Day 88: Malahide - DUB 🛬 - Tyrrellspass

The morning began with an air of an impromptu farewell. By the sea, where we had slept, there were already seven vehicles, like a mini unplanned gathering. But, of course, as always, we were among the last to leave. Others had already been doing useful things for hours, like cycling, running, or looking at maps with serious faces. We left when it was time: after stretching, the first pee, and Daddy Edu's breakfast.

We set course for Dublin. Today was a day of urban survival: those missions that seem simple, but end up being like a scavenger hunt of nervous humans. First stop: Ikea. Daddy Edu bought something that neither smelled nor made a sound, so I didn't pay attention. Then we went to a shopping centre with a self-service laundry. While the machines spun with soapy hypnosis, I stayed in the camper and Daddy Edu took the opportunity to shop at his favourite supermarket. I'd say it's his personal amusement park.

But of course, things can never be easy. It turned out we had a problem with the data SIM card. Just at that moment, bam!, it stopped working because it had switched to a new eSIM. So we had to go to McDonald's. Not for the burgers, no, but for the free Wi-Fi. Daddy Edu spent an hour looking like he wanted to bite his phone while trying to talk to customer service. The problem wasn't solved, of course, so he bought another eSIM from another brand and off we went.

Then we went to a workshop because one of the car's engine belts was making strange noises, as if it wanted attention. But we arrived at a quarter to five. In other words, not even with a bribe. So thanks for nothing, belt. We went to the Applegreen service station car park, this time on the other side of the highway. There, Daddy Edu took out his toolbox (yes, he has one) and started fiddling with the belt as if he were a Formula 1 mechanic. He didn't completely fix the issue, but at least it stopped sounding like a trapped cat.

He also took the opportunity to organise the freshly washed clothes, put away the shopping and, of course, sneak another free shower. If they give it, you take it. That's camper law.

And then, come on, off to the airport. We left the car in the long-stay car park and, as if we were pack mules, we went with four heavy bags, a giant backpack and my basket. We got on the shuttle bus to the terminal. In the terminal, we first went to the Budget desk to rent a car. Daddy Edu got on surprisingly well with the human at the desk, who spoke faster than a greyhound on caffeine. We left the luggage in the rental car and began to wait.

A long hour. No sofa, no ball and not knowing exactly why the wait was so eternal. Finally, Uncle Joan appeared! And with him, two new humans: Mariola and Nita. They smelled of long trips, past laughter and first-day nerves.

Everyone in the car and on the road again, this time heading to the heart of Ireland, between Dublin and Galway. The destination: an apartment in the middle of a golf course. We arrived just at midnight, with an elderly gentleman waiting for us to give us the keys. I was already half asleep in my basket. I had dinner as soon as my bowl appeared, without wasting time.

Now the humans are having dinner and looking for plugs. I'm on the sofa, with a full stomach and my eyes closing. It's half past one, and I can't take any more. Tomorrow will be another day. And it will surely be different.