(Privately shared on September 30, 2022 with a select group of friends). The above photo is Sphere Within Sphere, located at Trinity College. More photos can be found here.
As a reminder, Words writing in italics represent the original journal. Underlined words are edits for clarification within the original journal.
After the tour of Trinity College and the Book of Kells and walking around the campus a bit more, I just started roaming the streets of Dublin having no itinerary in particular. I got a map of Dublin from a tourist place and ended up walking down Gafton Street, almost to the park (St Stephen’s Green). It was raining by then and I decided to investigate cell phone service in Ireland. I had upgraded to a GPS unit for my car rental, but really wanted a phone with maps and the ability to call if I needed to. The Great Cell Phone Adventure eventually cost €130, many miles of walking in the rain and what felt like a wasted day. I was grumpy with the situation, the rain and my heavy bag. Because of the rain, I couldn’t take too many photos and when I did manage to shoot, it was a pain to juggle my umbrella, camera and bag. I was getting hangry, too.I had lunch at a typical touristy restaurant that was OK. I ordered Irish stew but got corn beef instead of lamb but the Guinness was good. It really does taste different in Dublin. I did purchase some souvenirs for myself (magnets!) and friends, and ended up getting a new House Coat for myself. (it’s a traditional Irish zip up sweater with a hood and should keep me nice and warm in my quirky old house in the Winter). It’s being shipped home which is nice.
While I was walking around, I noticed the police and EMT were tending a homeless man. He was unresponsive. I think the poor man had died.
I ended up at the Stags Head Bar and had a hot toddy and a cider. The atmosphere was nice and it was good to get out of the rain and rest.
Some things of note: Dublin’s pigeon’s are well fed! There are more seagulls than I expected. Irish (and English, I think) sockets need to be switched on before they work. I think this is genius.
Today, 13 Sept, I pick up my rental car at the airport. Again, I’m nervous about the bus routes but Roseanne helped me so I should get there without issue – allegedly. Once I get my car it’s off to Adventure! Stay tuned!
My only ‘must see’ in Dublin was the Old Library and I was happy that I got to see it. But the weather in Dublin was depressing and I didn’t really enjoy my time, likely because of the weather, my lack of advanced planning for other adventures and the cell phone fiasco. Still, in all honesty, next time I return to Ireland, I wouldn’t be upset if I don’t make it back to Dublin.