My memory of my first ever trip to Dublin some 15 years ago is such a blur that all I remember is standing outside Malahide Castle on a cold, wet and dark winter night, reluctantly having my photograph taken by someone I didn't even consider my friend at that time. The second time was all about St Valentine's relics at the Whitefriar Street Church with someone romantic but completely out of my life now. The last time I went to Dublin before this recent trip was sometime in 2011, with a group of girls seemingly enjoying my company until I found out that they never liked me in the first place. Suffice it to say that I fell out with everyone I travelled to Dublin with, except for one particular person- Arcel.
I first met Arcel in university more than twenty years ago, but we were only in one class together, and we were never friends. The second time was in Germany, where I would formally meet her. Before our trip to Germany, one of the girls was quite pessimistic and warned me that it was not easy to befriend Arcel because apparently, she was a "bratinella" and sneered at people all the time. So, she said she would be surprised if we would get along well. Although I kept this information at the back of my mind, I was (and still am) not one of those who will judge people based on what other people have said about them. And with Arcel, I am really glad that I gave myself the chance to get to know her better because after eight years, our friendship is stronger and deeper than ever.
And so in May, I went back to Dublin for only one reason- to spend time with Arcel whom I have not seen in two years. It was a real bonus that I was also able to play with her adorable son and catch up with her very kind husband again (albeit briefly as he had to go to work).
I arrived in Dublin just before half past ten in the morning. It was quite windy and cold but the warmth in Arcel's smile when I saw her at the airport made it all better for me. We drove straight to lunch where little J and JB were waiting. I love these people as they are one of the most down to earth people I know. Despite their high social status in the Philippines, their feet are firmly on the ground.
Lunch was at Anderson's Creperie. Their galettes are to die for. I ordered the "All Day Breakfast Galette" which was scrumptious to say the least. It was a big serving but I devoured it effortlessly. It was that light. Then for dessert, we had the pavlova which melted in the mouth- one of the most unforgettable desserts I've had.
Andersons Creperie
1A Carlingford Road
Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland
After lunch, Arcel and I headed to town for a quick walk. It was not a touristy walk, but I requested to pass by Temple Bar area to check where my J used to live (he lived in Dublin for almost three years). We then came across Molly Malone's statue in Suffolk Street. Molly Malone is actually a song about a lady who was a vendor by day and prostitute by night.
It was as if the food we had at the Andersons didn't fill us up that we ended up having another strawberry tartlet at Le Petit Parisien in Wicklow St. The thing is, no matter how full I am sometimes, I always manage to find a space for good food. I would recommend this cafe and their strawberry tartlet to anyone visiting Dublin.
Everything that happened after our quick trip to town was pure bliss. I was treated with some classical piano music by our talented little J and was completely entertained by his wit and humour. He also beat me in scrabble by more than hundred points. Our little J is incredibly intelligent, however what makes me really proud of this young boy is the fact that he is well-mannered and has a good heart. He is simply an awesome kid. Then there was Charlotte, their rescue dog. I honestly don't know if I have ever taken a dog for a walk, but the experience with Charlotte is definitely something that I will always remember. It was very therapeutic more than anything. Add to that my heart to heart conversation with Arcel during the walk. Priceless.
It was indeed a very short visit to Dublin, but it was one of those weekends well spent. You see, I may not have many friends now but those I have chosen to keep are those who are definitely worthy of my precious time. I will cross the ocean just to be spend time with friends who sustain me and help me become a better person. The reality is that in this age of superficiality, where a lot of people seem to think that worldly possessions define you as person, you need to surround yourself with people who can add value to your life not through material things but through wisdom, trust, strong principles and moral righteousness. Those people who can influence you in positive ways, who can draw you in an intellectually stimulating conservation, who can empower you to achieve your goals and remind you to always keep your feet on the ground. When you find these people, never let them go for they are the people worth keeping.
TIN x
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