Dinner for Eight with a Twist

David's boss and his wife, Anne, invited us to join them and
two other couples for dinner shortly after we arrived in Ireland.
It was the second weekend we were here, and we were
ever ready to meet some people and enjoy a bit of conversation.
We all met in Malahide (40 minutes north east from where
we live) at Cruzzo's, a restaurant on the marina. We had a fantastic
meal and a great time.

During dinner, the waiter mentioned that Ireland's Prime Minister,
Bertie Ahern, was also there eating. The Prime Minister is known as
the Taoiseach (pronounced Tee-shock). He is Ireland's equivalent to
the president in the states. (Some of you may have seen news
coverage of him on St. Patrick's Day, giving George Bush a shamrock
plant.)

After dinner, we went downstairs to listen to the band and chat.
Meanwhile, Colm, who had a view of the staircase, saw the Taoiseach
walk downstairs. He asked me if I wanted to meet him and before I knew
it, I was shaking his hand and being introduced! I told him it was an honor
and pleasure to meet him and he welcomed me to Ireland. I doubt Mr. Ahern
is writing on his blog about meeting "Sam from Phoenix", but it was a real
honor for me.


Ireland's Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern.