How far would you travel for a good meal? How much would you pay, and what you would you be prepared to suffer just to eat well? I travel frequently with work, but I don’t always get to eat well. Sometimes I don’t get to eat at all, which is one of the downsides of life on the road. Missing meals is about as wise as missing sleep, but many of us do it all in the name of work.
Last year while working in Ireland I was taken to a roadside pub by the name of An Poitin Still. Don’t let the roadside description put you off. This is a pub that serves seriously good food. The first time I ate at the Poitin Still, free entertainment was provided as various locals gathered with their instruments and had a session while knocking back pints of Guinness.
I got the opportunity to eat at the Poitin Still again a couple of weeks ago. The downside was staying in a nearby hotel with views of an elevated section of the road between Dublin and Naas. The steak on a stone made it all worthwhile. The next night I also dined well in a pub of extreme character just outside Dundalk and close to the border with Northern Ireland. Good food two days in a row!
We crossed the border the next day. After work David, one of the managers from the location I had visited, offered me a lift to Belfast City Airport. I was surprised to find a Bible in the pocket of the passenger door of his car. David told me that he had carried a Bible with him all his working life. In his earlier career David served as a police officer during a thirty-year period in Northern Ireland’s history known as the Troubles. Over 3,500 people were killed during the Troubles, including three hundred police officers. It was during such times that David often knew great hunger for God. He told me that he identified quiet places where he could park safely and spend precious minutes in prayer and feeding on God’s word. David’s testimony deeply challenged me about not forgetting to feed spiritually, and the need for quiet spaces in my daily routine just to be still before God. Beats steak on a stone any day!
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1-3 NLT)
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
Can’t get much better David—good Irish fare coupled with touches of Grace by her people—such a special place it is indeed…
When I was in collage, it was during the height of “the Troubles”, it was also during the stories of the Cambodian boat people–a precursor to today’s refugee crisis, plus there was the on-going escalating fighting between Palestinians and Israelis….many children and young people were victims during all of these conflicts…I did an art piece for a class reflecting the loss of all the young lives along with the passage of time— your reflection just brought this all back to mind—that was almost 40 years ago and we are still seeing the senseless loss of both life and time—Ireland is relatively calm as is Cambodia—sadly the Middle East is no different, and other places have now stepped in—-it behooves us all to seek time with our Heavenly Father verses all the empty distractions—-
As always a wonderful heartfelt and thought provoking reflection David–
hugs from Georgia—US that is 🙂
David said:
Thank you Julie. Off to another of your favourite places on Monday – Switzerland (Basel this time).
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
if I was Marilyn—I’d tag along and go eat!
David said:
Sadly Julie it is not that simple with commitments at home including a certain 16-year old. Plus Marilyn would probably rather be lying on a beach somewhere warm than walking the streets of Basel while I am working!
Julie (aka Cookie) said:
true—I forget about that teenager lurking about 🙂 tell her that I am pulling for her–trying to find her an escape here and there 🙂
Jessie Clemence said:
That IS the best kind of food, you’re right!
But the Irish food does hold it’s own. Just this week Caleb was moaning with remembrance over how good everything was. I think he ate a hamburger and fries about five times the week we were there, but he loved every one.
David said:
Well the fries (or chips as we Brits/Irish call them) seem to be particularly good in Ireland. Perhaps it is the potatoes? I have another trip to Ireland in April so may get to visit the Poitin Still again!