Day 3 (again): New Year's Eve

Ah, New Year's Eve in Dublin. SO MUCH FUN. After dinner, we began getting ready to go out, hoping (and yet knowing it was unlikely) that the weather would cooperate. Lots of people went all out, heels and all, but I (choosing comfort over fashion) wore boots that I knew would be warm! But I also wore a sweater dress and tights for the occasion, so warmth was clearly not the only priority :) It began to snow, which was gorgeous, so we decided to take our time getting ready in hopes that the snow would stop before we made out way out. Around 9:30 or so, most people met in the hostel lounge, and we discussed our game plan. The group decided to go to South Saint George's and Camden streets (thanks to advice given to us from a Garda officer--Irish policeman). Overhearing us, some Irish man sitting in the lounge warned us that Camden Street pubs would be completely packed by now and that we shouldn't even bother going. So he told us other places to try, but then said (because we were mostly girls and all American) that we should try Camden Street because we might get in somewhere. So that's what we did. A bit before 10, we headed out to the pubs. By 10:20 or so, we had passed a packed South Saint George's St (no luck there) and were on Camden Street, searching for a pub. There were some really full pubs (some of which only allowed 21 and overs :( ), some dead ones, and some clubs. Though the club seemed fantastic from the outside, it was 10 euro to get in and required an ID, which some people hadn't brought. So we left the club and headed to a pub called Flannery's. The rest of the night was basically drinking, dancing, and socializing-- tons of craic (pronounced "crack" but meaning fun). Though dancing is not typical in pubs, none of us realized this, and we did it anyway. Happily, some of the Irish joined us, and we turned Flannery's into a dance floor, particularly for songs such as "Poker Face", "I Gotta Feeling", and anything by Michael Jackson! Midnight came and went, complete with lots of toasts and kisses (none for me, though), and we stayed until 1:45 am or so. The walk back was a bit challenging, but we all made it, and I think most everyone had an excellent time (whether they remember it or not). So HAPPY NEW YEAR! I can't believe it's 2010!