Salutations d'Irlande (Greetings from Ireland)!
Started my day yesterday with a repeat breakfast, but not the weather. Drizzle turned to full rain. Not bad by New England standards...torrential downpour in Ireland speak. :-)
Wandered a bit and discovered Cluster Hotel (owned by U2's Bono), crossed the Ha'Penny bridge, and was deeply moved by the Famine Statues. Then, hopped a bus to National Library. What better way to spend a few rainy hours than being in one of the most beautiful libraries in all the world surrounded by thousands of many old books and records.
Unfortunately for me, photography was not allowed in the library. The walls were all hand-carved, they have book bean bags for them to lay open to not damage the spines, there is much gold leaf and cherubs throughout the rooms, and it resides right beside the College of the Irish Physicians. So, my single book loving friends take notice...make your reservations now. :-)
The geneology research room was fabulous and the help was geniunely helpful. I discovered that my mother's family name actually has more than a dozen variations of spelling and still many reside in Ireland. Thinking I might look up a long lost cousin, maybe.
Another ride on the hop on-hop off and loved hearing the "true history" behind all the colored doors in the georgian district. It seems that the homeowners were told to paint their doors black out of respect for Queen Victoria, who was going to pay a visit to Dublin. That's why all the different colors. The Irish are a spunky bunch indeed...
Seems like Dublin is a common stopover for those who travel beyond. My new roommate last night just came back from Poland, while Amy left this morning for Croatia and now, I, too, am on my way. Away from Dublin - ready to discover the quieter side of Ireland.
Slan-cheCheers...and safe journey!
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2 comments:
WOW!!! I can't believe this adventure. I have really been enjoying the gorgeous photographs. Obviously I will want to see them all super-size when you get home. I wondered where the castle one is and the "hut". It all seems amazing and exciting. This is so much better than a postcard, though that would be VERY nice too. ;-) Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful place with me. You know how much I long to visit. Good luck and be safe!
This is so wonderful. I would like to visit the region one day just for the geneaology.
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