Becoming a World Traveller: Dublin Days

Traveller: One who travels or has traveled, as to distant places. (British spelling) 

Our first day in Dublin started really early. Ridiculously early. Our flight got in around 4:30am their time and we were out and through customs by about 5. Then we waited about another hour then went out to catch a bus to our hostel. 

OH THE BUS.

Public transportation always kind of makes me nervous anyway, and taking the bus in a foreign country was doubly scary for me. Thankfully (and I know that this was the Lord watching out for us) the bus driver let us get on even though we were 15 pence short of the fare (although he was kind of grumpy about it), and some kind people made sure we got off at the right bus stop and then the bus driver (who probably just felt bad for us) made sure we were headed in the right direction to our hostel. So he was really a nice guy and probably was just grumpy cause it was 6:45am. So I can't blame him. And we probably looked really pathetic and slightly panicked and I think people felt sorry for us. But whatever it was, it worked and we got where we needed to go. 

We checked into our hostel, and the guy at the reception desk was simply wonderful and put us at ease immediately, which was good because I was still recovering from the "traumatic" bus ride. After we checked into our room (it was about 7am at this point) we crashed. We honestly slept until 3:30 in the afternoon. Which was really much needed.

After we woke up from our nap we decided that a little exploration of the city was in order. So we grabbed our bags and cameras and went for a stroll in good old Dublin.

Here's the Photo Evidence:

Keeper of the Taxi Drivers, according to the sign

We actually didn't see a whole lot the first day on account of everything in Dublin closes at 6 so we only had about two hours in the city, but it was actually fine because we were exhausted and hungry and wanted to go to bed early anyway. After dinner we sat in the lounge to charge up our electronic devices and while we were there a group of rather attractive Brazilians came and turned on a soccer game. And let me tell you, you have never watched a soccer game unless you've watched it with that kind of company. I have never seen someone yell so much at the TV (except maybe my Dad during a BYU Football game) but it was fun and I found myself watching them more than the game. Live entertainment, you know?

The next day was our official Explore Dublin Day and so we got a map this time, and headed out. We definitely took several wrong turns, but we ended up where we needed to go so no complaints here! Also, I kind of have an obsession with bridges and statues.

More Photo Evidence:

Can you spot the irony?

 

Dublin Castle

A cool bridge

I made some new friends at Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle Garden

St. Patrick's Cathedral

We even got caught in a little rain, so we felt we were getting the full Dublin experience. Overall it was a pretty good couple of days, and my flu was kept in check long enough for me to enjoy the city for a bit, which was nice. However, being honest, Dublin isn't really one of my favorite cities. I might be biased because I was kind of sick while I was there but it was kind of dirty and like lots of other cities I've been to. There were definitely still some cool things there that we got to see, but I think I'd rather see the country if I get another chance. Also, the guy at our reception desk actually told us, and I quote: "The city (Dublin) isn't the REAL Ireland, you need to go down south to the country. That's where Ireland is."

Next time I'm in Ireland, the country it will be. Plus, I have big plans to kiss the Blarney Stone and you better believe that's happening. So Ireland, it's been real. Keep being your wonderful self. And Blarney Stone; I'm coming for you.

Love, Brontë