A Very Busy Dublin Day with U2

It wasn't until early this morning that the whole U2 group got together. Aside from myself, everyone was supposed to arrive sometime yesterday. But, there seems to have been some sort of weather issue going on at LHR or the wonderful Aer Lingus that canceled many flights. Either way, one of my friends didn't make it - she had to travel throughout the day and night on the bus, train, and ferry to get here today! Poor thing! Sounded like a fun adventure, though.

Now that we were all together, we did some Dublin sightseeing.

First thing first, FOOD. We went to a place called The Pig's Ear. The name is adorable, and so is the restaurant. What an amazing brunch!!! After my delicious haddock omelette, I had to try the brown bread ice cream with crushed yellow man. Yummy, yummy, yummy!

I honestly thought that "yellow man" referred to some Asian thing…you know how we're yellow people. Turns out to be a reference to sugar cookies instead. Haha.

With our tummies very happy, we walked over to Trinity College to see the famous Book of Kells. I don't know much about it, except that it is a manuscript of some gospels in the Bible. The highly intricate illustrations and the colors of the Book are gorgeous!!! Although I'm not sure it merited a 9 euro entrance fee… Instead of the Book, I think I enjoyed walking through the old library itself. Definitely a bit dusty, but the shelves lining the halls, filled with ancient-looking books was a sight to admire. Made me want to have a library in my own house. Not that I have a house, or plan to have one any time soon : (

At this point, the group broke apart and went their separate ways, to reconvene at the concert.

Since there was still plenty of time, I went to the Old Jameson Distillery with a couple of friends. I can't drink much, but I actually like whiskey; it's the smell that does it for me. Joined the 10 euro tour that takes you through the whiskey-making process (none produced at this exact location anymore) and some whiskey tasting. It was okay…I prefer the ones I'd tasted in Scotland.

My friend participated in the taste-testing event, getting herself a "certification" for having completed the test. Glad I didn't do it, as there was a significant amount of alcohol consumption required in the testing, which would probably have gotten me quite incapacitated. Not a good idea with the concert coming up in a couple of hours.
With not enough time to have a proper sit-down dinner (plus, we didn't really have a clue where to go!), we grabbed a quick bite to eat at Jameson. A little bit more of the whiskey, too.

Then, off to the concert!!!!!!
I know it must sound crazy to most people, but I really haven't been to a single concert in my 30+ years of existence on this planet. I mean rock or pop concerts. I have been to the more classical ones, which are easier to be dragged to by parents when younger and also by yourself when older. I can't imaging going to a rock concert on my own would be much fun…

Anyways, it was a great experience! I loved the funky stage set, which somewhat reminded me of the gross spider statue in Roppongi Hills:

Better when darker:

Obviously, since we weren't in the VIP section or anything like that, we didn't have a good, clear view. But the live sound was fantastic, as well as the vibe of the other concert-goers. I guess that's what makes it exciting…enjoying the music with fellow fans. I've followed U2's music for a couple of years, but that was a while back ago. So I didn't know all of the songs that were played tonight, which was a tiny bummer.
Now, I want to go to a hip-hop or rap concert…

After having lost my concert virginity, what better way to end the night than chowing down on some McD!!!I can never resist their fries.