The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival
Lisdoonvarna in County Clare, West of Ireland was originally famed for the healing powers of its natural spa. Spa, in these parts, may simply mean, “now Marie, be a good woman and jus’ jump in the wa’ery munstah.” The Ocean is the monster. And it covers 66 percent of the Earth’s surface and allow the seaweed’s slime to act as a moisturizer if you‘re willing to make the above mentioned jump. If you curled your nose up on the villagers, you’ll be informed very quickly, “where do ya think ya’re from, ’tis free, isn‘t it bee-gar.”
Don’t ever refuse this offer if you take the trip; I’ve had seaweed baths in Ireland and you’re skin is amazingly soft afterwards (as yer head must be if you pay to hop in seaweed). And nowadays it WILL cost you money -- what with European bailouts and all.
Lisdoonvarna’s villagers were always a step ahead in many things modern. The people of West Ireland every year invite you to dip your toe in the waters of romance as well as the opportunity to bathe in, and drink, the mineral waters close to town. Rich in iron, sulfur and magnesium, the waters gives relief from the symptoms of certain diseases including rheumatism and glandular fever. And anything rich in sulfur is bound to have a divine aroma. The village also has natural occurring hot spring baths (toss in some seaweed for good measure). So, go fall in love and visit Lisdoonvarna in September for the luvvvvvvvv fest (or Matchmaking Festival to be more precise). But careful; not all bog farmers are as handsome as Liam Neeson nor all barmaids as sensible as Maureen O’Hara.
People come by the thousands in search of a good time, hoping to meet the woman/man of their dreams. A couple of local horse-traders (literally) carry on a 200-year-old tradition of matching lonely hearts.
Matchmaking is still in vogue and people continued to come and "take the waters", including many of Ireland's clergy. It was around this time that one of Lisdoonvarna's most famous sayings was coined, describing the town as a place "where parish priests pretend to be sober and bank clerks pretend to be drunk".
A Toast to a Kentucky Classic
From one equestrian trader to the next, we move from County Clare, Ireland, to Jefferson County, Kentucky. The pictures of riders and their bay companion attest to fun, excitement, international recognition and a spirit that is whimsical / eccentric from a country that seems far more interested in watching 350 pound behemoths crushing unsuspecting quarterbacks. 1.5 million people gather to celebrate spring and the unique vitality of the Kentucky community.
Both counties draw ardent and amorous enthusiasts, as well as those who simply want to be part of one of the most enjoyable social gatherings.
I can only imagine viewing the world from a saddle, the friendship developed by the jockey and horse. If there’s anything as exhilarating as the race, it’s the amazement that the horses know what’s coming and then when it’s over, they practically tiptoe with excitement. The matchmaking between jockey and horse has worked perfectly. The incredible horse works so hard while the jockey enjoys the ride (as with human matchmaking, this reminds me of a few couples I know).
2012 Kentucky Derby did not disappoint, it was worthy of the drumbeat on the table. And while the stakes were high and it is a horse race, visitors to the Derby treat the whole event with a sense of occasion and come dressed accordingly.
The Quintessence of Gentlemanly Beverages…
For nearly a century, Mint Juleps have been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby.
Over 80,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, requiring 8,000 liters of Mint Julep Cocktail, 2,200 pounds of freshly harvested mint, and 80 tons of shaved ice. The drink is as much a part of the Derby tradition as bugles and roses.
When making those Mint Juleps with Kentucky Bourbon; wrap mint in cheesecloth, crush it, and dip it in bourbon to extract its flavor. One reliable source told me his secret to successful batches of mint juleps is to cut the straw down so your nose will be nestled in the mint.
My Kentucky girlfriend, whom I call Miss Kentucky, shared with me a recipe for Derby Pie years ago. It was delicious. Kentucky residents believe in their Bourbon. Bourbon may conjure up images of southern gentlemen sitting on a porch discussing worldly matters with their swirling glasses nestled in creased palms. But to a cook, bourbon is known to make chocolate more chocolaty, pralines more robust, and a cranberry glazed hams ever so much sweeter.
I was taught that while making a cake, to add two tablespoon of the Bourbon liquid to enhance the cake, another three for the icing. Among the liquor’s other virtues is that it caramelizes as it evaporates in cooking, making glazes a little cracklier, and it is well suited for the saltiness of the Derby Ham mixed in with cranberries, oranges and mustard. Don’t forget to add it to butter for the cheddar cheese biscuits.
So, whether you are attending an International Horse Trial, Show Jumping at the MN State Fair, or hosting a ‘Horse trader Matchmaking Party’ this summer…let the various stallions/fillies chew the cud over vast quantities of Sprite or Bourbon and let them negotiate the hurdles of getting to know one another - it’s all part of the old tradition… and it works.
When your job is done and your girlfriend just found herself a stud, allow yourself to sip one Julep under your “Kentucky veranda” at the close of a long successful day.
Down here in Puerto Rico they keep it to rum, beer and salsa to decide the match making. And horses? Most of the rural lads still ride their horse to the pub at night. Makes the DUI / DWI issue a whole lot less dicey.
