It rains in Ireland.

Last night I went for about an hour's walk around town. I went down O'Connell street, which is the main road, and down a few side roads just to take in some of the sights. I got back to my hostel around 9 and I still hadn't met anyone so I just decided to call it a night. Everyone staying here speaks another language, and they're all grouped up together already, so it's hard to connect with people. I'm hoping some new english-speakers come tonight, but we'll see.

Dublin has been pretty cool so far. I walked to the Guinness storehouse, which took about an hour and a half, and was very relieved when I saw it! On all the streets they have "look left/right" because they drive on the other side of the road, and it's a good thing because it's really hard to get used to! You think your safe and then you step out and a huge bus turns right.. from the other side of the road! Ya, a little scary. I walked down the River Liffey and it was really pretty, lots of flowers and each bridge over the river was really cute and different than the others. Dublin is a huge city, but it wasn't that bad a walk considering how far accross town I was.

The storehouse was really cool, it showed lots of Guinness history, the brewing process, and pretty much anything else you need to know about Guinness. I learned a lot about beer!

At the very top of the building is the gravity bar which had almost panoramic views of dublin, which was really cool. It's huge! Had myself a very delicious Guinness that the bartender poured with a shamrock on top, see?

Next I walked to the Kilmainham Gaol. It was just around the corner so I didn't think I could get lost but I totally did. I asked a taxi driver with a super thick accent so that didn't really help but I kept walking in the direcion he told me and this really nice old man obviously spotted that I was lost and said, "Are you looking for the jail?" I could have cried I was so happy he helped me! Anyways, finally got there. It's a jail that was built over 200 years ago to house criminals, even kids! It was a really cool tour, very eerie at times. We also went out into the rock yard which was where they executed the leaders of the Easter Rising. Really chilling.

I then decided to take the bus back, especially because it was raining and I didn't have my jacket! Lesson 1, always bring your rain jacket in Ireland. 10 minites later it was sunny again, but still. Actually I think lesson 1 was always wait for someone to cross the road before you do! Anyways I'm back at the hostel gonna make myself some lunch/dinner and then head out to O'shea's pub which is just up from my hostel. There's live music and dancing and stuff there and maybe some Canadians?! Haven't met any yet but you never know!