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✈️ Settling in to another bland hotel…

To put this in context, it’s a soulless chain hotel, one that I would usually avoid if the decision were mine. It has all the charisma of a very old hire car. And a standard of service that even Ryanair would look down on.

👉🏻 Read on…

📸 Last weekend: angles and textures in Trinity College Dublin.

⚠️ Another business trip where the client has chosen the hotel and it's one of my least favourite in Dublin.

Possibly all of Europe. I've had trouble every time I've stayed here. And once again, true to form, they couldn't find my booking at reception, and somehow attempted to make it my fault. After eventually finding it - after much sighing and tutting in my general direction - there was no apology. Or a welcome. Just a keycard dropped onto the counter in front of me.

As a workplace psychologist, I'm frequently amazed how people like this are selected into the so-called 'hospitality' industry.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 →

✈️ A very hazy approach into Dublin this morning.

✈️ I’m flying back over to Dublin for work tomorrow morning.

I’ve just packed my bag, basically on autopilot, thanks to a checklist in Apple Notes. Why rely on my (awful) memory when I can just follow clear instructions left by past me?

And that backpack? The best I’ve bought in years. The Lite Travel Pack from Bellroy. Perfectly designed for clothes, toiletries, accessories and a laptop. Honestly? It’s short trip one-bag travel nirvana.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 →

📸 Throwback to last weekend, in Dublin. Had to stop and take a pic of this impressive shutter outside ‘The Rag Trader’ on Drury Street.

🏡 Finally home! No thanks to British Airways and the inevitable almost hour-long delay to departure. And then no DLR at City Airport, so I had to deal with the awful and cramped ‘Rail Replacement Bus Service’. Anyway.

I’m now on the sofa, in my sweatpants, and easing into Sunday mode. It has felt like an incredibly long day.

✈️ Making my way to my flight (unfortunately, I’m flying BA)

✈️ I’m in the Aer Lingus lounge, waiting for my flight to London City. I would dearly love to close my eyes and snooze for a bit, but I’m just too scared I’ll fall into a deep sleep and completely miss my flight. Plan B: drink Diet Coke until I can hear colours and taste the future.

📸 Another shot from Trinity College Dublin. I took this just before the heavens opened and I got caught in the most incredible rain shower. Some things never change…

📸 Popped into my alma mater while in Dublin and enjoyed a wander around the campus. Lots of happy memories of my time there. But it blows my mind to realise I started my psychology degree thirty years ago!

Saturday, October 12, 2024 →

There’s a very slight chance that I may have had too much Guinness at my university reunion last night. Having been woken up at 4am and again at 5am by the fuckers in the adjoining rooms hasn’t really helped my general disposition.

☕️ Shortly heading out to meet a local friend for some coffee, catching-up and inevitable discussions about the state of the world. Looking forward to seeing him. I always learn a lot, and leave our chats with a face sore from laughing.

Also: trying a new (to me) coffee place here in Dublin.

Saturday, October 12, 2024 →

After eventually getting to sleep, once the Americans had turned off their music, I was woken up at 1:15am by a maintenance guy opening an electrical cabinet in the corridor outside my room.

Rather than some kind of repair or emergency, he appeared to be given a lesson in basics to his colleague. Extremely loudly.

I think they’ll both remember my face and voice until the end of time…

Wishing all kinds of plagues on the revolting American tourists in the hotel rooms opposite and next to me.

After gathering in the corridor and swapping endless inane bullshit and “Night y’all!” at the top of their voices, they’re now in their respective rooms, blaring their music and TVs. Oblivious to anyone else who might be in the same hotel.

And a call to reception resulted in a call back “confirming that there is no noise”. WTF?!

🇮🇪 When in Rome…

It’s crucial to enjoy a Guinness when back home in Dublin. It’s practically the law!

📸 Looking down on Howth as we approach Dublin Airport

All in all, a pleasant flight over from London City. Passed the time with some political podcasts, a bit of planning, and a healthy dose of daydreaming. Before I knew it, it was time to prepare for landing in Dublin.

✈️ Next stop: Dublin