Welcome to Dublin

I flew into Dublin this afternoon and immediately made my way to James' apartment. James is Mark's friend from when they worked at Macquarie in London. He's been so nice and generous and has offered to put me up for the few days that I'm here.

I arrived at the apartment and was greeted by James' cousin, Daniel. I was surprised how weak his accent was - I was told that the Irish are some of the hardest people to understand in the world (although now I think that refers to the Northern Irish). We had a good chat and then I decided to go into the city so that I could get as much done in the short time that I'm here.

I took the DART (Dublin's train system) to Pearse Station and then meandered through the streets - getting lost a bit along the way - with my camera and my travel guide. Before I arrived, James made me a long list of things that I should do/see while I'm here. I first made my way down to the Shelbourne Hotel to get an Irish coffee at the bar. The Shelbourne Hotel is a famous hotel situated in a landmark building that has played an influential role in Irish history. In 1922, the Irish Constitution was drafted in room 112, which founded the Irish Nation. Also quick fact, Adolf Hitler worked in the hotel in the 1900s with half brother Alois Hitler, Jr.

After my VERY strong whiskey spiked coffee, I walked to Temple Bar to see what it was all about. Temple Bar is the main pub/restaurant street in Dublin that is heavily geared towards tourists. The band U2 was first discovered at The Temple Bar, along with many other aspiring bands/singers known mostly in Ireland. I followed James' suggestion and got spicy chicken wings at Elephant & Castle on the main strip. The sauce was tangy and spicy, but the blue cheese dip was the star of the show.

It was getting late, but before I went back home I wanted to experience a true Irish pub. I went across the street to the pub James suggested, The Auld Dubliner, for a pint of Irish cider and some live Irish music. I took a seat at the bar and met a few friendly locals who were out for a few after a long Monday at work.

I made it back home without any troubles. James got home soon after and we caught up a bit before he was off to bed again for work tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow I will be going to the Guinness Storehouse to see how Guinness is brewed and then if I have time I will be checking out the Kilmainham Jail.

xoxo
Alexis