Paddy's day - the usual madness

This year's St. Patrick's day was probably the best I've had since I've been living in Germany. Unfortunately it fell on a Monday this year but I didn't let that stop me from celebrating and took a half day from work. The weather was fantastic, a sunny 20 degrees. Better weather than they were having in Dublin that day ( I checked!).

Standing outside one of the local Irish pubs drinking Guinness with some friends was perfect. Having lived here nearly four years at this stage I know a lot of people and feel more relaxed and at home in general. I was also able to chat away in German to some German friends who came without struggling to find the correct words or follow the conversation.

The few days leading up to Paddy's day I was starting to feel a little homesick though, seeing my Irish friend's facebook pages. And also this video:

I love the generation emigration section of the Irish Times. It makes me feel like I'm part of something bigger- one of many many Irish people who have emigrated and are living abroad and trying to find our way in a new county, while still holding on to our cultural identity. My American friend at work commented that my Irish accent sounded particularly strong the days leading up to Paddy's day which was funny. I also painted my nails bright green, because why the hell not!

How did you celebrate St. Patrick's day?