Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful - Part Due

It really is. This is the first time I've heard thunder in Ireland. It rains a lot here, but for some reason, no thunder, no lightening. Rain as anti-drama. But it's the drama that makes it worthwhile... It's really coming down too. I fear the summer is over. It's been cold all week with frequent unexpected rains. You get used to damp hair after awhile. But this morning it was cool and sunny. I popped out at lunch and it was cool and very sunny. I was wishing I had my sunglasses. But here we are, after my sandwich but not quite to the end of my Doritos (I'd kill for cheetos right about now) and it's a dark and stormy afternoon. Amazing.

I was on the bus last night, on my way to meeting Joe and Mark, co-workers both, for the Franz Ferdinand/ Scissor Sisters concert. It was more fun than I've had in a very very long time. But more on that later. I was on the bus and I saw my first rainbow. (not ever clearly) It was a full arch over the River Liffey, strong vibrant colors. If I'd have painted it, it would have been labeled as Tourist Postcard Drivil. Or worse, lumped in with Thomas Kincaide. Since I witnessed it however, it was divine. I understand now why the legend of pots at the end of the rainbow are so strong here. They have rainbows capable of inspiring fantasy. I saw all sorts of people photographing it too. Except the Asian tourist sitting behind me, who unfortunately didn't manage to get her camcorder out in time. Poor thing. It was lovely though. My friend Rodd is an airline pilot and was telling me of his first chance to see a rainbow while flying. They are actually circular. I'd love to see that. He said it was amazing.

So I exited the bus, entered the pub and found Joe and Mark, finishing a pint while waiting for me. We walked to Lansdowne stadium, conveniently located 7 minutes walk from my house, to see about buying me a ticket. The first guy that approached us was trying to sell his seat for the discounted rate of €60. 2 problems with that: the guys had floor tickets and the face value of the ticket was €64. Given that the concert wasn't a sell out and 2 of the 4 groups had already performed, we felt this a little high. Wandering on we found a lovely lass that parted with her spare ticket for the agreed upon price of €40. The guys are good at haggling due to those Egyptian Ears of Joes. Well, that's what I thought he said anyway. Turns out he said Egyptian Years, but whatever... I'm going to see Franz!

Lansdowne stadium is a football stadium, famous in the rugby world from what I hear and I'd never been in even though I pass it on my way to the train in the morning. I can now say I've been. Mark that one off the list! They had several food stalls, a bungee/trampoline thing, a playstation tent and a beer tent. Not a beer tent like I've ever experienced. It was carpeted, draped with fabric and chandeliers. Pretty fancy for a beer tent really. We got thru the line (Beer Count for Mom 1; but it was Budweiser, so that hardly counts) and took to the field just as Franz started their first song. Glorious timing... They were really good too. I'm always hesitant to see bands live because so many of them are mixed with in an inch of their lives and then you don't recognize them. But the boys from Glasgow didn't disappoint. They were great! Much dancing was done along with a little bit of jumping. Sort of like 80's slam dancing but without the hairspray or the slamming. So I worked out; no need to go to the gym. We reminisced about concerts we'd been to in high school. Mark admittedted to seeing Bon Jovi (which, T-Ross IS a band, not just Jon going solo. I remember your Jenga game tricky girl...) and I admitted it was my first concert. Cinderella opened for them, it was in Casper, Wyoming and I went to the concert with my best friend Denise, Denny Hills, Courtney Granger, and Kent Connelly. That was when we realized that Denny was hysterically funny in addition to ungodly intelligent. Ahhh... good times.

After Franz left the stage, a DJ took over while they set up for SS. I can't say I've ever heard an entire stadium sing "Sweet Child of Mine" followed by "Ghost Busters" before, but there you go. The Irish play by their own set of rules.

Scissor Sisters took the stage. They've invested heavily in mirrored tiles and disco balls. And silver sequins. Including a pair of silver sequined pants for the lead singer. With a Herb Tarlic white belt. I'll never understand rock fashion. The stage looked like a giant tiara. It was amazing. Evidently their set designer is the guy that does all of Pink Floyd's sets. They started out a little rocky, but once they got going... It was an amazing show. More jumping, more dancing, lots of screaming. We're all still a little giddy this morning.

I don't remember the last time I went to a concert. All that comes to mind was Metallica in 1997 in Ft. Worth. Good concert, mind you, even after the Load and Re-load albums. I need to do this more often.

Photos to follow as soon as Joe sends them to me. Whee! Dublin rocks!