Where no one knows my name

I survived the packing experience with only a mildly traumatic sensation of ‘there’s something I’m forgetting’. First aid kit, tampons (sorry to all male readers), shampoo, a travel towel, a compass (always necessary, especially with my awful sense of direction - which way’s north again?), undies, socks and then the not-so-essential things: my passports, Eurail passes and clothes.

Anyway, so I think I’m prepared for everything up to and including a nuclear apocalypse, and, if you believe my brother, that could actually be quite soon.

And, despite Ryanair’s best attempts, I made it to Dublin in one, mostly undamaged piece. This city is amazing.

It’s really similar to Amsterdam, but I feel a lot more comfortable here (for the obvious reason that makes Amsterdam one of the main tourist destinations). Let’s just say Dublin is a more PG version and leave it at that.

There are statues on every street corner, people busking at the sides, tons of interesting, little shops, no shortage of internet cafes, and it’s all within reasonable walking distance. O’ Connell Street was my first delightful discovery and, once on that, it’s so easy to find everything.

My host was friendly and welcoming, but unfortunately had to work most of the time, so I barely saw him. But, despite that, I had the house key and a plan!

I’d checked couchsurfing events and found one! My aim: arrive at the meeting and get to know a whole bunch of people. I showed up, rang the bell and a guy came out. “I’m here for the couchsurfing meeting?” He just looked at me. There was no meeting that night. That’s on Wednesdays. It was a Thursday. Once again, I’d failed to read something correctly.

But, Andy (as I later learned was his name) told me to come inside anyway. And that was probably the best thing that could have happened to me.

The hangout is kind of like a communal place where anarchists and activists and like-minded people spend their free time. So far I’ve attended a squat group meeting, learned how to make seed-bombs, joined an anti-fur protest and have made some awesome friends. And tonight I get to hear Erik sing! That should be interesting….

And last night I met up with another couch surfer, Tom, and had my first pint of Guinness. It was good. You know, for beer. But nevertheless, it’s still BEER. Cider and cocktails all the way. Oh, and shots, don’t forget those. And I’m not actually an alcoholic, if you’re wondering.

Hmmm, what else can I say? I went to Dublin Prison for a tour with two other couch surfers, I went to Phoenix Park, the National Art Museum, the National Museum, the Chester Beatty Library, wandered through Trinity College, saw Dublin Castle, Christ Church, went along the river, lay in the sun in Remembrance Park, stared up at the spire and got a sore neck (it’s SO high), and am now in an internet café updating everyone so they don’t convince themselves that I’m dead and am in need of rescuing.

The point is: I am having an amazing time. Dublin is great. Visit it. That’s an order.

Tomorrow I’m heading down toward Kilkenny to stay with a new host, so here’s hoping that I don’t miss my bus at ten in the morning!

written by  Brigid Jelsma on April 2, 2011 from Dublin, Ireland
from the travel blog: Walk a little further to another plan
tagged Ireland
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