Potatriotique

Yes, contrary to previous reports, GUBU of Capel Street did not shut its doors at Easter.

Which means that I have missed valuable quality time with the wee place.
Which means that I am not at all guilty at being tipsy now.
And which means that I am all geared up for my “Save GUBU” campaign..

Hooray!

GUBU: So good, they got rid of it.

No, I’m not talking about our political figures, sadly; they are alive and kicking.. Nor am I referring to Sarah Carey’s blogging activites; that seems to continue unabated..

No, I am mourning the loss of Capel Street’s GUBU, a Dublin drinking emporium that has served the needs of so many for a few short years.

It has recently been sold to the people behind the little empire that comprises a wide range of bars, cafés, restaurants, accommodation locations, night clubs, and various other venues and enterprises.

And now, it is to be replaced by the ever-metastasing CaféBarDeli.

Why keep GUBU, with it’s small coeterie within a niche market of LGBTs and their uber-trendy and/or pool-playing pals? No, let’s suck in everyone we can with yet another CaféBarDeli and maximise the profits.

Poo.

I’ll miss GUBU - It was a great place to meet with friends, and a wonderful antidote to most of the bars in Dublin, including the three main gay bars in the city. It also holds a fair few memories for me.

But above all, where else in Ireland am I going to find couch-bed-chairs in a pub? Where can I recline, pint in hand, and natter away to someone in a fabulously louche and debauched manner? Where??

: (

So, among my New Year’s Resolutions for 2007 is the frightening prospect of:
No. More. Booze.

I can’t say what has possessed me to take such draconian measures (or should that be “drinkonian” measures.. Oh, I crack myself up..), but I have. Yes, stupidly, I am following in the footsteps of this brave soul.

Will it last? Well, I’ll at least pretend to be optimistic, and say, “Why, yes!” It’ll be tough going at times, I’d imagine (not least for events such as the Vater’s 60th - dammit, why did I choose this year..?!), but as a social experiment and study into drunken human behaviour, it should be fascinating. I’m considering bringing a notebook and pen with me at all times, and recording my observations: for scientific, as well as blackmailing, purposes.

So, how has it been thus far..?

Day-a wun, in tha Sober Sister howse: Tolerable; the hangover may (irony of ironies) have helped, since I’m not a fan of the hair of the dog option. ..Sometimes..

Day-a two-a: So far, so good. I haven’t had to face the perils of the workplace yet, so that will be its own test. Dear God, give me strength tomorrow… For today, though, I don’t anticipate any strong bouts of the delerium tremens..

One day at a time, one day at a time . . .