Sunday, August 31, 2008
M&M Day
Museum and Movie Day! As I made my way to the National Museum on Kildare Street, I stumbled across an Indian Festival where I heard lots of chanting and then saw this Hare Krishna float. They even held up a sign teaching how to sing the chant.
I arrived at the museum, which wasn't too crowded at first. I was soon joined by tourists as I wandered around looking at artifacts from prehistoric, medeival and Viking Dublin. Amongst the gold and the arrowheads and other artifacts, on display they had bodies that had been found in bogs around Ireland - you should do a search on google image for bog bodies. The preservation that occurs in that natural environment is quite interesting.
After the museum, I went to the movies to see Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, but it was okay for an hour and a half. Outside of the movie theater, there is a sculpture called "Mr. Screen." Here he is.
It was a nice day and I was glad to get some culture and have a nice stroll on a pretty day.
I arrived at the museum, which wasn't too crowded at first. I was soon joined by tourists as I wandered around looking at artifacts from prehistoric, medeival and Viking Dublin. Amongst the gold and the arrowheads and other artifacts, on display they had bodies that had been found in bogs around Ireland - you should do a search on google image for bog bodies. The preservation that occurs in that natural environment is quite interesting.
After the museum, I went to the movies to see Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. It wasn't the best movie I've ever seen, but it was okay for an hour and a half. Outside of the movie theater, there is a sculpture called "Mr. Screen." Here he is.
It was a nice day and I was glad to get some culture and have a nice stroll on a pretty day.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
...and the birthday continues...
Last night my friends surprised me with a ticket to the Literary Pub Crawl! We met at the Duke and watched our two actor guides perform a scene from Waiting for Godot, a play by Samuel Beckett, in the pub. After hearing a bit about Beckett, we moved on to Trinity College to hear some tales about the college days of Oscar Wilde and some of his travels. Next on the tour was the MJ O'Neill pub. We were given 20 minutes to enjoy a pint (well, I had a glass, which is only half a pint) and met up at St. Andrews church across the street. St. Andrews is now a tourist information center. In front of the church we got another performance from our guides, who were quite talented, and some more stories of Dublin's literary past. We moved on next to the Old Stand for another pint (again, only a "glass" for me). Then we were off back toward our starting point, where we were given a quiz and a couple of prizes were awarded to the winners. The last stop on the tour was Davy Byrne's, a very chic old pub with magnificent ceilings and decor. After our glasses of beer, we were feeling peckish and made our way to none other than the fine dining establishment of Grafton Street, Burger King. We walked around the corner to Bruxelle's, which we decided was too crowded and then took a long walk in the drizzle and rain to Pravda, a Russian bar on the north side of the Liffey, just over the Ha'Penny Bridge. Exhausted after only about a half hour, we took a taxi home.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Birthday Dinner
I had the most fabulous dinner experience on Thursday night. Several of my pals are out of town this weekend, so they decided we'd celebrate my birthday early. After work we took a taxi to Purple Ocean in Dun Laoghaire.
We were seated in the top of the restaurant, with the best view of everything around us. Although the bottom of the restaurant filled with guests later, we remained exclusively alone in the top room, feeling like royalty. We ate a four course dinner - I had a brie starter, sea trout for the main, a cappuccino and creme brulee for dessert. When they brought out the creme brulee, it had a candle in it and was delivered by our Polish waiter singing happy birthday. It was so cool!
I took a bunch of photos throughout the few hours we were there, because I was blown away by the beautiful view.
At the end of dinner, the manager brought a bag to me and said "happy birthday!" Inside the bag was a gift wrapped glass guardian angel, a gift from the restaurant. On the bus ride home, I must have said "What a great night!" about a hundred times.
We were seated in the top of the restaurant, with the best view of everything around us. Although the bottom of the restaurant filled with guests later, we remained exclusively alone in the top room, feeling like royalty. We ate a four course dinner - I had a brie starter, sea trout for the main, a cappuccino and creme brulee for dessert. When they brought out the creme brulee, it had a candle in it and was delivered by our Polish waiter singing happy birthday. It was so cool!
I took a bunch of photos throughout the few hours we were there, because I was blown away by the beautiful view.
At the end of dinner, the manager brought a bag to me and said "happy birthday!" Inside the bag was a gift wrapped glass guardian angel, a gift from the restaurant. On the bus ride home, I must have said "What a great night!" about a hundred times.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Fire
It is the 17th of August and I have the fireplace going! Sorry, Floridians, don't mean to rub it in...
Seriously Damp Weekend
Being on dog watching duty Saturday night, I headed out to the bus stop at about 2 on Saturday, having waited all morning for the rain to stop or at least slow down to no avail. With no luck there, I loaded up my backpack, put it on UNDER my rain coat, and left my apartment. The walk up to the stop wasn’t awful. It was when I got to the bus stop and had to stand there for 20 minutes while the sideways rain got to the only place it could – my legs and feet! My shoes were soaked by the time the bus got there, as were my jeans from the bottom to my knees. Alright, I figured, at least most of my walking is over.
The bus ride to the Dun Laoghaire DART train station was about 45 minutes long. The bus stopped literally right in front of the door to the DART station and I felt lucky for it. I bought my ticket for the train and went to the upper deck to watch for the train’s approach. I had my ipod going, so I only caught the tail end of some important announcement. When there were 3 minutes left until the train’s arrival, I went ahead and walked down to the train platform. It pulled in and I waited for everyone to get off. This passenger getting off the train says “The train is terminating here.” I was like, “Excuse me?” He went on to tell me the train could go no further due to flooding on the tracks further south. He suggested taking Bus 45A to Bray, where I was trying to go on the train.
Back out to the buses, where I couldn’t find the stop for the 45A. While I was looking for it I got soaked, so I figured I could go back in and find out where to go and to verify the guy’s information. I overheard a transportation employee telling somebody else that the 45A indeed goes to Bray, and that the stop was around the corner. The walk to the bus stop was not far, but I was annoyed to see the bus pulling away from the curb just as I turned the corner. I piled into the covered bus stop with about 20 other people (there was only room for about 10, but 20 piled in anyway) to wait for the next 45A. It took about 20 minutes for the next bus to show up.
It was about another 45 minutes to the Bray DART station, where I was to catch the 184 to Greystones. When we got there, that station was obviously closed too, so more confused people were milling around out front trying to figure out what to do. I heard this transportation guy ask if anyone wanted to go to Dublin. When people were telling him they wanted to go to Greystones, he said “No buses to Greystones, the roads are underwater.” At this point I started to flip out a little, since I had no way to get to the dog. So I decided to wait, having no other options. The sun was out and I thought maybe the roads would clear a bit.
About a half hour later, the bus pulled up ready to go to Greystones. I can’t even tell you how many people got onto the bus at this point. People were everywhere, including a large group of French students sitting and standing around me. The ride was okay at first except for how crowded it was and a bit smelly too, at this point. People began to exit little by little at the stops, and the whole French crowd got off at the Greystones DART station. There were only about 10 of us left downstairs at this point. The further we got toward Greystones, the more giant puddles (more like lakes) we drove through.
All of a sudden, the bus slowed way down, and I heard a strange noise and someone said “Here it comes!” The next thing I knew, gallons of muddy rain water were pouring into the bus from the door. Gallons. We all lifted our feet and were all laughing and just really couldn’t believe it. As the bus drove along, the water sloshed around and forced us to keep our feet off the floor. We drove down one street where people were wading through their front yards in knee-deep water standing around their homes. The bus took water about two or three more times, and the bus finally dropped me off fairly close to the house, and luckily I didn’t have to walk in rain. It was 6:30 when I walked in the door. Four and a half hours after leaving my apartment. Can you believe that?!
The bus ride to the Dun Laoghaire DART train station was about 45 minutes long. The bus stopped literally right in front of the door to the DART station and I felt lucky for it. I bought my ticket for the train and went to the upper deck to watch for the train’s approach. I had my ipod going, so I only caught the tail end of some important announcement. When there were 3 minutes left until the train’s arrival, I went ahead and walked down to the train platform. It pulled in and I waited for everyone to get off. This passenger getting off the train says “The train is terminating here.” I was like, “Excuse me?” He went on to tell me the train could go no further due to flooding on the tracks further south. He suggested taking Bus 45A to Bray, where I was trying to go on the train.
Back out to the buses, where I couldn’t find the stop for the 45A. While I was looking for it I got soaked, so I figured I could go back in and find out where to go and to verify the guy’s information. I overheard a transportation employee telling somebody else that the 45A indeed goes to Bray, and that the stop was around the corner. The walk to the bus stop was not far, but I was annoyed to see the bus pulling away from the curb just as I turned the corner. I piled into the covered bus stop with about 20 other people (there was only room for about 10, but 20 piled in anyway) to wait for the next 45A. It took about 20 minutes for the next bus to show up.
It was about another 45 minutes to the Bray DART station, where I was to catch the 184 to Greystones. When we got there, that station was obviously closed too, so more confused people were milling around out front trying to figure out what to do. I heard this transportation guy ask if anyone wanted to go to Dublin. When people were telling him they wanted to go to Greystones, he said “No buses to Greystones, the roads are underwater.” At this point I started to flip out a little, since I had no way to get to the dog. So I decided to wait, having no other options. The sun was out and I thought maybe the roads would clear a bit.
About a half hour later, the bus pulled up ready to go to Greystones. I can’t even tell you how many people got onto the bus at this point. People were everywhere, including a large group of French students sitting and standing around me. The ride was okay at first except for how crowded it was and a bit smelly too, at this point. People began to exit little by little at the stops, and the whole French crowd got off at the Greystones DART station. There were only about 10 of us left downstairs at this point. The further we got toward Greystones, the more giant puddles (more like lakes) we drove through.
All of a sudden, the bus slowed way down, and I heard a strange noise and someone said “Here it comes!” The next thing I knew, gallons of muddy rain water were pouring into the bus from the door. Gallons. We all lifted our feet and were all laughing and just really couldn’t believe it. As the bus drove along, the water sloshed around and forced us to keep our feet off the floor. We drove down one street where people were wading through their front yards in knee-deep water standing around their homes. The bus took water about two or three more times, and the bus finally dropped me off fairly close to the house, and luckily I didn’t have to walk in rain. It was 6:30 when I walked in the door. Four and a half hours after leaving my apartment. Can you believe that?!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Gorgeous and Welcome!
After several days of cloudy skies and rain, the sun was out and shining today in clear blue skies. Such a welcome sight! The town was alive with thankful hordes of people enjoying the lovely weather. Just look at it!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Dry Walks Today
This morning was beautiful! And even though it got overcast throughout the day, the rain held off until I was home. It wasn't even a hard rain, either. I appreciated it so much!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday
I decided to finally see 'The Dark Knight' and got a bus up to O'Connell Street a little early for some shopping. I have never seen a city bus so crowded on a weekend. I had to go to the top floor and I sat in the seat right in front of the stairs. It only took a few seconds to notice the man in front of me was talking to his hand. I promise there was no blue tooth, just this poor crazy man, who looked otherwise completely normal, speaking feverishly into his hand. Luckily he got off the bus at the next stop.
I headed up to a book store called Chapters, which I love. There are new books downstairs and second-hand books upstairs. I was there to look for a book about Vienna, my next trip in September. Not only did I find 'Top 10 Vienna,' I also found a street map book and a tourist guide book on Dublin.
After my success in Chapters, I thought I'd celebrate in style as I tried the new spring rolls at McDonald's. Not surprisingly, the spring rolls weren't very good, and to make matters worse, I had yet another run-in with regurgitation. A toddler in a stroller who'd been screaming since I had arrived lost his Mickey D's all over his sweatsuit. That does it - I'm a barf magnet. In Scotland, it was the lady on the Highlands tour bus. On my trip to Jax, the sick girl in the seat in front of me on the 8-hour flight. And finally, the McDonald's incident.
Disgruntled, I quickly gathered my trash and got the hell out of there. It was time to head for the movies. Dark Knight was really good, and as I exited the cinema, it began to rain on O'Connell Street. It has rained on me EVERY time I've been to O'Connell Street. It's kind of a thing now. I caught the bus and began to brace myself for the walk home. Luckily I had my rain jacket with hoodie with me. The rain was 'lashing down' as they say here. I was soaked from head to toe by the time I got home despite the jacket. My jeans were drenched and my hair had gotten wet despite the hoodie. The rain had also made its way up my sleeves and into my purse. It was insanity!
About two hours after getting home and watching the heavy showers come and go, it was time to meet friends at The Barge. The Barge is a pub pretty close to my apartment where we were to meet and have dinner before seeing a concert. It took us two hours to be served PUB GRUB, for crying out loud. The service was the slowest I've ever experienced. Although we were tempted to dine and dash, we got the barkeep to cash us out. We took some photos of the weather outside while we had waited.
Off to Whelan's, where a guy we used to work with at ML was performing with his band. And I do mean performing. Our friend was the life of the band! He was so into it that I had to smile. It was so nice to see such passion on the stage. He's the one on the left.
After the show, I called it a night. The bar was driving me nuts. It was so crowded that it was a battle to wedge myself between the wall-to-wall bodies to escape. It was nice and cool outside, and no longer raining. After a long day and night, I went home to bed.
I headed up to a book store called Chapters, which I love. There are new books downstairs and second-hand books upstairs. I was there to look for a book about Vienna, my next trip in September. Not only did I find 'Top 10 Vienna,' I also found a street map book and a tourist guide book on Dublin.
After my success in Chapters, I thought I'd celebrate in style as I tried the new spring rolls at McDonald's. Not surprisingly, the spring rolls weren't very good, and to make matters worse, I had yet another run-in with regurgitation. A toddler in a stroller who'd been screaming since I had arrived lost his Mickey D's all over his sweatsuit. That does it - I'm a barf magnet. In Scotland, it was the lady on the Highlands tour bus. On my trip to Jax, the sick girl in the seat in front of me on the 8-hour flight. And finally, the McDonald's incident.
Disgruntled, I quickly gathered my trash and got the hell out of there. It was time to head for the movies. Dark Knight was really good, and as I exited the cinema, it began to rain on O'Connell Street. It has rained on me EVERY time I've been to O'Connell Street. It's kind of a thing now. I caught the bus and began to brace myself for the walk home. Luckily I had my rain jacket with hoodie with me. The rain was 'lashing down' as they say here. I was soaked from head to toe by the time I got home despite the jacket. My jeans were drenched and my hair had gotten wet despite the hoodie. The rain had also made its way up my sleeves and into my purse. It was insanity!
About two hours after getting home and watching the heavy showers come and go, it was time to meet friends at The Barge. The Barge is a pub pretty close to my apartment where we were to meet and have dinner before seeing a concert. It took us two hours to be served PUB GRUB, for crying out loud. The service was the slowest I've ever experienced. Although we were tempted to dine and dash, we got the barkeep to cash us out. We took some photos of the weather outside while we had waited.
Off to Whelan's, where a guy we used to work with at ML was performing with his band. And I do mean performing. Our friend was the life of the band! He was so into it that I had to smile. It was so nice to see such passion on the stage. He's the one on the left.
After the show, I called it a night. The bar was driving me nuts. It was so crowded that it was a battle to wedge myself between the wall-to-wall bodies to escape. It was nice and cool outside, and no longer raining. After a long day and night, I went home to bed.
Friday Night
We went into town to the Market Bar after work, and it's absolutely enormous inside. A girl at work told me it's an old cobbler shop.
There was a man there who wore his pants up to just under his armpits, and clearly he was there to chat up the ladies.
I also saw this little gem in the toilet stall and had to go back out and fetch my camera for a photo. It says 'I know him!' and in response 'So does your ma!'
There was a man there who wore his pants up to just under his armpits, and clearly he was there to chat up the ladies.
I also saw this little gem in the toilet stall and had to go back out and fetch my camera for a photo. It says 'I know him!' and in response 'So does your ma!'
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sunday on the Town
I heard there was a good Mexican restaurant in town, so I got ready and headed out for lunch at about 1:30 today. It had been a sunny morning, but as usual, as soon as I left my place, it looked like this:
It started raining as I turned the corner for the bus stop, then I had to run and catch the bus. It was really pouring out there, as it usually does when I go to O'Connell Street, so I had to pull the umbrella out as soon as I got off the bus. I quickly discovered that the bottom of my flip flops had zero traction as I began to slip around immediately upon hitting the ground.The streets have marble tiles in some spots around there, so it's like walking around in a flooded bathroom. I somehow managed to avoid falling, but several times had to correct my footing after sliding around for a second.
I found Taco Taco in the Epicurean Food Hall, which is like a food court in a mall without the mall. It has Greek, Japanese, Italian, Turkish and Asian Fusion restaurants and even a fish n' chips place in it. I'll be back for the tacos and to check out the rest! After my lunch the rain was gone. I was going to catch the bus but it took forever so I walked 2 km to the National Gallery, which is near Merrion Square.
The gallery was amazing, and huge! I enjoyed walking through its many halls of beautiful paintings - including 'The Taking of Christ' by Caravaggio, which I studied in my Art History classes. I walked then to the National Museum, but after I walked in and saw all the cool stuff and knew I only had about 45 minutes before it closed, I decided to come back another day.
Exhausted, I walked about half a km to the LUAS and called it a day. I'm now doing the usual main activity of every weekend - laundry!
It started raining as I turned the corner for the bus stop, then I had to run and catch the bus. It was really pouring out there, as it usually does when I go to O'Connell Street, so I had to pull the umbrella out as soon as I got off the bus. I quickly discovered that the bottom of my flip flops had zero traction as I began to slip around immediately upon hitting the ground.The streets have marble tiles in some spots around there, so it's like walking around in a flooded bathroom. I somehow managed to avoid falling, but several times had to correct my footing after sliding around for a second.
I found Taco Taco in the Epicurean Food Hall, which is like a food court in a mall without the mall. It has Greek, Japanese, Italian, Turkish and Asian Fusion restaurants and even a fish n' chips place in it. I'll be back for the tacos and to check out the rest! After my lunch the rain was gone. I was going to catch the bus but it took forever so I walked 2 km to the National Gallery, which is near Merrion Square.
The gallery was amazing, and huge! I enjoyed walking through its many halls of beautiful paintings - including 'The Taking of Christ' by Caravaggio, which I studied in my Art History classes. I walked then to the National Museum, but after I walked in and saw all the cool stuff and knew I only had about 45 minutes before it closed, I decided to come back another day.
Exhausted, I walked about half a km to the LUAS and called it a day. I'm now doing the usual main activity of every weekend - laundry!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Target is so cool
I bought this reusable bag at Target when I was in Jacksonville last week, and I think I might be in love. This bag is HUGE and its straps are long enough to put over my shoulder. The best part is that I can fold it up and keep it in my purse. And the whole thing is a big hug for the earth. I love it!
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