I haven’t updated in a really long time because well...school has been school. I had essays to write and the only time I really left my dorm was to A. get coffee B. go to class or C. go over to Jenny’s to hang out with both she and Leesha. However, that is all over now (until exams) and I am on my way to the Shetland Islands. The weather is supposed to be terrible, but I am still very excited to be going.
Yesterday, I got back from Ireland. Allison Julander and I flew into Dublin for a whirlwind look at Ireland and the countryside. The first day we decided to have a look around the parks and explore central Dublin. First of all, Trinity College is absolutely beautiful. The college has a large square ringed with classic academic buildings. Large oak doors and huge brass doorknobs lead to the entrance of each building-intimidating, but fantastic. I wanted to bring up the doors because I have realized that I am obsessed with doors and windows. The archways and the decorations are some of my favorite things to photograph because they have such character. Back to my main topic. The parks/gardens were lush and very green, but that is to be expected. I saw a swan and remembered to stay away after my last run in with one. Let’s just say I am lucky to still have my fingers.
The second day was devoted to more touristy things. We went to the the two main cathedrals/churches (St. Patrick’s and Christ Church). Christ Church is the elder of the two and St. Patrick’s is of course built to commemorate the patron saint. We went to the Guiness storehouse as well. The exhibit was really neat, but I am going to be honest and say that I was not a fan. It was just way too bitter for me, however, I did manage to down more than Allison by taking huge gulps. Second on the list was Dublin Castle. It is strange because in Dublin there are a lot of brick buildings, but in Edinburgh all of the important buildings are stone. Dublin Castle had a brick facade. The castle in place right now is not the one built by the Normans, rather it is the replacement built in the 17th/18th century after an explosion destroyed the earlier one. Right now the castle is mainly used for banquets and ceremonial occasions (cool fact- Barack Obama will be there in May and then the Queen will make the first royal appearance in two generations the following week). What was really interesting was the fact that about 10 years ago remains of the earlier castle were found as well as viking remains that predate that-one civilization building upon the other.
The following day we boarded a tour bus bright and early in the morning, as in 6ish (not vacation time). We toured the countryside up into the north to eventually arrive at the Giant’s Causeway. The coastline is breathtaking and rugged. One minute rolling hills are the only view you have then suddenly you reach a coastline that looks like someone took a jagged knife to it. I really can’t describe it, so if you want to see it either google it or look at my facebook pictures. The Giant’s Causeway was unbelievable...that is all I can say. I can’t imagine what people thought of it before science was able to explain how it was formed.
The last day before we were due to leave we went on a tour or the Wicklow countryside. The atmosphere was heavy with fog which made the bog lands appear rather sinister and mystical-that is until you come upon the other huge tour buses. Our guide, Keith, was quite nice and gave good insight into what to do around Dublin as well as Ireland in general. Out main destination was a monastery situated by two locks. The conclusion I came to after this brief outing were A. I want a baby sheep (I would say lamb, but that sounds like food) and B. despite the ruin the time create beauty can be found just about anywhere.
I woke up on the last day with one purpose in mind: see the Book of Kells. I accomplished this despite how difficult all of the tour groups made it for me. It was so unreal to actually see THE book itself. My mind can’t really grasp the entire this, rather I keep seeing images flash in my head of the details of the page that was open. At the end of the Book of Kells exhibit the las room was the long room at the old library of Trinity College. I love old library and desperately wanted to wander around at will. However, everything was cordoned off and prevented this wish of mine. I still had time to spare before I had to check out of my hotel and meet Allison and went to St. Patricks Cathedral as well as Christ Church one more time. I arrived at St. Pat’s at the perfect moment. The boys choir school was holding a small service. I walked in quietly and took a seat. I am not Catholic, nor even Christian, however the beauty of it all is deeply inspiring and moving. Simply hearing these sort of choirs is not the same as experiencing it in a medieval church as they were meant to be heard. At Christ’s Church I had the same opportunity, but was running short on time. I did however get to explore the crypt. How lucky was I!? I got to see the mummified cat and rat mentioned by James Joyce on exhibit- as well as other priceless artifacts.
When I met back up with Allison we explored from O’Connell Bridge to the docks. Dublin has some amazing bridges. I wish my dad had been with me because he loves all those weird designs, but I did take pictures for him. I still struggle with the fact that Dublin is right on the ocean, as is Edinburgh. I wouldn’t realize except they both have those ridiculous sea gulls swarming around everywhere.
I arrived back in Edinburgh last night then woke up bright and early this morning catch my train to Aberdeen. From there I boarded the Hrossey, a ferry run by the Northlink ferry system. I am currently sitting in my cabin on my way to Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. The weather is supposed to be dreadful, but I brought my wellies so hopefully I can manage. Well, I suppose this is it for now. I am, as Leesha says, popping these motion sickness pills like candy. The sea isn’t really bothering me, but I wanted to be on the safe side. I want to wake up tomorrow able to enjoy my wet Shetland adventure after my voyage on the “Big Blue Canoe”. (That is clerk at Boots Pharmacy called the ferry.)
Peace
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