DAY 31

“Some folks just have one, yeah, others, they've got none
Stay with me...
Let's just breathe...”

Those words filled the Odyssey Arena in Belfast last night as I stood surrounded by thousands of other Pearl Jam fans.

Shimmering iridescent reds and blues coming down upon us.

Sweat dripping from Eddie Vedder’s guitar.

And Mr. B standing by my side.

The perfect ingredients for a night of mosh-pits, Smirnoff ice and true rock and roll.

But let’s start from the beginning…

We left for our two hour journey to Belfast around 3:30. I had to settle certain things with my professor, including convincing him that a road-trip to Belfast was a respectable thing for a UT student to partake in. Needless to say he wasn’t too impressed, but settled on a very dad-like “text me when you get home.”

Mr. B introduced me to one of his best friends, Liam, who was the BIGGEST Pearl Jam fan I’d ever met. Liamo (clearly I had to call him by his nickname since we were besties and all) instantly became my second favorite Irish man! His humor, whit, and overall kindness were perfect characteristics for the title “Ash’s mate for the evening” (which translates to drinking buddy). That, and I wanted words of wisdom from the talented photographer.


Upon arrival into Northern Ireland, it was strange to see British flags hanging from various buildings. Currency changed from euros to pounds, and I soon realized the majority of the religious population wasn’t Catholic anymore.

Political separation between Northern Ireland and the rest of Ireland happened in the early 20th century, when Catholics and Protestants divided. Catholics desired complete independence from Britain, while Protestants feared living under a Catholic majority. In 1920, Britain passed the Government of Ireland Act, which divided Ireland into two political entities. Southern Catholics rejected the Act, demanding full independence, while Protestants accepted it.

Ok, that’s enough of a history lesson for this blog.

Instead of waiting in line early, we found the nearest bar to start our Pearl Jam journey off right. It was a quaint, Canadian joint that featured hockey teams and fake cowboy memorabilia.



Liamo and I started introducing each other to tequila and interesting after-shots, and then the threesome decided to head into the arena. Things went a bit down-hill from here.

I.COULDN’T.FIND.MY.TICKET.

Frantically throwing everything out of my purse and taking off my cowboy boots, we searched every last crevice.

Defeated and on the verge of tears, I started looking for scalpers to buy another one. Suddenly, a kind security officer informed me to go to the box office, and as they’d say in Willy Wonka “I got my Golden Ticket.”

(I’m still convinced that stupid ticket will fall out of my tights or cowboy boots one day).


Seeking a Smirnoff after the ticket fiasco, we entered the stadium floor, ready to hold our ground from any “front-row wannabees.” I then magically happened to spill by entire bottle down my dress while taking a picture, and realized that the night was TRULY starting off right.




An hour later we found ourselves “riding high amongst the waves” as sweat covered our entire bodies and screams of pure joy collided with the music.

The mosh-pit threw me from left to right every few seconds; expensive camera above my head, that’s all I was REALLY worried about protecting that evening.

But, I knew without a doubt that I was protected.

After all, Mr. B was there.

And as we got within 5 feet of the stage, hands resting on my shoulders, those same thoughts began to cross my mind…

Three days.

Three days is all I had left.

The shear essence of atmosphere and Eddie’s voice shook me awake, and I realized once more that all that mattered was that moment.

The lyrics.

The tunes.

The fact that right behind me was someone that had made my month in Ireland truly incredible.

And even though oceans were between us, I knew that “the currents will shift” and fate may one day “guide me towards you.”

Pearl Jam.

My Mr. B.

I had to "just breathe" at the thought of those last three days.

“Let's go swim tonight, darling
And once outside the undertow
Just you and me, and nothing more…”