Day 2

Wednesday 1/5: This morning started early at 8:30. Breakfast at the hostel and washing clothes. I had thought I was going to visit the Kilmainham Gaol, but Hakim, Mohamed, and Marcilles, had different ideas. They invited me on an adventure to Howth, a fishing town about 20 minutes train ride north of Dublin. Of course I said yes!

Howth is right on the edge of the water overlooking the Irish Sea. We walked through the town to the cliffs above, the brisk wind keeping us cold. While walking, we discussed the finer points of the English language, in mostly broken English. Hakim and Mohamed are both here from France to learn English better so that they can advance themselves in their companies. Marcilles is here travelling from Spain. She is planning to spend a few months here working at the Hostel to pay for room and board.

We talked about the differences between our cultures and languages. We walked back down the hill to the harbor, stopping for pictures along the way. Mohamed had promised his mother that he would see the seals that hang out in the harbor, so we went to find them. After much searching we found 6 of them begging for fish. 

They catch Wild Irish Salmon, and I tried convincing them to eat there but it was too expensive. I still may have to go back and try it.

We stopped at an Indian Buffet on the way home, all you can eat for 6 euros! It was really delicious. Most of the food here is very expensive. Actually everything here costs a lot more than it does in the States. A candy bar costs 1.50, a sandwich, 6 euros.

By the end of the trek they were calling me teacher Aeyrie, and asking me all kinds of questions about English. I really enjoyed my time with those three. Mohamed invited me to Paris, “For real, Aeyrie, I’m not just trying to be polite.” I may have to take him up on his offer. Seeing Paris with someone who has been there would be amazing.

Anyway, off to finish planning, I leave for Galway in the morning. a