fun   

Is an Irish Slang for Fun