Ireland > Reunion in Dublin

Just before half past ten, Allert is at the door. I quickly wrap up an online work meeting and close my laptop. Tomorrow it will be exactly ten years since Allert, Milko, Wilco, and I started our world trip to Tokyo. Normally, we celebrate this every year on May 1st with dinner at a Japanese restaurant. This year, because of the second lustrum, we decided to spend a weekend in Dublin. At the airport, I meet Milko. Together we check in our small suitcases. Strangely, this is included in the ticket, while taking luggage into the cabin costs an extra €35.

Ireland -

Wilco is flying in later tonight, as his earlier flight did not fit with his work schedule. Around half past one, the Aer Lingus aircraft takes off towards the Irish capital. When we land, it is one hour earlier. With our luggage, we walk to the Express bus. We have booked an apartment in the city centre. At the ticket kiosk, the staff member advises us to take the bus to Trinity College. From there, we will have to walk a bit further into the centre, but we will avoid a longer wait. The bus reaches the city centre in about fifteen minutes, but traffic soon comes to a standstill. Slowly we pass the busy intersections. When we get off, we follow Dame Street. The atmosphere is lively on this busy traffic artery. Just on the other side of the Temple Bar district lies Dublin Castle. Right next to the castle is our apartment — it could hardly be more central.

Ireland -

In the late afternoon, we walk into the Temple Bar district for a drink. There is plenty of choice. We pick The Stag's Head, a Victorian Irish pub with a wide selection of beers on tap. Later in the evening, we have fish and chips at a nearby restaurant. Around half past eleven, Wilco also arrives at the apartment. We are already in bed, but get up briefly to welcome him.