What Happened Then

Outside of Dublin

I was happy (and terrified) to venture outside of the city today. I have never been much of a big city girl and can only handle the crowds and busyness for so long. I begin to feel lost in the rush of people and more hurried than I'd like. I felt a little guilty - there is still so much I'd like to see in Dublin - I loved my time there, but upon the realization that I will be there next week I was content to let go.

The terrifying side was the thought of hopping into a right-hand drive, standard car (neither of which I am accustom to!) and trying to make my way out of Dublin on it's confusing and busy streets. I actually did okay until I had been lost for two hours and began to lose my nerve. At that point I did begin to stall my little fiesta. Yes, Ireland I am the redheaded Canadian who was driving too slow in front of you; the foreigner who should just get off the road and I'd like to say I AM SORRY IRELAND!! What can I say? 100 km for skinny, curvy roads is a little overwhelming!!

Sigh...I miss Mazey and the wide Canadian roads!

I would have to say that there were 2 highlights that marked the day, which sandwiched the sometimes pee-in-my-pants worthy drive. The first (Shelley sheepishly admits) would have be the taxi ride to the car rental place. The 30-something, fine looking taxi driver was impressed with my sense of adventure and drive and left me his cell number - should I ever need a taxi when I return to the city or would like to take my mom on a tour of the city when she gets here - for a third off the regular price.

My second highlight would be my accommodations for the next few days. I have been missing my fellow Ireland-loving, (naturally) red headed chiropractor as I have a wicked knot spreading across my shoulder and in leu of demanding she come meet me (she just might!) I started looking at spas that do massage. All I can say is, "Thank God for the recession!" Tourism is down and so hotels everywhere are having specials. I am at the Dunboyne Castle Hotel on a 3 nights for 2 deal that works about to the same as any run of the mill hotel would have cost and am booked in to have a neck, shoulder and back massage tomorrow at 6.

As I walked into my room I sighed with delight. It is beautiful and I felt all the stress of the drive drain out. I do feel a little out of my league here - I parked the Fiesta in the car park with the other cars including a few BMWs and Mercedes Benz's. Many of the guests have the uppity, well-pressed look to them and me in my skater shoes, jean capris and t-shirt looked a little wrong-side of the tracks. BUT I am content to be here. I threw on a pair of jeans, a nicer shirt and headed down to the very open, bright 'pub', found a couch, grabbed a (decaf) latte and a sandwich and read a book as I ate. From here I am hoping to head around the country side and breath deeply. Wanna check out the hotel (it's not much of a castle - it looks a little more like a southern mansion.) http://www.dunboynecastlehotel.com/index.html#. I am also adding in some pics of my room and the view from my window.

Oh, by the way, my cell does not work here and wandering around on my own is a little scary without one. I looked into some cell rental options, but they were all tough to get to and found that I could pick up a new pre-paid cell for emergencies or reservation making. So I have an Irish phone number! I am leaving the number with work and my Mom in the case of an emergency.

Happy day, all! Talk to you again soon!!

This was the first view of my room