Vive la France

The French came to town this weekend. It was Ireland vs. France in the 6 Nations Rugby tournament, couldn't tell you the 6 nations but Ireland has beaten everyone thus far. And then France showed up. They played at Landsdowne Stadium a quick 10 minute walk from my house admit people dressed as a wheel of cheese, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. It was like a carnival outside the stadium and much less tense than I'd have thought it to be. I walked by as the national anthems were playing and then they took the field. Well, if I can quote Tax Boy 'there was only one team on the field and they weren't wearing green'. So Ireland got stomped evidently. I have no idea what a good rugby score is, mostly because the game to me looks like little kids learning to play football with only the concept of 'run, tackle, keep running, tackle'. The fun part for me was the fact that when the French travel, they simply assume that no one will have decent food. So they bring their own.

We went for a spin in the car on Sunday and headed south down the coast to Dun Loaghaire (pronounced Dun Leary www.dun-laoghaire.com ) and several of the small beach towns. It was a really nice day. We stumbled upon the city park in DL and found the French had set up a market there. Yummmm.... Bought way too much food but it was divine: cheeses (or sheesses as they spelled it) sausages, breads and pastries, so many olives... My idea of heaven definitely has a French food market in it. An accordion playing, kids running around terrorizing pigeons, dogs... After we loaded up, we went further down the coast, getting lost in Brae and Blackrock. And Dalky. Loved Dalky. When I win the lotto a couple of times, I'm buying a house there. It's just too wonderful. Houses on the side of the hill, overlooking the Irish sea, quaint medieval streets. I really liked seeing the Irish sea again. Reminds me that I do indeed live on an island. Wonderful day. Driving along the coast reminds me of the coast of Italy, rocky and dramatic. And the streets in one village are all named Italian names: Sorrento, Livorno, etc... I hadn't expected that. Although when I saw the limoncello house on Sorrento Road, it all fit somehow. Large house, bright yellow stucco with dark green trim, just like my limoncello glasses. I think they paint their houses bright colors because it's grey so often.

This week is St. Patrick's day, a national holiday here. Our office will be closed on Thursday and Friday is an optional day for everyone. I'm told it will be a vacant office should I choose to come in on Friday. I'm excited to see what happens here. I know that Dallas has a large parade, which I've never made it to and I know that they have several here and fireworks over the river Liffey that night. Inbetween those events, I'm told, is a drunkfest. Temple bar will swell with tourists doing their best to send their livers on strike. The Irish will stay at their locals, which is Irish for the pub closest to your house. I've been warned to hit temple bar early, leave before it gets out of hand, and watch where I step on the way out. Should be interesting... And yes, I'll take photos.