Dublin seemed an obvious place to visit while my parents were in London. It got us out of the city, it wasn't too expensive to travel there, and we'd be able to do it in a few days (and not miss much work). What we didn't seem to think about was what we'd find in Dublin, what we'd do during the days we were there, and what the city was actually like.
We though we'd make a trip out of traveling to Dublin, so we opted for a 6 hour journey on train and by boat to get there. The countryside was beautiful and turned us all into babbling 5 year olds, pointing out everything we passed with single word utterances - "sheep!" "cows!" "castle!" "lake!" We went through Wales and marveled at how long and unpronounceable the words were. We hopped on the ferry at Hollyhead and found the seas to be a bit more lively that we had anticipated, though we all survived. When we emerged in Dublin, the skies darkened, and the troubles began. There were no taxis at the port, so we took the bus along with the other foot passengers from the ferry and one crazy woman who kept yelling rude comments at the bus driver then telling us all that she was 3 months pregnant and going into labor (when she was obviously not). The bus dropped us off a distance from our hotel, so we hiked there in the now drenching rain. The hotel looked fine, but was staffed by a bunch of the most helpful morons we ever met (eager to answer any question with the most incorrect answer possible).
Hungry after our long journey, we went to a place I had found recommended on several websites, only to find that it was basically a TGIFridays-like chain restaurant with mediocre food. After, we walked around Temple Bar (the young, hip area) which was filled with bars and pubs and fast food restaurants and which reminded us of tourist areas in the US - areas devoid of culture, filled with people just looking to get drunk and/or laid, and smelling faintly of urine. Think St. Marks Place in New York, or the French Quarter (without the charm) in New Orleans, or South Street in Philadelphia. So we hurried out of the area as quickly as possible and found a nice old pub filled with actual Dubliners, where we sat and had a few pints of Guinness. After the pints, Dublin looked a lot better (perhaps that's why all people do there is drink). Leo had found out that the Buena Vista Social Club was playing that night in Dublin so we ended up seeing an amazing show in a beautiful old theater, and ended day 1 in Dublin on a high note.
More to come soon (plus pictures)...
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Speaking of New Orleans,we were just there,and the French Quarter is still charming, but less so when there is high heat and humidity and all you can smell is the garbage. It's also hard getting a non-alcoholic drink,except water or coffee, even at 8-or 9 in the morning. Did try the specialty of one restaurant which was made with Pimm's #1, and it was very good. Will send you the receipe.
Aunt Bonnie
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