Dublin Museums and Parks

Tuesday, 2.4.2014:

We woke up pretty early in order to get some touristy things done. We attempted to find this cute little restaurant that served an excellent Irish Breakfast but my Google maps failed me. We ended up having to settle for a little hole in the wall place near Merrion Square Park. We then went two different museums - The National History of Ireland: Archaeology and The National History of Ireland: Natural History. I thought both were pretty boring and uninteresting. At the first one there was an elementary school tour, Thomas and I awkwardly followed the group through the museum because the docent was really knowledgeable. Amazingly the kids actually paid attention. I found this shocking because as a camp counselor, getting kids to pay attention to educational things is like pulling teeth. Guess there is a difference between Irish and American kiddos. 

After the two museums we ventured to the two famous parks in Dublin - Merrion Square Park and St. Stephens Green. I loved walking through the tranquil parks, it allowed me to feel like I am not in a big metropolitan area for 20 minutes. At St. Stephens Green we took pictures with the Oscar Wilde statue that sits at the corner of the park. We then went back home to eat some lunch and Skype my parents. My parents had no idea that Thomas was visiting so they were shocked when they saw him on the call.

 

We had a lovely time chatting with them. Unfortunately I had to leave Thomas in order to do a group project (yes I am still being academic here in Ireland). While I was at school, Thomas decided to do a self guided tour around the city. After my project I went back home and made up some dinner for Thomas and I. When dinner was over Thomas hung out in the living room with the roommates while Catie and I went over to Stephens Lane in order to book some flights and plan some itineraries for upcoming trips. Walking to and from Stephens Lane was absolutely miserable since there was a horrible rain storm. I don't think I have ever experience wind like that before. Also I don't think cheap umbrellas stand a chance in Ireland; my personal cheapo umbrella flipped inside out like 5 times on the ten minute walk. In addition to having a horrible walk in the rain we found out that our apartment has two gigantic ceiling leaks. These leaks caused 5 of our 7 pots and pans to be taken out of commission. Thankfully my housemate, Melissa emailed our landlord to get it fixed. Everyone called it a night early since all the housemates had class early and Thomas had a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. 

Cheers,
Jenny