And all the harm that ere I've done, alas it was to none but me.

Sunday Sarah and her friends, Richie and Tess arrived in Dublin. We went to Kehoe's at like 6 30--they were exhausted and planning on turning in early and we'd had dinner at like 4 30. We sat at a table near some guys who'd been there all day. And we chatted for a few minutes when Tess sat on their coats. Right before we were going to leave Tess started talking to one of them--Mark--and wanted to stay for a while so we said we'd leave within the hour (this was around 8). Mark pulled out his phone to show her a picture and the rest of the boys moved over to our table (which I thought was particularly smooth). There was Jamie, who had AWESOME hair, but everyone else made fun of it, Ronan, who was also often picked on, and John who was drunk off his ass because apparently he's a runner who gets two or so days off training every few months and he spends those days drinking (as he can't when he's training). He was the kind of drunk where he's just kind of yelling out things like "Ronnie fucks dogs" or "Jamie's got a wig."

They were very nice to Richie (which supposedly is a really good way to tell if a guy is a good guy or not-look at the way he treats the guys you're with). It was one of the first times I've gotten drunk while feeling totally in control and not at all sick. We were informed that Jamie was a pretty good Irish dancer and that we ought to stick around to see it and for a while he kept saying "maybe after another pint" or "But I need music" so Ronan sang for him (the song in the youtube video below) but it was too slow, so they all sang another Irish song and we all clapped and Jamie danced. It was awesome.

Mark bought us all half pints of Guinness because we were still saying we wanted to go home soon. And they were shocked when I said it was my first Guinness and only my third beer ever. We ended up staying until well after last call. There was a lot of moving around and switching seats and talking to everyone. Ronan then bought Tess and Sarah pints of Guinness, Richie a german beer (that Ronan had been drinking) and me a vodka lemonade, and Jamie kept offering me his guinness. They told us what other pubs to go to and how to get to Sandycove (where Richie, Tess and Sarah are now). Jamie tried to teach Tess to dance but quickly got fed up with her. And I accidentally let slip that Sarah used to dance so they tried to work her over to get her dancing but she never did (and she told me the next day that she regretted not dancing).

It was the kind of fun I should have been having this whole time. At one point I made the observation that joy and misery will outlast me.

Tonight we're going over to an Irishman's house for my second tasting of mulled wine. Which I've decided is the most delicious thing ever. And I'm going to bake some cupcakes to take along. And Sarah's been challenged to a drinking competition. Which she really wants to win because--bragging rights--drinking more than an Irishman?