Did Ye Go To Dublin, Or Arrrr Ye a Pirate?

Been a total slacker with postings this quarter. Quite honestly, I have had a lot of opportunity this week to post, but have conceded to sleeping, or kidding myself into thinking I could watch A Few Good Men, and then sleeping. I "can't handle the truth" that I don't give my body enough time to catch up.

Went to Dublin this past weekend for a nice getaway with Basel friends—nie—friends. I can't classify people as "Cincinnati friends" and "Basel friends." They are all my friends, location insignificant. So yes, Cedric, Laura, Melanie, Daniel, Marco, and I travelled from Basel to Zurich to Dublin, and got to spend some serious quality time together, time that cannot be hindered with exam and work schedules. They even tolerated me saying, "Emmentaler!" instead of  "cheese!" which was great.

I can't really explain what I thought Dublin would be, but I don't really think it matched my stereotypical expectations. It was so much smaller than I imagined! It felt a lot like Philadelphia, actually. I had some pretty pleasant interactions with the Irish I did meet, and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere. 

The first evening, after unloading at the hostel, we went to a traditional Irish restaurant, and I had lamb, I think. I don't know if that is a traditional dish, but it was on the menu and it sounded good. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to get the menu, and be able to READ it! I thought I might be of some help to my non-native speaking friends, but they totally held their own, even with the strong accents. Sometimes I even found myself ignoring people; I wasn't doing it on purpose, I am just accustomed to never understanding. One thing I did take advantage of: breaking the law and walking even if there wasn't a green man. I am really getting sick of the Swiss following this law all the time, mainly because I just feel so dumb standing at the intersection when there are CLEARLY no cars coming. Not even an ever-sly tram to creep up on you. Crossing the street on red... I have such a rebellious soul.

Went to a bar with Gael Force, a somewhat cheesy but altogether fun band who played traditional Irish music. He pulled Melanie and Daniel on the stage to do some singing renditions, which was great to watch (and thank God I wasn't chosen). The music made me reminisce of Titanic and the third class party on the lower decks that Jack and Rose escape to. During one of the songs, I couldn't resist the urge to get up, grab an arm and do a little swinging to the music. If only I could rise up on my toes (and have such a great dress as Rose to go bar-hopping in!).

Friday we did some explorations of the city, after an unruly bacon, ham, egg, toast, instant coffee breakfast. I found this beauty. I just love this color.

Went to a natural history museum and saw some dead, fossilized human bodies, and had really one of the best latte macchiatos I have had in a long time. Went to St. Patrick's Cathedral, and was deeply disappointed that they were charging ADMISSION to the church itself. It is normal for a church to charge a fee to climb their spires, but it is just wrong to charge admission to the sanctuary. I refused to pay admission, and preferred to be outside and watch the Harry Potter children leaving from the choir academy across the street. Honest, it looked like Hogwarts had come to life, and all of the beautiful little redheads came pouring out in their plaid and sweaters. Then headed to the Guinness factory. Such an impeccably designed exhibition! Even if I didn't like the beer (stout), which I do, I would still love this factory sheerly for the design. They showed us how it is made, the advertising history, and of course, sampling. I know this photo means nothing to you, and shows you nothing, but I like it, and I took it in the factory.

At the top of the exhibition, you receive your complimentary Guinness, and are able to overlook the city while you drink a ridiculous amount of calories. I didn't think I really liked dark beers, and I am really more of a wine person, but I did enjoy this beer.

Here is just something fun:

That evening we went to a few different pubs, and I was able to get my Irish coffee. Perfection. 

I think the best thing about seeing all of these different pubs was being able to see all the different types of architecture, and how their live music seemed to fit them perfectly. There was a clearly Jugendstil bar with more lively, free-flowing music, and my favorite, a small room in the second story that felt a lot like a secret, and had some fiddle action. I loved this place. The second night we came back and there was a duo that played American bluegrass/blues. I have never heard such a mean "blues harp." 

One of my priorities while I was here was to get the new U2 CD, specifically from their hometown of Dublin. There were a lot of posters around announcing the album, and every record store was fully stocked. I caved, and bought a lot of U2 CDs. My excuse: "But it is so cheap here!" 

Went to the sea on Saturday, to Howth and Dun Laodhaire. I would describe the area as the Hamptons with a more down-to-earth and European charm. We went to a restaurant for lunch that was stone-walled with fireplaces in every room. I wanted to be snowed-into this building. I had to have a cup of coffee in this atmosphere. And soup.

The girls took a nice long nap on these rocks as the boys explored the city. It was so relaxing to bask in the sun, hear the seagulls, and soak up the lapping of the water. There was a beautiful layered cake of rocks, seaweed, and barnacles. This was one of my favorite moments on the trip.

As the weekend was coming to a close, I had to deal with a lot of red tape to get back from Ireland and re-enter Switzerland. At each checkpoint (at check-in, at boarding, at customs) I was asked to show some sort of proof of intent to enter Zurich, some sort of request or train ticket or something. I have never been so on edge about entering a country. I guess I somehow deserve it as an American, since our borders aren't difficult to get through either, but when traveling with a group of Europeans, I felt a bit discomforted to be hassled all the time. I cannot tell you how thankful I was to set foot back into Switzerland, past the customs gate. As we were grabbing a bite to eat in Zurich before heading back to Basel, Marco commented, "Ah, it feels so good to be home. Oh...sorry." But I told him there is really no need to apologize. Because when I do set foot in Basel, coming out of the train station and looking towards the park, I do get an "at home" feeling. I am comfortable here. Somehow, I am a Basler. 

I am so thankful for this opportunity to jet-set to Ireland, to be living in Europe for a time. I have grown inexplicably. 

I am not avoiding writing about Fasnacht, but clearly I have a lot to say, and even this weekend post has gotten massive. I want to give full respect to all that is Fasnacht, so I will save it for a time when I can do it justice.