Yes, I only worked two days this week! Well let's just say I was "at work" on Wednesday and today. I spent more time telling everyone I had a good time on my trip than anything else.
I'm still getting up early, around 8:30 a.m., but am not falling asleep at dinner time. I am tired by the time I get home at 12:30 a.m. and have not stayed up after to watch a movie or read a book. I do that mid-morning!
Let's see how long this early morning bird schedule lasts...
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A vacation after the vacation...
Even though I slept most of the flight back from Dublin, Ireland to Newark and Cleveland, the jet lag hit me, big time! Funny, because I usually get jet lag when I travel east instead of west. I don't think it was the time change that did me in. I think it's because I'm a true Hawaiian who loves to sleep a lot and is, by nature, a true hibernator in the winter, ha! Who wants to get out of bed when its fr#*kin' freezing outside? One just wants to cuddle under the covers and dream...!
I slept Monday night away. Thank God Aaron took care of Keala and Ikaika for us. That meant my eyes popped open promptly at 8 a.m. the next morning. I never wake up that early!! I felt a productive day ahead of me, until noontime! I felt my brain shutting down for a long nap! Luckily the desk schedule at work was filled with student supervisors and I ended up calling off of work today. Talk about no productivity -- I literally slept the whole day away again!
I hope I'm refreshed tomorrow...
I slept Monday night away. Thank God Aaron took care of Keala and Ikaika for us. That meant my eyes popped open promptly at 8 a.m. the next morning. I never wake up that early!! I felt a productive day ahead of me, until noontime! I felt my brain shutting down for a long nap! Luckily the desk schedule at work was filled with student supervisors and I ended up calling off of work today. Talk about no productivity -- I literally slept the whole day away again!
I hope I'm refreshed tomorrow...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Ireland - Day 1
February 18th
Our original flight to Newark was delayed so they placed us on another flight that was suppose to leave earlier. But due to a weather ground in Newark, we left at our original time. It took us awhile to get flight clearance and made it to Newark a hour half later than our original arrival time.
We thought we would have no more problems since we originally had a 3-hour layover in Newark. We had time for dinner at the Samuel Adams Brew Cafe before boarding the plane.
Me outside the Samuel Adams Cafe where we stopped for dinner
Aaron standing in front of our gate -- see, we really did go to Dublin!
All was well, until we got on the plane. A mechanical problem this time around. We sat in the plane for another hour half before finally taking off. It didn't feel like a 6-hour flight since we slept most of the way. Aaron and I got to share a 3-seat row, which I took 2 of the 3 seats. Aaron and his big body sat still in his aisle seat. When we were landing, I looked out of our window and I swear we were landing in Hilo! There were fields of green with mists of rain falling.
Got through customs OK. I'm so happy to finally get my passport stamped! And the customs guard was nice. Got to love that Irish accent!
It took awhile but we finally made it to Dublin!
Stay tuned...
Our original flight to Newark was delayed so they placed us on another flight that was suppose to leave earlier. But due to a weather ground in Newark, we left at our original time. It took us awhile to get flight clearance and made it to Newark a hour half later than our original arrival time.
We thought we would have no more problems since we originally had a 3-hour layover in Newark. We had time for dinner at the Samuel Adams Brew Cafe before boarding the plane.
Me outside the Samuel Adams Cafe where we stopped for dinner
Aaron standing in front of our gate -- see, we really did go to Dublin!
All was well, until we got on the plane. A mechanical problem this time around. We sat in the plane for another hour half before finally taking off. It didn't feel like a 6-hour flight since we slept most of the way. Aaron and I got to share a 3-seat row, which I took 2 of the 3 seats. Aaron and his big body sat still in his aisle seat. When we were landing, I looked out of our window and I swear we were landing in Hilo! There were fields of green with mists of rain falling.
Got through customs OK. I'm so happy to finally get my passport stamped! And the customs guard was nice. Got to love that Irish accent!
It took awhile but we finally made it to Dublin!
Stay tuned...
Sunday, February 22, 2009
GIRLIE UPDATE: Mr. Ferrell and Galway Boy
When we were at Messrs Maguire, a boy sat next to Aaron at the bar and looked and talked like "Colin Ferrell". Imagine him clean cut... oh yeah!
And at the Temple Bar Pub, a handsome man stood in direct line of my sight trying to hit on a drunk woman. Since it was my last night in Ireland and I only had one picture attempt to bring home, I aimed my camera at the wall (with "Galway Boy" in the middle of the frame) and snapped a shot! I just wished he didn't turn his head... tall, buff, deep voice and that Irish accent -- all male! Aaron laughed when he busted me.
Exhibit Two
And in all fairness, there were a lot of good looking Irish men in the city, most dressed in suits or uniforms. I'm a sucker for a well dressed man!
And at the Temple Bar Pub, a handsome man stood in direct line of my sight trying to hit on a drunk woman. Since it was my last night in Ireland and I only had one picture attempt to bring home, I aimed my camera at the wall (with "Galway Boy" in the middle of the frame) and snapped a shot! I just wished he didn't turn his head... tall, buff, deep voice and that Irish accent -- all male! Aaron laughed when he busted me.
Exhibit Two
And in all fairness, there were a lot of good looking Irish men in the city, most dressed in suits or uniforms. I'm a sucker for a well dressed man!
Ireland - Day 2 ...Daytime
February 19th
Did I tell you I was "winging it" during this trip? OK so I printed some stuff and made an empty folder with little information; not my usual tourist binder. I didn't bust out my map when we were walking through the airport or making our way to our hotel, or have plans of what we were doing, eating and seeing each day.
We walked around the airport way too much trying to find the Aircoach bus, the shuttle that would take us directly to the city centre. It was a nice way to travel - it had air conditioning and large windows to look out. The houses, roads, cars and trees looked exactly like all those travel shows I watch about Europe - old, small and not tropical. Aaron almost departed at the wrong bus stop. But we were saved by some nice Irishmen. I was forced to ask for directions from here on.
We finally departed in front of Trinity College and walked around in a 1/2-block circle finding our hotel. Let's just say we are not compasses. And a local delivery man was no help! But we finally made it to the Morgan Hotel - 3 hours later than our original time. Thank goodness we were allowed to check-in early. We even got an upgraded room. All that meant was we got air-conditioning, which we turned on even though it was cold (44 degrees). At least it's not frigid like Elyria! (It snowed while we were gone.) Another great thing about the Moran - we have free wireless! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Me outside of our hotel, The Morgan on Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Our room - very hip!
Our bathroom - modern, thank goodness. Yes, that's the sink! The shower was interesting... since we only had that half glass wall and no door the water kept leaking onto the floor.
...I think I packed the wrong type of clothes. Too much warm jackets and thermo-underthings or light skirts and tees.
The hotel is nice but it ain't no Four Seasons!! The location is what makes it perfect. The area is very walkable so I'm happy. Wasn't sure I was in-shape to walk around. The cobblestone streets tells you we're surrounded by history but they are hard to walk on. Thank goodness I'm not wearing sandals this trip. There was a mist of rain, but not like the downpour we got in Ohio on Wednesday. After
I changed my clothes and we headed out to the Temple Bar. Just imagine Waikiki, only colder. Or the Warehouse district in downtown Cleveland, only warmer.
The Temple Bar
We had lunch at the Shack Restaurant and had a pint (of Guinness) at the Temple Bar Pub. I want to say the pub has the cleaniest bar bathrooms I've ever been in! And the Guinness is actually creamy and delicious!
Me outside of the Shack Restaurant,Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron outside of the Temple Bar Pub, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
We went back to the room for a nap....
Did I tell you I was "winging it" during this trip? OK so I printed some stuff and made an empty folder with little information; not my usual tourist binder. I didn't bust out my map when we were walking through the airport or making our way to our hotel, or have plans of what we were doing, eating and seeing each day.
We walked around the airport way too much trying to find the Aircoach bus, the shuttle that would take us directly to the city centre. It was a nice way to travel - it had air conditioning and large windows to look out. The houses, roads, cars and trees looked exactly like all those travel shows I watch about Europe - old, small and not tropical. Aaron almost departed at the wrong bus stop. But we were saved by some nice Irishmen. I was forced to ask for directions from here on.
We finally departed in front of Trinity College and walked around in a 1/2-block circle finding our hotel. Let's just say we are not compasses. And a local delivery man was no help! But we finally made it to the Morgan Hotel - 3 hours later than our original time. Thank goodness we were allowed to check-in early. We even got an upgraded room. All that meant was we got air-conditioning, which we turned on even though it was cold (44 degrees). At least it's not frigid like Elyria! (It snowed while we were gone.) Another great thing about the Moran - we have free wireless! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Me outside of our hotel, The Morgan on Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Our room - very hip!
Our bathroom - modern, thank goodness. Yes, that's the sink! The shower was interesting... since we only had that half glass wall and no door the water kept leaking onto the floor.
...I think I packed the wrong type of clothes. Too much warm jackets and thermo-underthings or light skirts and tees.
The hotel is nice but it ain't no Four Seasons!! The location is what makes it perfect. The area is very walkable so I'm happy. Wasn't sure I was in-shape to walk around. The cobblestone streets tells you we're surrounded by history but they are hard to walk on. Thank goodness I'm not wearing sandals this trip. There was a mist of rain, but not like the downpour we got in Ohio on Wednesday. After
I changed my clothes and we headed out to the Temple Bar. Just imagine Waikiki, only colder. Or the Warehouse district in downtown Cleveland, only warmer.
The Temple Bar
We had lunch at the Shack Restaurant and had a pint (of Guinness) at the Temple Bar Pub. I want to say the pub has the cleaniest bar bathrooms I've ever been in! And the Guinness is actually creamy and delicious!
Me outside of the Shack Restaurant,Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron outside of the Temple Bar Pub, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
We went back to the room for a nap....
Ireland - Day 2 ... Nighttime
Still February 19th
We ended up taking a nice long nap and woke up at 9 p.m. local time. We managed to get out at 10 p.m. and had a hard time finding a pub to have dinner. Apparently they stop serving food at 9:30 p.m. We found a nice Indian restaurant called Shan to have dinner. Ono food and interesting entertainment - Bollywood-style music videos!
Me outside of Shan Restaurant, Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
My Hawaiian eating spicy lamb and veggie rice!
We walked around Old City on Grafton St. (shops) and Great George's St. (music venues) after stuffing our faces. Most businesses were closed or about to close so we headed back to the Temple Bar area.
St. George's Street, Old City, Dublin, Ireland
...No sign of the Jameson's International Film Festival that suppose to be going on this week...
We stopped in Farrington's Pub where I had my first Guinness [glass] (a small glass of beer). Aaron had another [pint] (large glass). OK I ended up giving 80% of my glass for Aaron to finish. I'm just not a beer drinker. Aaron wanted to try another Irish beer but discovered the pub was closing down! Since it's not the weekend, most of the pubs were closing at midnight.
Me outside of Farrington's Pub, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
The bar at Farrington's - my intention was to document the Budweiser, MGD and Coor's Light taps but you can barely see it - it seemed to us so out of place in an Irish bar!
So we headed back to the hotel. Aaron fell asleep and I downloaded pictures from the day and emailed everyone interested in our trip with the daily activities.
We ended up taking a nice long nap and woke up at 9 p.m. local time. We managed to get out at 10 p.m. and had a hard time finding a pub to have dinner. Apparently they stop serving food at 9:30 p.m. We found a nice Indian restaurant called Shan to have dinner. Ono food and interesting entertainment - Bollywood-style music videos!
Me outside of Shan Restaurant, Crow Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
My Hawaiian eating spicy lamb and veggie rice!
We walked around Old City on Grafton St. (shops) and Great George's St. (music venues) after stuffing our faces. Most businesses were closed or about to close so we headed back to the Temple Bar area.
St. George's Street, Old City, Dublin, Ireland
...No sign of the Jameson's International Film Festival that suppose to be going on this week...
We stopped in Farrington's Pub where I had my first Guinness [glass] (a small glass of beer). Aaron had another [pint] (large glass). OK I ended up giving 80% of my glass for Aaron to finish. I'm just not a beer drinker. Aaron wanted to try another Irish beer but discovered the pub was closing down! Since it's not the weekend, most of the pubs were closing at midnight.
Me outside of Farrington's Pub, Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
The bar at Farrington's - my intention was to document the Budweiser, MGD and Coor's Light taps but you can barely see it - it seemed to us so out of place in an Irish bar!
So we headed back to the hotel. Aaron fell asleep and I downloaded pictures from the day and emailed everyone interested in our trip with the daily activities.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
GIRLIE UPDATE: Mr. Messr and Mr. Craig
Exhibit One
I spotted a cute bartender at Messrs Maguire. It must be the crisp white shirt and tie that does it! I pretended to take a picture of the bar while Aaron went to the bathroom, heehee!
On a side note, I don't know if you see the man sitting at the bar...now I know he's no looker, but just picture this -- Daniel Craig with dopey ears and no hair... it must be the rugged face, or the whiskey hitting my brain...
Ireland - Day 3 ...Daytime
February 20th
Today was a big day for Aaron as he made his pilgrimage to his homeland... the Guinness Brewery!
We started the day early (10 a.m. local time) and made our way to the brewery. On the way we had breakfast at the Queen of Tarts bakery where I had planned to have a muffin and coffee -- I indulged with a buttery croissant, bacon (thick ham) and a pot of tea with cream. Oh my, I'm figuring out everything is expensive because the exchange rate of 1 euro to 1 U.S. dollar is 1=1.5. Yikes!
Queen of Tarts where we had an ono breakfast
After that lovely breakfast, we continued on and stopped at the Christ Church Cathedral. Aaron wanted to check out the inside but there was a service going on and other tourists were blocking the entrance door.
Me outside Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland
Across the street from the Cathedral was Dublinia, a heritage centre with exhibitions exploring life in the medieval city and the world of the Vikings. Aaron was stoked to go until we found out it was closed for renovations. Boo!
Aaron outside Dublinia, Dublin, Ireland
St. Audeon's Church was the next site we passed. It's the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. It was closed.
Aaron videotaping St. Audeon's Church, Cornmarket High St., Dublin, Ireland
Hey, our first hint that a film festival was going on, only this wasn't near a theatre or event -- it was displayed at a busy intersection at High and Cornmarket Sts.
There was also another church on the way to the brewery, only we don't know what the name was. We managed to go inside and admire the architecture, vaulted ceiling and stain glass windows. I've never seen so many confessionals in one church! They literally took both side walls! [It's St. Catherine's Church on Thomas St.]
We finally made it to the Guinness Brewery. Thank goodness I bought our tickets online. We not only got them discounted - we got to bypass the long ticket line to get in! It was impressive! We spent a good three and a half hours at the brewery. We stopped at every informational display so Aaron could read everything on almost all 7 floors! He lost some steam on the 5th floor so we stopped at their restaurant for lunch then went to the top floor's Gravity Bar to enjoy the 360 degree view of Dublin with 300+ other pilgrims. We ended our tour shopping for everything Guinness memorabilia. We figured we'd buy a case of Guinness at the airport - duty free!
A happy, happy man outside the Guinness St. Jame's Gate Brewery, Dublin
The 9,000 year lease signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759. It's the 250th year in 2009. Just 8,750 years to go!
Hey, there I am! Haaaaawaiiiiiiian!
All that Guinness information has made my husband a very happy man! Slainte to the Foreign Extra Stout!
We trekked back toward the Temple Bar but along the Quay or river. We stopped in the Brazen Head Pub, the oldest pub in Ireland, for a pint -- no Aaron had 2 pints. As if the 3 others at the brewery wasn't enough. I had a pot of tea to warm me up - the weather cooled down during the evening.
Me outside of The Brazen Head, Bridge St., Dublin, Ireland
One our way home, we passed by a pub with a tap right at the tables! We suspect they charge patrons by the amount they drink. But what a great idea! If we can only remember where this pub was...
If it wasn't so late, we would have walked north across the Quay to St. Michan's Church, the Jameson Distillery and perhaps the Cineworld Theatre for a film festival movie, but our bed was begging us to come back and take a nap. My hubby's snoring up a storm right now and my eyes are starting to hurt.
Hopefully I'll take a short nap and get up in time to have dinner at a nice restaurant, then make our way to a pub or two. Aaron wants to listen to some traditional Irish music. It is Friday so the weekend rush in the Temple Bar should be kicking in. I'm not sure I want to tackle the younglings in the bars, but we'll see. It's still cold so it's hard for me to dress up to go out. I'm all about comfort right now.
Aaron outside of the Turk's Head, the pub we want to check out tonight
Hey, look at what we discovered waiting at the elevator!
Today was a big day for Aaron as he made his pilgrimage to his homeland... the Guinness Brewery!
We started the day early (10 a.m. local time) and made our way to the brewery. On the way we had breakfast at the Queen of Tarts bakery where I had planned to have a muffin and coffee -- I indulged with a buttery croissant, bacon (thick ham) and a pot of tea with cream. Oh my, I'm figuring out everything is expensive because the exchange rate of 1 euro to 1 U.S. dollar is 1=1.5. Yikes!
Queen of Tarts where we had an ono breakfast
After that lovely breakfast, we continued on and stopped at the Christ Church Cathedral. Aaron wanted to check out the inside but there was a service going on and other tourists were blocking the entrance door.
Me outside Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland
Across the street from the Cathedral was Dublinia, a heritage centre with exhibitions exploring life in the medieval city and the world of the Vikings. Aaron was stoked to go until we found out it was closed for renovations. Boo!
Aaron outside Dublinia, Dublin, Ireland
St. Audeon's Church was the next site we passed. It's the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin. It was closed.
Aaron videotaping St. Audeon's Church, Cornmarket High St., Dublin, Ireland
Hey, our first hint that a film festival was going on, only this wasn't near a theatre or event -- it was displayed at a busy intersection at High and Cornmarket Sts.
There was also another church on the way to the brewery, only we don't know what the name was. We managed to go inside and admire the architecture, vaulted ceiling and stain glass windows. I've never seen so many confessionals in one church! They literally took both side walls! [It's St. Catherine's Church on Thomas St.]
We finally made it to the Guinness Brewery. Thank goodness I bought our tickets online. We not only got them discounted - we got to bypass the long ticket line to get in! It was impressive! We spent a good three and a half hours at the brewery. We stopped at every informational display so Aaron could read everything on almost all 7 floors! He lost some steam on the 5th floor so we stopped at their restaurant for lunch then went to the top floor's Gravity Bar to enjoy the 360 degree view of Dublin with 300+ other pilgrims. We ended our tour shopping for everything Guinness memorabilia. We figured we'd buy a case of Guinness at the airport - duty free!
A happy, happy man outside the Guinness St. Jame's Gate Brewery, Dublin
The 9,000 year lease signed by Arthur Guinness in 1759. It's the 250th year in 2009. Just 8,750 years to go!
Hey, there I am! Haaaaawaiiiiiiian!
All that Guinness information has made my husband a very happy man! Slainte to the Foreign Extra Stout!
We trekked back toward the Temple Bar but along the Quay or river. We stopped in the Brazen Head Pub, the oldest pub in Ireland, for a pint -- no Aaron had 2 pints. As if the 3 others at the brewery wasn't enough. I had a pot of tea to warm me up - the weather cooled down during the evening.
Me outside of The Brazen Head, Bridge St., Dublin, Ireland
One our way home, we passed by a pub with a tap right at the tables! We suspect they charge patrons by the amount they drink. But what a great idea! If we can only remember where this pub was...
If it wasn't so late, we would have walked north across the Quay to St. Michan's Church, the Jameson Distillery and perhaps the Cineworld Theatre for a film festival movie, but our bed was begging us to come back and take a nap. My hubby's snoring up a storm right now and my eyes are starting to hurt.
Hopefully I'll take a short nap and get up in time to have dinner at a nice restaurant, then make our way to a pub or two. Aaron wants to listen to some traditional Irish music. It is Friday so the weekend rush in the Temple Bar should be kicking in. I'm not sure I want to tackle the younglings in the bars, but we'll see. It's still cold so it's hard for me to dress up to go out. I'm all about comfort right now.
Aaron outside of the Turk's Head, the pub we want to check out tonight
Hey, look at what we discovered waiting at the elevator!
Ireland - Day 3 Church Video
Christ Church, St. Audeon's and St. Catherine's
Music: Gaelic Storm, Bring Yer Wellies, Me and the Moon
Music: Gaelic Storm, Bring Yer Wellies, Me and the Moon
Ireland - Day 3 ...Nighttime
February 20th
So we didn't wake up until 10 p.m. and missed dinner time again. We ended up walking across the street from our hotel to ThunderRoad Cafe, an American style Hard Rock Cafe-like restaurant.
ThunderRoad Restaurant, Fleet Street, Dublin, Ireland
Me in ThunderRoad Restaurant taking a cheesy picture with Ms. Liberty
We walked around Old City area again looking for a pub to have Aaron's last pint for the evening but was having some difficulty. Pubs were packed and clubs had lines around the corner with dressed up younglings. Great, I'm feeling old in my jeans, fleece jacket, snow gloves, messied up hair and barely no made up face. But down the street I discovered a Butlers Chocolates Cafe. (Oh how GB comes to mind and all is better! Aaron kept walking....)
Exchequer Street, South Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
After walking in a big circle, we ended up at the west end of Temple Bar and the Powerhouse Brewing Company. That made Aaron happy. He tried their stout beer and I had a shot of Jameson's whiskey and ginger ale (oh, bad idea...poor stomach). We were lucky to hear a live band play a couple happy, classic rock songs before they ended their set. What the heck? The pub was closing! Is it that late?
Outside the PBC
Inside the PBC where Aaron tried the Oyster stout.
So off to the hotel we went and tried to veer away from the happy, drunk people celebrating their stag parties (bachelor/bachelorette outings). That shot must have hit me because once I hit the bed I was out until our alarm went off at 8 a.m....
So we didn't wake up until 10 p.m. and missed dinner time again. We ended up walking across the street from our hotel to ThunderRoad Cafe, an American style Hard Rock Cafe-like restaurant.
ThunderRoad Restaurant, Fleet Street, Dublin, Ireland
Me in ThunderRoad Restaurant taking a cheesy picture with Ms. Liberty
We walked around Old City area again looking for a pub to have Aaron's last pint for the evening but was having some difficulty. Pubs were packed and clubs had lines around the corner with dressed up younglings. Great, I'm feeling old in my jeans, fleece jacket, snow gloves, messied up hair and barely no made up face. But down the street I discovered a Butlers Chocolates Cafe. (Oh how GB comes to mind and all is better! Aaron kept walking....)
Exchequer Street, South Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
After walking in a big circle, we ended up at the west end of Temple Bar and the Powerhouse Brewing Company. That made Aaron happy. He tried their stout beer and I had a shot of Jameson's whiskey and ginger ale (oh, bad idea...poor stomach). We were lucky to hear a live band play a couple happy, classic rock songs before they ended their set. What the heck? The pub was closing! Is it that late?
Outside the PBC
Inside the PBC where Aaron tried the Oyster stout.
So off to the hotel we went and tried to veer away from the happy, drunk people celebrating their stag parties (bachelor/bachelorette outings). That shot must have hit me because once I hit the bed I was out until our alarm went off at 8 a.m....
Friday, February 20, 2009
GIRLIE UPDATE: Mr. Coors Light
A side note for all of my girlfriends (and Michael) ... Some of you have asked if I've seen any cute Irish men. Since we've arrived in Ireland I've been racking my brain on how I am suppose to take pictures of cute Irish men for my female college students with Aaron being with me...
I saw a cute man at the Brazen Head! I end up telling Aaron my dilemma and he graciously stepped away to the privy so I could make an attempt. But as I was aiming the camera his way without being caught, the lad held up a Coor's Light! ... at an Irish bar!! Ahhh! The tough, rugby looking man didn't seem so manly to me after all.
So I am still without a picture for my girls! But for all you Sex and the City fans... "Mr. Coors Light" smiled at me until my hubby came back to the bar! I still got it going on!
I saw a cute man at the Brazen Head! I end up telling Aaron my dilemma and he graciously stepped away to the privy so I could make an attempt. But as I was aiming the camera his way without being caught, the lad held up a Coor's Light! ... at an Irish bar!! Ahhh! The tough, rugby looking man didn't seem so manly to me after all.
So I am still without a picture for my girls! But for all you Sex and the City fans... "Mr. Coors Light" smiled at me until my hubby came back to the bar! I still got it going on!
Ireland - Day 4 ...Daytime
February 21st
We finally made it out of the room by 10 a.m. and headed south to the Grafton Street. We stopped for a quick breakfast at Nude Restaurant that prides themselves on organic foods. Again I had planned to have a small pastry with coffee - I ended up with another ham croissant sandwich with a mocha. So much for my attempt and a holiday diet!
Inside Nude Restaurant Cafe
We continued on to the Grafton Street pedestrian mall. I reminded me of Crocker Park in Ohio, only no snow, or Waikele in Honolulu, only colder. It was packed with tourists! And it took us 2 minutes to walk right through it. I decided beforehand that I wasn't going to shop for the usual clothes and accessories like I usually do in Vegas. I'm a sucker for outlet stores! But I had it in mind to buy me a scarf or plaid made in Ireland. Since I didn't want to get sucked into the departmental stores, I didn't spend any time browsing and wasn't successful in finding my souvenir today. Oh but I found my second Butlers Chocolate Cafe at the end of the mall!
The famous Grafton Street mall
We continued on to St. Stephen's Green park. Mind you it's chilly today but the sun managed to push through the clouds for us when we sat in the park for a rest.
Me at St. Stephen's Green and the James Joyce bust -- see the sun?
We diverted from our original plans (see I'm learning to "wing it"!) and walked west to the Cathedral district. We stopped in front of Marsh's Library, St. Patrick's Cathedral and its adjacent park. Again, Aaron tried his best to go to church again but was hindered, this time by a wedding.
In front of Marsh's Library, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
We continued heading north towards our hotel and ran into the Dublin Castle, the Beatty Library and its adjacent garden. Very impressive from the outside!
Dublin Castle, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
Me outside of the Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron in front of a typical small car you find everywhere in Dublin - only this one was shiny gold! I think Aaron is as long as the car!
Back in Temple Bar, I finally found a small shop, Kiki's on Temple, that had nice scarves and raincoats. Now I'm the proud owner of not 1 but 3 scarves made in Dublin, Ireland! I also bought one for my mother-in-law, Cookie, for taking us to the airport and being back-up doggy/house sitter back home.
We were heading back to our room for an early rest but stopped in the Porterhouse Brewing Company for a quick pint and strawberry milkshake.
Aaron tried the plain stout at PHB, while...
I enjoyed an ono strawberry milkshake! I hope we're heading back to the hotel after this... you know what milk does to my opu!
Yes, you read correctly! At one time the PHB did make a stout voted better than King Guinness - but Aaron still things G is the best!
Later we are headed out to Trinity College to see their impressive library and study hall and perhaps another pub with traditional Irish music. We'll be back...
On a side note, I know you're looking at today's pictures and wonder, "What the heck is Lisa wearing?!" Well I'm as shocked as you! I had only brought 3 pairs of jeans and already used all of them once. It was too cold for my dress and still too cold to only use my leggings. Because I need to be as warm and prevent constant visits to the privy, I ended up wearing my tights under my leggings, and my thermosocks with my Pumas, to go with my purple dress shirt and grey fleece jacket. OK so I didn't pack matching clothes this time!
We finally made it out of the room by 10 a.m. and headed south to the Grafton Street. We stopped for a quick breakfast at Nude Restaurant that prides themselves on organic foods. Again I had planned to have a small pastry with coffee - I ended up with another ham croissant sandwich with a mocha. So much for my attempt and a holiday diet!
Inside Nude Restaurant Cafe
We continued on to the Grafton Street pedestrian mall. I reminded me of Crocker Park in Ohio, only no snow, or Waikele in Honolulu, only colder. It was packed with tourists! And it took us 2 minutes to walk right through it. I decided beforehand that I wasn't going to shop for the usual clothes and accessories like I usually do in Vegas. I'm a sucker for outlet stores! But I had it in mind to buy me a scarf or plaid made in Ireland. Since I didn't want to get sucked into the departmental stores, I didn't spend any time browsing and wasn't successful in finding my souvenir today. Oh but I found my second Butlers Chocolate Cafe at the end of the mall!
The famous Grafton Street mall
We continued on to St. Stephen's Green park. Mind you it's chilly today but the sun managed to push through the clouds for us when we sat in the park for a rest.
Me at St. Stephen's Green and the James Joyce bust -- see the sun?
We diverted from our original plans (see I'm learning to "wing it"!) and walked west to the Cathedral district. We stopped in front of Marsh's Library, St. Patrick's Cathedral and its adjacent park. Again, Aaron tried his best to go to church again but was hindered, this time by a wedding.
In front of Marsh's Library, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
We continued heading north towards our hotel and ran into the Dublin Castle, the Beatty Library and its adjacent garden. Very impressive from the outside!
Dublin Castle, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
Me outside of the Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, Cathedral District, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron in front of a typical small car you find everywhere in Dublin - only this one was shiny gold! I think Aaron is as long as the car!
Back in Temple Bar, I finally found a small shop, Kiki's on Temple, that had nice scarves and raincoats. Now I'm the proud owner of not 1 but 3 scarves made in Dublin, Ireland! I also bought one for my mother-in-law, Cookie, for taking us to the airport and being back-up doggy/house sitter back home.
We were heading back to our room for an early rest but stopped in the Porterhouse Brewing Company for a quick pint and strawberry milkshake.
Aaron tried the plain stout at PHB, while...
I enjoyed an ono strawberry milkshake! I hope we're heading back to the hotel after this... you know what milk does to my opu!
Yes, you read correctly! At one time the PHB did make a stout voted better than King Guinness - but Aaron still things G is the best!
Later we are headed out to Trinity College to see their impressive library and study hall and perhaps another pub with traditional Irish music. We'll be back...
On a side note, I know you're looking at today's pictures and wonder, "What the heck is Lisa wearing?!" Well I'm as shocked as you! I had only brought 3 pairs of jeans and already used all of them once. It was too cold for my dress and still too cold to only use my leggings. Because I need to be as warm and prevent constant visits to the privy, I ended up wearing my tights under my leggings, and my thermosocks with my Pumas, to go with my purple dress shirt and grey fleece jacket. OK so I didn't pack matching clothes this time!
Ireland - Day 4 Dublin Castle and Temple Bar Video
Music: Gaelic Storm, Bring Yer Wellies, Kelly's Wellies
Ireland - Day 4 ...Nighttime
February 21st
So out we went out after I sent our daily email to everyone; Aaron took a quick snooze.
We never made it to Trinity College today. Instead we walked to Old City again and ran into madness! It was packed to the brim with tourists, college students and rugby fans. We had a hard time finding somewhere to eat a late lunch. We ended up going to Byblos, a Lebonese restaurant. I ate their version of wings and Aaron had their version of meatloaf made of lamb. Expensive, but ono.
Me outside of Byblos where we had a late lunch
And look what I found around the corner?!
To escape the crowds, we walked back north up the street to Burgh Quay by the Liffey River for a pint at Messrs Maguire, a pub suggested by one of my Oberlin students. At first I thought I wanted to leave - it smelled like toe jams. But I discovered someone sitting next to us eating fish and chips with vinegar. It was all good once the food was removed.
Aaron in front of Messrs Maguire
I liked this pub a lot - it was filled with some sports fans but not packed like all the other pubs in Temple Bar or the Old City district. We sat at the bar and watched a soccer match - Manchester vs. Blackburn. Aaron had his daily pint of Guinness as well as one of their own stout. I shocked myself and had a shot of Jameson (bad idea again as you'll see in a minute). I discovered I like watching soccer, oh sorry, European football. Or was it the alcohol hitting my brain?... I started feeling sleepy (aka tipsy) so we headed back to the hotel.
I couldn't help it - I fell asleep! My new plan to not take a nap so I would be up for dinner time back fired.
Aaron went out to Temple Bar without me. That suited me fine - I avoided the crowds and enjoyed the comfy, warm bed! Aaron hung out at his favorite pub, the Temple Bar. He came back at 12 a.m. with a surprise - dinner from Hungry Harry's for me, how sweet! It was the best f#*kin' tasting burger and fries I've ever had! -- probably because I was so hungry and slightly drunk. I felt so much better from my nap and dinner; I got ready and went out with Aaron again.
However everything was closing so we ended up just walked around the block. And it misted rain too. We walked over to the Quay and the Ha'penny Bridge, a pedestrian bridge built in 1816 and named after the cost of toll to cross it back then.
The Ha'penny Bridge behind me -- I wished the wind didn't blow my hair to give me a flat head!
Aaron on the Ha'penny Bridge -- see the rain?
We also strolled along the Bachelor Walk located on the north side of the Liffey, and O'Connell Bridge back home!
So out we went out after I sent our daily email to everyone; Aaron took a quick snooze.
We never made it to Trinity College today. Instead we walked to Old City again and ran into madness! It was packed to the brim with tourists, college students and rugby fans. We had a hard time finding somewhere to eat a late lunch. We ended up going to Byblos, a Lebonese restaurant. I ate their version of wings and Aaron had their version of meatloaf made of lamb. Expensive, but ono.
Me outside of Byblos where we had a late lunch
And look what I found around the corner?!
To escape the crowds, we walked back north up the street to Burgh Quay by the Liffey River for a pint at Messrs Maguire, a pub suggested by one of my Oberlin students. At first I thought I wanted to leave - it smelled like toe jams. But I discovered someone sitting next to us eating fish and chips with vinegar. It was all good once the food was removed.
Aaron in front of Messrs Maguire
I liked this pub a lot - it was filled with some sports fans but not packed like all the other pubs in Temple Bar or the Old City district. We sat at the bar and watched a soccer match - Manchester vs. Blackburn. Aaron had his daily pint of Guinness as well as one of their own stout. I shocked myself and had a shot of Jameson (bad idea again as you'll see in a minute). I discovered I like watching soccer, oh sorry, European football. Or was it the alcohol hitting my brain?... I started feeling sleepy (aka tipsy) so we headed back to the hotel.
I couldn't help it - I fell asleep! My new plan to not take a nap so I would be up for dinner time back fired.
Aaron went out to Temple Bar without me. That suited me fine - I avoided the crowds and enjoyed the comfy, warm bed! Aaron hung out at his favorite pub, the Temple Bar. He came back at 12 a.m. with a surprise - dinner from Hungry Harry's for me, how sweet! It was the best f#*kin' tasting burger and fries I've ever had! -- probably because I was so hungry and slightly drunk. I felt so much better from my nap and dinner; I got ready and went out with Aaron again.
However everything was closing so we ended up just walked around the block. And it misted rain too. We walked over to the Quay and the Ha'penny Bridge, a pedestrian bridge built in 1816 and named after the cost of toll to cross it back then.
The Ha'penny Bridge behind me -- I wished the wind didn't blow my hair to give me a flat head!
Aaron on the Ha'penny Bridge -- see the rain?
We also strolled along the Bachelor Walk located on the north side of the Liffey, and O'Connell Bridge back home!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Ireland - Day 5
February 22nd
Wow, I woke up early and managed to drag Aaron out of the hotel room for breakfast. We found a nice deli/coffee shop called O'Brien's down the street and had some ham and cheese croissants and coffee. It was a pleasant surprise to find out it was also the spot where our aircoach was picking us up tomorrow. Our hike with our suitcases will be much shorter than when we got dropped off. I guess I'm never going to have that light breakfast I imagined having...
We went back to our hotel room to do our plane ticket check-in before heading back out for our daily adventure.
We finally made it to Trinity College and its famous library. We took the exhibit tour to see the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript written in Latin in the 6th-9th centuries, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. Then we exited through the library's Long Room, a very impressive hall of thousands of rare, and in many cases very early, first copy volumes that's two stories high. Since we couldn't take pictures of these two impressive points of interest, I borrowed pictures from the web.
Me at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Me outside the Old Library where the Book of Kells exhibit and the Long Room is house.
Since we couldn't take pictures or videos of the exhibit and hall, I borrowed this photo of the Long Room from the internet -- very, very impressive! I wish you could see the ceiling. It was made of wood planks, curved like what I image Noah's Ark looked like.
Aaron next to a courtyard sculpture in front of Berkeley Library, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Guess where I am? Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
We ended up at Fitzgerald's Pub for lunch. Aaron had the shepard's pie and I had a very nice seafood chowder. A quiet pub with a soccer game playing on TV. I liked it.
Aaron at Fitzgerald's Pub for lunch -- what's that? No Guinness? He's trying Bulmer's Cider made in Ireland
Then we headed north along O'Connell Street, a major street filled with shops, restaurant and pubs. We passed the O'Connell monument, their Post Office, the Spire, a large, stainless steel, pin-like monument 390 ft. tall and the Parnell monument. We also passed the Writers Museum where the Bodies exhibit was going on. We found the second oldest pub, Conway's, but it was boarded up and closed. And we managed to find Chinatown by accident. Aaron got swarmed by pigeons down the alley. We made a circle at Moore St. Mall and headed back home. We found the Savoy, a theater where some of the film festival showings were held but nothing was going on when we passed.
Me with our left over breakfast, heading to O'Connell Street
The Parnell Monument and the Spire on O'Connell and Parnell Streets, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron in front of Conway's, Parnell Street, Dublin, Ireland
What's this... a Polish shop in Dublin?
We ended up at Messrs Maguire again, the pub we went to last night. I enjoyed myself watching another football game, making small talk with the bartender and having a pot of tea (a much better and wiser choice of drink!).
We made our way back to the hotel for a short break then headed back out for dinner. I wanted to make our night early since our flight was early the next morning. I was craving Chinese food so we found Charlie's in Temple Bar. Let's just say, Chinese food in Ireland is not the same as back home! I was disappointed.
Aaron talked me into going to the Temple Bar Pub one last time before going home to pack. The pub was packed despite it being Sunday. There was a live band playing. I surprisingly enjoyed myself, especially when the band played "Galway Girl" the song from P.S. I Love You, and "Wild Rover", another popular song by Aaron's favorite bands the Dropkick Murphys ans Shane McGowan.
Enjoying the traditional Irish music at the Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron enjoying a pint at the Temple Bar Pub, Dublin, Ireland
We ended the night packing and getting some rest...
Wow, I woke up early and managed to drag Aaron out of the hotel room for breakfast. We found a nice deli/coffee shop called O'Brien's down the street and had some ham and cheese croissants and coffee. It was a pleasant surprise to find out it was also the spot where our aircoach was picking us up tomorrow. Our hike with our suitcases will be much shorter than when we got dropped off. I guess I'm never going to have that light breakfast I imagined having...
We went back to our hotel room to do our plane ticket check-in before heading back out for our daily adventure.
We finally made it to Trinity College and its famous library. We took the exhibit tour to see the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript written in Latin in the 6th-9th centuries, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. Then we exited through the library's Long Room, a very impressive hall of thousands of rare, and in many cases very early, first copy volumes that's two stories high. Since we couldn't take pictures of these two impressive points of interest, I borrowed pictures from the web.
Me at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Me outside the Old Library where the Book of Kells exhibit and the Long Room is house.
Since we couldn't take pictures or videos of the exhibit and hall, I borrowed this photo of the Long Room from the internet -- very, very impressive! I wish you could see the ceiling. It was made of wood planks, curved like what I image Noah's Ark looked like.
Aaron next to a courtyard sculpture in front of Berkeley Library, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Guess where I am? Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
We ended up at Fitzgerald's Pub for lunch. Aaron had the shepard's pie and I had a very nice seafood chowder. A quiet pub with a soccer game playing on TV. I liked it.
Aaron at Fitzgerald's Pub for lunch -- what's that? No Guinness? He's trying Bulmer's Cider made in Ireland
Then we headed north along O'Connell Street, a major street filled with shops, restaurant and pubs. We passed the O'Connell monument, their Post Office, the Spire, a large, stainless steel, pin-like monument 390 ft. tall and the Parnell monument. We also passed the Writers Museum where the Bodies exhibit was going on. We found the second oldest pub, Conway's, but it was boarded up and closed. And we managed to find Chinatown by accident. Aaron got swarmed by pigeons down the alley. We made a circle at Moore St. Mall and headed back home. We found the Savoy, a theater where some of the film festival showings were held but nothing was going on when we passed.
Me with our left over breakfast, heading to O'Connell Street
The Parnell Monument and the Spire on O'Connell and Parnell Streets, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron in front of Conway's, Parnell Street, Dublin, Ireland
What's this... a Polish shop in Dublin?
We ended up at Messrs Maguire again, the pub we went to last night. I enjoyed myself watching another football game, making small talk with the bartender and having a pot of tea (a much better and wiser choice of drink!).
We made our way back to the hotel for a short break then headed back out for dinner. I wanted to make our night early since our flight was early the next morning. I was craving Chinese food so we found Charlie's in Temple Bar. Let's just say, Chinese food in Ireland is not the same as back home! I was disappointed.
Aaron talked me into going to the Temple Bar Pub one last time before going home to pack. The pub was packed despite it being Sunday. There was a live band playing. I surprisingly enjoyed myself, especially when the band played "Galway Girl" the song from P.S. I Love You, and "Wild Rover", another popular song by Aaron's favorite bands the Dropkick Murphys ans Shane McGowan.
Enjoying the traditional Irish music at the Temple Bar, Dublin, Ireland
Aaron enjoying a pint at the Temple Bar Pub, Dublin, Ireland
We ended the night packing and getting some rest...
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