Dublin

I have never enjoyed flying, and I can't say that coming to Ireland changed that opinion at all. Not to say the flight was terrible, or that they lost my luggage or anything. I just hate the feeling of coming off an eight hour trip in recycled air in the same clothes you fell asleep on dragging a 30 pound bag around a new city. But maybe thats just me. However, the flight could have been much worse than it actually was, had I not been fortunate enough to find two empty seats. You see, my assigned seat was next to a German couple and their massive young baby who was apparently stricken with the need to cry, kick and climb the entire eight hour flight. However, by some miracle there were two unoccupied seats at the back of the plane, and I was able to move there, giving the mammoth child room to stretch his frenetic legs onto my now empty seat. Plus, i could kind of lie down across the two seats. I mean, if I folded myself into a strange taco position normally reserved for advanced practitioners of the Kama Sutra. Eventually I made it to Dublin airport, and after a brief bus ride into town, and a 30 minute walk trying to find my hostel (it was literally a block from where the bus dropped me off, Im just terrible with maps) I was able to grab a nap. 

Dublin is a very interesting city to be certain, and can be rather intimidating, as any major city is at first. However, once you get the hang of things and figure out a few landmarks like the Spire (why does every major city have a giant pointy thing in it. I bet freud would have a field day with the CN tower, the Space Needle, the Eiffel Tower etc.) its much easier to get around. Plus, the river running through the middle is handy for orienting yourself in the right direction. I have actually been fairly lucky with the weather, and it hasn't poured rain on me yet. In fact, today was sunny and warm. Apparently summer just arrived yesterday in Ireland, according to the locals. Took a historical walking tour today to get a feel for the city and the history of Ireland, and then headed over to the Museum and the National Gallery, for some culture. Haven't got around to the Guinness tour yet, lots of other places to see. However, I still have one more full day tomorrow, so there is lots of time for that. Saturday morning I will be heading down to Cork by bus, which will be a good way to see some of the country side. I am rather excited to get to Cork; Dublin is cool, but its a little too busy for me, I am looking for something a little quieter (I know, weird for a Toronto boy to say). 

Other first impressions about Ireland:

-they need more Italian barbers here- the most popular style of haircut for guys here seems to be some strange cross between a mullet and the greased down bangs look. Gross.

-everyone look like they are ready to go for a run, but couldn't run if their life depended on it- translation: lots of fat guys in track suits

-everyone jay-walks (myself included)

-all prices include tax, and no one tips at restaurants- sweet

-every hostel comes with a snorer (these guys should have to pay extra, seriously)

Thats all for now, my foot is asleep from sitting cross legged on the floor, keep your eyes open for more posts in the future.

matt