On Friday we arrived and, with AB as sherpa for DN's broken suitcase, made our way slowly through the town to the restaurant to meet up with the group. I sat next to a very nice couple from England (who later became sympathizers to our anti-progressive cause), and met others (mostly also from UK but also a large Russian contingent). The food was quite tasty at Gruel.
We then made our way to Isaac's Hostel. It is sad to say, but after 10 years being away from backpacking, one tends to forget the basic hostel mantras, such as never to arrive at one without flip-flops for the shower. Thankfully our roommates (we were 6 to one room, 3 bunkbeds) could lend theirs. Luckily I did have earplugs, but also forgot how much a bunkbed moves when the person sleeping above you rolls over. Anyway... the whole weekend package was a good deal, so I'll quit complaining.
Saturday, we went to a progressive synagogue. The plan was to have a Torah breakfast, go to services, then have lunch and discussions. It became quite apparent at the Torah breakfast that progressive Judaism is not my thing (nor DN's, nor AB's), so after services (where the actual prayers have been altered!), DN and I cut out and went back into the city. We figured, it was a sunny day, almost 15C, and we sit in an office all week, so the last thing we wanted was to stay indoors all day when we could explore a new city. Also we just couldn't sympathize with a rabbi who claims that there is no point negotiating with the orthodox.... not a very good role model for acceptance (or, "progressiveness") within one's own religion. To be fair, I'm not a model Jew by any stretch nor do I consider myself orthodox, but I'm just not into changing the thousands-of-years-old traditions of Judaism, calling it progressive, then making others who are not feel alienated. OK that's the end of my bit of controversy for this post.
Once back in the centre, we walked along Grafton St (also a pedestrian street) and wandered in and out of stores. We could even eat outside (in early March!) on the terrasse of a great crepe place. Later we walked through St Stephens park, met up with AB, and sat in a cafe for a long time, people-watching (one of my favourite activities). Later that night we met up with the group at a restaurant where we had the entire top floor to ourselves, complete with Irish musicians who taught us some traditional Irish dancing.
Sunday we did a historic walking tour of the city, then had some warm soup to make up for the cold and damp weather, and then DN and I headed back to the airport. I was quite happy to be back to my bed and shower...
The most noticeable thing about Dublin was how alive it felt, compared to Copenhagen. To be fair, parts of CPH can be quite bustling on a Saturday afternoon, and of course it is still 'winter' here so perhaps people are not out quite as much - but the city just does not have the same kind of "pulse" that one feels in Dublin. Both cities, though, have their distinct advantages, and it was interesting to have the change of scenery for the weekend.
And, of course, some photos...
The view from the terrasse where I ate lunch:
Something typical to the UK: a large quantity of surveillance cameras... they are on every corner!
Let's not forget that Ireland is a Catholic country... this store was pretty heavy on the religious ornaments!
A picture of a busy corner at the end of Grafton St:
And finally, a picture of a subset of the group.
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