“My city. I pondered that phrase, wondered why Barrons felt that way. He never said “our world.” He always said “your world.” But he called Dublin his city. Merely because he’d been in it so long? Or had Barrons, like me, been beguiled by her tawdry grace, fallen for her charm and colorful dualities?"
~Karen Marie Moning, Dreamfever
It's Sunday, the city has returned to life and brunch sounds like a really good idea. Crossing the River Liffey has become second nature. We usually take the O'Connell Street Bridge across, I guess because it's closest to the hostel, or maybe it's because it gives a great view of the Ha'Penny Bridge.
We watched the Trinity College women's rowing team practicing on the river.
I tagged along with my new friends Heather, Emma, and Jillian to the Elephant and Castle. One of their specialties is the "bowl" of hot chocolate.
Sourdough bread has become popular in Dublin and felt like it was easier to find in a restaurant than the more traditional Irish brown bread. I had poached eggs and sliced avocado on the ubiquitous sourdough toast.
Emma shared her French toast. I don't think it was made with sourdough.
Today's substitute gathering occurred at the Vat House. It provided an opportunity for those just arriving after the storm to meet Karen and for everyone to get anything they'd brought signed by her.
It was also time to say goodbye to some Maniacs as they started for home or continued their own vacation itineraries. At some point, gardaí (policemen) came into the bar. I spent the whole day there, talking with Anna-Margaret and Laura, so I had the opportunity to see them several times. I don't know if the Vat House had a higher concentration of unsavory characters, if these gentlemen were just coming in from the cold or using the location for bathroom breaks, but we saw them a few times during the afternoon.
The official event wrapped up and my friends and I decided we should have dinner--stew, fish and chips, and bruschetta.
Our afternoon conversation was once again a lively one. We talked some about Irish history and the ladies explained to me about the sad story of Magdalene laundries--homes for unwed mothers and their babies. I'm wondering about similar institutions in the United States, where so-called fallen women lived and worked, babies were not well cared for or adoption was forced. It doesn't seem that we in the US have made the same effort to atone for the atrocity in the way the Irish people have. They recommended a few movies that depict the history to learn more. For example, Philomena tells the story of forced adoption.
All of our conversations weren't so heavy. There was plenty of laughing and more language comparisons. For whatever reason, there are plenty of "potty" slang to discuss.
Having a wee slash, having a piss, taking a Jimmy Riddle all refer to urination. However, other uses of the word "piss" have nothing to do with toilet habits.
Taking the piss (making fun of)
Going on the piss (getting drunk)
Piss off (essentially like shut-up, or when you tell someone to "get lost.")
Pissed off (angry)
Piss up (have a party)
We parted ways, wished each other the best, saw Anna-Margaret into a taxi and Laura and I started walking to our respective "homes" for the evening. Along the way, I passed Lanigans Bar--the occasional hangout of Irish actor Aidan Turner. The bar was open, but not busy on this Sunday night and there were no Aidan sightings.
**I can't take credit for all the pictures.
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