So my dad’s a pilot and he used to fly to Ireland often… he actually would fly into Shannon and they’d put him up in the Strand Hotel in Limerick. I think it’s pretty amazing that I now get to experience Limerick…
My dad came to visit me for a couple days (literally two days) and as I’m showing him around Limerick City Centre of course he’s telling me he’s an expert and telling me what in Limerick he’s seen. To know my dad is to know that if he’s been to a place once he automatically claims he’s from there… for example where is my dad “from”? He’d tell you where exactly he grew up UNTIL you’re somewhere or you say something and it’s all of a sudden convenient for him to be from Brooklyn, the Caribbean, Ireland… I mean the possibility of answers you may get from him are endless haha. None the less, I was determined to take my dad somewhere he hadn’t been before. So where did this journey take us? Well he cut one roundabout short and drove on the wrong side of the road and then we went around a round about twice because he missed the motorway entrance (don’t tell the Garda). But we finally ended up at Bunratty Castle!
Bunratty Castle is hands down the coolest thing I’ve seen so far in my time in Ireland. The replication of the medieval and victorian village is unreal, you literally feel like you were there. I think it’s pretty cool how as you’re walking through the village you could just have random chickens chilling walking next to you completely unbothered. The design of the castle was pretty amazing as well… I must admit I do feel sorry for those that lived there though… I mean to have to walk up all those stairs in such a narrow space, I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated elevators and escalators so much. And of course once I closed the ring on my apple watch we had to reward the 9,000+ steps we walked with a pint and soup from Durty Nelly’s in front of the castle. Seafood chowder highly recommended!
So I think it’s safe to say my dad and I had an amazing day, but the thing that stuck with me the most was right before he left we were sitting on the couches in my house in Limerick and he told me he was envious of me. And even a day later after he’s gone I’m still thinking about that. He told me he was envious of me because I got the opportunity to travel to a foreign country I’d never even thought about visiting before and live on my own, play basketball, get my masters and teach the game I love to others. My dad is my biggest hero and I don’t think he truly knows how much I admire him… I mean I attribute ALL of my success to my him. So if you’re envious of me I’d say I’m doing a pretty good job making you proud big fella!
When he first put a basketball in my hands I told him he only wanted me to play because he did… I mean I DID NOT want to play by any means. But I grew to love the game and look at where that round ball has brought me… to one of your favorite city’s. So.. thank you dad and not welcome, but welcome BACK to Limerick!