Although my birthday is only the 9th March, a few months ago he told me to take the last day of February off work because we were doing something for my birthday.
On Friday morning, after Tilly went to her grandparents we jetted off to Dublin for a trip I knew nothing about. We arrived at the Trinity Capital Hotel in the city centre, where we got an upgrade to the Georgian Suite from a chatty lady named Jan at reception. The perfect welcome, full of banter and lots of little 'ya hear's' and 'it'll be grands'.
We went for a stroll and then for some classic fish and chips at an old friends new restaurant. A trip to the hairdressers and an afternoon pint at the one and only Stags Head pub ended a beautiful spring day perfectly - well so I thought.
I was then instructed to dress well and off we went to a more posh part of town. Dinner was to be had at the classy L' Ecrivian, where we enjoyed the tasting menu. The best part of the dinner was the sommelier, who was a fantastic charming tiny lady, who topped our glasses a little more than ought to be OK when having 7 tasting wines. So after A LOT of food and even more wine, we demanded the bill and a cab so we could get the hell out of there and unbutton and just have some privacy (and I don't mean for anything romantic)!
After a lie in and a plate full of sausages for breakfast, we enjoyed another spring day in the city. Until I was taken again for more food to meet my next surprise - my family. We had an emotional and fun lunch at Marco Pierre White where the restaurant sang to me and the waiter was certain my step dad was the lord himself! It was so lovely to just chat and hang out. Super special.
After that I was sure that nothing more could be happening. But I was wrong. Some more afternoon pints and then instructed to get dressed and head out to Kehoes. We met friends C & P who I haven't seen in years for some bubbly, before heading off to another venue.
This time to friends who have opened a new pub 57 Headline Bar. This is where the big surprise was to take place. All the effort that had gone into all the months of organising. When I walked through the door there were balloons and loads of people gathered round. But no-one I knew??? Were we in the right place?………………. No we were just punctual!!!
Being away from Dublin for so long and married to a Swede, we totally overlooked the fact that 8:30 means 9:00 in Ireland. So I was more of a surprise to the ones throwing the party, as I was there before them. Fecking hilarious and just perfect to feel all Irishy again.
What a great night seeing everyone I love and chatting and catching up on all sorts of shite. Loads of wine, loads of laughs and loads of wine again. Oh and I think I demonstrated how to light sambuca in your mouth. WTF you're 40 dammit! Anyway the picture kinda tells a story of how much fun we had because it's the only one!
Thank you to everyone who organised things and keeping it all a big secret. Now I know who tell secrets too!! And thank you to those who came and to those who couldn't make it but sent their love. Thank you for the gifts and the chats and the big hugs and kisses. It will keep me filled until the next time we meet.
A massive, huge, gigantic thank you to the best husby ever! You really do know me and I am so lucky to have you in my life.
