Thanks a Million

Grabbed an Aer Lingus flight from Paris to Dublin earlier today. I saved the english-speaking leg of my trip until the end, knowing I'd be in dire need of some familiar language by the time I was 2 months in. It was a hot and humid day in Paris today - not my favorite kind, so I was overheated and miserable by the time I got to the airport. Then, I stepped on to the plane and was greeted by a smiling flight attendant who looked at my boarding pass, and said in that fantastic Irish accent "Thanks a million!". A smile suddenly crossed my face, and has pretty much been there ever since.

Leaving the airport, I grabbed a cab and totally confounded the driver by letting myself into the right hand side while he was looking off to the left wondering where I went. Note to self: In Ireland, driver's side is on the right. We eventually sorted it out, and continued on our way. Now, I'm a pretty laid back person (that may be an understatement), but the only way I can describe myself on the way to the hotel is 'giddy'. I was so excited to be somewhere with people defaulting to english, that I kept the cab driver talking the entire way there. Didn't hurt that he was friendly and sarcastic in typical Irish fashion.

Was dreading my search for dinner tonight, but kudos to Dublin for having a great selection of vegetarian restaurants - 2 of which happen to be a very short walk from my hotel in Temple Bar. I chose Cornucopia, and ventured out into the downpour that had formed. I know what you're thinking; "Rain.... in Ireland??" ("A tiger.... in Africa?" 2 points for placing that nerd quote). My stomach is now full of moroccan puy lentil tagine, brilliant side salads and a cheddar cheese scone and my smile...? Still wide. Ah, Ireland.

P.S. Has anyone ever been to a Haagen Dazs where they ask you to wait to be seated? That was a new one for me.