P: Akiko, it's great to see you – come on, we have to get my car out of short-term parking. Here, let me grab your bag...

（THEY HURRY THROUGH THE AIRPORT, TO THE PARKING LOT OUTSIDE. CAR DOOR SLAMS, AND THEY DRIVE AWAY. NOW WE HEAR THEM TALKING IN THE CAR）

P: So, how was the flight? You got in a little late...

A: It was fine. Just a little long.

P: So, um, you remember that ceili night I told you about?

A: Oh, oh yes, I remember. Patrick, to be honest...（GETTING READY TO BEG OFF GOING TO THE EVENT）

P: Now, I know you're tired, but the ceili night will perk you right up!

A: Dancing? I don't need to dance myself, do I? I thought it would just be watching... （まさか、私もダンスするってことじゃないよね。飛行機疲れしてなくてもあんまり踊るタイプでもないし…）

P: I promise you, you can sit and watch. My friend Cashell is the bartender, and he'll take good care of you.

A: But where will you be?

P: Oh, I'll be there – I'm practicing for a competition, though, so I'm going to be dancing most of the time. Oh yeah, and Seamus, that's your home stay Dad, he'll be coming to pick you up in a few hours. Said something about: he didn't want me to drive after, um, a hard night out.

A: I see...(RELUCTANTLY) So, what kind of dance is it?

P: It's called Irish step dancing. You'll see – it's kind of a casual night of dancing.

A: I see. I saw one dance on the video you sent to me. It looked very difficult.

P: Well, of course, they can be complicated as you get better, but, even starting out, they're a lot of fun! You saw step dancing in the theater, right?

A: Oh, yes, yes I did. I loved watching them, but I'm sure I can't dance like that.

P: Well, when I first got here, I wanted a good way to exercise – and this is a great way to do it, with some cultural stuff attached.

A: Oh, it does look like it takes a lot of energy.

P: Yeah, but it's really fun...Okay, we're here!

A: It is really crowded.

P: I know, isn't it great! Hey, there's Cashell, let me introduce you.

C: So, Pat, is this the lady?

P: Uh, yeah, we just got in. Akiko, meet Cashell, Cashell, meet Akiko.

A: Hello...Cashell?

C: That's right young lady – now you look knackered, come on over here and sit down...

N: Later that evening.

A: It looks like they are having fun (WISTFULLY)

C: You know they are...but why should they have all the fun – come on, let's show you a few steps. （GETS UP, TAKES AKIKO'S HAND AND BEGINS TO TEACH HER SOME DANCE STEPS. LOTS OF LAUGHING AND SOUND OF HIM SHOWING HER SIMPLE STEPS）So, you point your toe, then you lift up your knee, and do that really quickly...yes, that's right – now be sure to keep your top half still...

P: （COMING BACK TIRED FROM THE DANCE FLOOR）Hey, you're a quick study!

C: （LAUGHING）Now you know, there's going to be a test on this later. There are 4 basic kinds of Irish dances: jigs, reels, hornpipes and set dances.

A: Okay, I think I got it. The 4 basic kinds of Irish dances are jigs, reels, hornpipes, and set dances.

C: Perfect! And, the basic Irish instruments are fiddle, accordion, tin whistle, and bodhran. And the dances are from the third century BC. And these are the steps to a jig （HE SHOWS OFF THE STEPS）

A: Fiddle, accordion, tin whistle, and bodhran: and this is a jig!

P: Akiko! I thought you were tired: that was great! You've got to come join the dance – it's time for the next one!

A: No, no, I only just found out about them (SHE'S PROTESTING AND LAUGHING AS HE PULLS HER AWAY TO THE DANCE FLOOR).

C: （MUSIC TO HIMSELF）Well, she was a bit sad when she started, but it looks like she's alright now!

S: （COMING UP BEHIND CASHELL）Who's all right now?

C: Hello Seamus. Did you come to pick up your guest?

S: （BREATHING A BIT HARD FROM DANCING）Yes, have you seen Patrick? Ah, there they are!

P: Oh, hi Seamus. This is Akiko.

S: Hello Akiko. Ceud mìle fàilte -welcome to Ireland.