In order to make getting to the Dublin airport for my 8:45 am flight on Monday, I decided to spend a few days in Dublin to round out my trip. So I leave Galway Friday morning.
Today, Thursday, has been a mix of packing, teaching Darren how to make scones (with lemon glaze!), acquiring my sole souvenir--a sweatshirt from the NUIG Trad Soc, the group that plays on Tuesdays nights at the Crane Bar--and doing a bit of work.
I am sad to leave this place, but it's time to go. As a single gay guy who's known the freedom of living in a relatively open and supportive community, I can't imagine living here long term. Even if I had a partner, I don't know if I could hack it here. Short term, though, without really needing to worry about dating or "who would know, what they'd think" it's a lovely place to be. I immersed myself in music and walking and meeting new people. I also spent time alone with my thoughts and dreams and ideas and plans and schemes for what's next in my life. I got some wonderful support from friends and family back home who chimed in with emails and comments on the blog and on my Facebook page. I got to know a little bit more about a country that grows on me more and more. And I got to know a little bit more about me.
Dublin is familiar and comfortable and alive, and I look forward to seeing a childhood friend who's also visiting at the same time, as well as my friend Ben, who introduced me to my new friend Darren.
I'm not sure if I'll have internet access in my hotel in Dublin, so if this is my last missive before I leave on Monday, thanks for reading, and see many of you state-side.
And since it is me parents who exposed me to trad music in the first place, and me father who reminded me of this tune just this past week, it seems fitting to end with an excerpt:
Today, Thursday, has been a mix of packing, teaching Darren how to make scones (with lemon glaze!), acquiring my sole souvenir--a sweatshirt from the NUIG Trad Soc, the group that plays on Tuesdays nights at the Crane Bar--and doing a bit of work.
I am sad to leave this place, but it's time to go. As a single gay guy who's known the freedom of living in a relatively open and supportive community, I can't imagine living here long term. Even if I had a partner, I don't know if I could hack it here. Short term, though, without really needing to worry about dating or "who would know, what they'd think" it's a lovely place to be. I immersed myself in music and walking and meeting new people. I also spent time alone with my thoughts and dreams and ideas and plans and schemes for what's next in my life. I got some wonderful support from friends and family back home who chimed in with emails and comments on the blog and on my Facebook page. I got to know a little bit more about a country that grows on me more and more. And I got to know a little bit more about me.
Dublin is familiar and comfortable and alive, and I look forward to seeing a childhood friend who's also visiting at the same time, as well as my friend Ben, who introduced me to my new friend Darren.
I'm not sure if I'll have internet access in my hotel in Dublin, so if this is my last missive before I leave on Monday, thanks for reading, and see many of you state-side.
And since it is me parents who exposed me to trad music in the first place, and me father who reminded me of this tune just this past week, it seems fitting to end with an excerpt:
Since it falls unto my lot,
That I should rise and you should not,
I gently rise and softly call,
Goodnight and joy be with you all.
--The Parting Glass
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