| Cork is the third largest city in Ireland after Dublin and Belfast and a major port. For Indians, Cork will always remain etched in memory for the ill-fated Air-India flight. Back in the 1980s my pal Jassi immigrated to Cork to start an Indian restaurant. On many occasions he had invited me to visit Cork and experience his newly attained prosperity. But for a variety of reasons, I pushed my visit for some other time. Once I was invited to a conference at Sussex, which gave me an opportunity to revive my old association with
Jassi.
With almost four days at my disposal, I decided to visit Cork by ferry service, since it was the cheapest mode of transport available. My journey began from Brighton to London and then to Swansea by rail, from Port of Swansea to Ringaskiddy Port in Cork. It was an overnight journey. It was my first time on high seas, thus making a frightening experience for me. My journey over the sea started at 9.00 in the evening. It was one of my unforgettable nights, given the rough seas and howling winds. To add to the woes, the Swansea Ferry kept corkscrewing and lurching every inch of the way. It reached Cork at 7.00 the following morning.
Nightlife in Cork was electrifying. In the evening, the pubs on the Oliver Plunkett Street were the most frequented place. People lazing around with a Guinness mug in their hands was a common sight. |
|
