Bad News...

Greetings faithful blog readers,

I regret to inform you that the reason for my abrupt absence from the blog in the last 48 hours is due to the unfortunate theft of my computer, and virtually everything else I brought with me except for my cell phone, camera and iPod.

As a result, I have no means of uploading or editing photos, and I'm afraid my trip will be cut short. Hopefully, when I arrive back in Austin this weekend, I will able to put up my final photos from yesterday's James Joyce tours and from Dublin's Gay Pride Day Parade, which I happened to come across on my way back to the hotel (just prior to the discovery of my losses).

Thank you, though, to those who took the time to read this blog while it was still active.

Cheers,

D.

Dublin Day 4 (June 25, 2009)

The first part of the day was clear, but we decided to go and check out Kilmainham Gaol (in Irish:  Príosún Chill Mhaighnean), a prison-turned-museum where many Irish rebels were imprisoned and often executed. The front door (above) was the site of two gallows where many of the executions took place. The entwined serpents held in chains represent the "evil" that was contained within the jail.

The altar at Kilmainham Gaol, where 28-year-old Joseph Plunkett (Irish nationalist and rebel leader of the 1916 Easter Rising) married his sweetheart, Grace Gifford, just hours before his execution.

Peepholes used by Kilmainham Gaol guards to check on prisoners. A larger hole for shining a lamp through is situated just below.

Alas, I was a rebel, and they got me.

The panopticon at Kilmainham Gaol. This design emphasized surveillance at all times. The sunroof was designed to let in the "light of God" to help with the reformation of prisoners.

Left: Courtyard leading to the execution yard at Kilmainham Gaol. 

Right: This cross marks the spot where James Connolly, a rebel leader of the 1916 Easter Rising, was executed by firing squad while tied to a chair because he could not stand. An identical cross on the opposite side of the courtyard marks the execution spot of 13 other 1916 Easter Rising men.

An intense, heartfelt moment between J and Paige after leaving the execution yard.

After the seriousness of Kilmainham Gaol, our Literary Pub Crawl was a perfect way to perk up. Two professional Dublin actors served as our tour guides, performing scenes from famous pieces of Dublin literature, like this tidbit from Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot in the Duke Pub.

The pub crawl included a stop at Trinity College, where one of the actors performed an excerpt from one of Oscar Wilde's letters about a visit to the Rocky Mountains.

Hallie gettin' her Irish coffee on!

As you can see, Dubliners are extremely philosophical.

Today (Friday) was a free day, and Paige's birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAIGE!!!). I was feeling a bit under the weather, so I stuck around at the hotel and rested up, but I did manage to run into a security guard from the Jameson distillery who was more than obliged to set up a free tour for me tomorrow evening. I always get ready for an onslaught of stereotypes when I tell Irish people I'm from Texas (one guy unceremoniously broke into a rendition of the Beverly Hillbillies theme song the other night), but this guy and a most others didn't seem to care (perhaps because I don't have an accent). Conversely, almost every Californian (who hasn't been to Austin) that I've met can't seem to hold back their unwarranted prejudice and ignorance when I tell them I'm from Texas ( typical questions/comments include: "So, where's your accent? You must feel strange not riding a horse to school. How is it living in the desert?"). 

Conclusion: Dubliners are inherently more respectful and unassuming than SoCal-ers (for the most part). 

Interesting, n'est-ce pas? 

Dublin Day 3 (June 24, 2009)

The day started with a bit of poetry reading on the steps at the Garden of Remembrance, followed by a brilliant display of traditional Irish dancing by Miss Allie (for those that missed the "Jam Sesh" the previous night).

We met up with John and he took us on a quick your down O'Connell Street, and then around the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral (above).

If you look closely at the cobblestones here in from of Christ Church Cathedral, you can see shapes and patterns. These are the outlines of a Viking dwelling that was uncovered here during an excavation. Neato, huh?

Dublin Castle.

I'm collecting what appears to be politically-charged graffiti (except for maybe the bottom one, which I just though was supposed to be funny - maybe). If anyone has a clue what these might refer to (aside from the obvious 'no bomb'), let me know.

Funny thing: At the end of our tour, we started asking John some "intelligent" questions, and guess what? I think he ended up liking us. Here are a few interesting things he said:

Referring to Dublin: "The Irish actually got this city built for nothing and kept it for themselves." 

He explained that by comparing the city's history to "The Three Little Pigs," with the Vikings, the Normans, and the British as the pigs, or the builders. Interesting, n'est-ce pas?

John also emphasized that American business interests in Ireland are actually supoorting Ireland economically: "54 American multi-national companies hold this country together."

He continued to say that most Irish support Obama's policies, but if Obama tries to bring multi-national companies home to boost the American economy, Ireland will be in "bad shape": "Ireland had 32 counties. America is the 33rd. Australia is the 34th."

Aside from the heavier stuff, we also found out John is pretty fookin' funny - example: "Women were put into the stocks for only one reason... talking too much. Unfortunately, there weren't enough stocks." 

Now don't go getting offended anyone, it was all in good fun (and with this guy, you have to appreciate the jokes when they come).

Outside St. Patrick's Cathedral eatin' some Fish n' Chips (John's recommendation).

Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral. ABSOLUTELY ASTOUNDING. If you don't believe me, check out the pics below.

I'm not a religious dude, but this place was truly moving.

Next we spent some time meandering/ laying in the grass at the St. Stephen's Green, probably one of the most beautiful public parks I've ever seen. I'll be going back there, so expect more photos later.

"Famine," a memorial sculpture at St. Stephen's Green.

Alrighty, that's all for now. About to head out in a few minutes to Kilmainham Jail, then off to a (literary, believe it or not) pub crawl tonight! 

Sláinte!

Dublin Day 2: The Jam Sesh

Howdy folks. How are yeh? Had some temporary brain cell loss last night and forgot to add these photos from the evening of Day 2. We went across the street for a couple of pints and ended up meeting this charming Dubliner named Sean, who claimed to be a well-known traditional Irish musician. Then Allie mentioned she could do some Irish dancing if he played, and next thing we knew, Allie had her tap shoes on, Sean had grabbed two Irish flutes (whistles?), a drum, and some castennettes, and we had ourselves an impromptu show! And THEN, our Sean (Cahill) came over with his guitar and it became an intercultural musical exchange. Gotta love the friendly locals...

Dublin Day 2 (June 23, 2009)

On our way to Dvblinia AKA the Viking Museum.

The Vikings and I, we go way back. Taught me all I know about pillaging and plundering.

Medieval Vikings for peace.

For those of you fluent in stained glass, this is the story of Ireland's conquering.

One second Daniel was in one piece...

...and then he forgot to "mind his head." A real shame.

Sean is actually here on a pro hackey sack scholarship. He's really not interested in Ireland at all, as you can see.

This guy is clearly leading a failing boycott against computers. 

Bling bling!

Here we have the Children of Lir sculpture at the Garden of Remembrance. 

The Garden of Remembrance.

These little girls just couldn't stop asking us questions... so we let them take our picture, and promised we'd meet them at the pub later.

The pixelated face is a symbol Sean's struggle to reconcile his Irish-American identity. 

Just kidding - the real moral here is that walking through the back alleys of Dublin is not a shortcut to the post office, but there is a good bit of splendid graffiti along the way.

Today was a free day, so the above pictures are mostly of the "fun" nature. But in between all this, we did learn an intercultural lesson: We encountered an 18-year-old Irish girl (an older sibling of the girls at Garden of Remembrance) who informed us that the Irish HATE it when Americans claim/boast Irish descent. Some of us need to keep that in mind (not naming any names, SEAN).

Tomorrow, we meet up with John (our loving tour guide) for stops at Old Parliament House, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle, City Hall, Wood Quay, Christ Church Cathedral, and Four Courts. If I wasn't so tired, I'd end this on a joke, but for now I'm just gonna make like some hay and bale. PEACE.

Dublin Day 1 (June 22, 2009)

Riding from Dublin Airport to the Maldron Hotel at Parnell Square - 35 Euros! Yikes. But thank goodness Sean brought his guitar.

Left: This is our "tour guide" John. Good ol' Chappy hooked us up with him, and guess what? He hates us. Well, maybe "hate" isn't the right word, but when Sean enthusiastically informed John that his family came from Ireland, John backhandedly (we think) replied, "40 million Americans claim Irish descent." Hmmph. 

Right: Rachel leading the way on our walk down O'Connell (?) Street to Little Ceasar's.

Weird... and racist..? I feel a discussion coming on.

Yeah. Look at these fookin' tourists, like. (I'm learning the local slang)

Justine! Don't forget your bus passes, kids.

This here's the legendary Molly Malone. A little tall (and metallic) for my taste.

Enjoying my first pint (of Guinness-flavored root beer, of course) with Portia and Sean at The (famous) Oliver St. John Gogarty pub. 

Next stop (pub), mister Sean?

Dublin street bands are "in," especially those playing Beatles cover songs (seriously, every band we passed played at least one Beatles song).

... and apparently, female mullets are also "in." Allie, I know you were looking to get a popular Irish haircut, so I hope you don't take this too hard (side note: I have no idea how to get the underline off this text, my B).

Portia and Sean outside of Temple Bar, where an Irish singer/songwriter treated us to covers of the Beatles' "Don't Let Me Down" and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire." I'm not sure why artist don't play their own music around here, but the crowds go ballistic for these classics...

I OWNZ THE RIVER LIFFEY, as of now.

Fin. 

See ya'll soon.