5 People You Meet on St. Patrick’s Day

(Note: If you’re pressed for time, read the last item - it was quite an accomplishment.)

1) Christians – First and foremost, people should remember that St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday. Don’t be fooled by the pints of beer floating around! This afternoon I enjoyed such a lovely chat with a new friend and fellow Christian. Such a lovely young lady (an American now living in Oxford with her family) and such a picture of Christian womanhood. Later on this afternoon I was able to spend time with my ‘foster Academic Mum’ (also American) and we greatly encouraged each other in the LORD. More and more, I’m seeing a clear purpose for my life and it’s a beautiful revelation.

2) Americans – As you might imagine, we Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a particularly flamboyant way. The Irish throw a good party but, then again, they could fabricate any reason to throw back a few cold ones. I would say my fellow countrymen are more prone to actually wish people a “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” and are certainly the only ones sending around St. Patrick’s Day greeting cards! At first, I was worried about meeting too many Americans for fear of not experiencing British culture. Really, there are almost as many Americans at the university as domestic students. Such a variety of people make up the fabric of St Andrews. Lesson learned: never be afraid to connect with like-minded individuals, no matter their passport!

3) Cute Fisher & Donaldson’s Baker-man – Okay, so, I didn’t actually go to Fisher and Donaldson’s today, but needed to share this little gem of a person. There’s a chap who works in the bakery and, by all accounts, he is incredibly friendly to everyone. He is quite a staple in the St Andrews community. A cute and cheerful guy who also provides sweets to the city. Could it get any more precious? Just wanted to share. After a long week of lectures, assignments, and extracurriculars – I look forward to one Wee Rubarb Tart and two precious dimples!

4) Bartenders – Right then, back to St. Patrick’s Day. Tonight, I decided to secure a Guinness Hat for myself. Everyone’s wearing them and, yes, I bought into the trend. (In the end, I went to four pubs before finding one but more about that in the last item!) Bartenders amaze me, really, they do. Every night these employees have to put up with humanity at its finest state. They must be incredibly patient, or incredibly carefree. At Student Union Bar, the bartender cheekily told me I had to purchase, “an insane amount of Guinness,” before I could earn my trophy. Considering how I ventured out alone, I wasn’t about to buy five pints for just one person. Forgive me, I even tried to flirt a bit - nothing. He was hardcore, and probably had heard it all anyway. Dejected, I ventured onwards. Now, to my grand accomplishment!

5) Inebriated Irishmen – Cut to me inquiring at The Victoria if any St. Patrick’s Day hats were left. “Yes,” the bartender told me, “if you buy a pint of Guinness – I’ll get you a hat.” Perfect! Only one pint, not ten. As the tapster produced my coveted prize, an Irishman standing next to me became quite interested in my wee bonnet. I explained the deal and he, being totally cream tea’d, was highly enthralled at everything I had to say. “Actually,” I told this dear soul, “I don’t even want the beer, I just want the hat. Would you like my Guinness?” Enthusiastically he agreed to take the draught off of my hands and, then, something amazing happened. “I’ll buy the Guinness,” he said, “and can I get you anything?” It happened! I finally got someone to buy me a drink! While I had a perfect opportunity to drink within my self-imposed rules, I just couldn’t order an alcoholic beverage. Forgive me again, I said something about not wanting to drink tonight because I had a paper to work on. While I do have a paper to finish, that’s not the reason I ordered a simple coffee at the bar. I should have said to my Irish friend, “Thanks, but no thanks. I actually don’t drink and am not about to start all alone in a foreign country with a drunk man. Seriously, thanks though.” All’s well that ends well. I got my hat and he got his Guinness. The beautiful thing is that my friend probably won’t even remember this episode in the morning. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone!