Ireland: Dublin - Take 1

Ireland, home to leprechauns, shamrocks and the infamous Guinness brew. Eager to explore beyond the cliches and stereotypes associated with the nation, i was quietly excited to be setting off for a short international trip.

I present to you; Dublin.


It's always the small details that one can overlook and subsequently results in drastic consequences.

Having arrived early at Gatwick airport to mitigate against travel delays and overzealous security( note to others; don't bother with any personal items over 100mL - Pat lost hair gel, deodorant and creams) Pat, Kaan and I were on-time to fit in a hearty meal. Turns out that our flight had been delayed by 30 min. Not a problem! Lets pass the time by indulging in a game of air hockey.

The time arrives when the boarding gate open and passengers are called to embark. Boarding passes out and we are only a couple of hours out from wrapping our lips on some glorious Guinness. Passengers shuffle towards the boarding gate, it's looking to be a packed plane for the last flight for the evening.
"Hold up," says the boarding lady, "I'm sorry, but you haven't gone through the Visa Check."
"What! What Visa Check?" geninuely astonished i reply, "I'm an Aussie! Everyone will let us in".
"I'm sorry sir, but you have to go back to the departures and validate this boarding pass, it's company policy".
Shocked and confused, we hurry towards the Customs and security gate. They have no idea what this validation of visa is required. "Speak to the RyanAir service desk".
Just our luck that the RyanAir service desk is now closed. The attendant servicing passengers traveling on Aer Lingus is in though. She however, has heard of no such policy where visa checks are required. Panicking, we plead for assistance.
"Surely, there is a stamp that you could give us?", "I don't have a stamp to give you i'm afraid" was the reply. Instead, she offers to take us down to Border Control and see what they are able to make of it. At this point, it becomes obvious we are not alone in our plight to board flight FR119. Two Americans and a fellow Aussie join us in the confusion.

We weave through the labyrinth that is an international airport and soon arrive at Border Control. They too are perplexed in terms of what Visa check is required and are unable to provide us a stamp. Next stop, the airport booking desk. More corridors and back passages. Time is ticking! Arriving, at the service counter, agitated and flustered we proceed again to tell of our misadventure. No joy. He states there is nothing he can do as the check-in is now closed. The Americans ain't happy. Phonecalls are being made to friends onboard the plane. The flight attendants are apparently trying to hold the flight. Pleading now turns to an authoritative demand. "We need to get on this flight!"
The service desk attendant makes a call then leisurely strolls around the corner. Success! Apparently a check-in desk is still open. We rush on over. Passports are inspected, boarding passes are exchanged. "Run, don't walk! I can't guarantee they will hold the gate for much longer." We bolt.
Bags are thrown through the X-Ray machines for the second time. Pat struggles to get his belt back on. He won't be able to run if that belt doesn't hold his pants up. Kaan had already disappeared on his own accord earlier. He was nowhere to be seen. I tie up my laces. I am cheetah! I am faster than Usain Bolt! I run. 50m, 100m, sidestepping sleepy passengers in waiting. I hurdle over baggage and trolleys - I'm going to catch this flight! The finishing line is close, but wait, what is this? People walking back from the departure gate.

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

The gate is closed. Our fellow comrades, the Aussie and two Americans are walking with the boarding gate attendant. We lost the battle. Pat, huffing and wheezing joins the party. His furious, his not built for running. Dejected, we are lead through the back passages to exit of the airport. RyanAir won't be refunding our flight and the next flight is at 10am the next day where we would have to buy a whole new ticket - 120 GBP. Home is the next destination.
Lessons learned: Read the small print; Americans are great at being forceful; Red underwear does not make you run faster.