I arrived in Dublin two days ago. Over the past 48 hours, I've reconnected with old friends over cups of coffee and other select beverages, while enjoying fine food and live music. I've also had the opportunity to visit some of my old haunts in Dublin's fair city. After catching a gig late last night and even later, enjoying some curry chips with a friend, I woke up at 5:30 this morning having only had 4 hours of sleep. But the Christ Connect Youth Group arrived around the same time, mostly having not slept a wink.
Once they all cleared customs, we caught the Aircoach down to the city centre and made our way over to our hotel via the Luas tram and a brisk 10-minute walk in the cool morning air. Unable to check into our hotel until 3 PM, we scarfed some grub at the St. Stephen's Green Shopping Centre where the teens were introduced to an Irish breakfast including bacon rashers that resemble but taste different than Canadian bacon and black and white pudding (congealed blood mixed with a variety of spices and fried up in a sausage like patty). We then went north to Raheny via the Luas, the Dart train, and our two legs and two feet. No one is going to fail to get their steps in over the next week!
In Raheny, we passed out leaflets advertising the Bible Camp at the All Saints car boot sale and we explored St. Anne's Park (Dublin's second largest park and a former estate of the Guinness family). Juli arrived via a later flight and met us all in the park where she also reconnected with an old friend.
The group was exhausted, so we mercifully made our way back into town where we have now checked into our hotel and most everyone but me are fast asleep. Tonight we'll dine at Gallegher's Boxty House in the Temple Bar area and tomorrow we will worship with the All Saints Church, experiencing an Irish picknick after services. Hopefully everyone will refreshed and ready to embrace what this coming week will bring after a hearty meal and a good night's sleep. We'll keep you posted. - Shay
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