Dubsteps in Dublin

Nothing like a little RJD2 to get the writing flow going. I am still recovering from Dublin. Its Friday 7pm and my flight leaves in 12 hours, but I have to leave in 8.

1am Friday. Party. Must leave, because if I don't it will be a painful morning. Luckily my chaperon for the evening, Hendrik, isn't drinking. I have the tendency to destroy beer in awkward situations, which is usually the beginning of every party. Hendrik's got a car, its 60F outside and I don't complain.

6am Saturday. Wake up. Hard, but the adrenaline pushes my body to focus and be productive. This is going to be a light trip. We only bring essentials: undies, socks, and a spare shirt and camera. The camera bag acts as a mini man purse. Crucial.

9am Saturday. Our flight leaves. Its Hendriks first time flying. I get nervous. The seats suck. My neck hurts. I am really happy about going to Dublin.

10am Saturday. Get through customs. The guy was really nice. Go to the visitor kiosk and got the Dublin Pass. It includes the Jameson and Guinness factories, a cab ride, entrance at the Malahide Castle and a gift at the temple bar.

11am Saturday. Malahide Castle. On the way we saw some cricket. Beautiful landscape. the Castle was really old and reminded me of Mt. Vernon. The lawn and castle grounds are very striking. Vibrant green grass speckled with tress, against a backdrop of gray topped mountains. Good coffee, american style, and a scone fixed us for some walking.

12am Saturday. Malahide. The town was amazing. It has the best parts of what Ireland means to me. A small fishing village with lots of shopping, but not overcrowded. The mud beach and the harbor is so different than what I am used to. I take pictures.

1pm Saturday. Get off the bus. Right in the center of Dublin. Our destination is lunch and I directed our path. Before the trip, I had researched the best fish and chips in Dublin. Leo Burdock's Fish N' Chips was good, but I was suprisingly disappointed mostly because of the bones in the fish! Do yourself a favor and go to Eammon's in Old Town Alexandria. That is fish and chips.

2pm Saturday. Jameson Brewery. Trips have a funny way of eating time. Therefore we were really pressed to get our day finished early so we could go to this recommended bar crawl. The Jameson distillery is really fancy, but not what I expected. A shot for 5 euro. Ugh, realize that bartenders don't eyeball the amounts and use the special shot restriction apparatus. Somehow I spend way too much money here...worth it though.

5pm Saturday. St. James' Gate. It was like the sun shone only on this portion of Ireland as to say, "you have arrived." Heaven may look like this. The brewery is also a museum, kinda boring until you get to the gravity bar. Excellent 360 degree views of the city. Is it wrong if we emptied out of other people cups? They were nearly full, little room for backwash.

8pm Saturday. We missed the bar crawl. Spent a lot of money at Guinness too. This trip is only for 24 hours and somehow I have already spent more money that on the 2 day Paris trip. St. Patrick's Church. I figure I already worship him every year, I must see what its all about. Its a church.

9pm Saturday. At a bar. Don't remember the name. Talking for 20 minutes with an Irish guy. I have no idea what he is saying. He leaves. I go for his beer. I spill it everywhere. We move and get free Bulmer's for putting my name on something.

10pm Saturday. I am very drunk. I have not had dinner. I am smoking Winston cigaretes. I do not realize the danger I have put myself in with these cigarettes. I eat a sandwich and I find strength. Temple bar looks nice.

11pm Satuday. In Temple bar. We talking with Irish people. I can understand what they are saying. They don't like my American attitude. I don't like their 8 euro beers. We talk until closing. I have no idea what I said.

3am Sunday. Bar closed. I am tired. I want to go to the airport. Hungry. The first option is BK. 5 euro for a burger...not meal just burger. I eat half and give the rest to Hendrik.

3:30am Sunday. 9km ride cost 25 euro. WTF. Get through security. Most uncomfortable/cold terminal in the world. I realize what the Winstons have done to me. I pass out on the cold floor.

6am Sunday. I feel terrible. I am tired. I am surrounded by people. I am dirty. I want to go home.

10am Sunday. Land in Germany. Hour ride home. I am exhausted. I can't stay awake. Hendrik drives. I am sick.

1pm Sunday. I fall asleep. What a trip.