With the goods secured and everything packed away in their bags, they head out into the cold. The air is frosty and biting, making the short walk cold and damp. James’ lashes stick together from the moisture, making it a bit more difficult to blink. But even in the cold, with droplets hanging from his scarf and coat, the city is beautiful. It’s got medieval charm, but feels modern and welcoming.
James is happy when their destination comes into view, to get out of the cold and into the gallery. It’s another activity he booked with Gabriel in mind, knowing that he would appreciate the art and diversity on display.
They’re let inside easily, after which they discard their coats and bags at the cloakroom and step into the gallery. It’s all a bit too modern for James’ taste. That’s not to say that it’s bad and that he doesn’t enjoy it. It’s more that he enjoys looking at more traditional art forms just that tad bit more. Not only that, but the modern, sleek feel of the gallery throws him off as well.
The last few weeks he spent exploring ancient cathedrals, ruins and museums.The City Gallery might look historic on the outside, with detailing along the stone and windows, but theinside doesn’t reflect it.
For once he finds himself following Gabriel around, listening as he points out little details and reads the plaques. It’s nice, experiencing it like this. Gabriel’s endlessly patient, as he always is, when James admits that he sometimes just doesn’t see it. They spend several hours hopping between the different exhibitions and collections.
Only when his watch beeps with an alarm, indicating that it’s almost time for dinner, do they slowly make their way out of the gallery. Gabriel cheekily asks the man working at the reception if there’s a pub he’d recommend. The enthusiastic and immediate response is that they should try the oldest pub in Limerick. Gabriel thanks him and pulls out his phone for directions.
The longer walk in the cold proves worth it as James finds himself enjoying the evening, despite his earlier hang-ups and the anxious thoughts that lingered at the base of his neck. The atmosphere might be something that he’s not quite used to, but it’s not unpleasant. From every which way he can hear patrons talking, wishing each other well wishes for the new year and discussing upcoming plans. It’s a low effort kind of place, something that he can appreciate.
The beer isn’t half bad, even if he finds himself reaching for a nice wine more often when he’s at home. And the way that Gabriel seems to enjoy not only the drink but theassortment of snacks, makes for a lighthearted, enjoyable time. Gabriel’s arm settling across his shoulders makes it so that they don’t have to shout,too much. The contact is a solid point of focus and comfort. It doesn’t stop him from scootching even closer to Gabriel in their booth. Hidden away in a corner in the crowded room he feels like they’re the only ones there when his companion twists his head and presses a gentle kiss to his temple.
While they make their way back to the station, he figures they can find another pub to try tomorrow night. If only to see the happy look on Gabriel’s face again.
46 [James] Limerick, Ireland
January 2nd
The next morning they’re up bright and early. James’ notebook shows a walking route through the city of about an hour. A quick stop for some coffee takes them to a local café and grants them the beautiful sight of the city.
It’s another cold day. The sun’s bright, with the light clearing the morning fog and the sky littered with clouds. The air feels damp with it, lingering on his eyelashes and on his coat. Secretly he’s already anticipating the warmth of another shower before falling into the warm bed onThe Adventurerone last time.
Gabriel’s sipping on a coffee beside him. They took the drinks and some bread to eat on their way to their first stop. Some of the path they’ve already walked the day before, but in the brighter light of early day it’s almost like it’s a completely different city. The Treaty Stone sits imposingly ona pedestal next to the River Shannon. It’s a piece of history that signifies the end of a war. Besides that it’s a beautiful starting point to their scenic route, as James’ gaze falls on King John’s Castle on the embankment on the other side of the river.
It’s a short walk across the bridge to the castle. The river is wild underneath them. The breeze flowing over the water carries cold and even more fog. James can feel the wind stinging all over his face, numbing his lips with it.
Gabriel’s shivering as well, blowing into his hands even though it won’t help because of the gloves. It’s a silly sight. James looks on fondly.
King John’s Castle is magnificent. From up close it’s even larger than expected. The high and towering walls surrounding them as they make their way into the courtyard. It’s like a castle from a cartoon, beautifully intact and sometimes used as the backdrop for medieval games.
For an hour James trails along the different interactive exhibits, reads about the history and enjoys the stunning view of Limerick. Gabriel has settled down somewhere to begin a rough sketch and James takes the hour to immerse himself in everything that there is to see and learn.
*
With their stomachs full and warmth flooding through their bodies they start on the second part of their walk. Lunch tookthem a little off course, but it doesn’t take away from the beautiful sights as they stroll along the streets. James’ right hand is clasped tightly in Gabriel’s and his heart is full of gratitude that he’s really here. Discovering such a historic, beautiful city with the man of his dreams by his side.
At a quarter to two they arrive at St Mary’s Cathedral. He only booked entry for King John’s Castle knowing that, even if it’s a full day in the city, they do still need to pack up their cabin. Not going inside doesn’t diminish the beauty of the cathedral in the slightest.
The steps leading up to the door provide a full view of the front. With the high tower looming over them he takes a minute to take it all in. The arches over the door, the stained glass windows a stunning detail in between the stone. He can only imagine what the inside looks like when the sun reflects through those windows, casting shadows and light over the seats.
Gabriel snaps some photos, having taken out his camera, and for some time there’s silence while they admire the exterior. When James’ watch beeps to remind him that it’s two o’clock, he steps back and looks at his notebook again.
The walk to St John’s Cathedral takes them to the other side of town. Having to cross another bridge, James pulls his scarf tighter around his neck as they step onto it, but he enjoys the view nonetheless.
St John’s feels almost gothic in its architecture, reminding James of Cologne, in a more subdued way. The tower reaches up into the sky, with detailing all over the building and glass work that’s intricate but amazingly simple to look at.
“I figured I would’ve gotten bored of this by now,” Gabriel admits. “Looking at these buildings.”
“I’m glad you haven’t,” says James. He offers his hand to Gabriel, pulling him into an embrace. “But I would hope that you’d have said something already if you had.”
“Hmm,” is the only response he gets. He figures that the people pleasing is something the both of them can work on, together. He smiles at the thought.
The last part of their walk takes them toward Arthur’s Quay Park. A unique park at the edge of the embankment. Round in shape, with steps leading into the circle and trees lining the edge. While the barren plains of grass make for a gloomy sight, the view across the river is beautiful.
Gabriel takes a seat at one of the steps, pulling a thermos out of his bag. At James’ surprised look he says, “Filled it up while you were in the shower.” They sit at the edge of the park, sipping from the thermos and looking out over the city. Taking in the last of the city before they’ll be heading back to London overnight.
