“Where the Streets Have No Name”: a trip to Dublin

From London to Dublin it’s a one hour flight.
We arrived there at about five o’clock (a.k.a tea time), and took the bus to the youth hostel right away. When we got there Sara was already waiting for us. She had checked us in a few hours ago, so could go up immediately, to see just how crappy the hostel was.
I can say without further ado that, in my humble opinion, Browns Hostel is a rat hole: unbelievably dirty, and strange in more ways than one. As an example I can share with you, my beloved readers, that the doors of the toilets didn't close, forcing me to caca holding the door with both hands, and the pressure in the taps was such that it was impossible to wash your hands without getting your clothes completely wet (yes, I washed them anyway…).

Anyway, we spent the first few days discovering the city during the day, and partying in the pubs at night. Sara came up with a really good plan to see the historical churches for free. Basically, the concept was waiting for mass time, then coming in with the devoted old ladies, only to look around once and leave, before the actual ceremony took place. I didn’t feel bad at all. Who the hell charges people to go into a church?? What king of Christians are they, anyway?
But everything is expensive in Dublin. I confess I wasn’t expecting it. In classic movies Irish people are always poor, and wanting to move to America in search of a better life. I’m happy to see that their life quality improved, but the prices rose accordingly, making it hard for poor little tourists like us.
Another expensive, but a must-go place, was the Guiness Factory. Guiness runs Dublin, and maybe Ireland as a hole. Every pub is up to it’s neck in Guiness adds and Merchandise. It’s in every gift shop, and in every pint glass too. The museum was ful of crazy statistics that show just how big the brand is in Ireland, as well as the world. On the top floor there is a panoramic bar, where you can see the entire city from above, and get a free Guiness pint. We had our drinks contemplating the view, and Sara and Filipe stole the glasses before we left.

In the defence of Irish people, I have to say that tradition does live on in the shape of Guiness and Irish stew. It’s delicious! Although I guess that daily meals of McDonald’s make you appreciate real food so much more...
On the last day we went to an amazing fishing village just 40 minutes from Dublin, and it was so beautiful! We actually saw sea lions there!


Bottom-line: we had a good time in Dublin. I mean, there is a scary concentration of deranged people there, the city is far from being beautiful, since it is quite industrial and dark, and the weather is absolute crap. But, on the other hand, the country side is drop-dead-gorgeous, and the company extremely pleasant. Besides my lovely sister and Filipe, we met two really nice Kiwis (inhabitants of New Zealand). My favourite one was named Daniel: Dan the Kiwi, or Sparrow if you wanna tease him. He’s so innocent and full of life! He even took us to the bus stop… What a sweetie!

While in Dublin I got to see Sean, who was going there for a gig. We had a pint together (well, he and Filipe had a pint, I had some Swedish cider instead), and talked a bit. He seems to be doing fine, although working a lot, as usual. Keigran couldn’t come to see me, because he was broke.

That’s it from Dublin! Next stop: Stockholm (again)!

ps: It's true; in Dublin most streets have no name!
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