A Day in Dublin

Being asked for directions...twice. Once in Chicago and once in Dublin. Love the feeling of being approachable, or the feeling of not being a tourist or maybe both.

Learning to walk on the wrong side of the sidewalk. Feeling like a drunk on Saturday night, weaving in and out of the foot traffic and tripping over things. I think I nearly got hit 3-4 times and tripped over stuff (probably my own feet) at least twice.

“Bin your gum” Not Euro 150 First, I love the phrase! Second...that's a lot of Euro for tossing your gum on the ground! They take littering seriously here.

Wondering when kids this young started traveling. I swear that some the kids in the hostel tonight look like they are about 12 y/o.

Trinity College: Trinity now wants to attend and we don't know what it offers. But they do have a cool 'Trinity' sweatshirt! Thinking maybe a Christmas gift....shhh, don't tell her!!

The shock of co-ed bathrooms. On finally checking into our room and readying for a nap, Corey returned from the bathroom facilities with a little embarrassment showing. I was unaware of the co-ed bathroom on booking so wasn't able to warn him. I think he might get used to it

Saw my first castle. Dublin Castle. Only one very small section even looks like a castle anymore. There has been what appears to be multiple additions over the years and only the entrance gate and one small section even look like a castle.

Officially obtained my first blister....and it HURTS! Need to learn to use public transport a little more and walk a little less.

----------------------------------------------------------
We left Chicago via Aer Lingus in route to Dublin. The flight itself was quite uneventful. Unfortunately for the three of us it was also restless. On arriving in Dublin, we had all been awake for the better portion of a full 24 hours.

If you ever stay at the Avalon house, be aware that when they say check in is at 1400, they really do mean it. I assumed that it would be much like any hotel that I have stayed in and if a room was available we could check in early. I was wrong. We arrived Dublin around 10am all ready for a short sleep before exploring and were forced to explore on no sleep. I think at this point, we were all a little agitated. No one was allowed early entry and there was about 12 people waiting to check in at 1400....finally nap time!

My sight-seeing in Dublin was short and incomplete. I have to say that I do like the feel of the city. It's very youth-full and looks like lots going on. I will have to plan for a couple of days on a return trip. Not feeling much like wandering tonight. With little sleep and blisters on my feet, it's just going to have to wait for a better day. Will head to temple bar area a little later when the rest of my travel group wakes up and feels like getting a bite and a beer. Hope that a drink or two will help me sleep tonight.

Have a three hour flight into Rome tomorrow....then we can relax for a little while as we will be staying there for 7 nights. Plenty of time to explore Rome at a casual pace.

Ciao!

Update: Got out for a little dinner and Trinity's First!!!