Dublin: Toast and Track Suits.

In the 36 hours our feet have wandered through Dublin, I have seen more track suits and eaten more toast than any other time in my life. I was informed by a friend at work that the most surprising part of Ireland was the amount of people just walkin' around in track suits (sweat pants and matching sweatshirts with "flare"). Apparently they are an Irish fashion staple because my friend went several years ago and here today, in 2014, they're still strutting around town.
I have also consumed more than a reasonable amount of toast. The wonderful problem is they serve it everywhere, with everything, always with a side of butter and a spot of jam when requested. Since the Sjodin side of the family are known for toast eating, this has been like striking a gold mine. Fortunately we have been walking everywhere, which in vacation terms means, it all evens out...

Our commencement of travel has indeed been a good one. Trinity College is a bustling array of history, and inspiration is easily found when entering the "Long Room", a gorgeous hall filled to the brim with books (some dating back 800 years). We walked into a pub and were greeted with fabulous Irish music: Shamus on the Accordion, William on the Guitar, and Pat on the Whistles. We had no trouble polishing off a few Smithwicks while clapping along. 

It has been most enjoyable traveling with the Rents. The four of us are staying at a flat in the City Center via Air B&B. This makes air dropping photos from one iPhone to the next much easier. It's also been handy making some meals in and then chatting over tea in the living room. Both mom and I have spent a bit of time dabbling in art and commemorating our adventure (stay tuned for her posts on travel journaling upon their return at http://visualblessings.blogspot.com ). I've found that grabbing the flight magazine from the air plane makes for great collage material.

It is always wonderful to get other people's perspective of the same event. Turns out we were all moved on some level (and no, this wasn't a result of too many pints), by the Guinness factory experience. Sure the beer is fabulous, especially when drank overlooking Dublin on a sunny day, but the incredible thing is one man's vision, for one product, changed an entire country and now reaches almost every corner of the world. If you haven't ever read about Arthur Guinness and his family line, go do it now. Seriously an inspriatioal character. And you should probably pour yourself a guinness draft while you're at it for the full effect.

Sean and I just spent the past two hours meandering through the City Center and then venturing to the outskirts. It must be noted that by day, people of Dublin walk very fast. Run you over kind of fast. However by night, due to the crazy high heels women wear to the pubs and nightclubs, the pace slows. Turns out  500 year old cobble stone streets don't fare well with needle point heels. I'm grateful for my comfortable boots (another travel necessity).

Speaking of walking, my feet are telling me its time to be horizontal, so as the Irish say "Sláinte!". 








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