seekingmygreaterperhaps

My first day in Dublin!!! Contrary to what the title may say, there is more to see in Dublin than just books. But being the book nerd that I am, the smell of an old library is what comes to mind.

I started the day off in Dublin a little slowly (I’m still kicking this cold) but thanks to the kindness of a stranger named Christine, I was pointed in the direction of THE Temple Bar. I’m not really sure of the significance of The Temple Bar, but it is a must see for everyone going to Dublin. Really though, there is an entire district named after this bar. I went in for a minute as the live musician was singing “Bye Bye Miss American Pie” and the bar was joining in. It was quite fun for about 5 minutes (for me). I was hungry and did not see another female, so I paid my respects and went off to find food.

Two doors down from The Temple Bar I find an awesome lunch for an even awesom-er price at the Brick Alley Cafe. It’s a unique set-up, as there are a few big tables and it is sit wherever you like. A French family ended up sitting with me, and the daughter is going to art school in Paris and recommended a few museums to me. I am still very unused to the who “eating alone all the time” thing, so this was kind of nice, even if I am an awkward human being and don’t know how to start conversations. That is a skill I will definitely need to refine… even in countries whose national language is not English.

As a bonus, my meal came with ice cream.

Next I was off in search of the Chester Beatty Library. I didn’t do a whole lot of digging into this, but once I heard that my kin had a museum in Dublin, I was like- duh I’m going. I was so excited because I am at least part Irish somewhere in my lineage, so I was thrilled. I get into the museum, and the guy is from NEW YORK! I was crushed. But it’s kind of cool because he is the only person in history to ever be granted honarary citizenship of Ireland. This library was free, and it’s full of Asian arts… so it’s not really a library. Again, I was crushed. The Chester Beatty library is a huge collection of arts, and old books, and there is a floor on religions with really important symbols and things for a bunch of different religions. There is a rooftop garden that is there simply for reflection. It’s a nice stop to spend an hour or so.

I should have noted- The Chester Beatty Library is on the grounds of Dublin Castle. But to get there, you go through some winding streets, you follow little arrow signs pointing you down weird paths. People become more and more scarse, and then all of a sudden you’re there. I was almost to the point of giving up before I finally stumbled onto the grounds. And they’re pretty sweet in themselves.

I’m glad I did stumble because in the building directly behind me in that photo there was an exhibit being run by the Irish Design Musuem. It’s called, “In The Making.” They took all of these objects and halted the work on them, so they are kind of frozen in time. You get to see things as they are being made, or what cloth they are cut from so to speak. My favorite was a pair of cleats. They start as one piece of fabric and get laser cut.

GUESS!

…. tennis balls.

Also, that’s the only picture I got because the museum setting doesn’t work when you’re hyped up on caffeinated tea.

Moving right along, I then strolled through the rain to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The bells were playing as I walked up and it was quite lovely. I did not pay to go in, but did walk around the park behind it. Now when March 17th rolls around, I’ll feel like I’m more in the know.

Selfie with St. Patrick!…’s Cathedral.

On my way back to the temple bar district (I like to pretty much stay on streets that I know so I don’t have to use a map) I found a market that takes place only on Saturdays. I walked around a little bit, and then bought an overpriced fresh fruit smoothie. It was tasty. Passionfruit, pineapple, orange juice.

Right next to this? Photography exhibit on train stations over time. It was really cool- they had old black and white photos of train stations in Ireland way back when, and then new photos next to it.

Ever heard of the Book of Kells? Yeah… I hadn’t either, because apparently I live in a cave. However, at Trinity college there is a really old book (the Book of Kells) that was written in 800 AD that used incredible color and detail for its time. It’s the first four New Testaments, illustrated with pictures. It is widely regarded as Ireland’s finest national treasure. There is only one in the world. There are four volumes, and the college only displays two at a time (they can see you Nicholas Cage- no National Treasures for you).

My favorite part of Trinity College? The old library. You walk in and can smell the old books. You know the smell. It is magnificent.

I tried to get picture of me nerding out… a little blurry, but I was there.

Also, today I saw a rainbow (reminding me of God’s promises on a day when I could use the encouragement) right before I went into the Trinity Library (where I got half off because I went half an hour before they closed… without knowing it! SCORE). I’ve seen more rainbows in Ireland than anywhere the past like year. And full rainbows. Granted, it does rain more here… But positives people. Positives.

I am really proud of myself. I saw a lot of tourists today, and I know this because they were carrying maps and blatantly pointing to things. I am trying my hardest to be a “posh tourist” as in… not obnoxious I should say. Today I got asked while waiting to cross the street if I knew the way to a certain street. I apologized that I didn’t and he heard my accent and his eyes got wider. That made me laugh.

Currently I’m staying with a kind man named Francis, off of couchsurfing. This is my first experience and it has been more than pleasant.

We shall see what more Dublin can offer, and if I can soon find a leprachaun under one of those rainbows.