My last few days in Ireland

My last few days with the rental car were very busy - and I managed to drive around and catch up with some of my last few folk to get more information for my story. In reality I could have spent more time there, but I had to get back to Dublin and return my rental car.

I had been given a hard time when I collected the car - and I felt a little bullied to take out extra insurance, but I really didn't have the money and I refused to be intimidated. Some other renters had smashed up their car, and it was indicated that I probably would too. Regardless I was extra careful.

On my first trip back into Dublin in peak hour traffic a car did run into the back of "mine" but it was only a bump and I could find no sign of any damage to her car or "mine".

When I drove it into the rental car premises, and fronted the desk, I had my fingers crossed that the fellow who inspected it would find no sign of damage. I was relieved when he came back into the office a little surprised that he could find nothing.

The car rental people had access to $1500 (AUD) on my credit card and I asked for them to reverse this straight away - knowing that I'd have left the country in a few days and (a) needed the money and (b) knew it would be difficult negotiating with them if the money had not been returned to me.

They were a little put out at first - apparently their procedure is that the funds would be returned "in a few days". I again asked for it to be done then and there as (and I lied) "I am leaving for London today, and I don't have any money for food and accomodation."

It worked. They grumbled a little but the deed was done, and my bank balance looked healthier!

I caught a bus back into Dublin city and wandered around before safely returning to A & T's place by bus.

I've been every so proud of myself driving in such a helter skelter place and not scratching my precious rental car.