Nichola Brown ([email protected])
Mon, 4 Jan 1999 16:49:25 -0500
Well, I've finally come back down to earth after spending three precious
days in the clouds (Dublin City).
I woke up on 30th Dec, all excited at finally living my dream. On leaving
my house on a trip of a life time - U2 came on the radio Hold Me, Thrill
Me....) this had to be a good omen. It wasn't long before we were up in the
clouds on a 25 min. journey to Dublin airport. I began my celebrations with
a gin and tonic while everyone on the plane wished me many happy returns,
as the pilot announced my birthday (thank goodness, he didn't broadcast my
age :-).
On approaching Dublin the sun was shining 'highlighting' the words 'Dublin
Airport' against the skyline. We took a taxi to our hotel. The driver told
many stories about the band - Bono had travelled in his taxi many times (I
think I'll have to change my profession lol). He told us where each member
lived, but of course I already knew this information :-). During the
conversation we talked about the recent arrival in the Mullen household,
before driving past the maternity unit where the birth apparently took
place.
Our hotel was situated in the Docklands, and we later discovered Windmill
Lane was directly opposite. As it was such a beautiful day, we decided to
take a walk to Windmill Lane to see the wall in all it's glory. I was
amazed at the extent of the graffiti left from fans around the globe
Germany , Australia, Puerto Rico........etc. although I could see that many
signatures had been washed over with white paint. All the more reason for
me to leave a special mark on the wall :-) I can't really explain how I
felt, having seen the wall after waiting so long - it's something you have
to experience for yourself. We then went past the Dockers pub where the
lads often drank during the recording in the early days. I couldn't help
but take a look through the door, it was very cozy, kinda dark, but with a
homely Irish atmosphere - lots of discs hanging on the wall behind the bar.
I knew I'd have to go back to take a second look.
Later in the day I went back to Windmill Lane with everyone when I covered
the wall in red 'n' green pen - a magical moment. 'I stop to think, I start
to cry, 'oh why'? Little did I know that I'd be returning everyday to add
a little bit more :-). The official wall was only tiny and had a bronze
plaque with 'THE WALL' written on it. The day finished with everyone
toasting my health with champagne which we chilled in the bath :-) Then we
took a walk into the centre for something to eat before soaking up the
atmosphere along Temple Bar. We past Tosca's sandwich bar which is owned by
Bono's Brother and took a quick look in Captain America's restaurant which
was full of U2 bits 'n' pieces.
Day Two
My next plan of action was to find the Clarence Hotel. It was a very grand
looking building, a kinda cream colour on the outside. In the reception the
porters were very smart in grey suits. To our left was a beautiful
traditional lounge - a long solid wooden table with an elegant flower
arrangement in the centre. A blazing log fire was situated at the back
surrounded by luxury leather maroon chairs. I asked for some writing paper
from reception, and began to write a letter to Bono - I was told he would
receive it :-) I then took some photos, although the 'snapping' soon came
to an end when a rather abrupt porter told me that photography was strictly
prohited. I thought to myself 'too late Mr' I've already done it.' lol -
besides I was sure that Bono wouldn't have minded! I then took some pics
outside the 'Kitchen' as it was closed :-( Later that evening we welcomed
in the New Year in a tiny Irish Bar which appeared to be full of English
and Americans - lots of singin', drinkin', dancin', huggin' and kissin' as
the clock struck 12. We then walked to Temple Bar expecting to see lots of
folks in the street, but there didn't appear to be many about, probably
cos' it was beginning to rain. Of course we had to return to the Clarence
to wish everyone Happy New Year - and 'all was quiet' in the hotel, but
then it was now 'New Years Day':-) It costs around �200 per night to stay
at the Clarence, and an astonishing �1,400 to stay in the Penthouse which
is situated on top of the hotel.
New Years Day
Went on a tour of the city and visited a famous whiskey distillery. My next
venture was to find Hanover Quay where the new studios were supposed to be
- after treking around for at least an hr. without finding it, we decided
to go back to the Dockers for a pint of guiness, or in my case a coffee, as
I was rather cold. I talked to the publican who told me that the lads had
called in the week previous - it was obvious that I wasn't gonna come face
to face with my heros, but then there's always another time. I went to the
wall one final time to leave a farewell message, and was suprised to see
that many more signatures had been added on a very significant 'New Years
Day'.
Our last few hrs in Dublin :-(
We left the hotel at 9.30am and the finale was an unexpected de-tour to see
Larry M's dad's house, as the taxi driver knew where he lived. Apparently,
before he retired he was a dentist. He also told me that his Mum was
knocked over and killed while taking a bike to be repaired.
Well, I hope you have enjoyed this 'taster' of how I celebrated my birthday
in Dublin.
Dublin is a lovely city and the people are extremely friendly. I hope to
return again one day.
Happy New Year Everyone
Nichola
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