Last Wednesday, I met up for dinner with Steve, my best friend in London.

BFF: Steve and me at London's Cinnamon Club restaurant

Over a delightful meal at the Cinnamon Club, a modern Indian bistro tucked away in the Old Westminster Library, Steve and I fell into the easy conversation that has defined our friendship for 17 years now. He told me about his paid sabbatical from PR and how he knew his partner of 8 years was the one. I filled him in on my recent adventures in Dublin and soul searching about what to do professionally post-blitz.

Steve mentioned that many of his co-workers are expats from the US and elsewhere, and how a high percentage of them found love abroad. Steve’s theory is that, when you’re not in the comfort zone of home, you tend to put yourself out there a lot more, making it easier to find love.

We talked a lot about the search for lasting love. As Steve accurately summarized what went wrong with some of my major exes, I smiled, appreciating that he’s known me long and well enough to be there through it all. Old friends really are the best.

The next morning, before checking out of the Marriott London Regent’s Park, I enjoyed a complimentary Champagne breakfast for members of the brand’s rewards program. There’s something about starting the day with a mimosa (or box fizz, as it’s called in the UK) that feels deliciously decadent.

Later, I had the pleasure of meeting up for coffee with Aussie expat and single gal Fiona, 34.

Single Gals In London: Fiona and me

Fiona, who’s lived in London for 8 years now, has found the dating scene to be a true melting pot, with men varying by neighborhood from City bankers and beer swigging footballers to more creative types in East London. What most of them have in common — a healthy amount of British reserve.

“British guys take forever to get the point,” she said. “Half the time they’re hoping you’ll launch in and do it for them.”

London men don’t approach women, unless they’re doing it online. Internet dating has become extremely popular in England’s capital, though Fiona says most guys online are either looking for sex or unsure of what they want.

“Everyone’s searching but they don’t know what they’re doing on there,” she said. “Guys won’t return calls and they’ll stand you up.”

Best part of being unattached in London versus Adelaide, her former hometown?

“You don’t feel there’s anything wrong with being a single girl.  London is different from Australia — being single is socially acceptable.”

But, like many other bachelorettes I’ve met on both dating blitzes, Fiona admits to feeling her mentality shift now she’s in her thirties.

“You want to meet somebody, a guy you can engage with and know they’re going to be there for you, that you’re going to grow together.”

Finding that person isn’t easy. Which is why it helps having good friends — old and new — with you along the journey.

Last Wednesday, I headed over to London’s Hampstead Heath to meet up with single gal Kimberly, 35.

Single Gals In London: Kimberly and me at The Flask

I knew Kimberly was someone I wanted to talk to when she sent me an email including this wry observation–

“ In Paris guys want to tell you how to live your life…in London they want to know how you live your life.”

Over lunch at cozy pub The Flask, Kimberly — a Canada native who’s lived in L.A. and Paris and now London — gave me her take on dating in Europe.

Parisians are very forward, she says, with a kiss being interpreted as wanting to have sex.

“So much in Paris is about sex,” she said. “It’s a romantic looking city, but there are tons of drageurs, pick up artists. It’s not uncommon to meet in the street.”

Kim found the culture of Paris to be restrictive, with men and women dressing a certain way and people often telling her to look or behave a certain way to attract a man.

“In London, people make their own style, and are more interested in what makes you you than trying to fit you into a certain persona,” she said.

Another big difference — being able to go out in London alone without being judged as lonely because you’re on your own.

Kim has no complaints about local bachelors when it comes to taking initiative.

“People say British men are shy, but I find they’re very direct. I guess asking me ‘where are you from?’ is a good icebreaker.”

Not for the first time on this European adventure, I couldn’t help thinking how different the dating experience for expats seems to be from what it is for native locals. A foreign accent really seems to be the ultimate icebreaker. It’s far from the only one, though. The challenge is getting singles — male and female — to see that and make the first move with people who aren’t from somewhere else.

Coming up…how Match.com’s UK site produced the best and worst online dating experiences I’ve had in ages.

Last Monday, on my final day in Dublin, I had the pleasure of taking in some of Ireland’s legendary countryside.

What A View: Enjoying Ireland's stunning Wicklow Mountains

I chose Over The Top, a company known for providing lively tours for a smaller groups in comfortable vans. As soon as I met our guide Edmund, I knew we were in for a great afternoon. An avuncular guy who became a guide after retiring, Edmund was one of the best guides I’ve ever encountered in my travels.

“A thousand different shades of green — that’s Ireland,” he said poetically during one stop on the tour.

As is the Irish way, Edmund spoke like a storyteller (instead of in that canned, sleep-inducing cadence of most guides). And he truly made what we were seeing come alive, sharing such tidbits as where Oscar Wilde grew up to the argument that ensued over where a white line should be drawn along a country road. Best part — when Edmund used his charm to convince one of the Garda (Ireland police) to let us into a scenic area that was closed off for a movie shoot.

The full day tour included the Wicklow Mountains (and areas seen in “Braveheart and PS I Love You”), the charming lakeside town of Glenadlough and lunch at an authentic Irish pub where I had my first taste of Guinness and beef stew.

After the tour, I had just enough time to head back to the Brooks Hotels and freshen up for my date with Patrick, the sweet forty something bachelor I’d met at speed dating a few days before.

Patrick planned a lovely evening, which began with a drink at the swanky Shelbourne Hotel. From there, we walked over to Bleu Bistro, settling into a corner table as we talked about family (he’s one of 10, and uncle to 23 nieces and nephews), the beauty of Ireland and our shared appreciation for salsa and Michael Jackson.

At one point, Patrick reached across the table and took my hand, telling me that he would love to see me return to Dublin at the end of my trip. He walked me back to my hotel, where he pulled me into a goodnight kiss.

Contrary to what I heard from most single gals in Dublin, there’s a lot to be said for men from the Emerald Isle.

Every time I return to London, I fall in love with this great city all over again. Today was full of reminders why.

From brunch in Covent Garden at a lively pub and strolling around the Tate Modern to glimpses of St. Paul’s Cathedral from Southbank and an amazing date with a Frenchman, this was a Sunday to remember.

Coming up…the full scoop on my eventful week here in England’s capital!

Last weekend, I met up for drinks with thirtysomething Irish bachelor Tim, a friend of local single gal Ellie.

Dakota: Tim and I met up at this trendy Dublin restaurant (photo courtesy: Steve Garfield, Flickr)

Cute, whip smart and outgoing, Tim had great insights to share about dating in Ireland. Fascinated by the psychology of relationships and working on a book about the culture of Ireland, Tim shared his view about why there’s a disconnect among singles.

Ireland’s complicated history has created what Tim calls a bog mentality, where people are resistant to change and they take comfort in keeping their head down — i.e., not taking chances by making the first move.

While he agrees that Irish men don’t take enough initiative, Tim says Irish women contribute to that by not knowing how to flirt or even trying to. He admires the New York approach to dating because it has something absent from dating in Ireland — proactive strategy.

After drinks at Dakota, a trendy bistro and bar, we headed over to Hogan’s, a lively pub packed with locals that you can tell have been going there for years. The easy conversation continued, with Tim and I talking about Irish hero Michael Collins, travel and the merits of ham and cheese sandwiches (or toasties, as they’re called in the Emerald Isle).

As we headed over to one last pub, Tim took my hand and held it for a few minutes. I smiled, thinking how this dating blitz is proving to be a happy reminder of something — that there are plenty of good single guys out there, you just have to be a little creative about where you look for them.

Saturday night, I enjoyed my second great experience of Ireland’s MysteryDates — a party for thirty and fortysomething singles.

Does It Fit: Mingling at the lock and key portion of MysteryDates' fun party

Held at Kobra Bar, a spacious venue on Leeson Street just off St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin, the action-packed event featured speed dating, DJ dancing, BBQ food outdoors and something I’ve always wanted to try, lock and key mingling (I.e. you walk around trying to find the person whose key opens your lock).

Much like speed dating, the party felt like a gathering of old friends and not a meat market. I smiled when I ran into Patrick — one of the guys I had met at speed dating. I guess even across the pond, it’s a small world when it comes to single men over the age of 35.

Host Hugh Redmond introduced me to single guys Noel and Pete, who admitted liquid courage is a prerequisite for approaching women. When I asked if it’s true there’s a stigma to being single in Dublin, Pete said he used to feel that way.

“What changed?” I asked.

“I realized I would rather be single than in a bad relationship like so many of my friends are,” he said.

“Cheers to that!” I said, and we all raised our glasses.

At the bar, I found myself chatting with slick, smooth talking local bachelor Ivor. His charm wore thin after one too many double entrendres about his lock not fitting in my key.

One of the evening’s highlights — meeting fellow NYC single gal Jillian.

NYC Single Gals In Dublin: Jillian and me

“I’m here to meet my man,” she said of her three-week Ireland holiday and being fed up with Gotham bachelors.

We agreed that Dublin guys seem less concerned with the superficial (your waist size and income) and far more approachable. I couldn’t help wondering how our experience of them is necessarily different because we’re not from Ireland, a subject that would come up again on date #2.

Later, Jillian and I — joined by the adorable Irish lad she hit it off with — braved the scene at Dublin’s #1 pick up spot, Copperface Jack’s. It’s no exaggeration to say that everyone under the age of 30 is here, bumping and grinding or kissing a random stranger.

As I surveyed the packed, far too hair gelled and made up crowd, I had two thoughts — 1) Now I know why I was never into the club scene and 2) I’m way too old to be here.

Which is why I was surprised to feel someone pinch my rear end. Inappropriateness notwithstanding, the gesture was a welcome one. No matter what your age is, it’s always nice to be reminded you’ve still got it!

One of the biggest differences between my Europe dating blitz and the US one is taking more downtime this time around. Saturday, I enjoyed an afternoon of exploring Dublin on foot. My companion — German expat and blogger Marcel. 

Fellow Bloggers: Marcel and me at Light House Cinema

Marcel and I connected before I arrived, when he graciously helped me connect with a few local single gals. An eBay staffer, Marcel is also a freelance travel writer.

Over a delightful lunch at The Winding Stair, a charming restaurant with the feel of an old library located in Dublin’s Temple Bar district, we talked about the joys of train travel, the irresistibly demonstrative nature of Italians and the large size of Dublin’s expat community. It occurred to me during our conversation that, much like being single, travel is something that forges an instant bond when you’re meeting someone for the first time.

After lunch, Marcel and I strolled around the city, taking in ancient churches and a Viking festival along the way, then stopping at Light House Cinema Smithfield — an independent film theater with a modern museum vibe. 

The Perfect Pint: Enjoying Guinness at Dublin's Gravity Bar

Later, I headed off to one of Dublin’s top attractions, the Guinness Storehouse. In addition to learning the four ingredients of Ireland’s beloved beer (yeast, barley, hops and water, FYI), I found out the Storehouse makes 6 million pints daily and is the world’s second largest brewery. Best part — enjoying a free pint of Guinness while taking in 360 degree views of Dublin from Gravity Bar.

Up next…an eventful Saturday night out in Dublin and rediscovering what I love about London!

Friday night, after meeting up at Dublin’s Trinity College, thirtysomething Irish bachelor Pete and I headed over to Bewley’s for coffee in the city center.

Trinity College: Pete and I met up here for our date

I quickly discovered Pete and I had a lot in common — including a willingness to be adventurous and to travel a long way for the sake of fun and rejuvenation. I also learned that Pete enjoys long bike rides, working hard for his family’s company and dabbling in musical theater from time to time. The more he shared about himself, the more I was taken with him.

From Bewley’s, we headed off on a mini pub crawl, starting at Bruxelle’s, which has been around since 1876. Pete filled me in on Bruxelles’ rich music history (U2 and Thin Lizzy both played here back in the day) before we moved to another pub where we stood outside among the after-work crowd.

Pete mentioned his upcoming weekend visit to New York and birthday.

“Happy Birthday,” I said.

“I’m sorry you won’t be here for it,” he said.

Pete asked me what New York men are like, my first thought was that they don ‘t hold a candle to their Irish counterparts. Especially when Pete told me–

“This is the best evening I’ve had in awhile.”

“Me too,” I said, suddenly feeling like the many lackluster first dates I’d gone on before this trip happened ages ago.

For our last stop, Pete took me to Vat Bar so I could get my first experience of traditional Irish music. We took pictures together with each of our cameras. I didn’t want the night to end.

Pete walked me back to my hotel.

“If you need anything while you’re here,” he offered, “24-7 — just call or text me.”

Then, with a quick hug and kiss on the cheek, he was gone. Though I had hoped the evening would end with a kiss goodnight, I couldn’t stop smiling. Spending time with Pete restored my faith in romance and the existence of good guys. The easy chemistry between us, the thrill of possibility — both reminders of why it’s always worth taking a chance and putting yourself out there.

You just never know when someone great is going to cross your path. I’m hoping mine crosses with Pete again — maybe on one of his next visits to NYC.

Friday, I headed over to the studios of Ireland’s TV3, to tape an appearance on The Morning Show with Sybil and Martin.

On The TV3 Set: Me with co-anchors Sybil Mulcahy and Martin King

While getting primped to go on air, TV3’s hair and makeup gals echoed what other local bachelorettes have told me about Irish men being “Mammy’s boys.” One of the girls said she knew it was time to leave one boyfriend when she found his mother washing her underwear.

Before the segment (which you can watch at the end of this full episode video), I had the pleasure of chatting with affable co-host Martin King and fellow show guests Jane Downes and Oonagh Kelly, who were giving job search tips. We talked about how a bad date often feels like an interview — and had a good laugh about the Cleveland bachelor from my US dating blitz who brought up, ahem, salad tossing on our first date.

After the show, I returned to the Brooks Hotel, a comfortable and elegant four-star hotel located in the heart of Dublin with a first-class staff. For dinner I tried Francesca’s, the hotel’s cozy restaurant.

While enjoying a delicious tomato cream soup and roasted hake with sautéed vegetables, I noticed two couples laughing animatedly at the next table. For as much as I’m rediscovering that I enjoy my own company, I couldn’t help thinking about how great it is to share the pleasure of a good meal with someone special. I was also thinking about my date for the evening, with Irish bachelor Pete.

Pete had read about my dating blitz and emailed me. The three photos he sent were of a handsome, blue-eyed guy with dark curly hair and an irresistible smile. But his Gmail and Twitter profile pictures looked like someone else altogether. Exactly who was I meeting? I wondered.

When I walked up to the entrance to Dublin’s famed Trinity College, my heart skipped a beat. Pete wasn’t quite like the photos he’d sent — he was even cuter.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for awhile,” he said as he bent down to kiss me on the cheek.

“Me too,” I said, returning his smile.

A perfect beginning.

Coming up…a visit to Ireland’s breathtaking Wicklow Mountains and the scoop about Dublin date #3!