Ole' Ole' Ole'

Today was Ireland's frist game of the 2012 Eurocup. To say it was a big deal is the understatement of the century. It would be like if you combined the Super Bowl, 4th of July, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade all into one. Dublin was covered in white, gold and green. The game didn't start until around 8 but we were told the pubs would be packed by 4. 

We wanted to look the part so that day we went to Grafton to get jerseys for the game. Every jersey at every store was sold out so Sofia and I went with the next best thing, Rugby. (we may have also liked all the Rugby shirts better).

At least they say Ireland, right? 

Every pub we walked by (which in Ireland is about everything third shop) was overflowing with fans ready to watch Ireland take on Croatia. We got to Rody Bolands about 2 hours before the game and managed to squeeze our way to the front room of the pub. It didn't really matter at this point that we couldn't really see the TV because what was going on around us was so much cooler to watch. Everyone was cheering. Everyone was singing. All of Ireland was watching the same game, rooting for just one team. 

Rody Bolands has 3 levels... and they were all this packed. 

The lead up to the game was probably more exciting than the actual game, considering we lost... But that didn't seem to get anyone down. One of the locals we talked to that night Cor (Cormac) told me if they'd won he'd have another pint, and if they'd lost he have 2 (or 3 or 4).

Cor, along with Johnny, Davy, and Travis spent the rest of the night telling us where we had to go in Ireland and teaching us some new slang (which we of course doubted until asking a random pub-goers because the Irish love takin' the piss with Americans). 

     These are the ones that checked out.  

1. Takin' a mickey = Same as takin' the piss 
2. Gobshite =  someone who likes the sound of their own voice. Idiot. D-bag 
3. Deadly = Fantastic. Wonderful. 
4. Grand = Fine. Just alright. 

The whole night was great, but the highlight was probably Tommy. The Biggest Irishman I've ever seen. It's no secret that the Irish can drink, but word around Rody's was that Tommy could finish a pint in under 5 seconds. That's not something you can just say and not back up.....He spilt a little, and it wasn't quite a full pint, but regardless we timed it. 3.3 seconds. 

He may have looked big and scary but he really was the nicest guy. When I asked to get my picture taken with him he flung me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. 

I've never been a soccer fan (and here it is soccer, not football) but I loved everything about Ireland's first game (minus them losing). 

It's only been four days, but I already know my time spent here in Ireland won't be long enough. I'm in love with this place! 

Until Tomorrow... 

Cheers, 

     Becca :)