Brokeback Mountain

We were booking... shopping trips to new york

The cheap dollar and rip-off Ireland convinced thousands of us that it was great value to fly to New York for a weekend and shop till we drop. It wasn't uncommon to meet your neighbour in Macy's on Fifth Avenue.

We were talking about... stringfellows

Strip club legend Peter Stringfellow had his work cut out when he opened a new club on Dublin's Parnell St. Locals vehemently objected and the suits didn't venture Northside for a lap dance. The ill-fated club closed within months.

We were watching… Brokeback mountain

It was the year of the homosexual cowboy thanks to Ang Lee's acclaimed Brokeback Mountain. Boyfriends shifted uncomfortably in their seats during the more intimate scenes, while the girlfriends lapped up the beautiful scenery: Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

We were buying… miniature toiletries

With tighter security at airports introduced in November 2006, passengers are only permitted to carry containers of 100mls or less of liquid in their hand luggage. Tempers flare as perfumes and expensive cosmetics are confiscated. We soon turn to miniatures.