Dublin, Republic of Ireland



Ireland, havent we heard so much about it? first of all, there is the much celebrated St. Patrick and the drinking that goes with it, and then we have the green Leprechauns for some reason appear just about everywhere here, let´s not forget Guinness the famous beer, Titanic that was built in Belfast, Bailey´s, C.S. Lewis (author of Narnia and Christian icon) who was born here and the two Unesco heritage sites...i guess that´s just about everything...oh wait, O´brien´s sandwich bar is from here as well...

Got in to Belfast on a not so fabulous rainy day, quickly realize there are much more terrible weathers outside of London, and also found out that i left all my water-proof jackets in London. Nevermind that, hopped in to the nearest T.K Maxx and got myself something to shield from the rain, a very nice jacket, if i may say so myself.

Next up, waited for Rafal to pick me up at the city hall, let him explain the city´s orientation to me, which aint all that difficult, about several times smaller than London and the lack of public transport, which is practically non-existent apart from buses, but then again, they dont really need it.

It really is a small city, which suits me just fine, but im not here for the city, am i? Booked myself a tour to the first unesco heritage site of Giant´s causeway. Nothing too overwhelmingly spectacular, just some very unique rocks formed out of some volvanic activities some centuries ago, ive seen it numerous times in the nature-blessed country of NZ. Like so many world wonders, it´s just some rocks...think Ayer Rock in Australia, think Stone henge and think Easter island...

Did several tours around Northern Ireland and crossed the border to the republic of Ireland today. Dublin is a good hangout and also a good base to explore the surroundings. Met up with Sergio, Nuri, Suzanna and Francesca (3 spanish and 1 chilean) here where i will be crashing at their place for the next few days. I´ve always loved to hangout with the spaniards because they really know the meaning of life. Went bar hopping around town, had some guiness and wine and will go with them to the second world heritage site in Ireland tomorrow.

It´s also the Euro final tomorrow where Spain is playing against Germany, so naturally a drinking footballmatch session is in order. and naturally too that i´ll be supporting spain...not that im much of a football fan...

Oh yeah, another good tidings, i´ve just received my check of 709 pounds from the magnanimous Queen, she´s returned my tax! albeit not everything but im not pushing it, im glad to get something back!

i´m feeling generous today...