First Day in Dublin

Well, I've never blogged before but I guess I decided this would be the easiest way for people to keep track of me.  So...read if you want, if not, that's ok too.  At least this way you don't have to delete my emails and feel guilty.  :)  Just kidding; I know you'd never delete my emails! 

So, day one in Dublin is finished and I'm tired and sore.  My feet and back definitely aren't used to walking for an entire day...why do I have to walk that much?  Well, I'm too cheap to pay for public transit and there's just so much to see!  It should only take a couple of days for my body to get adjusted.  Anyway, I'll say this for Dublin, it definitely lives up to what you think it should be.  I've just returned from the more popular pub filled streets and it was crazy...and it wasn't even 10:00pm!  I can't imagine what happens later on, just more fun filled revelry I guess.  Someone needs to remind me why I chose to come to Ireland, a country that thrives on having a pint and heading out to the pub, when I don't even drink?!  I'm starting to think my beer free life might be coming to an end; don't worry though, it might just be a pint or two here and there.  And just in case you thought Dublin was only for Irish folk, I can tell you that I don't think I've ever heard more languages or accents in a single day.  This is definitely tourist central for Ireland which makes me feel less conspicuous but also makes me excited to leave Dublin and head for less touristed areas. 

Some highlights from the day....I visited three of Dublin's amazing National Museums and was happy to learn more about this country's history, everything from bog butter to the Easter Rising of 1916.  I feel educated.  There were 2 castles to visit, neither of which were super impressive.  I think I'll have to venture out of the big city to see the grander ones.  And I visited St. Stephen's Green (small park) and Phoenix Park, the largest park in all of Europe!  It's twice the size of Central Park; take that New York!  I arrived in the park to discover many cool things, including the Dublin Zoo and some crazy tall tower thing, but most interesting was this private residence that looked a little like a mini version of the White House.  I wondered if I should scale the thistle filled ditch and small fence to get to it, but I decided to just go around to see if there was an actual entrance.  I arrived at the actual entrance to find a large locked gate and 2 guard posts (with guards)!  Thinking I must have missed something, I checked the guide book to discover that this "private residence" is actually home to the president of Ireland.  Later on, I saw the tall fences with coiled barbed wire and security cameras....can you imagine what would have happened if I tried to get across that initial ditch?  It's basically the equivalent of paying a surprise visit to Obama!   I can just hear myself talking to the secret service guys, "Who lives here?  No way!"  Interestingly enough, later on in the park I did get offered a lift by a park ranger, but only because the park was closing and I don't think he trusted that I knew where I was going.  Hearing my mom's voice in my head, "Don't you dare get in that car!", I declined and walked back to the hostel.  I followed this up with some pub observing, a crepe and some gelato.  All in all, a great day.  Oh, and I had some very Irish things said to me today..."Top o' the morning to ya!", "Hello darlin" and "No worries. You're grand."  They all made me smile and reminded me why I picked Ireland.