I JUST came back from the Celtic College in Goderich, Ontario, and I’m so excited to be warped onto the internet to share my story with the online public. So here it goes… allow me to unfold this story picture by picture.

My travels begin with signing in at The Livery to get my information package. I was greeted by the friendliest coordinators, they were happy to give me directions around the neighbourhood even though it may have been the millionth time they repeated it that day.

The Livery, a beautiful venue made from stone, was a great starting point to our trip. It was once a stable in the 1840’s and is one of many other relics in the town from way back when. My friend “S” and I are mesmerized by this old town charm and continue to roam around to absorb it all.

I’m impressed with this town’s commitment to music and the arts. Other than the Livery, the town was complete with a music shop, a co-op art gallery, and countless antique shops. Even the coffee shop sold music instruments. The town’s commitment into preserving the things from the past just added more to its character. It’s no wonder they have a reputation for being Canada’s prettiest town.

This old town charm definitely has rubbed on its inhabitants. You could see it on the detailing of people’s homes and in their cars. This picture is one of many old fashioned automobiles I saw around town.

The downside to Goderich is that there is no public means of transit to get there. Stef, Bronwin and I were lucky enough to get a ride. The next best way would have been to take a bus to Stratford and from there hitchhike to Goderich.  This picture below shows a train station that used to pass by. It’s been cut off eon’s ago, which consequently cuts off the town from a whole entire market of people, and erasing itself off the map.

Another downer to Goderich was the cheap discount stores. Juxtaposed against these pretty boutiques and homes really took away from the experience. But I didn’t make this any better, I’ll admit I supported this by shopping there the most during my stay.

Anyway, I really enjoyed the nature at Goderich. But be careful at the beach, there are a lot of mosquitoes that will engulf you and the beach surface is entirely made from stones. Keep your shoes on and proceed with caution!

And what’s a trip in rural Ontario without a picture of its vast farm fields?

At the actual College itself, I’m overwhelmed with everything that’s going on! So many people, so much material to learn in the presence of so many super cool musicians!

And finally, I’d like to mention in closing one of the most phenomenal performance I’ve ever seen! De Temps Antan had energy like no other, they are super jovial and super talented and good looking. I’m so impressed that  I will dedicate an entire blog post just about them. I really encourage everyone to check these guys out. You can listen to their awesome songs on http://www.myspace.com/detempsantan.