Ireland, Day 2/3

The second day of our trip was a bit more relaxed than the first. More relaxed in that we slept until noon. It really wasn't our fault...seems there's no clock in the room and even though the church has chimes every fifteen minutes, we were just a bit lazy. After we rolled out of bed, went off to Beweley's Cafe for chow. Took a look at the Bank of Ireland (old Parliament building) and started to look at Trinity College (more on that later). Also wandered a bit through Grafton St, a larger shopping area. Finally, headed along the north side of the River Liffey, to look at some of the old buildings and the folk. It's odd that local people are drinking 24oz's of Budwieser. Really? That's just sad.

We passed by the Custom House and the Four Courts, which originally held the four divisions making up the judicial system. Next, did a quick lap around St. Michan's church, the oldest parish church on the Northside and possibly some inspiration for Dracula as Bram Stoker visted the vaults with his family. We just checked out the outside, complete with cemetary, before scurrying out the gate so as not to be locked in for the night...eep! Then, we cut over to the Old Jameson Distillery. Interesting place. Not sure if we'll be able to get back for the tour, but cool to see. Finally, we were denied the opportunity to go to the top of the Chimney Viewing Tower, previously part of said distillery, so headed back to the room to relax for a bit. Went to dinner at the Irish Film Institute (good stuff), then off to wander about in the Temple Bar, which is a pedmall next to the river. Owned by the Temple family back in the day and built on a sandbar (get it?), it's now a lane of bars, shops and random musicians.

Day 3 started a bit earlier. Good thing the ipods have an alarm. Breakfast at the Queen of Tarts; nice little place that is hiring (must speak fluent English). Back to Trinity College for the official tour. A nice feller told us all about the buildings, the grounds, and the poor folk in the "Red" dorm that have to actually leave their building to go to the bathroom (a large blue door).

In a stark contrast to Mizzou, that has dorms all over the place and land to expand, Trinity is in the middle of the city (and 500ish years old). So, of the 16000 that attend, only about 1000 can live on campus. Sad day.

Running out of battery, and can't charge and compute at the same time...will finish in the morning.

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