Dublin

I arrived in Dublin after very little sleep, a tummy full of what appeared to be a spinach cheese pasta, and an unruly, dysfunctional set of intestines. On the plane I watched the new(er) Amelia Earheart film, and TRIED to sleep, but since the flight from Philadelphia to Dublin was only about 5 1/2 hours, there was little luck.

When I awoke, I saw the clouds rolling underneath the plane as if we were already landing. They were thick, and appeared to be quite like hills, it was only when I looked closer that I realized we were still 30,000 feet up. The stars were still shining, and the red sun began to poke its way through the foggy horizon. Amazing.

We landed in Dublin on time (9:10am), and I made my way into the city with no troubles. I was exhausted, and found myself wandering around for a cup of coffee (which proved to be a mistake later). I met up with Berenice, my 1st Ireland couchsurfing host, and we hopped a bus back to her house. The ride back was a bit challenging, as I found myself growing nauseous, and slow to conversation; the double decker bus was jerky and stopped abruptly. I was fine once we exited and I caught a breath of fresh air. It was nice to relax.

Berenice and I chatted about all sorts of things, (mostly printmaking-litho!!) We ended up making our way back into the city that night for a little thing called Milk and Cookies; a non profit art collaboration that had cookies, tea, and story tellers. Everyone was cramped into this small open space filled with blankets, chairs, and damp carpets. I heard tales of Irish faeries, unruly dogs, and old wizards, all told live and unedited! :) As we were leaving, Berenice and I made plans with her friend Andy, to meet up tomorrow for a pint. And so it was.

After a long 10 hours of much needed sleep, I eventually made my way out into Dublin, grew a bit ill on the bus (again) and wrote some postcards. I had some time when I arrived to sit in a small cafe, and write in my journal which has been quite enjoyable. The city was cold, and I walked around Trinity College, gazing at all the young students, wishing I could be one again. At 6pm I met up with Berenice and Andy, and we enjoyed a pint (Andy a hot whiskey) of real Irish Guinness (it tastes much lighter here, and easier to drink). We spoke of art, how we can work AND enjoy ourselves, and what we do in a world that is so money grubbing, and old (and recent) Catholic Irish repression, traveling. With reassurance from Andy that I would be ok, and taken care of here (despite my frail plans), we left the pub and parted ways. Last night Berenice and I made a delicious lasagna and spoke of love, friendships, and family. Being able to express myself so far has been amazing, and I enjoy every bit of conversation that has come my way. I now make my way to Gort (west Ireland, close to Galway) for two weeks of WWOOFing, and I cannot wait. I find myself a tad nervous, but know that I really will be ok, that I truly am in good hands with Ireland.

Pictures posted soon!