Weekend Excursions: Fionn, Glenn, and Max
Fionn Tierney: Viking Splash Tour of Dublin.
On Saturday, June 22nd I joined my fellow classmates Cavainna, Donovan, and Eric on a Viking Splash Tour in Dublin Centre. During this Viking tour, we got to wear special Viking helmets and ride on a duck boat through Dublin to a canal that leads to the River Liffey. As we rode through the city, we were told about some history of the buildings and the rich history of the Vikings that once occupied the city.
Our tour guide made some funny jokes and even sang some traditional Irish songs. After the tour we headed down by Stephen’s green and went to a famous Dublin café chain called KC Peaches. Then, following enjoying some tea and sandwiches, we returned on the ‘Thirty-nine A’ Ongar bus back to University College Dublin.
Glenn Lebowitz, A peaceful walk
After a relatively eventful Friday, I decided to make Saturday mostly a rest day. I chose to read in my own room and play some games, but the call to explore was strong and my room a bit too small. I spent a good hour exploring the Dublin campus, wandering around the buildings and trying to figure out how each part I walked connected with the daily morning trip from our rooms to the health center for classes. The entire walk was refreshing and a good way to clear my mind.
On Sunday morning I waved off Whitney, one of our coordinators, as she left to continue her adventure.
In the afternoon, I went into town to get toiletries and had “fun” learning how the bus routes work while returning to campus, mainly by finding out that a bus route works two ways, and I was on one going the wrong direction. The tension of realizing I was on the wrong bus and that staying on would make my trip back longer was something I wasn't expecting to experience twice.
Max: Sunday Drag Brunch at Wigwam
This Sunday at noon I attended a Drag Brunch at Wigwam, a restaurant on Abbey Street known for hosting such events and other live performances. With three friends in tow, we arrived at 1:00 p.m., just in time to see our Queens for the afternoon preparing their sets. Wigwam appeared no different from the street than any other pub, but once entered it transformed into a medley of colors, from the blue and magenta lights to the many dozens of pride flags donning the entirety of the ceiling. The restaurant was narrow, taking up exactly as much room as allotted by the old building code, though it extended very far inward, culminating in a stage and an open floor at the far end.
We were placed at a table in the center of the open floor, just below the stage area where many others sat looking down. We ordered food and drinks, and two of us ordered their spicy chicken and waffles, which was so tasty and as crispy as can be—seriously, spicy maple syrup is incredible!
Our entertainment for the afternoon was provided by the glorious Aria Nasty and Francesca Filler, who began their performances first by going around the floor and greeting everyone. Two people present, one of which was at our table, were, as the Queens referred to them, drag virgins. They alternated sets with one intermission during our 2-½ hour-long stay. With music ranging from mid-80s anthems to contemporary queer music, including of course Chappell Roan, there was something for everyone. It was truly a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
