Thursday, September 3, 2009

Better times.

Okay. I am sitting in my hotel in Dublin and here's how things are going.
My flight was delayed and I was really confused where to go; I found the Information center and they sent me down this scary labyrinth of walkways and tunnels until I got to my gate, the flight was bumpy (probably the bumpiest flight I have ever been on - I kept picturing myself stranded on a magical island with the people on the flight with me) but I finally arrived in Dublin. I did have to go through customs.. here's how it went:

*heart pounding* *hands over passport*
*passport officer looks down his nose at me*
" 'ow long ya 'ere for?"
"Until Friday."
*stamps passport*
*I wait for more questions*
"Go on."
"Oh," I said, fumbling, "that's it? THANK you, sir!"
*runs away from desk*

I found an ATM, no problem. Got 40 euros.
I found a taxi cab no problem.
The cab driver was incredibly nice and chatty and told me all sorts of fun stories.
The cab fare was 39 euros (jesus. that was lucky).
I checked in to my hotel.
I called my contact at Red, he was excited to hear from me, and is coming to meet me and Adam (when he gets here) soon.

The best part? Not only are the outlets here the UK outlets, but there is also a US OUTLET HERE BY MY DESK. I missed that little outlet shape, and it's even labeled "110 V". I could plug things from home in and not blow myself up! This is the greatest hotel I have ever been in. I don't even have anything US to plug into it, but seeing that there is so, so comforting.

So I am feeling a lot better. I suppose I could have just deleted my whole blog entry from earlier today, but I want to remember how those moments felt. I'm a writer, what can I say. I like to collect emotions so I can use them in my writing later. And, you know, learn from mistakes and stuff.

WHAT. I just got a knock on my door, and thinking it was someone from RTE I jumped up and threw the door open.. it was just the doorman, bringing me a PRESENT. From the HOTEL. They brought me a box of chocolates and a letter signed by the general manager of the hotel thanking me for staying here and a voucher for a free drink down at the bar downstairs. I LOVE Ireland.

The chocolates say "Purveyors of Happiness". Aw. It's like they knew exactly what I needed.

31 comments:

janspach17 said...

I'm glad you are feeling better. You make me want to give you a giant hug! *hug*

I hope the happy chocolate and free booze is a sign that everything will be better!

Dave said...

Wait until you see how much the drinks cost. You might want to be sitting down when you find out! On the other hand it means that present is worth a fortune.

Harkness said...

I don't really know what to say,but I posted something earlier and for some reason it is pushing me to write another comment. Ireland is great, and I'm so glad that the american outlet is making you feel better. I guess that website knew what it was talking about.

*Give the biggest hug in the history of big hugs*

I think you picked (or the studio picked) the right hotel (free booze and chocolate, what could be better in your case)?

Elizabeth... said...

I was going to comment on your earlier post but I saw there was also this one so I've read both before saying anything.

I hope the good things that have happened since you got to Ireland are a sign that everything does and will get better.

*hug*

Alyce said...

I'm glad everything is turning around there. Stay positive and have a great time in Ireland! Now, go eat that chocolate :)

Karl said...

You sound like you're in a spy film when you said you called your cantact at Red...

Anonymous said...

YAY IRELAND!


<3

Gary C said...

Wow! It's the greatest hotel ever...gifts? I love it! x

Wyatthaplo said...

Ah gifts awesome :) Its amazing how a little thing like a plug socket can make you feel comfortable. Have an awesome time in Dublin.

As for having no where to stay im sure you know enough people that would let you crash.

*hug*

HanPlans said...

39 euros for a cab? Thats expensive lol.

Mickey said...

*hugs* I'm so happy that you're feeling better. I woke up to both of these posts in my RSS reader, and seeing a happy end to your first post made me ten kinds of excited. Ireland is such an awesome place! Enjoy the chocolates, free drink, and hospitality. Say hello to my homeland! ;)

Me said...

A hotel that gives you presents? I want to go to Ireland now!

Hope things continue to perk up. :)

Ana said...

Glad everything turned out okay :D How's Eia doing in Scotland?

Jerry Cooke said...

It's funny how days can change quickly like that; how simple gestures can turn things around for you.

I'm really sorry to hear that Eia's flight failed so much, British airlines can be so stupid sometimes, it's ridiculous! I hope everything works out for Rome *crosses fingers*

Unknown said...

So glad that everything is looking up a bit. Have some Bulmers while you're in Dublin (don't bother with the guinness).

And that's Irish customs for ya. Sure we're just happy to see you :)

abbs866 said...

Have you heard from Eia? I hope so. And I hope everything works out so you two can enjoy your trip. Trips are way more fun with you best friends.

Glad things are going better. Enjoy it. Even if it's not what you want or expect, it's still a chance for something new. Go with it.

Even if you are weak, you have strong support behind you.

Go toast somebody with your free booze. Cheers, love.

Primrose Marie said...

Ah, things are on the upswing now. (At least a little bit.) I'm so glad.

I'm so glad all of the good little things are happening for you. They are what make me happiest.

bassrocks9 said...

Awww...
Reading that just made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, especially after the crappy day you had before. I have to admit, it was a little bit refreshing before when you admitted your true feelings to us and actually used the F-WORD (gasp) like the adult you are. But it's much more heartwarming to see you (somewhat) happier. <3

nope said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Okay, I'm a longtime lurker, first time commenter--and I have to know what hotel you stayed at (after you're gone, of course--I'm not a creeper! I swear!) because my boyfriend is Irish and I'm alllllways looking for good hotels for when I visit. Last time I stayed in Ashbourne, Co. Meath's Marriott and it was awesome--but they definitely did not give me a present.
And dangit, I wanna present!
I hope things keep going well for you :) Take the American outlet as a sign! Ireland loves you! And if you're anything like me, you'll love it back.
However! On that note? I second what Dave said--just wait 'til you see how much drinks cost! Yikes.

PS: my word verification was fletron. Which is some really nifty automated machine that helps a fletcher make arrows!

Phyllis said...

i love the two post next to each other.
such is life.

:)

Kate said...

IRELAND. IS. AMAZING.

The fact that things have started to look up for you is a sign, so put all the bad stuff behind you and enjoy what's left of your trip. This summer, I got to go to Dublin for two weeks, London for a week, and Paris for a day, and the one thing I tell everybody about it is how glad I am that I made the most of it while I was there. Trust me, your trip may not be everything you had expected it to be, but the more you try to get a positive experience from it, the better off you'll be.

Cody Hotel said...

I was going to leave a nice reassuring comment on the last entry, but I was pretty sure Ireland would make things awesome again on its own so I didn't. Guess I was right :)

Free Booze, Free Chocolate, electrical outlets to remind you of home, I'm not sure if you're even allowed to be sad anymore in a hotel like that. I should know, it's my name, and I'm part Irish.

Just remember, if you ever start to feel down in the dumps when in Ireland, there are only three words you need to remember: Irish. Car. Bombs.

Cheers Love!

Cat said...

Chocolates and a free drink how lovely!

Oletha said...

Sounds like you picked the right hotel! I'm glad everything's worked out in Dublin so far :)

Anonymous said...

I'm really glad everything has worked out! Man, that hotel sounds so kick ass. Seriously. Hope you have a great time in Dublin!! =]]]

~Kayla

but the name is Tarah. said...

I am so thrilled that everything worked out. Your other blog post made me nervous, Kristina! We all want this second half of your trip to be amazing for you. You more than deserve it.

This just proves that half the time, we worry for nothing.

Have a super rad time in Ireland :]

Alex Dahlberry said...

Aw, the hotel sounds so amazing! I wish I got chocolates. hah.
I'm glad you're feeling slightly better at least. See, things aren't always as bad as you think they are. Sometimes. :)

-alexandra

Anonymous said...

wow that sounds like the BEST hotel ever. when you get done staying there will you tell us the name? IF i ever get to go to ireland maybe i could stay there. i'm glad things are getting better!

Anonymous said...

yay for awesome hotels!!!

Unknown said...

They should make your life into a movie. I can just imagine that 'Thank you sir!' runaway. X-D Ireland sounds great! You must give us the name of your hotel, so we can all go and have free chocolate.
You know, thinking about it, this Europe trip would actually make a very reasonable movie... (Here I would write some witty title, but I am completely awful at titles :/)