I’ve been spoiled by free Internet access in most places we’ve been; so much so that the thought of paying €8 to do this update was a teeth-dryer. Anyway, we are in the Delta lounge at Frankfurt airport after a frenetic stopover in Dublin. What’s happened the last couple of days? Well, I’m glad you asked…
After our day trip to Rotterdam we had to back-up for an early start for the flight to Dublin. Rog had another stuff-up at check-in, as for some reason his booking showed up as having a paper ticket and he nearly was not able to check in. Once that was sorted we were able to enjoy the delights of early morning at Schipol Airport without lounge access.
Dublin Airport arrivals was a shocker. After negotiating a labyrinthine corridor from the arrival gate, we got to the end of the queue for Customs and Immigration — still in the corridor. The reason for that was evident when we eventually got to the customs hall — I think our family room at home is larger! After getting through customs we managed to reunite ourselves with our bags and make our way to the second-longest taxi queue I’ve ever seen, and (eventually) the second-grumpiest taxi driver I’ve ever met.
The Holiday Inn in Dublin claims to be in the City Centre, and they have a map hanging in the lobby that allows them to prove it: except that the “you are here” pointer is right at the right-hand edge of the map! Still, about 15 minutes walk brought us to the centre of town.
It probably sounds so far like I didn’t like Dublin, but from arriving at the hotel and onward the experience was totally different. Most of the people we met were friendly and helpful, and we had a great time, which started almost straight away: our rooms weren’t ready, so we decided to walk into town and came across a hop-on-hop-off bus tour that we cannot recommend too highly. €14 got us a ticket that lasts 24 hours and allows unlimited travel for that time. Thoroughly enjoyable! Lunch in the Temple Bar district, then back on the bus to stop at the Guinness Storehouse — well worth the visit even if you’re not a fan of “Arthur’s Best” (and especially if you are!).
Dublin was a very quick stop with mixed emotions for me: I’d love to have stayed longer, but I’m eager to get to Singapore and home. I’m glad we decided to include Dublin in our trip, and I’d hope to get back again to do a proper visit.
Crossed Wires 