An interesting evening

7th October, 2011

Today I didn't do much during the day. I chatted a bit on skype and then I watched the Ireland - Andorra match. I had a very busy evening though. I first went to St. Paul for their annual Rosary procession from the Capitol to the Cathedral. I left the house at 4.30pm as I had to take 2 buses to St. Paul. I got off at the Excel Center and bought a ticket for the Minnesota Wild ice hockey game this Thursday. I then walked to the city as I had a bit of time. I wanted something quick so I ate in McDonald's. It is actually the first time I have eaten in McDonald's since I came here. I then walked to the Capitol.

We processed to the cathedral but they didn't bother lighting candles as it was very windy out. After the procession and prayer service, I took the bus to Minneapolis. I'm getting to know all the different bus routes at this stage. I had planned to go to an Oktoberfest celebration in a German pub but it was north of Minneapolis so by the time I got there, I would have to leave for Downtown again (as I wanted to watch the Ireland V Wales rugby match).

Instead I went to Nye's Polonaise Room (See photo above). This is a Polish bar/restaurant. It was on the 150 things to do in Minneapolis list. The "World's most Dangerous Polka Band" were playing but they weren't playing polka unfortunately. I stayed there for one drink. Despite being a Polish bar and having signs for Tyskie, Zyviec and Okocim, there wasn't a single Polish beer on tap. I had an "Oktoberfest" beer, which wasn't very good.

Afterwards I headed to "The Local", an Irish bar, to watch the Rugby World Cup Quarter Final between Ireland and Wales. I had a bit of free time though so I went for a wander. It was a little like Cork at night. I saw a girl urinating in public, long queues to get into clubs (which had red carpets), girls not wearing enough clothing and walking barefoot through the streets.

At Midnight, I went to "The Local" to watch the match. There were quite a few Irish there - some were my age but quite a few were in their 40s. I was curious as to what they were doing there but wasn't talking to any of them. The game was disappointing. Ireland were outplayed by Wales. I don't know what happened.

Afterwards I took the 2.18am train back home (the handy thing about living close to the rail track). I then tried to watch the England - France game but was too tired.