DUBLIN — Okay, so sorry I haven’t done updates for a bit. It’s been a giant pleasure to quietly sink into life in Dublin and get a routine going. Just enough work to keep me fed and clothed (thank you clients!) and just enough music and other fun to keep me entertained.
The big surprise here has been just learning to live in the Fair City. Nothing grand or touristy really, just getting into the everyday swing of learning the bus system, finding bargains at the LIDL grocery (wacky combination of cheapo groceries and miscellaneous gadgets, hardware and cheap clothes) and getting back into a more normal routine with work. And yes, I’ve taken to eating chips (fries) nearly every day. Not good for the wasteline but hey, when in Rome, fry like a Roman.
It is interesting how I’m experiencing Dublin this time, as I’ve been here several times. First it was Tourist Dublin: museums, Oscar Wilde souvenirs, kitsch from the Guinness shop. Second was Musical Dublin: lots of pub sessions, buying instruments and more. This time it’s been Gay Dublin: getting to know other queens and even managing to go on dates. It’s a unique and vibrant scene here, and it’s been a goal of mine for some time to bridge the gap between my traditional music life and my gay life — Dublin seems like a terrific place to knit it all together.
The big highlight in the last couple weels was the launch of my flatmate Derek’s new publication, THE Magazine. It’s the 2nd gay publication in Dublin (if you don’t count another one called Butcher Queers that comes out sporadically). Great launch party all the A-gays and some local celebs in attendance (question — at what point do I become an A-gay? Or is it like that old query about money, if I have to ask I can’t afford it?). Anyhow, fun time and it’s great to have already gotten to know some great folks making exciting things happen in town. Another highlight is getting to know some of the lads from Gaire.com, the gay message board on which I’ve been chatting for a couple years — attended the annual Gaire Christmas meetup last week in Nealon’s and it was good craic all around. And of course the Furry Glen, the monthly bear party at Pantibar — brilliant.
Sadly the camera has been in my bag too much and my loving sisters have reminded me that they’re hungry for some pix back home so no worries, I’m about to start shooting again. More photos on the way — including some shots from the George’s Christmas drag panto and a lovely side trip to Ennis — promise!
timwhistle
