Back In Dirty Dublin With A Clean Cut - Hanover Quay

Something is in the air today. I don't know what it is, but as I wake I feel strange. We are going to HQ, just to have a look and see if anything is going on. We have had no reports of anything from anywhere. Sue usually has the news first, but even she has drawn a blank. But she has a "feeling". She is keeping this to herself for now, but she admits it later.

Having a car is a godsend down at HQ these days. It beats standing in the cold and rain, although we still do! It's nice to have the option of shelter though, and we can take turns in and out of the car.

Today is another on/off day as far as the weather goes, but we have become resigned to it. The sun, when it shines, is warm and pleasant, but it stutters from behind clouds and the wind is occasionally bitter.

As we wait, we see people coming and going from the studio, and this is when Sue admits that she feels something. She has a knot in her stomach and says that she had a feeling that Bono was around. Not here necessarily, but in Dublin. But today, watching the people emerging to go to the new Spar shop up the street (to fetch coffee and sandwiches) there is a flicker in us all.

Our feelings get stronger when Dallas comes out and goes for coffee. It's a great sign that he is here. An old, familiar face to us, a handsome Kentuckian in his late forties, still sandy blond and sunkissed. Always friendly and polite. But today he is quiet and doesn't speak, which is a big surprise! Usually, he is the one approaching, chatting away with his pleasant drawl.

Before long, Adam arrives, and it is great to see him, as always. He has a glow about him, which I believe comes from being comfortable in his own skin, which seems to have happened to him in later years. A happiness pervades him, and he is always tanned and healthy looking these days. His grey hair suits him, makes him look distinguished and "bright". His smile is always broad, and it is today.

He allows us to take some pictures, and I get the most wonderful one of him. He is signing my notebook and looks up directly into my camera with the cutest smile. After a very brief few words he is off inside and we are left with an empty street again. It was so nice to see him though.

Two more cars arrive a little while later, but they go directly into the garage and it closes, so we don't get to see who it was. Time is moving on, and we start to talk about leaving. It is very breezy and we are starting to get hungry.

We are standing across the street, propped up against a wall and trying to shelter ourselves from the wind behind a large white van which is parked there. I start to feel fed up, and am tired of huddling into my jacket and trying to look like I am supposed to be there! Just then, I hear: "Hello!" I don't react immediately. None of us does. We can't see anyone and the voice seems to be coming from nowhere.

I look up, in the general direction of the voice, and have to crane around the parked van. And there, across the street, standing in the doorway, is Bono! He is leaning against the doorframe, casually, coolly, and is smiling an elfin smile that is inviting us over!

Later, we will laugh about this "miraculous appearance". If anyone has seen the TV show "Ruddy Hell, It's Harry and Paul" starring Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse, this put us in mind of that. They do a sketch each week - a skit on Bono and Edge - and at the start of each sketch, Whitehouse's Edge opens the door to Enfield's Bono, and there is always swirling mist and a God-like light in the doorway as "Bono" walks through!

There isn't a light or a mist now, of course, but there may as well be!

Eventually, we get ourselves together enough to approach the patiently waiting Bono, and we ask how he is; tell him he is looking well. He is. He is wearing dark jeans and a dark denim shirt (the flap on the right-hand breast pocket of the shirt is permanently up, as if it is much used for putting things in and getting them out!), and his hair is very closely cropped.

There is something surreal about seeing Bono and I think this whenever I see him. My mind can't get around the fact that this man in front of me is the man appearing on the TV all the time, in various parts of the world with this leader or that. Talking of serious things. Making a difference. And then standing here in front of me, looking ordinary, like any man, everyman, but also like Bono - a special human being who gives his time to such important things and then gives his time to me and my friends, like that means something to him too. And I suppose it does. Because deep down (well actually not too deep down) he is still Paul from Cedarwood Road who had his ambitions and his heroes, and who maybe still understands why we are here no matter how much he claims not to.

Anyway.... I ask him if it is okay if I video for a few minutes.

"I don't like it," he says, and then goes on to explain that it makes it hard for him to spend time talking to the people he wants to talk to. Since the internet, when people can just post the videos on youtube, it takes away from the "intimate moments."

"And we've had many!" he says, leaning forward with a glint in his eye.

He asks us about our trip - how long we are in Dublin for and what we are getting up to this week. It's not an unusual question. Bono always asks us this. But for some reason, this time we have trouble answering.

"Erm," I say...

"Well," says Sue.

Bono's gaze is flicking between the two of us. Dianne tries something...

"Erm" she says...

"You're making this up as you go along aren't you?" Bono accuses, which we quickly deny.

Dianne manages to tell him we went to Brittas Bay yesterday. This appeases him for a moment as he tells us he loves it there. But he is still determined to get us to say more, because I am sure he can sense the reticence in us. He is right. We are very reticent, because in our minds, all we can focus on is Thursday, and the fact that we are going to be spending a night in the penthouse at The Clarence. His hotel. I think our reluctance to tell him is in some way due to the fact that the night we are there happens to be his birthday. We are celebrating Dianne's birthday on that night. It's not the actual date of her birthday, but that seemed the perfect time to celebrate it.

Anyway, by this time, Sue is taking a picture of Bono, and I ask her - out of the corner of my mouth - "Shall I tell him about Thursday, Sue?"

"Yes, go on then." She utters this out of the corner of her mouth and from behind her camera, which I am sure she is only using as a shield so that Bono's penetrating eyes cannot see her face! We bravely look at Bono and his face is a picture - full of curiosity and so intrigued as he watches our exchange! It is hilarious.

"What's happening Thursday?" he asks.

I tell him. At last! It is off my chest. Phew!

"Oh wow!" he says, genuinely impressed. "You dirty girls! You dirty, dirty girls."

Now, having Bono call you a dirty girl is not something that happens every day, and it is amusing and kind of nice. A typically Irish reaction if you ask me. He tells us we will have a wonderful time. Sue tells him that we saved for a long time for it and that it is for a special occasion - Dianne's birthday. He wishes her Happy Birthday.

I ask him what he will be doing on Thursday and he looks at me blankly. "On your birthday," I remind him.

"Oh gosh, yes of course! I had forgotten."

"You could always have a drink with us in the penthouse." Worth a try, I figure! I am only joking of course, and I am sure Bono knows this. Whether he does or not, he is the perfect gentleman and doesn't flinch as he says:

"That would be nice. I usually go to the penthouse on my birthday, but you beat me to it." He is teasing me.

He signs things for us in his usual Bono-stream-of-consciousness way. In my notebook he writes: "Back In Dirty Dublin With A Clean Cut" and hands it back. Then he takes it from me again a little while later and starts to scribble something. It turns out to be a drawing... a street, a doorway and two stick figures. One is obviously female.. rather buxom looking actually! The other seems to have a big bottom....

"That's us standing in the doorway," he explains. "Isn't it amazing?" Meaning, tongue firmly in his cheek, that it is amazing that he can just produce that kind of fine art at the drop of a hat!

When he writes in Sue's book he suddenly stops writing and looks at her. And looks at her. And carries on for what seems ages... just him and his eyes and a look on his face like he is grasping for something that has escaped him. Sue squirms.

"What?!" she demands. Just like that, and it is really funny! He has her rattled and very puzzled as to why he is just staring at her like that. And who can blame her for feeling exposed? Being the victim of Bono's intense gaze can leave you feeling that way.

He doesn't answer and still he is staring! Maybe he is searching for inspiration, I suggest. Or maybe, her name?

"Sue." Sue says. Maybe he thinks he has forgotten it.

Bono resumes his scribbling, and at the bottom of it, he writes "Sue" and then "Sorry" in front of it. An apology for putting her on the spot and subjecting her to whatever was in his mind at that moment. Who knows with Bono?! He never did really explain.

A few minutes more in his company and then it is time to say goodbye. Before he leaves, he wishes Dianne a Happy Birthday again.

And he is gone, leaving us smiling and giddy like he always does. It is always so amazing to talk to Bono. Never have I known him to be anything other than friendly, good-humoured, courteous and extremely funny. I think he genuinely likes talking to us. We've been around for years, and he knows that. He often initiates chats and always encourages us to approach or approaches himself.

We've had some very good times in his company. Like he put it himself: some nice, intimate moments. Those we will always treasure, and respect them for what they are.

So... we leave HQ and head towards Fitzpatrick's Castle in Killiney, where we eat afternoon tea (delicious salmon sandwiches, yummy cakes and lovely hot tea!) and reflect on the day. We all agree that this encounter has made our trip to Dublin even more perfect. Going to the penthouse will be fantastic enough, but now we will have the memory of this day to make it even more special.

I settle into my high backed winged chair. The room here at Fitzpatrick's is large and full of people, many of them indulging in afternoon tea, like us. I am now feeling happy, warm and full and I don't want to move. However, I get up to take a picture through the window, which frames a breathtaking vista of pale blue/grey water and hills beyond. The sky is slightly dull and clouded, but appears brighter because of the green in the foreground of my view. Green, always green. It never tires.

We Venture Out - Brittas Bay

Dublin has been wonderful so far. It has rained a bit, but the sun has broken through for the most part and anyway, this is Ireland, and tropical weather is not its trademark! There is something comforting about rain, and it makes me feel at home. Maybe because I am English and therefore grew up with it. Dublin and rain just seems right somehow.

Not that I don't enjoy the sun. We have a little as we go to Brittas Bay today. Driving in the car, listening to Sue's Ipod, the windscreen wipers brush away the drops even as the sun tries to dry them.

Brittas Bay is pretty, even with the strong winds that almost take us off our feet. Dianne collects more pebbles (she has to part with some of them eventually!) and Sue plays intrepid explorer and climbs the grassy sand dunes to take some lovely pictures.

Out in the sea the impressive and spookily surreal Arklow Bank Wind Park serves as a reminder that you are in the present, because you need that sometimes when in Ireland. The rugged and often achingly beautiful landscape - with the dark greens of trees and grass, the yellow and black-like contrast of the gorse bushes, the greys of the rock, and the slate blue of sky and sea - transports you to a time when flame-haired bearded men in long robes flashed by on steaming horses.

That is the romantic Ireland that is sometimes in my mind as I stand in places like this, so close to nature and on the edge of a sea that joins my first home and this, my second.

We stay a while and then we leave, getting stuck on the carousel of the Arklow Streets. Then back to Dublin, and our little flat. It's been a nice day... the cobwebs are well and truly blown away.

Zero At Last! Back In Dublin City

So here I am once more.... in my second favourite city in the world. It's strange that I say it's my second, because I have been here so many times and had some fantastic experiences here. I love it very much, but New York kind of edges it out these days for reasons I will talk about another time. I guess they are different, and both unique - and you shouldn't really have favourites (like with your kids!) but there you go....

Arriving here today is strange, because for the first time in over two and a half years, I don't have a countdown to do, and that feels weird. From the conception of this trip, through the arranging of it, Sue and I have been counting down to it like two little girls waiting for Santa Claus to come down the chimney! First the years, then the months and finally, when New Year was out of the way this year, the days! Most days we texted the count, and our email subject lines kept it up! Madness. But such fun.

It's not like we haven't been here a million times before (and even came a few times while "the countdown" was going on), but this time is special. Special because next Thursday we are going to stay in the penthouse suite of The Clarence Hotel. It's kind of Bono's home away from (or, rather, pretty close to) home, and we want to see the suite that has hosted a few A-List parties and given hospitality to the likes of Clinton and Blair. And we want to see how the other half live, so to speak. To experience the high life in one of the most expensive rooms in Dublin.

So I get here, and we all meet up in the arrivals hall of Dublin airport (me, Sue, Dianne and Julie) and we pick up our car and we venture out into a Dublin that feels sort of different to me this time. More charged with something: expectation, electricity, a vague promise of adventure.

And the flat is lovely. Small but functional and in a pretty yellow house that looks over the Sandymount Strand where the Irish Sea laps at cool-looking flat sand. The Poolbeg Chimneys - lanky, red and white sentinels - stand tall and flash regularly and unceasingly, and bring to me a very real sense of Dublin. They are the markers for me, that tell me I am back. Seen from the air as you come in to land, and seen from many parts of the city.

And now seen from our house.

We settle in quickly and I feel as though I have never been away. That's the thing about Dublin. It is so familiar now after many years of coming here, that I feel at home right away.

This trip is going to be one of the most exciting ever to this green isle. I can feel it. I know it. And I guess the others know it too.

But for now, we have unpacking to do. I film the house and the small, private garden. And we have a quiet, easy first night. Dianne is jet-lagged after her long flight from Arizona, and the rest of us are tired too. We need to preserve our energy!

Dublin Diary

It had been more than 5 months since my last visit to Dublin so it was long overdue. I can never go for long without seeing the city, or feeling the excitement of it. At times that can be quite palpable, and it doesn't necessarily have to do with what is actually happening there, but more to do with what you know has happened there in its rich past. To me it has always been a very exciting place: romantic; bustling; defiant; colourful; at times and in parts, poor... and at others wealthy and prosperous - but always rich with spirit.

I have seen Dublin change in great, undulous waves over the last 15 years since I have been going. I first went in 1991 and that year it was chosen as the European City Of Culture. It would be romantic to think that it was that that started its recent changes, because since then, to me the skyline has altered considerably. And it would also be romantic and lovely to think that all those changes have been for the better. But, for me, somehow the heart is going, and the real truth is that this kind of thing has been happening since way back in the 60s and before. Today, two and three storey, red-brick works of art along the quays are being replaced with vast glass and metal monstrosities, ready to house corporations full of people with money; and with similar vast glass and metal creations to house the same people and also the world's rich who will flock - as people have a wont to do - towards the waterside of the cosmopolitan city that Dublin is becoming. Like it or not.

Incidentally, U2's own wonderful office building on Sir John Rogerson Quay (named after the elected mayor of Dublin of 1693) used to be a banana warehouse and has keystones on it that were originally part of the first O'Connell (then called Carlisle) Bridge across the Liffey up in the centre of town. Who knows how long this building will itself last, because now it stands dwarfed and sad-looking between the metal jaws of corporate monsters. Right next door to Principle is a multi-storey containing the headquarters of a large mobile phone company. Ironically, it is U2 next door to O2!! You couldn't make that up..... as the song goes.... My cell is ringing, no ID, I need to know who's calling... Well, now Bono will know!

Anyway, all that aside, Sue and I arrived into a Dublin that was overcast, but which blossomed into sunshine later in the evening. Our house, right next to the beautiful Clontarf Castle Hotel, was in a really nice, quiet place, part of a secure, gated complex.

After meeting the owner, we spent our first day settling into the house and the surrounding area. With the promise of an advancing summer, the place was lush and green and there were many flowers in bloom (which I don't know the names of, but that Sue knows many, being a keen gardener). This really was a pretty setting, with the turrets of the old Clontarf Castle in view above the rooftops.

Wanting to try out the food at the hotel, we paid it a visit, only to be told that our timing was off and they were not serving yet. Oh well, plenty of time for that! We ended up having a snack bought from a Spar, and then a nap for a couple of hours, after which we jumped in the car to find a Tesco to stock up on the week's provisions. We forgot to take the map, but did rather well navigating about. By this time, the sun was belting down and this was the theme of most of the days to come.

Fish and chips for tea (from Beshoffs, who also sold ice cream!) and then we settled down for some wine and an early night. Dianne was due in tomorrow and we were to pick her up from the airport.

My Glasgow Trip For St. Patrick's Weekend

Okay, it's about time I wrote about my trip to see Sue last weekend... well, the weekend before by now! I think it took the best part of a week to get over it, ha ha, and then of course it was Mother's Day yesterday, so that was a write-off! I don't think I could have explained to my mum why I wanted to sit upstairs on the computer instead of spend the day in her company. And I tried, believe me! Just kidding.

Anyway, there were a lot of cars, buses and trains involved in my trip to see Sue and the lads from NU2 on St. Paddy's Day. It started with a train to Carlisle on Thursday 16th March. I have done that trip so often now I could drive the train! Amazingly, everything was on time and the journey went smoothly. Sue picked me up, and we passed the afternoon at her place until it was time to go for dinner. We never need much convincing that it is time to eat... so off we went to a local pub and had a lovely meal and a glass of wine. Then when we got back to Sue's we had a tiny bit more wine!!!

The next day we had a bus to catch from Carlisle to Glasgow. It was about a 2 hour journey, and I didn't enjoy it much because amazingly the teeny tiny amount of wine that I had sipped from a thimble the night before, was making me feel a bit queasy. Luckily, by the time we got to Glasgow, I was feeling much better.

The hotel was superb and located right at the centre of things and nearby to where we needed to be. Bar Campus (where NU2 were playing) was literally less than 5 minutes away, as Sue discovered on a reccie trip (which also involved lots of spending on her part!).After having dinner that night in the restaurant there (called Gengis), we got ready for the gig and then went to the hotel bar. We had planned to meet up with Alan (Boner) and told him that we preferred there to a noisy bar in town. he turned up that evening with all the NU2 lads in tow - Mark (Egg), John (Adam) and Leonard (Larry). It was nice to sit and talk in comfort until it was time for them to leave to prepare and we had a good laugh.

At some point I can remember Egg telling us all about the Bonobo monkey and how closely related to humans it is, which was all very surreal! We decided that Alan should change his band name to Bonobo! And also that the band should become a Highland Pipe Band and change their name to "Och Aye The NU2"... the mind boggles... and this was before any alcohol to speak of!

After they left to go and prepare for the gig, Sue and I finished our drinks and then followed on about ten minutes or so after. The bar was very popular and by this time there was a long line of people waiting to get in. All of them much younger than us as this was a student hang out. We were able to walk to the front of the queue though, as the lads had very kindly put us on the guest list. So, in we went, into the heaving throng inside! We had to make our way through the busy upstairs bar (which was where we had come in) and downstairs to the stage. The whole of Glasgow seemed to be in tonight, and the floor in front of the stage was densely packed. But... being hardened U2 veterans, we were not fazed at all, and managed to get right at the front!

We imagine what it would be like to see U2 in such a small place and so close to the stage! Well, a girl can dream, right?! At the front of the stage here were 3 bouncers, all holding onto each other to form a barrier to the stage. They did a brilliant job and were very vigilant, although everyone was surprisingly well behaved despite the amount of alcohol being drunk!

NU2 came on at about ten past midnight (Midnight is where the day begins....) and played a very energetic set for just over an hour. We were treated to some pearls... such as "Sometimes", which Boner always does so well. "City of Blinding Lights" and "Vertigo" were the only other two off "Bomb"... with such a short set they did quite a mix from several albums, and the crowd loved them all! The best treat of all was "Bad", which we had not heard them do before.... nor U2 for a long time. Boner did a perfect job of it, and it sent tingles down the spine!

"With or Without You" was dedicated to us, which was nice.... and they went out after "I Will Follow"... a great show from beginning to end.

Right: Boner in action!

Afterwards, we fought our way outside and back to the hotel, where in our room we had cheese and fruit delivered earlier by room service. It went down very well with a bottle of wine. Before going to bed, we put a request for breakfast to be delivered on our door handle. It came at 9.45, deliverd by a nice Frenchman - that Sue missed from her hiding place under the covers!

It was a really lovely weekend all round. On getting back to Carlisle, it was nice to know that I had another night at Sue's before I had to head back to Stoke.

Now this trip is over I am looking forward to the next big thing, which for me is our trip to Dublin in May. Well, unless any impromptu NU2 jaunts come up in the meantime.

Monday Musings About U2 and Snow

Don't know what it is about Monday, but it seems the favourite day for me to do a Blog. Maybe it's a reflection thing after the weekend. My weekend was busy as usual. I almost got my husband to go and look at new computers, but we had to pay the deposit for our holiday in Greece in September, so the idea got pushed aside. I think it was the wrong time when he had his wallet out for something else!

Anyway, on to the reason for writing this Blog today. My thoughts have been with U2 for the most part, since the announcement about postponing the end of the tour. Nothing has officially been stated (at last checking) but many people have naturally assumed that Edge's daughter, who has been ill for a while, is the family member in question. One can only imagine what the family must be going through, and I am sure that all of you are thinking of those affected. It just goes to show at times like this that no amount of money and fame can stop things like this happening, and it might do us all good to reflect on the good things we have in our lives, and not take them for granted - or wish for things we can't have. Because at the end of the day, what is important is close family and friends - material things are worth nothing when it just comes down to you and your destiny, for want of a better word. Or you and your god, if that is what you believe in. Whatever force it is in life that determines these things (and there are many theories and this is not the place to discuss them), the only defence we have against them is to live a good and decent life; try to be kind and fair to people; and not knowingly or unnecessarily hurt those around us. Keep your friends and loved ones close, and respect your enemies.

Wow.. that is deep for a Monday. I think we need a lighter note here....This Friday is mine and Northern Star's trip to Glasgow to see NU2. I was panicking this morning because there are 2 inches of snow in Carlisle and 8 inches in Glasgow, and we have to get between the two places via public transport, which we all know is not the best when the weather is extreme. The trains slow down if there is the "wrong kind of snow" on the track... and goodness only knows if National Express coaches will be able to function if the driver has to wear a scarf and gloves!!

I wrote to Alan, aka Boner (lead singer with NU2) and told him of my worries. His response? He told me not to "go all English" on him and assured me that it snows in Scotland all the time, even in the summer. So that's all right then!!! Ha ha. Panic over. We'll see.

Ten Days To NU2

I've been checking out the new chat forum on NU2's website this weekend, and it's getting me in the mood. Sue and I are off to see them on St. Patrick's Day. What could be better? Seeing a U2 tribute on St. Paddy's Day.... perfect. I am really looking forward to it. It is so long since the U2 shows, and it will be nice to get a kind of fix. It is almost like the real thing - always a good atmosphere. For anyone who hasn't been to see these lads (unfortunately at the moment then only do gigs up in Scotland), I will post a review on here after we get back.

Anyway, on the forum, people are talking about the gig they did on Friday night last at the Cumbernauld Theatre. They played for over two hours, and blasted through tons of stuff. Apparently they got a standing ovation, and I think it was for "Sometimes", which I know they do particularly well. It's amazing that a song that is such a personal one for Bono can be done with such emotion and feeling by someone else. Sue and I can attest that the lead singer does it incredible justice. When we saw it in Dumfries with our friend Dawn, we gave it a standing ovation too.

Apart from the NU2 gig, I am looking forward to the trip in general. I am working a three day week next week (every week should be the same as far as I am concerned) and then travelling to Carlisle on Thursday morning, to spend the evening at Sue's before we head to Glasgow on the Friday. I enjoy Sue's company very much, and no doubt we will imbibe quite a bit of wine and put the world to rights. :)

Look out for my account of our time there. I am sure I will have something to say. But for now, back to getting through the working week. It's been snowing here a little today and it is quite chilly. I hope we don't have bad weather up in Glasgow.