It’s been another relatively uneventful couple of weeks in Dublin. There has been a noticeable shift in the weather, with the lows dipping into low 50s F / upper single digits C, and some rain although still plenty of bright, beautiful days as well. Work has picked up somewhat, which is a welcome change after a slow period from mid-August to mid-September. The news has been preoccupied with inflation, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and “The Ploughing” aka the National Ploughing Championship, that took place in County Laois (“LEE-sh”) with an attendance of almost 300,000 last week. In addition to the national competitions, Ireland stepped in to host the 2022 World Ploughing Contest that was supposed to take place in Russia this year. Of course, the death of Queen Elizabeth II was covered widely in the Irish press, although from a very different perspective than the UK. In general the coverage was positive and recounted her visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011 that was a symbolic normalisation of Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom relations following the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
The autumnal equinox fell on Friday 23rd September this year, which coincided with Ireland’s annual Culture Night that showcases various artists and free events. My friend CJ and I attended a couple of performances — first, a series of aerial dancers who twirled above the amphitheatre stage on the found of the Dublin City Council, then a black box theatre improv comedy performance. Afterwards we rendezvoused with my friend S. who had arrived by train to Dublin for a quick weekend visit. On Saturday, S. went to a book signing event at Easons on O’Connell Street where Melanie C (aka Sporty Spice) greeted fans. It gave me an opportunity to browse around the large, multi-level bookstore, the equivalent of a Barnes & Noble or the Tattered Cover in Denver, Colorado. S. and I then connected again with my friend CJ for some coffee and sausage rolls at the Trolley Cafe near the Jervis Centre mall. It was a short visit for S., who had to return home Saturday night due to a family commitment on Sunday, but we enjoyed having a few pints at Pennylane then a hearty meal at Musashi, his favourite Japanese restaurant on Capel Street.
Today has been a bit greyer, which has contributed to a slothful Sunday mood. Nevertheless, I’ve managed to run a few errands and complete a few chores on my to-do list at home. My social life is still a bit patchy here in Ireland; community building is slow-going. I’m settling into a quiet evening at home before the start of another work week. The streets of Temple Bar have likewise calmed down from their usual bustle on Friday and Saturday nights. Even though the months in lockdown seem like a distant past and life has all but returned to normal, Dublin still has its peaceful moments.
Until next time….
