Growing up in Manhattan, many kids have nannies or babysitters to help out the parents. Lucy was mine for a good number of years until I was about 10 years old. From Ireland, Lucy has the traditional light skin with some freckles and light eyes and hair… a lot like me. So whenever she would push me around in a stroller, strangers would think she was my mom (and Lucy would say she was!).
Lucy, Patrick and me in the tent we built in their home when I was... 6 or so?
After having two of her three daughters, Lucy moved back to Ireland and we all lost touch over the years. But when I came to Ireland, I was determined to find her. I sent her a message on Facebook, my mom wrote her a letter and another mutual friend tried to email her – none of us sure if our correspondence would make it through. One day, my mom got an email back from Lucy and long story short, she and I connected and planned a meeting.
As soon as Lucy walked into the lobby of my hostel, I immediately recognized her and received a huge hug. Outside, I was met by her husband Patrick (who I also recognized) and her three daughters. It was completely surreal to see them – a blast from the past yet it has been so long so it almost felt like a first introduction.
We went for coffee and snacks and then walked around Grafton street and Temple Bar, talking and catching up the whole time. Such a special reunion and a meaningful way to experience Dublin.
As soon as Lucy walked into the lobby of my hostel, I immediately recognized her and received a huge hug. Outside, I was met by her husband Patrick (who I also recognized) and her three daughters. It was completely surreal to see them – a blast from the past yet it has been so long so it almost felt like a first introduction.
We went for coffee and snacks and then walked around Grafton street and Temple Bar, talking and catching up the whole time. Such a special reunion and a meaningful way to experience Dublin.
Lucy, Patrick, their daughters, and me in front of 'the spire' and the famous post office
After a great time with Lucy and her family, I met Nikita, a friend of my friend Allie who I know through the NYU equestrian team. They had met during vet school in Dublin and Allie kindly put us in touch before I got to town. We went for traditional Irish stew at O’Neil’s – a restaurant/pub with live music and tons of people, and then we went to Cassidy’s for a beer, a pub over the river where we were encouraged to write our names on the bar. It was so great to have someone to take me around to experience some of the less touristy but still 'must-see' places in Dublin.
Irish beef with Guinness stew at O'Neil's
Leaving a mark at Cassidy's where I enjoyed a Five Lamps Dublin Lager yum!
Nikita and I at Cassidy's pub
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