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And we're off! We took off from Chicago at 4:40 pm on the longest plane ride of our lives. It really wasn't too bad (especially if you're Melissa and sleep through some of it). The first hour of our flight was so turbulent that we felt like we were cast in the Final Destination movie and the oxygen masks were about to drop down any minute. After that, we thoroughly enjoyed the movies: The Company Men, Country Strong, and Gulliver's Travels, all while constantly popping peanut butter M&Ms and eating the provided dinners (we're convinced they came from a microwave dinner section). We landed in London, breezed through customs and security (with only a few menacing stares/questions and posing for mugshots). After that, we were Dublin bound on a flight that felt like 10 minutes after our 7 hour one before that. On the way, we read Irish newspapers about Obama's visit the day before. Apparently Irishmen can't get enough Obama.
After arriving in Dublin, we made it to the hostel with no problem. We went to the bank to exchange our money (what a rip off, by the way). Then we were starving, so we decided to grab some lunch before taking a much needed nap. After a minor adventure to the train station (not well marked..) we finally found our train. It was the one crowded with drunk men all wearing green on their way to a soccer match (of course). We've never heard so much swearing in our lives... but it was more humorous than offensive.
We took the train to Dun Laoghaire (pronounced "Dun Leery") where we ate dinner at a hole in the wall place. We then decided to take a romantic stroll on the longest pier of our lives to a lighthouse that we couldn't get into. It was actually very scenic, unless you look down to find sporadic dog poop on the sidewalks.
Back at the hostel, we met our roommates for the night: two canadians and a french woman. We have learned that Americans are apparently the only people that don't know French, German, and English. After a long night, sleeping on hard beds with practically no pillows, we came down for breakfast in the morning in our converted convent hostel. After breakfast, we set out for a hop on, hop off bus tour to see the sights of Dublin and figure out where things we wanted to check out. We're getting pretty good at knowing our way around...maybe tomorrow we won't even need a map! For lunch, we went to an authentic Irish restaurant to imerse ourselves in the culture. It was here that Melissa and Kristi decided to try some pudding dish thing that we later found out contained pigs blood. Delicious! (This is why Dana doesn't try foreign, unknown things people) After lunch, we continued to walk around Dublin. We went to see the Dublin Castle, some cathedrals, and a huge park (St. Stevens Garden).
Tonight, we're going on a pub crawl throughout Dublin with fellow hostellers. Happy 22nd Birthday Kristi!!!!!
Until next time....
- comments
Shannon Have a blast in Ireland! It is wonderful. I would highly recommend Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) if you have not already gone there. What other counties are you going to in Ireland?
Susie Happy Birthday, Kristi! You'll have to let us know if they serve green beer in Ireland?! Hope you have a memorable 22nd! Love you, Mom
Stephanie D. Have a pint of Guinness for me! I looooove Ireland.
Auntie Donna Kristi - Happy Birthday ! How is the warm beer? Tried Bangers and Mash yet???
Danny Hey girls, don't forget to check this out while you're in Europe. http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTpLDCTXdFUoSaqLaSvvKzpbFuE1HsFGbvsG0YiL8RJFB-zkf9t2A&t=1 I hear it's delicious!
Beth Happy Birthday Kristi!!! Glad you guys are having fun!
Katie so glad you guys made it there safe and sound but sorry about the turbulence! obviously country strong was a great way to pass the time. good call on the no pigs blood dessert dana. you all must find a handsome man to play a song for you in a pub! hope you guys are having tons of fun and taking even more pictures! miss you so much! hope you had a wonderful b-day kristi!!!!!! wish I was there to celebrate it with you. kiss the blarney stone and get the luck of the irish!!!!! cant wait to read more posts!
Phil You eat the Irish black pudding but do not sample your own heritage delicacies, czernina? What is Black and Tan called in its home?
Steph Kristi, Happy Birthday! I'm sure Dana and Melissa made sure it was memorable ;) Are the accents on Irish men amazing? lol. That pudding sounds yummy, j/k. I give Kristi and Melissa credit for trying it, of course you didn't Dana :) Is that like the fifth time you all have watched Country Strong? That must have been heaven for you Dana, a full flight of movie watching. Love you all, be safe.
Audrey Summers Sounds great, Dana. Happy Birthday, Kristi. You know you are part Irish, Dana. Have a wonderful time & stay safe. Hugs, Grandma
Kev & Deb Hope all of you had fun at the pubs on Kristi's birthday. Happy Bday Kristi. Sounds like all is going well so far. Take lots of pictures. <3
Patty Sounds like you girls are having a blast already can't wait to hear more!! especially on this pub crawl haha happy birthday kristi:-)
Auntie Kar Hi Kristi: R U sober from your crawl yet? Hope u had a great B-day!!! Remember, there's pudding shots when u get home. Have a great time girls.