The Moonlighter

Good morning!  It is morning here, and my last one in Dublin.  I have had breakfast, I have a decaf latte,

I am packed and ready for our travel to Belfast.  We will stop en route for a soda bread demonstration (yes, there are touristy things mixed into this tour) and then a visit to a library when we get to Belfast.

The phone interface for Blogger is not nearly so friendly for writing and adding photos as when I am on my laptop.  I did not bring my laptop, however.  When I am back in Pasadena next week, I shall write more in-depth entries on this trip.  For now, these will continue to be short glimpses and side jaunts into things a littler frothier in nature.

At dinner a couple of nights ago with my former prof, Leigh, who now works at UCD, I got from her a number of culinary recommendations.  Most of our meals on this trip are already booked as group meals, but there are occasional opportunities to go off-script.  After our afternoon sessions yesterday, I did a bunch of packing then asked if anyone wanted to go for a drink.  Anne

and Jean

both did.  I took them a block or two down the street from the hotel to Pen & Player.

Great recommendation!  First off, the place is beautiful.  Just stunning.  

Second, great drinks!  I had the Moonlighter,

and I’m still not clear on what was in it.  A brown spirit?  Matcha made it green.  It looks like it should be some sweet and sour lime sugar bomb, but it had a subtler flavour that sat at odds - not a bad thing - with the over the top look.  Tasty!

The staff were very friendly, and as it was early and quiet for them, the two bartenders chatted with us a lot about their experiences as immigrants to Ireland.  Really interesting to hear their perspective on the country.

A brief afternoon break for us.  We were soon off for a group dinner after those drinks.  And now I have to get my bags downstairs and onto our bus to head north…