The best time to get coffee in Dublin is 12:45. There are few people waiting in line, and you can get a seat at one of the few tables on the sidewalk. Just as you get comfortable in your seat in the sun, the office doors open like the spillways of the Hoover Dam, and the parade begins. (more…)
8 July 2008
1 July 2008
Herself, the obsessive commuter
I’ve been doing the commute in Dublin for a year now, and I’ve gotten into a rhythm. I used to have a pretty good idea of how long it took to get to work (about 30 minutes, for those interested) and a decent idea of how it was taking to get home. But then Will discovered a couple of features on the car that really fed my desire for “metrics” (a term that those working for A company will be familiar with).
The dashboard displays quite a bit of information in addition to speed and the tachometer. It also tells me the time, the temperature and until Will changed the setting, the number of kilometres left on the tank. Imagine my surprise (and delight) when now had time counter – how long the car had been running since you started it. (more…)
30 June 2008
GAA football & Euro soccer: Sunday = Sport Day
We had a great day for sports on Sunday. By far the most thrilling event was our first GAA match in person — and better yet, at the national stadium, Croke Park! Here’s the link for a short slideshow of our day at Croker, with plenty of information in the descriptions:
Photos of Croke Park, 29 June 2008, on flickr
The match was County Dublin versus County Westmeath, in the semi-final of the Football Championship for the Irish province of Leinster. (more…)
16 June 2008
2 June 2008
One year in Dublin
Ireland is a strange place right now – it’s warm and sunny. Will and I aren’t sure exactly what is going on and we’re concerned that it’s some sort of strange apocalypse. Our guests at the BBB&B have been enjoying sun, warmth and good time. One guest even got a sunburn!
Today was another great day of weather, which was perfect because today was the Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon. Last year, the marathon ran on the third day of Will’s arrival, so that means we’re celebrating Will’s one year anniversary in Dublin! I arrived earlier in May, so I celebrated a few weeks ago. It was exciting last year to have the event in our neighborhood – the first of many throughout 2007. If you’re curious, take a look at a few photos from this year.
As we celebrate our anniversary, we want to thank everyone who lived through the past year with us. Knowing that our friends and family were with us in spirit (and in comments!) was a great help.
We’re not sure what the next year will bring, but we hope that you stay with us! We have more guests arriving tomorrow, so the Blog staff is still over at the B&B helping out. But in a couple more weeks, the Blog staff will be back to work and the posting frequency should increase dramatically.
27 May 2008
Memorial Day, for the United States
The Republic of Ireland does not observe Memorial Day on the last Monday of May. Indeed, there is no public holiday of the Republic devoted to the memory of war.
The Republic of Ireland’s orientation towards wars and soldiers reflects the nation’s extraordinarily complex history of warfare. I’ll mention a few, recent aspects of that history — and that will be difficult enough. (more…)
Comments Off on Memorial Day, for the United States
25 May 2008
Africa Day at Dublin Castle, and other music news
Anita is leading a BBB&B tour of Corca Dhuibhne. She is showing Dingle how to have a good time, the Bugle way. (Rule 1: Food first, then fun.) As I tended to the maintenance of the B&B today, I heard far-away music reflected from the tall walls of my neighbourhood.
“Oh yes,” I thought, “today there’s a festival at Dublin Castle. That’s a long way for the sound to travel on such a windy day, though.” I finished my work in the afternoon and headed west to see the sights. (more…)
Comments Off on Africa Day at Dublin Castle, and other music news
6 May 2008
Breaking news: Spring sprung in Dublin
If you’ve been paying attention to the weather widget on the right of this blog, then you know that the weather in Dublin took a massive turn for the better a few days ago. Suddenly, people are sitting in the sun, and the trees are blooming and leafing out. It’s spring! (Also, out of the blue, there are tourists everywhere.)
“It will not last,” say the locals, justifiably setting low expectations. “I hope you enjoyed summer, because you’ll not see it again.” I understand their reluctance to celebrate, but the morning news said that the good weather will continue for at least a few more days.
That’s great news, because Anita’s parents will arrive tomorrow. I plan to take them into the mountains south of Dublin (in County Wicklow) on their first day. I think that the mountains’ beauty is impressive in bad weather, when their roughness enhances one’s awe. But in good weather, they are simply spectacular.
Anita and I took a walk on Sunday morning, and I simply must share a bit of what we saw of the residential area close to our place: take a look at the newest photos on flickr.
7 March 2008
Happy Daffodil Day
Happy Daffodil Day! In Ireland, March Seventh is Daffodil Day in Ireland. It’s a day designated by the Irish Cancer Society to donate funds to support cancer research and services to those who are affected by cancer. Several Anglophone cancer societies use the daffodil as an official symbol, including the American Cancer Society. (In Chicago, Daffodil Days begin on St Patrick’s Day.)
As in the US, the Irish Cancer Society employs Jarvisian skill in PR, bring the government, the media and practically all mainstream institutions on board.
The daffodil is also the national flower of Wales. In a neat coincidence, the national rugby team of Wales visits Croke Park in Dublin tomorrow. At this point in the Six Nations Tournament, Ireland is one of three national teams tied for second place behind Wales. So, on the day before one of the biggest matches of the year for Irish rugby, thousands of Irish fans are wearing a symbol of the opposing team. Nice!
Finally, on a personal note, I’ve wondered for weeks whether any daffodils are poking their heads above ground in the Midwest. I’ve seen them around Dublin for weeks. The photo above was taken on February 18th. Do you see daffodils where you are? Let me know in the comments.
19 February 2008
American Politics in Dublin
I have political interactions with Dubliners more than twice a day (when I’m out and about). Here’s two from today.
First, in the hardware store: The two workers there know me and they know that I’m American. One asks, “How about yer man McCain. Do ya think he’ll win?” Discussion ensues, bringing in another customer (Irish). All seem to hope that Obama wins the primaries and the election.
Second, not really an interaction, but a poster I saw all over town:
