We arrived safe and sound in Dublin today. Took our time getting out of the airport and caught a bus that dropped us off one block from our B&B. So far so good with suitcases on the cobblestones, though Steph is missing one zipper pull on her suitcase after just 2 of our 8 flights in these 3 weeks.
The Anchor House B&B is just two blocks from O'Connell Street, the city's widest street. It has historical importance from the Easter Uprising of 1916, and is a heavily touristy area today with lots of shops. We walked around until it was time to head over to St Mary's Pro-Cathedral for mass. I still puzzle over the lack of expectation that people sing in church here. They're welcome to, and some do, but no sheet music was provided today, and not even all of the songs had words listed. Still, the service was more uplifting and the ratio of little old ladies to any other constituent of the congregation did seem to be lower than I remembered from 13 years ago. At least it feels a little promising.
A quick bite to eat didn't really remedy how quickly Ellen was fading due to too little sleep on the plane last night. A nap was in order for her, while Steph headed out to meet with friends. At long last! It was at once completely normal and yet strange to actually hug Anna, Norah, Sylva, and Rick in person after 2 months. I normally see them at least once a week but they are leading a study abroad trip this semester. The very same study abroad trip I was part of 13 years ago. I tagged along with the student group on their tour of the medieval area of Dublin. Followed by dinner at Wagamama, a noodle shop my own student group ate at all those years ago, so it brought back extra special memories.
Ellen found a pub nearby with a good daily fish special and did a little shopping in the neighborhood.
Now it is officially a respectable bedtime in the new time zone, so we are signing off to put to use the "bed" part of this B&B.
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