First date abroad

Merlot Date

After three long years of being single, I declared 2020 was going to be my year! Little did I know that the world was about to go into lockdown for the foreseeable future. I lived alone and now had to stay away from everyone. So there went those plans as well as many others. Luckily, I made it through to the other side and now here we are in 2021. I just listened to “Greenlights” by Matthew McConoughey and it gave me some much-needed inspiration. I was going to make my next first date one to never forget. Matthew says the only ceilings are man made and I show chase after the things I want. What I want more than anything is a date with a hot man.

I received my vaccine and sent off for my passport. I had planned a trip to Ireland for my 30th birthday but it was cancelled due to the corona virus. I looked online and discovered that the borders were open again to travel. “Yes! I can do this! Greenlight!” I said to myself gleefully.

After finding some tickets online I decided to switch my dating location to Galway, Ireland. I didn’t put that I was American. This was not to deceive anyone, I would be there on vacation. I wanted to chat with someone who liked my profile and not disregard me because of my actual location.

After a bit of chatting with a few handsome suitors I seem to click with one in particular. I ask Danny if he wants to meet for a coffee on the following Friday. I’ll be arriving in Galway on Thursday and that gives me a chance to get a lay of the land. Now, I have been to Ireland before but it’s been a while. I absolutely love the Irish accent and their pub scene with live music. Danny suggests a pub called Monroe's near the Claddagh area. If you're Irish, you have probably seen the Claddagh ring worn on many a hand. Its origins come from this small fishing town of Galway.

I show up to the pub a little early and take a seat at the bar. The bartender asks me what I want to drink and I say "Glass of Merlot, please." He looks at me a second and says "most people order Guinness, that's what we're known for." I just smile politely and sip my sweet merlot.

"Is this seat taken?" I look up and see the dating app picture in person. Danny looks even better in person, good for me! "I believe you're sitting here," I say with a wink. "You don't sound like you're from around here." He says. "Unfortunately, I'm not. I needed a vacation and this seemed like the perfect spot. I live in Boston in the states." I say sheepishly hoping he doesn't feel tricked.

"I get it. It's been a tough year for most of us. I think everyone is ready for a getaway." Danny says as I'm getting pulled into his kind blue eyes.

"I know we were just going to have a drink but I'm enjoying myself. Why don't we grab some dinner and get you a proper glass of wine?" He says and I couldn't agree more. He tells me he has family in the Boston area and travels over there about once a year. I tease him that I can be a tour guide if he needs one.

After dinner, we go hear live music and dance the night away. Between the wine and the music we lose all track of time. It's now closing time and I have to say goodnight to the handsome Irishman. He walks me to my airbnb and we have a long kiss. I'm not sure what the future holds but it was one hell of a way to get back to dating.