Yesterday was a long day of travel, but we made it home with very few problems. Once again, being old and wobbly paid off. We were able to skip the lines at security, and we even had someone assisting us, although we didn’t really need it. Dublin Airport has a U.S. Customs check and again, we were ushered to an agent where there was no line. Going through customs in Dublin meant we didn’t have to do it in Boston, and that saved us a lot of time. The flight was long but uneventful, and we didn’t have to wait too long at Logan Airport for the bus to Portland where we picked up our car and drove home.

It’s good to be home, but I was a little sad to leave Ireland. We met so many nice people and learned a lot about Ireland’s history and culture. I wasn’t sure I would like a group tour because we are used to traveling on our own, making our own decisions (and mistakes) and doing our own thing. But, as we get older, I think it is smart for us to travel with groups. I would certainly try another Trafalgar tour because this one went so smoothly. And we enjoyed meeting people from different parts of the U.S.

On the long flight home, I had some time to reflect on our Irish experience. I’ve thought a lot about how culture, religion, language and government are related. On our tour we learned about the relationship between the Choctaw Nation and the people of Ireland that began during the potato famine when the Choctaw people raised $170 and sent it to Ireland to help feed people. The Choctaws had just suffered through the Trail of Tears and recognized the similarities between their hardships and those of the Irish. Both groups have fought to retain their culture, language, and governance. The relationship continued and in 2020, the Irish people made a sizable donation to Native American tribes who were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Our trip to Ireland gave me some insight into how important it is for people to retain their heritage and preserve their history and culture in an ever changing world, and our governments must encourage and support that.

Thanks to all who have followed us on our journey. I still have photos to post (check the “Ireland” tab in the Photos menu) and will do that in the next few days. Until the next time… See you on the interwebs!