I tell ya what. Our last day went out with a bang! We were picked up bright an early by Maynard who showed up in a pink shirt, a pink tie and cowboy boots. Needless to say, he set the mood for the day. We headed into the Belfast area and were scheduled to meet Chris from BBC Radio to do a quick interview about what we have been doing while in Ireland. He was so kind, and we were out on the dock of Donaghadee, the small coastal town we were in, and conducted the interview. The weather had shifted and by the time we were done it had gotten quick cold so we ducked into a little restaurant and had some tea and scones.

As we wrapped up meeting with him, we went on back towards Belfast to go into the office and say our goodbyes to the Ulster-Scots who have taken such good care of us. They were all so great to us during our time here and Kacie and I both know how lucky we were to have been placed with the organization. We met with Hazel, the CEO of the Ulster-Scots and just made sure that she understood how grateful we were and how much the people had helped us learn about the culture and about Northern Ireland in general. They gave us really cute fleeces with the Ulster-Scots logo on them and then we were on our way because we were starving!

We headed back to the little diner that we had started at last week on our first day with the Ulster-Scots. The food was just as wonderful as the first time and we got quite sad wondering what had happened to the last two weeks. Time has flown by! Then we got in the car and headed out to Maynard’s hometown so he could show us around what he said was the most beautiful place in Ireland. We got to his cute house and looked around at the beautiful area, he lives in paradise! There are mountains and the sea in the same view which to me was just astounding. As we left his house we headed towards the beach and I was super excited because he said we would be able to see jellyfish! When the tide rolls out, if the jellyfish don’t go with them they flatten out on the sand and just stay there until the tide comes back it. Essentially, you can walk up, and pick them up and they just lie perfectly still in pancake form. It was so fun and I picked up the jellyfish!

Our next stop was into the actual town of Kilkeel where he was born and raised and even stopped by his Mom’s house! He took us home to Mom! How cute! She was so kind and made us tea and put Maynard in his place. I don’t think many people can do that. As we left the house-we headed one of the most beautiful places in the world. Silent Valley.

Maynard had been talking about Silent Valley, but he didn’t do it justice. It was actually closed but Maynard got out of the car and sweet talked the guy to letting us go in the park. It was hands down one of the most beautiful things in the entire world. I was in shock and how simple and beautiful it was. We got down into the valley and the wind was whipping around but it was just so beautiful. Have I mentioned the world beautiful enough? I don’t think words can do this place justice. It was amazing.

We left there and headed to Downpatrick for our private concert with Bracken! They were so wonderful and I’m so excited for them to be in Milwaukee. They even let me play a tune with them! The show lasted about an hour and then we had to say goodbye to Maynard. I think I saw a tear in that man’s eye! He plays tough guy but I know he had a blast with us. I am SO thankful for the opportunity to have spent time with not only the Ulster-Scots but with Maynard. He is a damn good soul, and I’m thankful that I’ve met him. I’ll be better for it! We left the concert and Tim suggested that we all go out for a pint. After some good company and some great pints we have arrived home. I’m exhausted, it has been a long day but it sure was a good one…