Dublin Schmublin

Today has been a long day. Started out well with a sunny day at last. I ate a breakfast of coffee and raspberries, bid fare well to my London hostel mates, and was on my way. For the record, London was wonderful and I had a great three days walking around and meeting really great people nearly everywhere I went. So... today was a day of transport and little else. A subway to a shuttle to the airport. The flight was only an hour but seriously, that hour was the most intense stereophonic surround sound screaming baby hour I've ever had in my life. Luckily I was in good enough spirits to laugh it off and feel good about having my ipod on hand to block it out as much as was possible. I was also lucky to have a window seat so that I could just stare out at the beautiful patchwork of England's landscape. Once on the ground again I made up an elaborate story of how I know my "friends" in Ireland for the customs officer and was pleased that he believed me and let me into the country. I felt like such a bandita. Once out of the airport I got onto yet another bus which brought me into the center of Dublin where I was promptly completely lost. I wandered into some shop and asked the man at the desk how to get to my hostel and he was kind enough to escort me half way and pointed me in the right direction, which was exceedingly kind of him. I was so relieved to arrive at the hostel where I would finally get to put down my pack and take a hot shower and lie down to read my book. However, this is far from the reality of the situation. I opened the door to my room to find nine half naked Irish dudes simultaneously turn to see who was coming though their door. They were polite enough and said hello, but I got the impression that they were all friends who had come to the city together and were not there as travellers per se. They were all getting ready for a night on the town and their disgusting cologne mixed oh-so-nicely with the inevitable boy stink body odor. mmmm..... Anyhow, I basically just said hello, dropped my pack, and decided to head out and take a look around. My initial impression is that Dublin is a sortof depressed city. It looks quite industrial, with brick row-houses and pub upon pub upon pub. I haven't seen much yet, though, and because I didn't arrive until past 8:00, darkness fell quickly and I didn't get to wander far. I'm glad I'm only staying here two nights and then will be on to greener pastures. I'm needing some country air just about now. So, all in all, I'm having a great time so far, and I figure that days like today are just little trials to persevere through. I remind myself in less than ideal situations that I just have to roll with the punches and everything's going to be just fine. Much love to everyone back home. Till next time....