Dublin

Slightly out of order, but I figure you might enjoy reading about my travels here in Europe. For Easter, Sara, Justin and I flew to Dublin (for 60 euros each). Dublin for Easter? I know what you are saying- closed down, quiet, etc, but actually it was one of the most amazing places I have been. We arrived on a Saturday morning, bright and early, and took the public bus from the airport to our hostel. The entire ride we were barraged by U2- how Irish, right? Day 1-Our first stop was to Trinity college where we tagged along with a (not free) tour and where we (payed to) see the book of Kells an immaculately preserved illuminated manuscript. Then off to the Guinness storehouse: seven floors of Guinness history with a 360 degree view of the city on the top floor and a complimentary Guinness. It was a b-e-a-utiful day and the view from the top was spectacular, but we never quite figured out the 5th ingredient of Guinness; is it family? tradition? who knows. Then we took another double Decker bus blasting U2 to St. Stephen's green where we tried to have a picnic, but the sun was setting so the guards kicked us out. We moved our picnic to the River Liffey; shimmering and green in polluted glory and made our way back to the hostel for an early night. We walked from St. Stephen's to our hostel by way of Grafton street (where all of the street musician scenes of Once, one of my favorite (but nobody else in my Family's favorite) movies) Day 2- Easter. We were a little worried that NOTHING would be going on, but a free tour was leaving from our hostel. There were three great things about the tour: an amazingly energetic tour guide who I actually think I want to marry, running into Christian (my Dutch friend who studied at Oxy last summer), and learning about Dublin. It was a four hour long tour, it was free but extremely tiring. Once our tour guide left us we stopped by one of the micro-breweries in town for an independently brewed beer and a giant plate of fish and chips. Day 3: Howth (can you say it?) We took the train to the quaint seaside suburb of Howth. Besides all of the Italians (who are either EVERYWHERE in Europe or just the loudest) we saw Howth castle (which is still privately owned), a rhododendron garden, an ancient grave-site, an old bunker, Hills (which don't exist in the Netherlands), and some lighthouses. It was a little rainier than we had hoped, but it was still a fantastic day! We left the next morning at 4 so we could get back for class. I strongly advise everyone and anyone to go to Ireland. I can't wait to go back and explore everything!