We survived Day 1 in Dublin and we ALL made it back to our beautiful townhome without any major issues. Most importantly, I didn't lose anyone. I think this makes it a successful day!

We started off the day hopping on the bus to head into town. Unfortunately you must have exact change when entering the bus so.... we headed to the bank and got a variety of change. I handed everyone what I thought was the correct amount and GUESS WHAT I was wrong. I know this is a surprise in itself, but it was quickly remedied. I, as keeper of the change bags,  handed everyone else what they needed and of they went. I seriously can't get over how much more friendly these Irish people are than most Americans. They were just patient with me and my "people" and smiled.



We did a hop on hop off bus tour of downtown. We got a good overview of the city, and were able to determine where we wanted to go tomorrow. We did realize while we were on the bus just how many pubs there are in this city and even saw the smallest one.... the bus driver said it would fit 15 people. It was fittingly called Little Ass Bar. We also found out that the main treatment center for alcoholism in Dublin is right across the street from the Guinness Brewery. It is an old hospital from the 1800's. Seriously, one just can't make this up. So, on certain days the smell of the hops will go right into the hospital. That is just wrong, wrong, wrong.

We also, did the tour of the Guinness Storehouse. We were able to see the special makers yeast that is used in Guinness, learn the brewing process, see the extensive brewery, smell the different scents that are part of a pint of Guinness (my favorite was dark chocolate), and learn how to properly taste a Guinness (sit up, look up, hold your arm up at an angle, take a long drink, swish, and swallow). Then we got to have our own pint in a beautiful bar that overlooked the city of Dublin. I must admit, if Guinness in the US tasted like what I had today, I would drink it. It was nice and smooth with no hoppy, bitter, strong taste. However, since this was done before dinner Dad finished mine!





The Master's Yeast

 

 

The Guinness Scents







Unfortunately, we are going to try to reschedule the ghost bus tour for tomorrow night. Due to a problem with the tram we were trying to catch we missed the tour. However, it was okay since the evening was instead spent with a couple of pizza's and pints at our townhome. Amazingly, it doesn't get dark until well after 10 so we are making good use of patio.

Dublin is in the middle of a heat wave right now (read temps around 71) and every park we saw was filled with people enjoying this sunny warm weather. I must admit that I am finding it really funny to hear the meteorologist talk about how humid it is. Yeah come on over to Ohio and check out humid, I'm thinking.

Well, tomorrow is our last Dublin day. We are hoping for St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Book of Kells, and a ghost tour. Then we will see what else the day holds.