In my last post, I thought about how Busch Gardens Williamsburg's mini-version of Italy seems to have sprung to life after passing through the lens of romance and nostalgia, like a transplanted immigrant fondly remembering the Old Country. But isn't that true of all of the countries?
Replacing the boring Hastings section of the park in 2001, Killarney brings energy and beauty in a sweet homage to old Eire.
You cannot walk a step in Killarney without finding yourself surrounded by brilliant greenery and the sound of Irish reels and jigs. Celtic Fyre's hard shoe rhythms, coming from the Abbey Stone Theater, come without a sign of the potato famine or British interlopers. Except perhaps for the cute one buying the claddagh ring and Phil Coulter CD for his girlfriend at the Emerald Isle gift shop. Which, by the way, is the best gift shop in the entire park! You can find real Irish imports there like Waterford crystal, tweed hats, wool sweaters, and even Irish-made packaged snacks.
A new show, Entwined, has even opened on the central stage. It's a children's musical play based on several of the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales rolled into one playful jumble.
Germany is coming back to life!
Though Ireland and Italy remain my favorite countries at the Gardens, during my time in Germany I had to constantly resist the urge to go dancing around the May Pole.
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