St Patrick's Day

Random Fact: "The name Trent is derived from the residents near the River Trent. It can also mean 'trespasser' or 'torrent'."

This weekend was the celebration of both Red Nose Day (a charity drive) and St. Patrick's Day. My friend Eva wanted to go to Ireland to celebrate it, but I kept telling here there's no way we would find a place to stay for that weekend. She continued to try and she could not understand why there wasn't a single hostel available for St. Patrick's Day, so I had to explain to her why people celebrate it.

Instead, a couple of British buddies and I tried to drive to the Stokes-on-Trent in order to see one of the towns in which my last name might have derived from (Trent River as well). Unfortunately, traffic was so bad b/c of a soccer match that we ended up finding a round about and going back to Sunderland. Luckily, I was invited over to Spennymoor in order to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with them (the father is Irish). There wasn't any drinking, but they did fix a traditional Irish meal.

Actually, I was quite shocked that Sunderland didn't make a big deal out of St. Patrick's Day. In fact, it seemed as though most of North England didn't really care. I mean, some of my friends told me that a few pubs had special things going on, but it seemed as though Red Nose Day was more popular than St. Patrick's day. I guess you learn something new everyday.

I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day!!!