I Love a St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Few activities draw crowds like parades. St. Patrick’s Day is has become a festivity around the world for the Irish and people who want to be Irish for the day. In observance of the patron saint of Ireland, it is celebrated on the day of his death, March 17.

Imagination runs wild for parade participants. Tis a fine day for a parade!

There are two common legends about St. Patrick. The first one is that the brilliant green 3-leaf shamrock was the method with which he taught the Irish about the Holy Trinity. There is no reason to doubt its credibility. Using familiar items to teach complicated lessons is a successful method that continues today.

The green hats of the crowd make a wonderful background for the parade.

The second is that he put a curse on Ireland’s venomous snakes and herded them into the sea to drown. Repelling dangerous snakes in the name of God is certainly an action designed to gain attention. Like all legends, a portion of the activity may have grown over time. Acceptance is a matter of faith.

All parades are better with horses and law enforcement, especially with friendly smiles like the ones shown here.

 I selected three pictures of parades in Dublin from years past in case weather or some other thing interferes with your opportunity to attend this year’s parade. Wear a bit of green, look for a pot of gold, try to catch a leprechaun, and have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!

Hawaii Calls

Years ago, my cousin Lee returned from Hawaii for a short visit. Her husband was on his billionth tour of duty in the lovely island state. Her eyes lit up as she described the beauty and impressive sights. Even though it was a long swim from San Diego to Honolulu, I added it to my bucket list as a “Really Must Do!” 

Submarine surfacing near Waikiki

My husband and I did a lot of traveling within the continental US, but Hawaii remained in my dreams until our brother-in-law mentioned he was forming his annual group for a trip – destination Hawaii. An enthusiastic discussion about why we should tag along followed. The picture album lent visual appeal to the verbal description. 

Almost sold on the idea, hubby just about choked when he found out about non-refundable policies. I held my breath for a few short seconds. Finally he agreed it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to visit Waikiki and walk along the sand, even if it meant he couldn’t change his mind without losing dollars.

 

I enjoyed the flight and the opportunity to look down on the Pacific. Giant ocean liners looked like tiny boats in the distance. The wake added to the foam and waves, with sunlight cheerfully glinting from the water. It didn’t seem like such a long distance from San Diego to Oahu, Hawaii’s third largest island. Talk about fantastic weather! We walked out to the benches and enjoyed the sun while waiting for the rest of the group. 

View of Diamond Head by NASA

The indoor and outdoor shopping centers were crowded with locals and tourists searching for everyday items and souvenirs. The impressive beaches and white sand attracted all of us. I couldn’t talk anyone else into hiking with me from the hotel to Diamond Head, so I went myself. The homes were amazing, and the landscaping even more so. An elderly woman was tending to her flowers and invited me into the yard to admire her handiwork. She directed me to the bus stop so I could ride back. That is a long walk!

We participated in paying our respects at the Pear Harbor memorial, attended several luaus, and decided to plan a return trip as soon as possible. We visited other islands each time we returned, and made sure to program a few days in Waikiki. 

Forest and Kim Starr captured beautiful photos of flowers in Hawaii.

Perhaps it’s just this long winter, but I think I hear Hawaii calling my name again. It would be wonderful to visit one more time.

Is there a special place to visit on your bucket list?