Less tearful farewell than expected. Perhaps, because as we had felt like it had only been a day or two since we last saw each other, and not nearly 20 years, it somehow felt as if we would see each other very soon - we would certainly like to think so, and I think it testament to the friendship that we are lucky to have such a connection.
2 hours of driving and 1 hour of flying to get to Dublin. Lucky to walk straight onto flight. Got a seat right at the back of the plane - supposedly the best place to be in the event of a crash - have you ever heard of a plane reversing into a mountain? The lovely flight attendant very astutely sensed Julianne's sense of relief at having got onto the plane, and very sweetly offered us a cup of tea - on the house, or plane, as it were. Ah tea, the universal panacea.
Flight only about 1/4 full - all could have had window seats - very unusual apparently.
Met by Sean, who clearly has not changed a bit. Drove us into Dublin, telephoning his brother to get some suggestions on where to have some lunch, only to drive straight past each of his brother's suggestions, and only by a matter of minutes after the suggestion was made. Tried very hard not to talk about anything that we might have to repeat ourselves when we catch up with Diane on Thursday - consequently talked about work, football (all codes), a few Dublin landmarks and good restaurants in Dublin to drive past.
Constant drizzle (as opposed to constant drivel) for most of afternoon - next time Michael, remember to put your jacket at the top of one of the bags and then remember which bag you put it in. Found hotel after adopting the true and tried method of driving around for a while and then asking a local - got pointed in the right direction in the way that London zoo has signs pointing in the right direction - vaguely helpful, but at least not inaccurate.
Checked in to what is clearly our best hotel accommodation thus far - nicely appointed, and very nice, welcoming staff. Excellent rooms - linen and furnishings of a very high standard - will take some matching by future hosts.
Hop-on hop-off bus for a 1 1/2 tour of Dublin - getting late, so didn't hop off until end - gave us a few ideas for tomorrow.
Booked in to a dinner and show in the hotel dining area - very much catered to all the tourists, and the dining area felt rather impersonally like a school mess hall, but the musicians and dancers put on a very entertaining performance - sort of Riverdance lite. Evening completely spoiled for everyone else when this author got 'invited' to show just how badly Irish dancing can be performed - the less said about that the better - I must have known something was afoot as I didn't think it worth taking the camera in the first place so left it back in the room, whereas I will usually take it almost anywhere...just in case. Thank heaven's for gut feeling. [Addendum - I have subsequently been informed that Patrick (bless him) captured much of it on his iPod - I have yet to see proof, let alone find a way to delete evidence of my having trampled (literally) all over Ireland's cultural history of a wonderful tradition of dance].
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