“The most important things to do in the world are to get something to eat, something to drink and somebody to love you.”
-Brendan Behan
It is with some sadness that I share this breezeway with about a dozen malaria carriers and punch out my last blog entry on Ireland (there’s wi-fi down here).
A potential place of refuge awaits…
At first I wasn’t going to backtrack and attempt these blog entries- mainly because I think that messing with chronology confuses what is already a rather quixotic blog and lifestyle. But then I discovered that my re-entry into Senegal has been a little less than smooth, so I thought that it would be best to put out some good vibes while I go through the pains of reacclimatization. Also, Ireland is my favorite place in the world- so I’ll always make an exception and post more stuff on the subject.
We’re back in the Dublin environs, but for this final portion of our trip we have installed ourselves in the lovely town of Bray. This means that heading into Dublin proper requires a trip on the DART- as well as a pristine view of the bay.
I’m not ever without a notebook, but in this country- more than any other- I find myself constantly pulling it open and scratching out catches of what will obviously be the next American novel. Or just another blog entry.
We get off at the Pearse Street DART stop (right next to my old flat!) and head out for some last-minute errands in town. Here is the day where I will make my life’s first big art purchase, and also see if the mail gods will ship it to Cape Cod in one piece. Luck has been on our side for most of our trip, and once again it’s a gorgeous day in Dublin. This last stroll around town is making my heart a little sad as we wind our way through these old streets one last time- and that probably accounts for my big purchase. It’s a vain attempt to bring this entire place back with me.
“Chemists rarely move. Their green and gold beacon jars too heavy to stir. Hamilton Long’s, founded in the year of the flood. Huguenot churchyard near there. Visit some day.”
Dammit, closed. Another day.
Dammit, closed. Another day.
Somewhere along the line while living in glorious Boston, Rory discovered that she loves Butler’s Chocolates. Luckily for her, this Irish company has chocolate cafés all over Dublin- and they serve up a pretty fantastic hot chocolate.
After our day in town, we head back out to Bray to spend time with some of my college friends. With the amount of traveling that I do, I find that friends and acquaintances come and go quite often. Still, I count many friends in random places who are tried and true in maintaining our bonds. We may not be in email contact every day (or every month for that matter)- but I can always ring them up when I am going to be in town. Or vice-versa.
Case in point: my fabulous college flatmate is now married to a fine man indeed (thanks Brian for picking us up at the bus!) and they have the cutest little boy who is always on the move. You’re going to be seeing some kid pictures in this entry.
Olivia and Brian now live out in Bray, and they suggested that we go for a hike in the Wicklow Mountains. I’ve only ever been to Glendalough– and that was during a solo trip about 15 years ago. I was really looking forward to doing some exploration in County Wicklow with not just family but some great friends.
Brian and Olivia took the opportunity to take a new baby hiking pack out for a spin. The little guy was not quite sure that this was going to work out well for him, but Mom and Dad pressed on.
Success! It wasn’t more than sixty seconds that we were rigged for departure and everyone was happy with the arrangement. Off into the mountains we go!
It’s late in the afternoon, and more chilly than I would have expected. Rory and I are sporting the woven purchases acquired back in Connemara. Even though I am now sitting here in 80 degree weather and battling mosquitoes, I still wake up every morning and see my pink hat sitting on the edge of my bed. One of these days I will put it away- or put it back on my head before walking out the door. The second option is more likely, truth be told.
Isn’t it breathtaking up here? Completely serene. I’m just going to shut up and enjoy the view with you.
Today was also Olivia’s birthday, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to spend it with her. I think the last birthday of hers was celebrated in her flat, and we got in trouble for trying to burn the kitchen down with a zillion candles. That was a good party.
Success! It wasn’t more than sixty seconds that we were rigged for departure and everyone was happy with the arrangement. Off into the mountains we go!
It’s late in the afternoon, and more chilly than I would have expected. Rory and I are sporting the woven purchases acquired back in Connemara. Even though I am now sitting here in 80 degree weather and battling mosquitoes, I still wake up every morning and see my pink hat sitting on the edge of my bed. One of these days I will put it away- or put it back on my head before walking out the door. The second option is more likely, truth be told.
Isn’t it breathtaking up here? Completely serene. I’m just going to shut up and enjoy the view with you.
Today was also Olivia’s birthday, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to spend it with her. I think the last birthday of hers was celebrated in her flat, and we got in trouble for trying to burn the kitchen down with a zillion candles. That was a good party.
Behold the valley. I’m trying to convey to you how I feel about being here. But I don’t think that this is adequately captures the sentiment…
There it is- yes! In honor of my good friend Annie, who taught me to perfect this look of joy.
After all of that hiking, we did what all good Irish people do. Take the baby out for a well-earned pint.
It’s Olivia’s birthday, and we meet up for Italian and some other college friends. Pasta, wine and good conversation- that’s my pathetic effort to paraphrase what Mr. Behan said up above.
Birthday girl!
I tried to take a rotten video of the interior- but it was just too dark inside. Kinda added to the mystique of the place. There was even a letter inside from the Queen of England- something about inviting her here for a drink or something. You’ll have to ask Brian to tell the story.
It’s Olivia’s birthday, and we meet up for Italian and some other college friends. Pasta, wine and good conversation- that’s my pathetic effort to paraphrase what Mr. Behan said up above.
Birthday girl!
After cake, we set off for a pub that I knew nothing about. Brian had mentioned that it was really crazy inside- but very cool. And also voted the best bar in the world by Lonely Planet. Hang on, we’re in random Bray- not even in Dublin city and the best bar in the world is here?! I so need to do some cultural research….
Caz, Olivia, Me and Clare all heading in for a post meal drink.
See, I told you! Best Bar in the World.
What is exactly needed if one wants to win this dubious distinction? (Yes, apart from good Guinness, of course…)
Crosses. Stained glass. Pregnant mannequins….it’s dark and spooky in here. And in one of the rooms people were laying on top of one another. And that wasn’t the wine talking!
Heck, I was sold on the bathroom alone (there was “Single” stall as well). Can you guess which stall I picked?
I tried to take a rotten video of the interior- but it was just too dark inside. Kinda added to the mystique of the place. There was even a letter inside from the Queen of England- something about inviting her here for a drink or something. You’ll have to ask Brian to tell the story.
It was a really great night out in Bray- but alas, all good things must come to a temporary pause. Our respective flights were set for the following morning, and life as I currently know it was starting to re-materialize. Time for the slow and gradual move southward to Africa.
Early the next morning, Rory and I head out to the beach to pick up the last traces of pink. I always love being by the ocean- no matter where it is. Still, whenever I come to the north Atlantic, that’s when I really feel that I’m at home.
I am so grateful to have shared this time with my sister, and I hope that this trip to Ireland lived up to the country that she pictured in her head. It seems that the older we get, the more life takes on a dizzying speed that doesn’t offer much in the way of extracurricular family togetherness (and no, the holidays definitely don’t count). After this Irish jaunt and spending some time some my fabulous friends, I can’t really ask for much else in life.
Well, maybe a home to call my very own out here in Bray. Till then, I’ve got these here blog entries, and a load of fresh memories to keep me balanced. I’m not gonna let the mosquitoes get me down.