Dublin, day two

The Book of Kells - in the book
Shelbourne hotel - in the book

The Book of Kells is in Trinity College. It is a historically significant book and extremely rare. It was hand painted. However, it was difficult to actually see because of being kept in a dark room, and trying to fight dozens of other people to get close enough to try and read it.

Shelbourne hotel is one of those hotels that I will never stay at, but was neat to see. I was greeted by men in top hats.

We took a double-decker bus tour around Dublin. It is a great way to see lots without killing my feet. We sat on the top deck. One of the highlights was seeing a naked guy in his condo. He obviously knew he could be seen and didn't care. It made me giggle.

We went back to The Temple Bar to listen to Irish music. It was a group of three men and they were very good.

I am glad to have experienced and seen Dublin. I wouldn't make a point of returning, but mostly because there are so many other places on my travel bucket list.

There were five of us on this trip and here are our nicknames:
Me - boots
Jennie - sassy pants and tiny bladder
Jeff - smasher and Jeff-Jeff
Dave - Guinness Master
Nevenka - long pour

Use your imagination. I'm afraid I am not at liberty to explain the origins of the nicknames. You really had to be there!

Dublin, day one

New country alert -- Ireland!

Guinness factory - not in the book

Dublin pub experience - in the book

I don't like Guinness. Everyone said it was "smoother" and would taste better at the source. That may be true, but I am too much of a wimp to drink such a heavy beer. The factory tour was neat though and their gift shop was amazing.

We went to two pubs. They were fun and both had live music. Jeff dumped his beer and broke his beer glass and our section of the pub broke out in laughter and merriment. He was the first of three and each generated the same response.

The first pub was Temple Bar, which is famous -- apparently. We sat next to a giant statue of Arthur Guinness.

I drank Corona. I do like my light, Mexican beer.

Back in the UK

I arrived at Heathrow just after noon local time. I've never arrived on a Monday before - I usually come in over the weekend. There were a few good reasons why I didn't leave home until Sunday night - one of them was Angela and Ryan's wedding. I'm glad I stayed for it!

Typically I arrive in London on Saturday and spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the city and being a tourist. Today... I went straight to our office near Gatwick airport. I just want to curl up on the floor and fall asleep. I don't want to work, I don't want to blog. I really want to sleep.

I don't think I slept any more or less than normal on the flight, but I really need to be up and active -- not sitting in a chair typing and answering the phone.

I am happy to be back in the UK! Despite my fatigue, which I'm sure will pass in a day or two.