Ireland!

Day 1

Dublin doesn't feel that much different from Marquette, so far. The buildings have that same look about them, of well worn brick and tall, skinny windows. The people are friendly and full of life, with college age kids roaming about everywhere. Only here there are double decker buses and small funny cars that drive on the wrong side of the road. And there are reminders that it is indeed a city everywhere, with stores like H&M and the like, mixed with pubs, cafes, and trinket stores sprinkled down every road and all the allies. I like it. 

I found my way from the airport to the apartment I'm renting easily. It's very conveniently located, but that's not an accident. I did my research before booking this place. It's a neat place! The door to the apartment building is narrow and hidden among the business entrances on the street. The place is cozy but spacious, and clean. It's a short walk to Temple Bar, perhaps the most famous pub-life in the whole world. It's an even shorter walk to Trinity college, which houses one of the world's most beautiful libraries; and the Book of Kells, a richly decorated ancient manuscript dating back to 800AD. I can't wait to see those! I could probably spend a whole day just at Trinity. Today I think I'll just spend my time wandering around and getting a feel for my surroundings. Surprisingly, it's not raining (as it was forecasted to do all week) so I'd better take this opportunity to do so.