January 7, 2004 - page 2

The motorcycles dodge in and out of traffic and the bicycles can go wherever they want. My roommate was nearly struck down by a bicyclist riding in the street who ran through a red light. Motorists drive both ways on one-lane crowded streets. Apparently the bigger vehicle wins. If you're traveling one way and a bigger vehicle is coming the opposite direction, you either back up or take the sidewalk. It works by intimidation.

All in all, my first few hours here in Ireland have been pleasurable, and I look forward to seeing much more of "dear dirty Dublin" tomorrow.