So blogging about my travels didn't turn out to be as practical as I first imagined! Most weekdays right now, I'm so tired I go home and shower and take a nap after the dig before eating dinner and then going back to bed lol. Who knew I was such an old fogie??

Dublin was fabulous, if a bit scary at first! I landed on time and retrieved my baggage to find... no Eddie! CRAP! I called his cell phone... left a message. Wandered around looking at EVERYONE to make certain I hadn't missed him. Called his cell phone... left a message. Called a mutual friend to find out if they had another number for him, and FINALLY, he was found. Poor thing had been pulling double duty (work and daddy) because his father-in-law is ill. We finally met up (a few drinks later!) and he escorted me to my hotel by the most circuitous route imaginable lol. I got to see some pretty fascinating things on the drive, when I managed to keep my eyes open! Did you know they drive on the wrong side of the road there?! And ohmygod they are INSANE drivers!! We ran lights, stop signs, changed lanes continuously... even when there WAS no lane! I arrived intact tho... and Eddie promised we'd meet up later for drinks or dinner.

Well... in the way of all good plans... it went awry. Dad was not doing better and Eddie was left with the kids. I, meanwhile, was left to my own devices. I wandered around Dublin, seeing things like Trinity College, the Spire (a giant, hypodermic needle of a sculpture) and more. Fountains and post offices with bullet holes... Hot Irish men... and of course, PUBS! I finally chose one called the Bull and Castle or some such utter nonsense and went in for a few. The bartender was cute, helpful, friendly and had a wicked hot accent. Did I mention that I love Irish accents? I had a fabulously tacky beer named the Bishop's Finger (advertising such as... Nothing satisfies me like a Bishop's Finger!) and then moved along to a Galway Hooker (surprisingly tasty, lol). I met a Canadian gal from Alberta and a Nigerian transplant to California and hung out with them for awhile swapping stories.

For a weird twist, bars close at 11pm on a Sunday in Dublin lol. Not ALL of them, mind you, but we definitely needed to go elsewhere if we planned to stay out! The bartender suggested a place called the Czech Inn which, while lacking in any particular charm decor-wise, was at least energetic and had familiar music. Isabella (Nigerian) and I went, whilst her roomie (the Canadian) went home to rest before taking some godawful early morning tour. We were sitting, chatting, enjoying a Guinness, and noticing the peoples coming and going. It's quite an eclectic mix and quite good for people watching! Anywho... noticed this very cute little Irish man at a table not far from us and was enjoying the view when he noticed me too lol. We spent about twenty minutes flirting from afar before he appeared suddenly at our table and invited us to join him and his friend for a drink.

Did I mention he was completely adorable? Had the most beautiful blue eyes and makes me shiver when he says my name lol. So... get this... I go halfway 'round the world to take a break from my Chemical friends and what do I do? Meet a fricking Chemical Engineer/Chemist lmfao. Can we say masochistic? Actually, we talked very little about that and much more about travelling, beer, music and such. Discussed how very Irish my name is... and how I've not a drop of Irish blood in me lol! Eventually, we bid Isabella and Eamon goodnight whilst the cute little Irish man walked me back to my hotel. We seemed to take a very long and circuitous route lol, but ask me if I minded or cared? We made plans to meet for coffee/breakfast at 8am and bid each other goodnight a few times.

8am rolled around and I popped across the street to the cafe, where I did not see him, and was feeling slightly disappointed. Went back to my hotel and took a bit longer nap, as I hadn't slept all that much the night before. Who should call and interrupt my dreams but the adorable Irish man?! He HAD gone to the cafe, but arrived just after I left, apparently lol. We agreed to meet up after he got off work and I spent the rest of the day touring Dublin agan. I had the most FABULOUS Irish stew for dinner and will remember that place fondly all of my days. YUM!

Met up with hottie Irish man at the Wool Shed for drinks. The man stopped and bought me this blinking, green satin sash that says "Kiss Me, I'm Irish." I love a guy with a sense of humor. I wore it for the rest of the evening, which wasn't all that long lol. Things happened and I'm looking forward VERY much to seeing the little Irish man again in August on my way home!

Eventually, I'd like to go back and just spend some time in Ireland poking around and getting lost. It's beautiful and the people there are very friendly and jovial. Flying in over the island... it reminded me of a giant green patchwork quilt... with all the hedges separating everyone's bits of land.

That's it for now. I'll try to catch you up on Paris next time!

S