Finding Dad in Dublin

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Finally, the party has ended. Don't read this with a negative tone, it's actually a good thing. Though I miss the Netherlands and the fast pace of my last two weeks of travel, my body was not going to make it another day. I escaped at just the right time and for a great reason - to meet my dad in Dublin for a two-week Irish road trip.

So far things have flowed as smoothly as a fine pint of Guiness. We managed to recognize each other at Dublin airport after 7 months apart and kicked off our tour with an over-generous serving of fish and chips. We hiked randomly around the city, falling upon famous cathedrals and the trendy student neighbourhood of Rathmines before doubling back to our hostel for a self-catered dinner of Scottish smoked salmon and French goat cheese on Irish Soda bread (nice and healthy after the fish and chips).

Then we treated ourselves to our first pints in the country, a Guiness for me and an Amstel for Dad (real authentic Dad!) - the first of many, probably - at a tiny little pub called The Celt. As we listened to the twang of folk music a kindly old Brit sitting next to us told stories about the history of the bar - about Rosie, one of the first babies born in the "Republic of Ireland," who, until her death at age 82, came to the pub every week to dance. This may well have turned into a wild party if the pub hadn't closed at 11:30pm (common for pubs here, I think), but the beer made our heads fuzzy and a good sleep in our warm beds proved irresistible.

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Photos

First Pints at the Pub
A perfect setting: Guinness, music and Baileys-bottle candlestick holders

Dad and Me
Enjoying our first beer together. (Notice Dad's beret...it was a big hit at the pub)

Bicycle Graveyard
Don't know what to do with your old wheels? Dump 'em in the Liffey!

A Little More of the Liffey
Still with the bicycles

Rathmines
A very cool area if you're willing to stray that far from downtown

Comments

[The one who stayed behind!]

Woohoo!
Looks like it was a good first day and night! I haven`t seen Daddy in a beret in ages..what made him pull it out?! haha I WISH i had come with you guys, but alas, I seem to enjoy torturing myself by declining offers to go on trips, and stay in boring Montreal instead! Whats wrong with me?! haha. Cant wait to read more!! Love you both, beret and all! ;) xo Caitie