It's amazing how one event can change the way a person lives their life. The encounter with art that changed my life was when I went to Ireland. I went in my sophomore year with the Symphonic Choir. Our purpose for going was to lead the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin. I wish that I could have that experience all over again. Flying overseas is an experience in itself. The plane ride seemed like an eternity, but we all managed it. When we arrived in Dublin, it seemed like a new world to us. The streets were garnished with green decorations. There were shamrocks plastered to the front of every store. The people were in high spirits awaiting the celebration of their largest holiday. It was an honor to be there that time of the year.
             The best part of the trip was experiencing a whole new culture. I would walk into stores and gaze at all the different things they had. Prior to arriving, we exchanged our money. It was so different from ours. The currency was more colorful and interesting to look at. I loved listening to the way people talked. Their distinct accent was addicting to listen to, even though I did not understand some of their dialects. There were knots in my stomach the morning of the parade. Our director told us that about a half-million people were expected to attend the parade. As we stood behind the Lord Mayor of Dublin, we began to look around to see what was going on. Policemen barricaded all of the once busy streets. The sidewalks were filled with patriotic people full of spirit. Some were hanging on streetlights or peeking out of building windows. Most of the children sat on the edge of the sidewalk, hoping to get the perfect view of everyone that walked by. Their faces painted with green shamrocks or leaping leprechauns. The sounds of laughter, cheering, and whistling filled the air. The hot sun beat down making the cold morning more enjoyable. Once the Mayor ended his speech, it was time to begin the parade.
             ...