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This was our plane at JFK. Named after St.
Colmcille (the priest whose monks produced the Book of Kells) it was also the
plane that took us back to
the US. The plane is currently being loaded with our meal choices of potatos or corned beef
and Aer Lingus's special blend of shamrock-based
jet fuels. Once we arrive at Dublin Airport (which smells like a farm, much like most of the
country) on day 1 we first meet Big Blue, our Hyundai
Atos rental. To put the picture in perspective the car is 58.8 inches wide, about 11
inches narrower than a Honda Civic. That big suitcase does not fit in the trunk. Fortunately
Doug forgot to pack enough clothes for the trip or
else there would be another suitcase. At 5:30 in the morning it's cold in Ireland (even in
August), as Adrienne's shivering in the photo can attest.
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We wandered around Dublin in the early morning, mostly because there
was nothing else to do while wating for our hotel
(right) to let us in. Since it was a bank holiday (great planning
Doug) a lot of places were closed for the day (including the tourist information office,
which would have been helpful our first day in the country). Adrienne liked the way this
random street (left) looked, facing a church.
Also, views off the Ha'Penny
Bridge (east and west) over the River Liffey (below). |
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| On day 2 we visit the Guinness Storehouse, the part of the Guinness St
James's Gate Brewery that you can visit--and pay for the priviledge. Unlike the US, visitors
to a company's factories or
breweries have to pay to get in, instead of the costs of doing so being part of marketing
the product. You get a free pint of the black stuff, but still have to sit through the
propoganda. Doug was in the picture of the entrance,
but his eyes were closed (still jet-lagged, eh?) |
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At the top of the complex is the 9th floor Gravity Bar, which lets you see a 360° view of Dublin and
all 927 cranes on the horizon. Everywhere you look in Dublin (and most of Ireland), they're building or
rebuilding something.
  
| This is the first time Adrienne has been called "Adrienne Kelly".
However, she did not pull a perfect pint. Arthur Guinness is turning in his grave. |
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Sláinte! |
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