Have visited Ireland for the first time, and have to say that I was impressed. What friendly people. The constant grey skies/light rain didn't put a damper on anything. Dublin was a surprisingly charming city, with stunning architecture and red, green and blue doors brightly marking apartment buildings throughout the city. Only 20 minutes away by the DART (train) were beaches, cliffs, and field upon field of countryside. The stereotype of sheep is quite true!
Don't have the best photos... I didn't bring my big camera (sizing restrictions with Ryan Air - I wasn't about to pay the extra $50 on my 6 pound flight to have to check baggage!) So I borrowed Em's camera, which was great, but ran out of batteries, and of course I didn't bring the charger. I bought a disposable camera, and the pictures are being developed as we speak in a quaint little camera shop in Wotton.
The hostel couldn't have been better. Bright, clean rooms. Free breakfast, and drinks all day long. Free internet and calls to Canada, friendly staff, and about a 5 minute walk from Grafton Street and St. Stephen's Green, really in the centre of it all. It was really my first hostel experience alone, so I didn't know what to expect. After not really talking with anyone for the first hour, I decided to Google how to meet people in hostels (ha ha ha you say, I know!) This didn't really help... But it wasn't needed any ways, as I soon learned it's impossible not to meet people in a hostel, Later in the evening, everyone comes together in the common room, and it all flows from there. This hostel definitely deserves an A.
I spent the first day or two wandering Dublin with the very touristy hop on hop off bus tour. Doing this one day, helped me to know where I wanted to spend more time. I had tried my first Guinness the day before (half pint was really nice) but then after a tour of the impressive Guinness factory, and being provided with a whole pint, albeit the freshest possible, it was just a little bit too much iron in a beer for my liking. Favourite tourist stops were: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Jameson Distillery and the Guinness Factory... but really the list could go on.
There was the Flora Women's Mini Marathon on the day I arrived. About 40,000 people raising money for all sorts of local charities, dressed up in corresponding the outfits. Later that night, everyone scattered the pubs of Dublin (any excuse to drink!) and with it being my birthday, we landed at a great pub with all of these enthusiastic runners, I happened to be serenaded by a huge group of people, singing happy birthday at the top of their lungs! It is really amazing how no matter the night, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, all of the pubs will be filled with happy Irish people. On that note, I do think the recession has hit them pretty hard, and there were quite a few younger, homeless people begging for money on the streets. The next night we went to Whelans Pub, where they filmed PS I Love You! I had no idea until halfway through our night. It was pretty much right across the street from my hostel.
I took off on the DART to Howth one day, and spent hours walking along the cliffs. Such a dramatic landscape, it was so beautiful. Later that night, I met my second cousin Sally for the first time, and had a great night in the Temple Bar District of Dublin. Very touristy, but suiting nonetheless, as I tasted traditional Irish Stew for the first time. It was great to meet Sally, and it was nice meeting her before the wedding. Looking forward to meeting a whole bunch of relatives I have never met, but it will be nice to know someone already as well.
Slideshow is pretty much done, and all tested. Got some amazing photos of Emily and Will in their childhood... Added a few below for fun.
The wedding rehearsal was last night, and all went smoothly. It is a very traditional English wedding inside a 700 year old church. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. Just beautiful. I've spent the last week or so helping with wedding preparations... Driving back and forth between Wotton and Stonehouse and all throughout this area almost everyday! The drive couldn't be better though. This area is so green and lush, filled with farmland. English driving is a little overwhelming. The roads are tiny, often only meant for one lane, so you have to stop quite frequently to let another person pass. The frightening part is how fast everyone drives though, with blind corners everywhere, greenery growing onto the road, but they are trained experts.
We were treated to an evening at the Bath Spa the other night. With a rooftop pool, saunas, and a meal, this place was perfect. It was nice to see Bath again, what an incredible city... Crescent Road I think it's called, with the half circle shaped apartments. I don't know how I don't fully remember this place from 8 years ago. Must have been in a different mind frame when I was 16, that's for sure!
Just finished preparing tea (aka dinner) and cake for Wendy's (Em's Mum) birthday. Having a bit of a celebration tonight. Now to sit in the sunshine... The forecast is looking great for the wedding!
Pippa xx
A few pictures:
Probably wouldn't have made it out of Dublin alive without these helpful markings.
Typical buildings outside my hostel.
Book of Kells, couldn't bring the camera inside (fair enough!)
Typical building at Trinity College.
This one's for Matt - the graveyard outside St. Patrick's Cathedral where the person who invented the crossword is buried!
Side street in Dublin.
St. Patrick's Cathedral.
Self explanatory!
That's a lot of Guinness!
Apparently the best view in all of Dublin - from the top floor bar at the Guinness Factory!
A typical red door (and pretty cool vines!)
The cliffs in Howth, Ireland - stolen from the internet... My photos are still being developed! I walked around this whole area on a little foot path.
BBQ at Em's!
Little Em (with her brother Sam)
Little Will
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