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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). |  |
| 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?) |  |
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. |  |
Sláinte! |  |
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