Advertisement
Published: August 25th 2007
Edit Blog Post
Well, I'm sad to say we have made our last stop on this world tour but did we go out with a bang! While in France we were frantically searching for a place to stay in Dublin only to find out that the weekend of our arrival was also the semi final for Ireland's Gaelic football teams. Time after time we heard "Sorry, all booked up that week." This was the first time on the trip where we actually wondered what we were going to do. Luckily we kept our cool and Emmanuel's rental savvy kicked in. A few emails later Emmanuel had found us a two bedroom apartment in a very nice residential area of Dublin right next to the Dart which took us everywhere we wanted to go. We were grateful for this rental for several reasons. For one, it was half the price of a hotel room and secondly, we soon learned that eating out in Ireland is not what you come here to do, our apartment allowed us to prepare our own dinners.
We have finally found a place with worse weather than Seattle! The gray billowing clouds were a constant threat and more than once we
found ourselves being sprinked upon. Some of the only rain we had experienced in 5 months!! Like Seattlites, these hardcore Irish don't use umbrellas and all take refuge in the closest pub. Walking around the neighborhoods and downtown we quickly became fond of our new surroundings. For the most part the buildings are brick or stone and there isn't a lot of color. In a place that is so rainy and gray we found this odd. After some time we stumbled upon the Georgian style homes that grace the city and were enchanted by the beautiful doors and their vibrant colors. We were told that after Queen Elizabeth the first's death, the people of Dublin were asked to paint their doors black in honor of the late queen. Being the rebels they are, they all decided to paint them in their favorite colors instead!
When the rain really started coming down we hopped on the double decker tourist bus where we listened to the guide tell us about the city. So many parks and green spaces. The gray skies just make the greens just jump out. We learned that the Celts were the first to come to Ireland followed by
the Vikings and the Normands. Going to Christ Church cathedral, we could feel the Gothic influence of the Normands and we imagined what it was like to live during the Medieval period at Dublinia where a village has been constructed to take us back in time.
I think one of the most impressive parts about the city was its street life. Walking down Grafton, a pedestrian street, we stopped every few feet to admire the talents of the performers. Not all Irish born, these diverse people brought their talents from afar and shared them with all who cared to watch. Mimes, artists, musicians, stunt men/women,we felt so much life in the city and when we entered into our first pub to partake in the Irish music, it was magic! So many people crammed into a small space, most of us standing. What we all had in common was a pint of Guinness beer in the hand and a glow on our faces as we all shared the joy and liveliness of Irish music! One of those experiences where complete strangers feel connected for a brief moment by the power of music. The kids felt special being in a bar and
being part of the festivities. Yohan was so drawn by the music that he got up in front of the band and danced as everyone cheered him on. Afterwards he proclaimed that it had been one of the best days on the entire trip!
One thing that really shocked us, were the prices of everything. Somehow I still had the image of Ireland being a poor European country in need of funds from the European Community. We were to learn that Ireland is considered to be the rising Tiger of Europe! Everything you do is costly. We saw many young people in the streets begging and complaining in their own way of the high cost of living. I'm not sure how young people starting out can make it in a city like this. Richie, our taxi driver, told us that many young people are moving out of the city and commuting up to two hours one way into the city. I think many hope that one day Ireland will become more aligned with the rest of Europe which is predicted to happen.
A few quick trips north of Dublin brought us to some quaint fishing villages and gave us a
taste of the beauty that lies outside of the city. This left us wanting to see more. Another country that we will return to one day. Despite the lousy weather and bad food, the spirit of the people make this country!
Seeing Ireland really was such a compliment to all that has come before on this trip. We were so pleased with all that we have chosen to do and see. From here we will return to the beginning and try to take the lessons we've learned and apply them to our lives. One thing is sure, we will never be the same, this has been a trip of a life time! See you soon in Washington!
Advertisement
Tot: 0.088s; Tpl: 0.012s; cc: 10; qc: 24; dbt: 0.067s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb
Christina
non-member comment
Hello, Yohan!
Wow, you are still globe trotting! I've seen some teachers back at school already (I've been there since the second week of August) so I assumed that you'd be back already....what could I have been thinking! You have been to so many fabulous places and seen so many wonderous things. I can't wait to hear a few personal anecdotes, Yohan. Thank you for sending me that postcard, too - you remembered I love my cats - big or small!! Have a safe trip back and get some good rest when you arrive - school is right around the corner. I'm sure everyone will want you to share your experiences - we may pester you a bit upon your return. Take care, Christina