Ireland

What a beautiful country. I had an amazing time there in Dublin. I think it's safe to say that this was the greatest vacation I have ever taken. I've had a lot of people ask why I decided to go there - especially since most volunteers choose to do their travelling in this Asian part of the world. I, too, thought that I would limit myself to Asian vacations but when it came down to it... I just REALLY wanted to go to Ireland! In the long run, the cost was about the same (more expensive flight, but cheaper accommodations) than other countries I'd thought about visiting, and to be honest, I really just wanted some European-style R&R. Plus, I was travelling alone, and wanted to be somewhere that I felt comfortable in my alone-ness, and had plenty to do to fill my time. Dublin was perfect for that. And yes, I went by myself, but that did not mean there was a lack of friends. I met some awesome people from all over the world - Arizona (super exotic), Slovenia, Belgium, India, Brazil, England, Wales etc, etc... Sooo! Enough of that. Let's get on with the pictures.


First of all, I flew through Abu Dhabi. I wish I'd been able to get out of the airport and spend a little time in the city because I've heard it's pretty fantastic. Maybe another time? But anyway, I loved how the people in the airport just get cozy - lying down anywhere on the floor to take a nap, sitting around in circles having a picnic in the terminal, curling up in the chairs, or sprawling out in the corridor. I remember seeing the same thing in the Istanbul airport. I loved it.

I arrived in Dublin around 7 am and went straight to the hostel to drop off my bag. I couldn't check-in until 2, however, so I set out to do a little exploring and shopping. I had a few things on my "must-buy" list, including a jacket (I didn't bring one on purpose) and a scarf (just because I like them). I ended up buying those two things, as well as a skirt, tights, a dress and a cardigan.... and later in the week, shoes and a purse as well. I was never a big fan of shopping back in the states, but when you're deprived of good shopping centers for so long, I just couldn't help myself! I LOVED shopping!


After my little shopping spree, a light lunch at a cafe and checking into the hostel I just had to take a nap. I was exhausted from the 19 hours worth of flights/layovers, plus 27 hours on the train. So, a quick nap, then I took myself out for a romantic date on the town. I wandered around the city looking for a good place to eat, and finally settled on Rustic - a "healthy" restaurant with all-natural, organic ingredients. I got the penne pasta and it was the best, most beautifully presented pasta I've eaten in ages. I sat in between two couples on dates, and although I was acutely aware of my singledom, I couldn't have been more happy. I paid the check, and headed down to the River Liffey for an evening stroll before returning to my hostel for the night.

After suffering through the night listening to a gentleman from Wales snoring louder than a pig in the slaughter house, I rolled out of bed and headed out to the Guinness Storehouse. It is Dublin's #1 tourist attraction, after all, so I figured I couldn't miss it.  As I was walking there, I stopped to take a picture or two, right along with another boy - Tosh, from Vancouver - who happened to be going to Guinness as well. We ended up going through the storehouse together and it was nice to have someone to analyze the bitterness of the hops, the richness of the barely, and the sweetness of the malt with.... ?? .... because, you know, I'm such a connoisseur.

I then headed over to the Museum of Modern Art for a little new-age culture.

That big ball in the courtyard is made of plastic gas cans found in.... some African country. I forgot which one.

Next stop was the War Memorial Gardens. A really lovely place to walk and soak in the sunshine and fresh air. There weren't many people here at all, so it was really nice and peaceful. A most excellent way to spend the evening.

Then it was back to the hostel where I hung out with all sorts of interesting people.


The next day was perhaps the best day of the entire trip. I took a day tour to the Cliffs of Moher - you know, the Cliffs of Insanity! Princess Bride. That's right. But before we could make it all the way to the west coast of the Island where the Cliffs are located, we stopped in Limerick for a nice view of King John's Castle on the River Shannon.

And then.... the Cliffs of Moher. I don't know what to say besides it was awesome.

We then stopped in the little town of Doolin for lunch at Fitzpatrick's, and then headed off to the karst region of the Burren, full of rocky beaches and a few not-so-sedate cattle.

The last stop was Corcomroe Abby, a 12th century monastery. There are ruins similar to this all over the country. Stunning.

One last stop for a photo op of Dunguaire castle.

And that about wrapped up the day for Friday. Not bad, eh?


Saturday. Big day. (Not really). I spent the better part of the morning just wandering aimlessly around the streets of Dublin. I really didn't know exactly where I was, except for keeping track of when I turned a corner if I would be perpendicular or parallel to the river. I ended up in some beautiful and quaint little residential areas, where people walking their dogs and/or children didn't pass me by without a "Hello! Good morning!" And I even got one "Grand mornin' to ya" and it pretty much made me happier than I ever have been before. If I weren't so camera shy, I'd have taken pictures, but I liked to think that the people passing me by didn't know that I was a tourist, intruding on their little cove of privacy in an otherwise tourist-ridden town.


After walking finding a cafe for lunch and refueling, I set off for three locations: Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, and finally St. Patrick's Cathedral. And here they are.

I listened in on a tour guide talking about this statue... it represents Justice (Obviously). But notice - she doesn't have the usual blindfold that is customary when representing justice. Also, her back is turned on the city of Dublin, facing in towards the castle and courts. A little prejudice there, maybe? And notice the huge sword? Not very friendly, is she? Lastly, the scales she's holing can actually move, as they're known to do on rainy days in Dublin... which is quite often.

Christ Church Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral

I spent that evening walking around the streets of Dublin again, occasionally popping into a pub or cafe for a light refreshment. At one pub, a jazz band was playing in one corner while a football match was being watched in another. I felt bad for the jazz band, who were obviously a little put out by the rowdy football fans. And they were really pretty good! So I gave them my full attention and got a "Thanks for listenin', Love" when they finished. Cute.


Sunday was pretty great, too. I set out for Kilmainham Jail early in the morning and took a tour through this dark, cold building. The goal of the jail was not only to hold prisoners, but to reform them and by doing-so, never have to see them there again. This, however, was not a great success. Nevertheless, in order to "reform" the prisoners, they made them do hard labor, such as carrying heavy stones from one corner to another, and then back again. I'd go crazy. Furthermore, all prisoners were isolated (when they weren't over crowded), and only had one hour of "exercise" a day, where they walked around the courtyard in a circle - no talking allowed.

The old section of the jail. Each door isolated from the next by a ramp.

The new section of the jail. Easier for guards to keep an eye on  the prisoners - the amazing acoustics were not by accident. The guards used these stairs here, while the prisoners used the winding staircase, because it's harder to "start something" on them.

Most executions were done by hanging, but there were a few done by firing squad. The cross marks the place where these occurred. There is one on each side of the courtyard. This courtyard is closed off - no windows, very high walls, no witnesses. 

This is a new balcony, but at the time the jail was in operation this is where the hangings took place. Thousands of people would gather in front of the jail to watch. Notice the five serpents in chains above the door, to remind prisoners that they are "lower than a serpent's belly"

Yikes. That was a little heavy. It was time to lighten things up a bit, so I took a stroll down to Phoenix Park - one of the largest park in Europe. I didn't have time to get too far into it, but here are a few of the things I saw in there:

Home to the US Ambassador to Ireland. He/She gets a special place near the President's home because the US was the first to recognize Ireland as its own Republic.

The home of the President of Ireland. Looks a lot like the White House, doesn't it? That was on purpose. The architect of this building was the same as the White House in DC.

Papel Cross. Erected for a visit from the Pope in 1979. 115 feet high

Wellington Monument, in honor of the victories of the Duke of Wellington. 207 feet high.

And again, back to the hostel where I met up with some friends for a night out. And when I say night, I mean the entire night. As in, until 6 am or so when the girls had to go catch a flight. Good times!

The next day was spent sleeping in, finishing up some shopping that I wanted to do, and touring the Jameson Whiskey distillery. No pictures of that one. I guess I was feeling too tired to take pictures. :) And besides, if we're being honest, I liked the Guinness storehouse better. It was more picturesque.


And finally, my last day in Ireland. It was cold and rainy and gloomy for the first time, which was kind of a disappointment, since that was the day that I went down to Wicklow and Glendalough. So the pictures didn't turn out quite as nice as they could have, but nevertheless, the foggy, cold air actually lent itself to an amazing atmosphere which couldn't have been more peaceful. The bus took us up to the entrance of a monastic sight/church/graveyard, where the first set of pictures are from, and from there we walked to the Upper Wicklow lake. I only made it about halfway there, though. You see, there were a lot of tourists along the path, taking pictures and chatting away. I decided to go against the grain. I walked in the opposite direction up some unknown path. So, there's only one picture of the lake, from a distance, and about a dozen pictures of this path, which was gorgeous. I plugged into my ipod and listened to the haunting melodies of Olivia Pedroli (yeah, her again) and just walked and snapped photo after photo and didn't see another person for the next hour. It was fantastic.

St. Kevin's Cross - the largest cross made from a single Granite Stone

The ruins of St. Saviour's Church

And that was it. I went back to my hostel (but stopped for one last delicious dinner - pear and goat cheese salad with a balsamic dressing and diet coke. Mmmmmm....), got my bag, and was on my way to the airport.


Like I said, to date - best vacation ever. I made some great friends, had some good alone time, got to speak English, eat delicious food, drink delicious drinks (yes, diet coke, I'm talking about you), and take a little breather from the craziness of Kazakhstan.


Speaking of Kazakhstan, I only have 4 months left here....