Dublin

soo went to Ireland this past weeked-

it was not what i expected honestly.
we got there and walked around a bit and ate lunch at this place where our waiter didnt understand english... then went to the jameson wiskey factory- which was pretty cool actually.

then we walked around and found our way to the guiness factory. we ate dinner there then walked around the 6 story building- and on the top was a 360 view of the city- which was pretty cool.

then we went back to our sketch hostel and got ready and went out.
we went to temple bar area--- which was acutally very cool.
we first went to this really weird place. then we went to a SUPER crowded bar that played American music (they all play US music!)

then we found a local pub that was 95% irish people and they only played irish music-- which was really cool- and i finally felt like i was having an irish experience ! (even though i was falling asleep while i was there)

the next morning we went to the Jail --- famous for something.
ate an ammmmazing lunch. i had fried mushrooms and a great pizza. (not very irish-- but good nonetheless)

we tried to go to St. Pats-- but it was closed for services.
so we walked to Dublin Castle-- which is also city hall.
it doesnt look like a castle at all.... well parts of it do. but it is a bit of a let down. looks so normal!

then we tried to walk down to the docklands.... got a bit lost. ran into kids spraypainting graffiti--- and gave up and turned back.
went back to St. Pats- walked in and realized it was over $5 to get in. we did get to walk in the foyer and look around- which was pretty cool.

then stew caroline and i just did a bit of shopping before we all met up and headed off to the airport. our flight was delayed-- but we eventually made it back.

overall i feel like Dublin had a big reputation to live up to and it was really a big let down.
i felt more in Ireland in Edinburg than in dublin.

there were a couple really cool areas in dublin--- but they were surrounded by other areas. i mean the walk from jameson to guiness we were walking through neighborhoods.
it was just different.

i expected to be surrounded by celtic symbols and irish dancing and irish pub culture--- and i feel like i got only a little bit of that.
i would go back to Ireland-- maybe see the countryside more... but i wouldnt go back to Dublin.

it just seemed like a very generic city--- you could have told me i was anywhere in europe and i would have believed you.
Prague was way cooler than dublin.

yesterday was rough at work. although all i did was shoot a video game review of a cooking game with maneeza--- so we spent all day cooking and eating scallops, apple crumble and some salad. yum. then i went it and shot a video podcast with Big Brothers Kemal---- who knows my name-- which i kind of cool.

it rained a lot here yesterday so i hope it doesnt do that here today because my family comes in tonight!!!