The Moat Bought a ticket on the 70 bus to O'Connell street today. It takes forever to get to what the Irish call the "City Center". It was probably an hour just to get there. The whole point of the trip was to buy two student 30 day Bus/Luas (light rail system) and then walk all the way to Dame Street to take a tour in the Dublin Castle.
From Hawkins Street I walk across the O'Connell Bridge and up to a convenience store. I get there and ask the clerk for the ticket and HE DIDN'T EVEN ASK FOR MY STUDENT TRAVELCARD! I waisted a week trying to get this card and he does not even ask for it. Time and money. I passed Dublin Castle in the bus. The entrance was like an alley way and was set back. From memory but mostly instinct I was able to find the Dublin Castle. Without even using my map, which, I was really proud of myself. The reasons being because the following:
1)Ireland changes it's street names.
2)Quite frequently there is no signs declaring what street you are on.
3)Not all buildings have #'s in their addresses
4)When there are street signs its on the corner of buildings. Confusing for a number of reasons.
5)One street that curves a little can have multiple street names.
I wondered around looking for the tourist entrance, after all it is a castle and is very big. Finally I found the entrance and was stopped by a high ranking (well at least I think he was because he had a lot of stripes) military official.
He said that it was closed...
The next day I discovered that international diplomats were there to talk about the Lisbon Treaty. The Lisbon Treaty amends the current EU and EC treaty with new alterations. The treaty will strengthen democracy in Europe and also the European Parliaments powers over budget and legislation. That is if a majority of the European countries come to a consensus. I guess Ireland is a key player in passing the Lisbon Treaty. From what I gleamed from the Irish Times is that Ireland is showing doubts about the treaty.
To be on the safe side I decided to use my map to my bus stop. To make a long story short I got horribly lost for 2 1/2 hours. That shows me for using a map.
I did see a few things interesting around the city. Old military officials were swarming the city. I saw hearse pass by carrying a visible coffin. Two seconds later their was another hearse completely identical. It was like a Freaky Friday but actually a Monday. Later I found out that the two-term ex President Patrick Hillery died. Thus my theory about the 2 identical hearses is that one was a decoy in case someone was to blow it up. Maybe I am thinking too much like James Bond or Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
I am glad I got lost because now I know the South side very well.
5 comments:
I have been to Ireland once. It can be different and very similair to America all at the same time. The streets and driving there are CRAZY! The food left much to be desired. I lost 15 pounds while I was there for 10 days. I came across your blog and the picture caught my eye. I'd love to read more about your IRISH experiences.
I am so proud of your navigational skills. It would have been easy to become stressed. Great job for enjoying everything along the way.
love,
mom
Thanks, Ma.
To Bridge:
I KNOW! I seriously think it is worse then the streets of New York. Luckily my host family is cooking me good vegetarian meals. 15 pounds!! That is insane or "unreal"like the Irish boys say.
that water looks tasty in the moat. so will you try another day to visit the castle? i agree with your mom, wayyyy impressive. this is so much fun to read about your journeys.
take care
evan
Nice job navigating. I am also excited that you are trying to find out more about your surroundings and what's happening. (Lisbon) Very cool and very Laine.
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