Emerald Isle

Headed for Dublin via Birmingham Airport,  a little saddened to leave our cosy Coventry base. We have had such a good time, but six weeks is a good length of time to exchange and we are ready to roll. Arrived Dublin and into the city with no problems - we had the best cab driver - a proud Irishman who gave us lots of tips and information from things to see and do, to pubs, driving and sport. A lovely guy and a great introduction to Ireland.

We stayed with Peter, a friend from Ocean Shores who is working in Dublin and has done so for quite a few years now. Unfortunately his partner Judy was at home in Australia so we missed catching up with her. They have a great apartment on the Grand Canal Dock in the city centre - easy access to everything. Peter was a very gracious host and put up with us for a couple of nights.

Headed out the first afternoon for a long walk around the River and Canal area and got a lecture from a passerby about safety and using our iPad in some parts of the city. But we found the place quite safe and secure, but it was a good wake up. Along the river are grand new buildings built before the GFC interspersed with old historical buildings, a mix of architecture and an eclectic mix of eras.

Saw the statues depicting the immigrants leaving during the potato famine and the ships that sailed them all over the world.

Went to the Arlington Pub for Irish food, music and dancing. A great night even though all 3 of us had dreadful colds.

The next day was bright and sunny, we headed to Trinity College, St Stevens Green, Temple Bar area and along the river and canal.

A Guinness (for Ross) at the Ferryman pub before tea and an early night because between hours of walking, slight sunburn and the flu we were pooped.

The next day we headed to Howth, a seaside town on the coast from Dublin. Road the Dart , the Dublin light rail system, and saw a lot of non- touristy sights from the train. Always good to get another perspective. When we arrived we walked the wharf and checked all the unusual seafood available and the little cafes and restaurants. Unfortunately the weather turned and the sunshine was replaced with wet and windy - aaaaaaaah. So it was seafood chowder at the van on the wharf and a quick trip back into Dublin.

Another visit to the Ferryman for another Guinness and a half pint of cider, tea and bed.