As my 2025 Four-Leaf Clover Adventure neared its end, I found myself wrapped in a delightful whirlwind of thoughts.
How do I wrap up this Dublin escapade with flair? The stakes were high, and I was determined to end on a memorable note — something that was 5% adventure and 95% self-indulgent.
A Michelin-star dinner, you ask?
Tempting, but let’s save that for occasions that truly deserve it, like celebrating the second Saturday of the month (it’s a thing!).
How about a movie at the cinema or a play at the local theater?
Nah. Don’t get me wrong — taking in a film or a play abroad is usually a treat, but let’s face it, nothing in the lineup was shouting “watch me!”
Nope, none of the movies or plays piques my interest.
What about exploring another art or history museum? Please, that’s the easy route.
A day trip to Galway? Sound cool but not enough time on the itinerary.
I’d almost resigned myself to a fate worse than death — mindless souvenir shopping — when a colorful brochure practically jumped out at me, waving its arms like a caffeinated leprechaun.
Vintage Tea Trips!
That’s right! I decided to treat myself to a city tour while enjoying a devilishly delicious afternoon tea aboard a vintage 1960s double-decker bus!
Luckily, there was one slot remaining for that day’s tour, and I grabbed it.
Yes, €55 might sound a bit rich for just tea — you could buy three Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Lattes for that — but this is my adventure, and I love tea!
So there I was, arriving early at the meeting point near St Stephen’s Green, soaking up the park vibes and snapping photos like a tourist with no shame.
At 4 p.m., the tour organizer called names like an auctioneer, and I found myself assigned a charming table on the upper deck. Luck was on my side.
As a solo customer, I’d anticipated the dreaded lower deck seating, perhaps wedged between two chatty strangers discussing their great-grandkids’ potty training.
The tour kicked off with the obligatory safety spiel — “This bus is as bumpy as your first attempt at parallel parking!”
We were also told that while the drinks were unlimited, there was no bathroom on the bus!
Oh, challenge accepted!
As we navigated through Dublin’s bustling streets, we passed iconic spots like the Guinness Storehouse, which was as packed as a pub on St. Patrick’s Day, and the sprawling Phoenix Park, which sadly featured no Phoenix, but plenty of deer.
What about the food, you ask? It was scrumdiddlyumptious! 🤤
Oh, the sandwiches!
I had a Ploughman’s Pickle Brioche Bun that sent my taste buds dancing the Irish jig. The moment I took a bite, the soft, buttery brioche embraced a vibrant medley of tangy pickle, rich cheeses, and savory accompaniments.
Each flavor harmonized beautifully, creating an enticing symphony that sparked a joyful celebration in my mouth. It’s amazing how one delectable bite can transport you to a cozy pub in the heart of Ireland, reminding you that food is not just nourishment; it’s an experience waiting to inspire joy and connection.
And the traditional Egg Mayo Sandwich? What a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalized my taste buds. Imagine perfectly boiled eggs, their bright yellow yolks expertly mashed and blended with velvety mayonnaise, creating a rich, creamy filling that’s simply irresistible.
Nestled between slices of warm, crusty artisan bread, this sandwich bursts with freshness. A sprinkle of sea salt enhanced the natural savoriness of the eggs, while the dash of freshly cracked black pepper added just the right amount of kick.
Okay, okay, you get it. The sandwiches were good! 🤣
The Red Velvet Cake, adorned with a rich, creamy vanilla frosting, blended harmoniously with my fragrant peppermint tea. Each bite melted in my mouth, bursting with velvety sweetness, while the warm aroma of the tea danced around me. I felt like royalty atop the double-decker bus, indulging in the ultimate afternoon delight.
What a decadent treat for this queen!
With a steaming cup of tea warming my hands and tasty sandwiches in my tummy, I kicked back and soaked in the scenery of the Fair City.
Even the tour commentary was engaging — our guides Nadine, Ella, Caoimhe, and Dave were like the witty friends you wish you had on every adventure.
Sure, I’ll admit, there was a tiny nitpick: I would have loved a few more nuggets about the city’s hidden gems. As we whizzed past sites like the Anna Livia monument and the Courts of Justice, I thought, “A little history, please!”
But let’s not let that minor hiccup overshadow the joy of the experience. I sipped tea, munched on scrumptiousness, and left with a shiny Vintage Tea Tours tea cup — the ultimate trophy of a delightful afternoon.
So, if you ever find yourself in Dublin, remember: you don’t just sip tea; you create memories, one delicious cup at a time. Cheers to adventures, both classy and cheeky! 🍵
Until next time …
Candy Knight's Stories 
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