Taking The Holyhead Train 2

Ah. Backlog.

In the evening on Tuesday after the fishing, Dave's family very kindly invited me to dinner with them at a pub in Arreton. Dave's Dad was taking his Melodion along to a bring-your-own folk music session.

It was unlike anything I'd seen before. In little pauses after songs or poems or tunes, someone would pipe up (sometimes literally - with pipes) and everyone would either listen, or join in for the refrain on a song, or play along with their instruments. I was drinking Tanglefoot, which, in retrospect, I believe to be the Real Ale Drinkers' answer to Stella Artois. Or Whisky, I'm not sure. It's strong, anyway.

One long-white-haired guy wearing a shamrock-green t-shirt was playing a drum - that traditional Irish type of drum I can't remember the name of. He stood up on his own and sang a song about respecting your donkey - 'Never look down on your ass', which got everyone laughing and joining in for the chorus under the black-beamed ceiling...after another couple of playalong songs, he stood up again. I sipped Tanglefoot absently until I was shocked out of my reverie by the fact that he seemed to be talking to me. Both in terms of the words and the fact that he was staring at me.

All day I'd been semi-melancholically considering the fact that I'd be leaving soon.

"I can tell from your face
that you're leaving this place..."

My jaw dropped.
Er...?

"...you're taking the Holyhead train..."

Ah. Ireland. No. Not exactly. Nice try.

In a rough circle in front of the fireplace were guitars, a violin, a mandolin, a flute, two melodions, an accordion, that Irish drummy wossname, and a bass-like instrument made out of a broom handle, a length of twine, and a packing case on wheels.

There was even gentle scandal, mild intrigue and (respectfully) raised voices over the future of British Folk Music.

All in all, it was a magical evening.

...she is handsome, she is pretty, she is the belle of Belfast city...

...changed, unconsciously, unwittingly, on my lips....

...she is handsome, she is pretty, she is the belle of New York City...