My Dabble in Dublin

Arriving in Dublin was a little surreal. The flight in was gorgeous and it started to really sink in during the shuttle to my hotel that I was in a very different place. Driving on the wrong side of the road down the narrow streets packed with people and public transportation vehicles was almost as interesting as the various parks and buildings that lined them. Dublin is a bustling city with landmarks reflecting different parts of Irelands history, colorful modern additions and more pubs than you can shake a stick at.

I arrived at our apartment very tired but determined not to sleep and further wreck my sleep schedule. Sara scouted a 16 euro two day hop on, hop off bus tour around the city that was an incredible deal for students on a budget. The first stop was right by our hotel and gave us access to all the main attractions and museums.  We visited the Guinness Brewery, Grafton Street, some beautiful gardens, the Temple Bar district, museums of art, natural history, military, archaeology and more. My favorite thing had to be the incredible artwork we saw or the very friendly group of Irelanders we met at the pub behind our hotel. They were wonderful and hilarious company! A couple of them were pilots with some good advice for Ireland as well as when we arrive in Finland. On the third day we took an all day tour through Galway Bay, Bunratty Castle, Doolin, the cliffs of Moher, and got to see some quaint historical towns. It was nice to get out of Dublin and see some of the gorgeous green countryside as well as the impressive rocky coast.  

Dublin was short but sweet; a teaser for exploring more of the world.  Though the food was not fantastic, the people were very friendly and the weather wasn’t bad! I'm still pretty green but learning more everyday.  For example; look right for oncoming traffic, not left! Being a tourist encourages humility and to make the best of the time you have in a new place.  Ask advice from the locals, meet some new people, and make your own fun if you have to.  I only spent three days in Ireland (unfortunately shorted one day) but the time was well spent and financial damage minimal. Sara is an excellent secretary, even for travel, and we're looking forward to planning our post-Finand adventure through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and France.