Sunday In The Park

Friday & Saturday were full of excitement, so Sunday we were all in the mood for something a little more relaxed. A Farmers Market in Dun Laoghaire promised to be that type of event for us. We met up at 1 (after I finally got a chance to talk to momma) and we took the bus to Dun Laoghaire. The bus ride went by fast as I had my nose in my book. An Irish #1 Best Seller called "The Best of Times" which had just started to get interesting. The weather was a little chilly. The sun plays a huge role in Dublin weather, and today the sun was hidden by some big clouds that threatened rain.

The farmer's market took place in the People's Park, a quaint little park located near the seaside. The park was filled with all things you'd hope to find on a Sunday, families picnicking, kids eating ice cream, some hippies playing the bongos, the smells of fresh food from all around the world. The market wasn't very large, but it had booths offering an array of products. There was a rather large fresh produce stand, with plenty of carrots and oranges. Then there were jewelry stands and a book stand (complete with true Irish literature like Ulysses & Oscar Wilde poems). A few vendors were selling organic items like clothing and candles. Of course there plenty of food stands: homemade fudge, homemade ice cream straight from the farm, crepes, falafel, assorted breads, fish, and homemade pizza. After making a loop around the market, I decided on a homemade pizza for lunch. My blueberries for breakfast had worn off and the smells were too good. Claire got a crepe and Stacy a muffin and we headed to sit by the seashore and eat our meals. The waves were crashing against the walls, and we hummed "sitting on the dock of the bay" while we ate. My only complaint was that it was a bit chilly, but we sat and chatted about life, love, Ireland, & going back to the United States. We decided to get the blood flowing so we went for a walk up and down the pier. We all loved Dun Laoghaire, it has the peaceful seaside village thing going for it, and the sailboats in the harbor, and the people out for Sunday strolls. Stacy said some day she will retire here, and I don't think that sounds too bad. The elder couples strolling down the pier holding hands & eating their ice cream seems like a perfect way to live to me.

We got some frozen yogurt (even though it was cold outside) and sat on a bench to enjoy it. After a while, we decided to head into Dublin for a little shopping and to meet up with Stevie & Laura to watch the Aussie Rules Football game. We ended up shopping at Penney's, but I didn't end up buying anything. Then we headed to the Woolshed a little earlier. We ordered dinner and waited for the rest of the people to arrive. Stevie & Stacy ordered drinks and we waited for the footie game to come on. About 9, Stacy & I headed home. I had some homework to finish up. As it turns out, the footie game was cancelled so the rest of the group ended up coming home soon after us.

A relaxing day by the seashore, full of reading, and fresh food. A good way to spend a Sunday.