Ireland's Final Day

Today was our final day in Ireland. It has definitely treated us well. Well were up early this morning as we needed to pay for parking for the car starting at 7, then we enjoyed a cappacino from the cafe near the car in the comfort of our room. As we walked around the corner to our car we noticed a drastic difference from the previous night. We definitely were staying downtown Dublin, the streets were alive. Leaving the hotel shortly after 8, we were at a loss of where to go this early,and how to make the most of our day. We only had one thing on the list for the day, Guinness. But we didn't want to do that till later. We moved the car to a few blocks over and did what we imagine we will be doing often, we got out and decided to just walk and explore. 

We got our 10,000 steps in before noon. Not that it is important but we sure walking a lot this morning. We walked to a nearby park and ate some breakfast. Good ole peanut butter and rice cakes. From there we meandered over to the Dublin Castle, two different Cathedrals, of coarse we had to go into the Dsiney store, we found another park, all before noon. Unfortunately most of these pictures are all on Luke's camera so you will have to wait to get a glimpse of them, but here is a picture of St. Patrick's Cathedral that I took.

                                                                                   

By noon we decided to make our way to the car and move it to the Guinness Storehouse parking lot. It was free was a big drawing feature, also we were headed there later and wanted to be close by. We had lunch and were again at a loss of what to do until our ticket time at Guinness. Again we took to the streets determined to find a few of the other attractions we briefly heard of. Phoenix park, is a large green space that we came upon. Beautiful green grass, large trees, many types of flowers, but specifically tulips. They are truly my favourite flower and they were in every colour at this park. Although we didn't walk the whole park we saw what we wanted and headed back in the direction of Guinness.  

 

                                                          

On our walk to the Phoenix Park we saw a big sign of the Natural History Museum, so figured we have time might as well check it out. We went into an exhibit about the 1916 revolution. We have heard this referenced many times, at the jail especially as many of the key people in the revolution were sent there and actually died there shortly after arriving. It was an interesting exhibition with many old srtifacts and belongings and many stories. Was worth the stop, plus it was free.

 

Next stop: Guiness Storehouse

          

We arrived 10 minutes before our tour time. Turns out we really didn't need to book before because there was no line when we arrived. But we did get it for cheaper this way. Was different then I imagined it would be. I guess I thought it would be more of a brewery/how it's made sort of tour, and in a sense it was but in a different way. It was a self guided tour that you walked and read as you went. Guiness is made of barely, hops, yeast, water, and of coarse tender love and care. Was cool to read how it is actually made and the process that it goes through before it is even beer. On top of that how the barrels are made, and restored. 

 

It even took us through how they advertise and the way that it has progressed over the many years Guinness has been around. As well as the history of Arthur Guiness how he started it all, how supportive his wife was, and how his children kept it going and made it what it is today. Arthur and his wife has 21 children. Dad you hear that? 21!! Back in those days it was difficult for young kids to live. Arthur and his wife buried 11 of their children. But the 10 that lived, lived on with name and created Guinness to be all that it is. 

                       

We even learned how to make the pour pint! How can you not! I even learned, and lucky Luke got two pints of Guinness. We even got a certificate saying that we poured the perfect pint. Woohoo!! We went through a tasting of how you can taste the different flavours of Guinness on the different areas in your mouth. Before drinking we cheersed, saying, slainte, which is in good health in Irish. Dad don't worry I turned to Luke and promptly clinked glasses with a Nosderovia! Which in Ukrainian is in good health. I even cheated and had my very first sip of Guinness. I had to try it. Can't go to an experience like this and not get the full experience. One sip didn't kill me, I definitely was a ware of my stomach but no reaction. PHEW! At the top of the Storehouse, they have a gravity bar, with a 360 view of Dublin. We looked around and we pretty much walked everywhere that we could see. Guiness Storehouse is shaped like a pint. You can see it when you look closely from the inside it is pretty neat. Guinness is also a ruby red colour we learned which I never would have guessed. You can tell if you hold it up in the light or against white. 

                

 New words added to vocabulary...and many more to come I am sure!

Washroom: simply put is toilets

Parkade: Car park

Elevator: Lift

Litter: Garbage

Lead: Leash

Rental: Hire

Let: Lease

They have these super awesome dog poo signs. They always seem to say something different about picking up after you dog, and they often rhyme. It is pretty hilarious. They always also have a cartoon dog pooping. Here is a picture of a garbage... It was the coolest ones we would see, mixed in with a few other types. 

 

And so the adventure continues...