Things to be Done in Irish Toilets

Our hotel this evening is a fine, old manor house overlooking the river Lee in Cork. What a splendid location! I tried to establish a wireless connection but was unable. As it had been a few days since last checking email, I desperately wanted an internet connection. A "plan B" was in order.

We booked dinner reservations at a nearby hotel. From reading The Frommers Guide to Ireland, I assumed that there would be WiFi at this nearby hotel. I hoped anyway. So I placed my small Vaio notebook in my green sack and walked to the restaurant with my parents. The plan was to slip away at some point during the meal to the nearest bathroom or lobby to try for a wireless connection. I mentioned this plan to my parents on our walk there.

The lobby was full with at least 6 attendants. I'm sure, as a restaurant patron, I would not be welcome to break out the laptop in the "for guests only" lobby. Therefore, my only option was to go to the bathroom. When I saw an opportunity, I ran in the direction of the ladies restroom. I entered a stall and started ole lappy. There I sat with my laptop, the keys loudly clicking as I typed. Of all the quirky things to do in a public place! 5 minutes pass. My mother enters the restroom and calls my name.

-Sarah?
-I'm in a stall mom.
-Are you all right?
-Yes.
-Are you sure?
-Yes, I'm sure. Everything is fine.
-You're sure that you're sure? You did eat fish yesterday and remember what happened when you ate fish in London .... Do you need anything?
-I'm fine mom.
-You're not having a movement?
-No.
-Do you want one of those anti-sick pills we brought with us?
-Mom, I'm on my laptop....

Laughter ensues. I'm sure everyone within hearing range found the whole thing quite amusing. I know that I did.

It ended up that I couldn't get a signal in the bathroom. My efforts came to nothing except a few quality laughs. Back at the Lotamore Manor, I found that I could miraculously connect to the internet.