Day 51

Today I met John, a guy staying in our hostel.  I was talking to one of the staff members about stupid tattoos as a guy in a black T-shirt and horn-rimmed glasses passed by.  He stopped to comment on the conversation and never left.  John is a Canadian who is simply traveling through Europe for four months on college loans after graduating last year.  He's been to several countries so far and have a couple months left to go.  John sat and talked with us for a while and invited us out for drinks before he went to a live sex show.  Needless to say, it wasn't our cup of tea.  The next day I was kind of turned off by John and his uncensored antics.  After his night out he gave us a graphic description of the sex show including reenactments and sprinkled it with various curse words and exclamations of "Jesus Christ!"  Bear in mind, we are in the middle of a Christian Youth Hostel common area.  I admire people who don't give a shit what people think about them, but there is very often a fine line between that and being disrespectful.  John crossed that.  But oh well, to each his own I suppose.  

Day 50

Today I met Jeff a Californian who sat by us at a coffee shop in Amsterdam.  Him and his friend were typical American tourists I would say coming to Amsterdam to party all night and sleep all day.  Jeff had dark hair, blue eyes and the most incredible cheekbones you've ever seen.  I would have killed for them and was once again reminded that boys always get the best features, especially eyelashes.  Anyways, Jeff was quick to tell us he just broke up with his girlfriend and poured his soul out for a reason I'm still not sure.  His friend was a little quiet on the other hand and interrupting with strange whispers which led me to believe he wanted to get out and soon.  However, one minute they were asking to take a picture with us and then the next minute Jeff looked at us and said "I think we should part ways."  My only thought was uhh...ok.  And off they went leaving Shannon and I in utter confusion.

Day 49

Today I met the staff of the hostel we were staying at in Amsterdam.  When we first found out it was a Christian Youth Hostel, we were a bit worried.  We aren't exactly saints but we figured it would be a safe place to stay.  I never would have thought we could enjoy it so much.  Upon arrival, we were greeted by several smiling faces, brightly colored walls, and believe it or not, a free mexican dinner.  We sat around the table with the staff passing food, eating, and talking about our travels.  The members were from Holland, The US, and Canada and Seth seemed to stick out as the ring-leader.  He was tall and gangly with high pitched voice and the faintest hint of a North Carolina accent.  After dinner he gave a quick speech/sermon that was actually not as invasive as I thought it would be.  The whole staff was that way in fact.  Laurie was an adorable 4 foot 10 middle school teacher who was volunteering for six months.  She sat with us every day and although her demeanor would seem "fake nice" at first glance, I could tell very soon after that she was genuinely interested in us, our lives, and our adventures.  Each morning was a great start to every day.  The hostel gathered over a free breakfast of the most incredible pancakes, french toast and eggs you can imagine from a volunteer kitchen.  We got our coffee, conversation and a comfortable feeling that could only have come from a welcoming group like that.  I just wish every place based on religion could be that welcoming to anyone no matter what their beliefs.  To me, that's what it's all about after all.

Day 48

Today I met an older woman on the plane to Brussels.  It was strange to be back at the Dublin airport and boarding a plane that wasn't going to the US.  The woman reminded me of the long trip over here though.  She, like Dick, was going to visit her daughter who lived in Brussels.  Once she started talking she couldn't stop and it was lovely to have a conversation on a plane again.  She was so cute and as I saw a piece luggage pass by with a bold strap reading "I Love My Bag" and watched her pick it up, I had to love her even more.  

Day 47

Today I met Owen.  He was laying on the couch as I walked past in my pajamas.  I quickly said, "Uh hi," and ran out of the room but he was kind enough to say hello back without sounding too incredibly awkward.  Cool guy from what I gathered with his mop of blonde hair and scruffy look.  I just hope our next encounter is a little more...expected.

Day 42

Today I met a shop lady.  We were planning our evening of pumpkin carving and of course, needed pumpkins.  We stopped at the only shop we knew had them even though they were quite small in size.  An extremely pleasant woman greeted us and tried to help us find the perfect pumpkins despite her pregnant belly that looked like she was about to pop at any moment.  Her light brown hair was whisked back and a sweater was pulled tightly over her stomach.  She was one of those pregnant women I hope to look like: beautiful no matter what.  She took the time between stocking to explain to us why the pumpkins were small and expensive but frankly, carving tonight was not something we were willing to compromise.  She was a delightful woman and I wish I could afford to go back and buy veggies from her every day, but unfortunately the unpleasant, but cheap, Lidl has to do.

Day 41

Today I met another cab driver and once again he was as nice as could be despite the fact he had been working until 3 am the night before.  We got to talking about the usual: school, work, and relationships.  Before I left, he warned me, "Don't give away your heart too soon...I would know."  I wish the ride had gone on a little longer but I was home.  He took fifty cents off of my fair even when I tried to tip him.  He knew I was a student on a budget and I guess that goes to show what being nice and having a conversation with someone can do for you.  It wasn't much but it made an already beautiful morning that much more enjoyable.

Day 40

Today I met Michael, a cab driver.  Can't get any better than a Michael O'Brien.  He was an older man who I practically had to track down forever to get a ride from.  He was jolly and talked to me on the way there.  I love cab drivers here.  You would think with the amount of cabs in the city (far more than there should be) that they would be pissy foreigners hurrying to get as many customers as they can, but in fact, they're great.  I haven't met a single one who doesn't great me with a smile and ask how I am.  Wish more things than a cab ride were like that.

Day 39

Today I met Helen, one of my friend's roommates.  She's a quiet girl of Asian decent but lives in Norway.  It was a relief to finally meet a Norwegian who didn't make me want to die my hair blonde, lose 20 pounds and giggle at everything.  We all went to get coffee, stop and an art fair and grab some fruits and veggies on the way back.  I tried my darndest to really get to know her but she was extremely shy, adorable, but shy.  She seems like an awesome girl and I know why my friends are fond of her.  She wears minimal makeup, flannel shirts, colorful scarfs and cool ankle boots.  I'm sure I would love her, the only problem is...she doesn't drink coffee.  What a horrific discovery.  Given that my student life revolves around several cups of coffee a week, I'm not sure if I could ever get on that well with a non-drinker.  I'm not ashamed to say it's my drug of choice and I should really admire people like Helen who don't give into the divine but evil quality of coffee.  Kudos Helen.

Day 38

Today I met a man who broke my heart.  I went back to visit Harry Clarke's illustrations, needing something to lift my spirits and keep my mind off life.  I walked all the way to the museum and set off toward the exhibit as soon as I set my foot in the door.  There was a barricade by the steps that led up to the print gallery so I went around the back side to see if the other side was opened.  I peered through the glass and all I could see was a metal door.  I went back downstairs and walked up to a security guard.  He smiled as I approached to his chair and his eyes were expectant.  I asked if the print gallery was closed today.  He said, "It's always closed."  I didn't understand and he explained that they took the exhibit out.  He then said, "Harry Clarke right?"  I nodded.  "You're about six or seven weeks too late I'm afraid," he said apologetically.  I told him I had been before and just wanted to see it again.  I walked out, into a bathroom stall and cried.  I should be glad that I got to see it in the first place, but I couldn't help but feel a sense of loss.  Suddenly, my conversation with the security guard had turned into one of the worst I've had since I've been.  The art is gone, he's gone.  I know it's not the man's fault but he broke my heart today.

Day 37

Today I met a couple who sat next to me at the park.  The man, probably eighty or so, came over dressed in khaki pants, a button-up shirt, blazer and herringbone cap.  Adorable.  He set his backpack down, unzipped it and pulled out two seat cushions, one for himself and one for the lady.  Initially, I thought the woman was his wife but after eavesdropping between bites of muffin, I realized she was visiting and he was taking her around the city.  I'm not sure what their relationship was but I tried to help them find a couple places to go.  Eventually, they decided on the National Museum and a cup of tea.  Not too exciting of a meeting but I couldn't help but love the seat cushions stuffed into the man's backpack for a possible afternoon in the park.

Day 36

Today I met an older man and his wife at one of the oldest pubs in Dublin.  My date and I were on our own mini pub crawl and frankly, frequent trips to the toilet were in order.  The man came by trying to take one of the stools and I had to chase him down so that my date could sit with me.  The man was entirely approachable and understandable with his feathered gray hair, glasses dress shirt and a powder blue sweater tied around his shoulders.  Later on, same thing happened.  The man came to get another Guinness for himself and my date was gone.  "Does this guy even exist?" he asked.  And the moment I gave my retort he came back to take his seat.  They started talking about Gaelic football and although I couldn't keep up it was great to see two men laughing and getting on like old friends.

Day 35

Today I met a very enthusiastic salesman at Lush, a natural cosmetics store.  Shannon and I went to stock up on some much needed pampering tools and were greeted by one of the most flaming men I've met since I've been in Dublin.  He took us around the store so that we could pick out our products with an insane spring in his step and flailing arms as they grasped for the next piece.  I couldn't tell if the racing speed of his speech was due to pure excitement or the fact that he wanted to get a move on.  Honestly, we didn't understand much of what he said the first time around but after a few questions here and there, we managed to fill up our bags with all his favorite products.  Thanks to him, we got a complete arsenal in no time flat.

Day 34

Today I met Ryan, someone who would turn a initially short night into another wonderful fun-filled night.  We were on an assignment at Mulligan's pub...I'm serious, we had to write a paragraph on a pub for our Irish Cultural class.  Anyways, it was going to be a one or two drink night until two locals came and sat next to us.  Ryan and his friend, Ben, were friends from work, one a chef and one a bartender.  Between the two of them, you would have one hell of a meal, which I must say is music to our student-living-on-a-budget ears.  Ryan is a well-traveled and educated guy from Northern Ireland whose accent was wonderful to hear after having to interpret the slurred southern accent for so long.  Amazingly enough, I knew it would be a longer night than we expected after he told me he lived in Pittsburgh and was an avid Penguins fan.  The night continued onto another pub where the guys kept our glasses full, sang in our ears, and danced with us in the streets.  The unexpected nights are always the best.

Day 33

Today I met Susie after being harassed by a man in a chipper for guess what?-being American.  She started talking to us appalled by the fact that this is a normal thing.  After we finished our incredible chips they asked us if we wanted to follow them to a bar they thought we would like.  It was hidden down a side alley and we would have never found it if we didn't meet locals like them.  The place was great with lots a big tables to sit and talk.  Susie ended up having to leave so that she could catch a plane in the morning but she gave us a hug and the most enthusiastic "it was so good to meet you."  She was literally the sweetest thing ever and she made me feel like we had known each other a long time.  It's people like Susie that give me hope and make me forget about the people who choose to judge us before they know us, whether they're drunk in a chipper or not.

Day 32

Today I met Colm. He was sitting next to us at the bar with his childhood friend.  They had just reunited over what was meant to be one pint after class.  They were still there chatting away when we came in at 10:30.  It reminded me of the summers I spent with my old friends and every time we met again it felt like we were never apart.  They then proceeded to tell us that we would not enjoy the trip we just booked to Brussels.  They said its basically like the D.C. of Europe and I hate politics.  So we have now decided to only spend a couple days in Brussels and take the train to Amsterdam.  I don't think there a single person in this country who doesn't love the city.  One of them may meet us in Amsterdam and Shannon and I are even more excited for the trip now.  The guys were great, they bought us a couple drinks and saved us from a possibly boring week.   What more can I ask for from a very average Thursday night?

Day 31

Today I met Stewart a resident from The Liberties area.  I was working on a story and failing time and time again to find someone from the area with an opinion on dublinbikes.  I finally found Stewart standing next to his bike on a quaint street in The Liberties.  He looked at me with a freckled face and stubby yellow teeth but was extremely nice compared to the other people I had approached.  I honestly couldn't understand much of what he was saying but what I did understand helped my story immensely.  All I needed was his point of view.  He even directed me to the closest station which ended up being a hotspot for finding interviews.  I thanked him profusely as he rode off trailing with a friendly, "Cheers."

Day 30

Today I met someone I did not like.  I couldn't tell you his name, in fact, I don't care to know his name at the moment.  He was sitting in the corner of the class with his faux-hawk, man-scarf, and a smug look on his face.  We were discussing archetypes and the example of "Rambo" came up somehow.  The class went around exchanging adjectives like "strong...brave...unintelligent..." until we got to "arrogant."  That is when he replied "American" with a look of pure pride in his snide comment.  I've done so well up until this point with the present hatred for Americans and I don't know why this got to me so much.  He must have known that, although it was a class for language, there might possibly be some Americans present.  Guess I'll never know but I will forever give him the stink-eye and be as "American" as I possibly can, because after all, Rambo is so the definition of America.  

Day 29

Today I met Will.  He's a head figure in a campaign for making cycling safe in Dublin.  I was meeting him at a local delicatessen and amazingly enough I knew it was him when he came rolling up despite the hoards of Dubliners on their lunch break as well.  He was an older man but well aged, undoubtedly from years of cycling around the city.  He had scruffy hair, blown awry from the wind and a thick gray sweater on to fight the chilly irish air.  I wasn't surprised after talking to him for a few that he was extremely passionate about healthy living and cycling.  Honestly, I wish I could do it too but I'm completely terrified of riding on the busy streets, especially after he finished telling me about how people get killed so easily.  Not my cup of tea, but admirable nonetheless.

Day 28

Today I met THE "Bald Barista."  He owns his self-titled cafe and has as much character as the building does, situated on a corner and stocked with comfy chairs, colorful paintings and people who enjoy a great cup of coffee.  The second I walked up to the counter, he exclaimed, "Geez you're tall."  Big surprise there.  However, he was patient as we mulled over the menu and convinced us into getting their new iced coffee.  It was incredible.  As for the "bald barista,"  he was bald.  The lack of hair certainly didn't mean a lack in personality, especially given the fact that he was wearing an extremely vibrant Hawaiian-eque shirt.  His hearty laugh filled the cafe and he often stopped at tables to talk to customers which is something I appreciate.  I've been lucky to find these types of places already and it surely will keep me from spending my entire bank account at Starbucks.

Day 27

Today I met Anne, a local secondhand bike shop owner.  I barely found the bike shop, its tucked away in an alley and is not much more than a garage and several bike rakes (not what I was expecting).  Anne offered me a cup of tea with oil-stained hands and to tell the truth, it what much needed after wandering around the north side of the city for 45 minutes.  I could tell she led a simple life with her hair cut short tucked under a cap and nothing more than Chapstick on her lips.  She's quite admirable actually, running a small establishment, mostly supported by neighborhood kids and volunteers, in such hard times.  Blockbuster can't even stay open but this hole in the wall shop opened in April and is plugging along.  Anne is passionate about her shop.  She would love to expand but insists that it stay as local as possible.  In her words, "It would kill the spirit of it."  I couldn't have agreed more as she ran around helping customers from the age of 7 to 40 with their prized possessions.  It truly was one of those things not many people get to see, even if they could find it.

Day 26

Today I met Darren, a man who, to put it plainly, creeped me out the first few minutes.  Darren was an older man with crows feet and leather skin, but dressed like he was twenty.  He stopped to talk, with the faintest of slurring in his speech and the smell of Guinness on his breath.  We were about to leave until his less intoxicated friend came over as well as another American.  The guys turned out to be hilarious.  I couldn't tell you half of what they were saying but they were extremely adamant about recruiting us to their new political party: The "Maybe" Party.  I have to admit, the idea was appealing considering the thing I hate about voting is having to choose "yes" or "no" or "this idiot" or "that idiot."  Darren and his secretary are all about the "maybe."  I was cracking up as they took a wide stance, looked us dead in the eye and said, "Maybe yes...maybe no" with a pause in between that took centuries.  Although the guys had a few too many to drink, we had a fun conversation and were asked if we would take on the position of heads of the American branch to which I replied, "...maybe."

Day 25

Today I met the laundryman.  Yes, it wasn't a very exciting day here but nevertheless, he's an important man.  I was switching all of my laundry over as he was taking money from the washers and dryers.  He said hello and frankly, a hoard of other phrases I couldn't understand.  His voice was raspy and muffled from years of telling stories.  However, turns out, he paid for my dryer and set it up for as much time as I wanted.  Not a huge deal but it saved me a euro and now I know to make friends with the laundryman if I want to buy an extra pint one night.

Day 24

Today I met Megan.  She knocked on my door and as I opened it she had that look on her face as if to say, "Oh God, don't think I'm an idiot for asking this."  She decided at the last minute she wanted to attend a party that required a costume so she was going around asking for pieces.  She was adorable irish girl with wavy brown hair and a smile that made me turn around and look for anything to help.  Although all I could offer was a pair of knee-high socks, she was extremely grateful and swore over and over that she would bring them back (which is a good thing because I really like those socks).  I couldn't help but remember the days when the leaves were falling and the air was crisp and I would go out on a pre-Halloween scavenger hunt, going door to door and asking for random things on a list my mom made.  After Megan's knock on the door, I realized that's the thing I miss most about home right now: the fall.  It's my mom's and my favorite time year: the trips to the pumpkin farm, apple orchard and corn maze, making caramel apples, planning halloween costumes, and drinking pumpkin spice lattes when we've had a bad day.  I can't do much of that here, especially living in the city, but I can't complain.  That's what happens when you go on a mission to find yourself, you often end up alone.