Each week when I sit down to write this blog, I marvel at how much time has passed in what feels like the blink of an eye. With only two and a half weeks left, this time is no different.
Last Wednesday we celebrated Cat’s birthday with dinner and a bar hop through the city with Dean Kepner and Ariana’s mom as special guests. On the way to our final stop, 37 Dawson Street, the third of July slipped into the fourth, and we ran down the street singing the National Anthem and “Party in the USA.” Without a doubt though, my favorite part of the night was swing dancing with everyone at the Merrion Row bus stop. It had to be one or two in the morning at that point, but no one seemed to notice, much less care.
The Fourth of July certainly looked different this year, and I’ll admit I missed being at the beach at home and grilling out with friends and family. However, it was fun seeing the various celebrations throughout the city on Thursday and telling coworkers (one from Nigeria and another from Macau) about the holiday.
On Friday we trekked to O’Donoghue’s in the pouring rain, where we then parked ourselves for the next few hours. A couple friends and I went to The Ivy for lunch on Saturday, which was the first (and only) Saturday we’ve been able to spend in Dublin. I loved seeing the locals out and about, taking advantage of the pubs and the sunshine. We met Dean Kepner and Lily at Foley’s later that afternoon, where we indulged in the Euros and enjoyed each other’s company.
Our adventures in Northern Ireland might have made for one of my favorite weekends of the whole trip. En route to Belfast on Sunday, we stopped at the Titanic Museum and experienced a Black Taxi Tour. I was fascinated by the history of Northern Ireland and the conflict between the Protestants and Catholics, which still seems to be lingering today. I was less fascinated by the (somewhat accusatory) questions our taxi driver asked me about the upcoming US presidential election, but I’ve learned that they come with the territory of being an American abroad during an election year. At work late last week, I was on a call with a man who said “When America sneezes, England gets a cold and Ireland gets pneumonia.” But I digress…
Monday was the coolest day. We crossed the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and explored Giant’s Causeway. I was a little apprehensive about the bridge, but once on the other side, I could’ve stayed all day. Our tour guide at Giant’s Causeway was personable and kind, even tearing up towards the end when talking about the meaning of home. Not to mention the weather was incredible and made a world of difference for both activities.
It was a great week overall, and I’m excited for these last few activities at Celtic Boyne Valley and the Howth Cliff Walk.
