Port #3: Dublin

Being raised not far from New York City or Philadelphia and having lived in Pittsburgh and Boston of recent, Dublin was a city like many others.  Maybe with a bit more pubs - but similar nonetheless.   Over two days, I walked within the heart of the  city visiting Trinity College, the infamous Grafton Street, shopping district, the up-and-coming Docklands area, and the not-to-be missed Temple Bar within Temple Bar.  Yes, the actual bar with which the greater area is named - after the founder? of Trinity College.  In fact, it was there that I had my first Irish Guinness.  Better than in the USA – much smoother and creamier – but still not one of my favorites.   

In addition to spending time with some SaS RDs while visiting Dublin, I was fortunate to know some other folks in the city.  Michelle Tierney, from my PhD program, and her husband have an apartment in the city and were in town for the week.  To walk around with ‘local’s added another level to this city experience.  And visiting with a doctoral colleague was wonderful.  Of course, all of that is not to mention our Indian food lunch!  Check out the Great Tikka Tour for more on that…www.tikkatour.blogspot.com

I spotted this sign post soon after leaving the Port on Day 1.  Interesting that two ports-of-call are displayed - Montevideo and Cape Town (both on the bottom left).  Is it a sign?  It's gotta be - in more ways than one 

The other folks with whom I lived about 30 minutes north of the city in a beach-front town called Malahide.  Gorgeous.  Kevin is a colleague of my father’s and it was absolutely tremendous to spend time with him and his family.  After being picked up in Dublin, we drove north to their home.  On the way, we visited the coastline (hence the photo) before enjoying an amazing Sunday supper.  Although the food was remarkable (especially the creamed mushrooms), the conversation and dialogue was ever-more nourishing.  Dublin/Malahide jumped up on the list of places to return to in the near future!  (Check out all of the amazingness that is this family and their new venture - The Healthworks Clinic - www.thehealthworksclinic.com)

I am now writing for the ship.  We are docked in Southampton, UK.  I’m on duty and will be on the ship until at least 8am tomorrow morning.  After that, I’ll head into London for a couple days to visit a great high school friend Lavanya before heading back to the boat…be on the lookout for a post-London post.