American in Spain

St. Patty's in Mondragon

March 19, 2007

On Saturday night, we went out with some of Belén's friends in Mondragon. Every March 17th to come, I will think about the weekend we spent in Dublin three years ago, quite possibly the most enjoyable weekend I've spent with good friends, tourism, and alcohol. I had noticed earlier that day that the token Irish pub in Mondragon was advertising a free leprechaun's hat with the purchase of two half pints (this is Spain, remember) of Guinness. I just so happened to have my Guinness jacket that I bought in Dublin in 2004. So after a night of bar hopping, I insisted that we stop by the Irish pub to get me a hat.

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Any seasoned drinker knows the importance of starting the night on a full stomach. This lovely "bocata" (the Spanish word for this long type of sandwich) was scrumptastic!

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Looking good in my Guinness jacket and new hat.

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It's just by chance that my sweater, t-shirt, and hat form the colors of the Irish flag.

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I will NOT tell you where my pot of gold is!

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Belén shows off her orthodontist's achievments.

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Okay, now begins the silliness.

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Two sisters and a leprechaun. Sounds like a bad sit-com.

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After a thorough debate, fought hard by both sides, it was decided that the leprechaun hat will not participate in the wedding in any way.

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I don't remember this picture being taken, but I like it.

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What great advertising. These silly little hats seem like the coolest thing in the world after a few drinks. I wore mine all the way home.

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The pub was suitably decorated.

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Belén borrowed a hat from a friend in the bar and posed with her boyfriend, Gorka.

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Then she had the idea to pose again, but this time on the step next to him.

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In case you were curious about the contents of my nose...

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I hope you all had a happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Irish, like the Spanish, know how to take a solemn Catholic holiday and turn it into an explosion of alcoholic hedonism. For that, I salute them. Cheers!