We'll undoubtedly take at least one "day-trip" into London from Methwold, and probably two, during the first week when we're all together. Later, after my son and I have left for the states and Peggy has returned to England with her bro-in-law, she will undoubtedly spend one of her three additional days in one or more museums in London.

Of course, we know that the few days we have to spend are inadequate to really learn much about any one locality, let alone two capital cities and a half-dozen other locales in two countries. But, we will do what we can.

As far as the dichotomy between tourist-trap entertainment vs true-blue traditional music -- I really hope to enjoy a little of both, but also to stumble upon an evening or two that fits *neither* category! Surely there are musicians in Ireland presenting some sort of creative contemporary stuff -- no? (What I'd *really* love would be to attend a Commitments gig, at a parish hall or preferably a roller rink. Too bad they're only fictional!)

I don't mind indulging in a bit of hokey tourist fare, just to experience some of whatever the average Irish-American visitor sees and remembers from a typical visit -- as long as it's not every night. My worst fear, I suppose, would be to get caught up in the same lengthy drunken conversation with a tourist from Chicago that I have already had many times before here in New Orleans! I'd much rather have a stupid drunken rambling conversation with someone whose type I *don't* already know all too well, i.e., anyone local.

I'm most excited, not about anything musical, but about meeting my relatives and seeing the family farm where so many generations of my forebearers lived and died. I also cannot help but be intrigued by the fact that my siblings and I are eligible for Irish citizenship (actually, dual citizenship -- it would not be necessary to renounce the US) as grandchildren of native-born Irish. After never crossing the ocean for the first 55 years of my life, I can't be sure I'll ever make the trip again -- but then, on the other hand, this could be the beginning of a whole new chapter, with more and/or wider travel. We could conceivably retire in Ireland, able to live more cheaply there than in the US, and there's also the possibility of persuing Irish citizenship (which would include EU citizenship) before retirement, with the eventual ability to live and work anywhere in Western Europe. Will it happen? Probably not -- but just being able to give serious consideration is quite interesting.

If I don't take another opportunity to say so, let me do it here and now: Thanks to everyone for the advice and the ongoing conversation leading up to this experience. I've learned a lot while gradually building and revising a plan for this trip, and you all have played an important part. I think we are very nicely prepared by now to take the best possible advantage of this opportuinity, so thanks to everyone who has contributed.

PS: There is NO danger of me or anyone in my family referring to Ireland as part of the "British Isles" -- even the younger generation has enough political consciousness not to commit *that* faux pas!