As planned, we went to the Dublin Zoo today. Sat on the upper level of the bus so we could see the sites along the way. Last stop for the bus was a couple of blocks outside the entrance to Phoenix Park. A 5-minute walk to the entrance. No need to wait in line because we had the Dublin Card.
They didn't give us a map as we've received in others zoos we've visited, so we followed the signs.
(They charge about $2.50 for a map/guide which we didn't want to buy.) They have a large variety of animals, viewable in themed areas.
A lot of walking to see it! Of course, most important is seeing the animals. We saw a Mara (Looks like a rabbit, but is a rodent in same family as a guinea pig), Brazillian tapir (related to rhino and horse),
chimpanzees, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, emus, gorillas, orangutans, lions, tigers, and many other animals. I took pictures of all of them so will post them somewhere else online after I return home from the trip.
Exhausted, we walked out of the zoo and treked to the bus stop, not a short walk. Took the bus as far as we could and walked UPHILL to the DUBLINIA attraction about Vikings and Medieval Dublin. Interesting information with realistic scenes about Viking life,sights and sounds from life in medieval Dublin, and skeletal remains and artifacts from digs in Dublin. We exited out via a walkway connection to the Christ Church Cathedral, parts of which are the oldest remaining building in Dublin.
We took buses to the Guinness Storehouse so we could check out what has changed since we last visited in 2006. Celebration of their 250th birthday was in December 2009, so they added a special display featuring dated information about the history of Guinness.
Beginning in 1779, they have managed to distribute Guinness to most countries of the world. We've had the availability of this wonderful brew since 1833. The taste of Guinness just isn't the same as what we had at the Storehouse. I drank the complete pint. Smooth and delicious.When they fill the glass, it comes out as beige brown and, after sitting for two minutes, the gases separate out and the color changes to ruby black. They add more to it to top off the foam. As you finish drinking it, there's foam in the bottom that finishes off the taste.
The views from the Gravity Bar, at the top of the building, are amazing. We were lucky to have such a beautiful sunny day.
The advertising signs say it all...
We walked to Jameson Distillery, across the River Liffey by way of the bridge. It was a beautiful afternoon, almost 60, so the walk was pleasant and, fortunately, not too long. Dublin is a great walking city with so much to see. We followed the signs to the entrance to the Brewery.
Took out the Dublin Cards and were told our tour would leave in about 15 minutes. Enough time to check out the gift shop and visit the toilets. The tour began with a film about Jameson. The tour guide showed us the process of making the whiskey. At the end of the tour, we were each given authentic Jameson whiskey to taste. Some people were selected to conduct a tasting, comparing Jameson to Scottish and American whiskeys. Steve had the opportunity to do this. After completion, he received a certificate as an "official taster." The girl sitting next to me asked where I was from in NY. When I answered "Ellenville, in the Hudson Valley" she told me she was a junior at SUNY New Paltz. She's starting a semester (through Geneseo) at Trinity College (in Dublin), studying literature. She was at the Brewery with her boyfriend, who attends a New Jersey college. Coincidence to be in same place at same time... and someone who is inquisitive or would never have talked to each other.
Walked across the Carlisle Bridge (O'Connell Bridge) so I could check out some things I wanted to buy in a store in the area. Today was Daffodil Day so there were many people selling them. Maybe this man sold more with his special outfit. We had eaten an apple and 2 cheese wedges for an afternoon snack, so started looking for a place to have dinner. There are many eateries but sometimes they don't have many choices for us. We tried a Marks & Spencer on Henry Street, where we had found salads and sandwiches before, but being late in the day, the shelves were nearly empty. We exited out onto a street we've never been on before. Just as I was telling Steve about Govindas, a vegetarian place I read about, of which there are only three in Dublin, Steve said, "You mean like that one there?" Coincidence again?
Delicious, filling, healthy food.
Back to hotel so we can get rest before a busy day tomorrow. Weather is supposed to be very nice so we're considering taking the bus to Phoenix Park and going to the zoo.
Seems like each trip, there's something I forget to pack.
When we went to San Francisco, I forgot to pack toothpaste. Strange thing to forget. Steve had some, so no problem. I could have bought a small tube in a store.
On December cruise, forgot my medicines. First time that has ever happened (will NEVER happen again) and couldn't figure out if they fell out of suitcase or I left them at home. It wasn't until I was going through my travel "drawer unit" that I found the the plastic bag they were in with empty plastic bags. Good that I was able to get the important one (Beta Blocker) from the ship's doctor. I actually was reimbursed by my insurance for bill (minus copay). I did have to buy some over-the-counter acid controller to use instead of Nexium and it didn't work as well. NEVER forget that again!!
This trip I thought I had everything I needed. Forgot about packing washcloths. I know that rarely can they be found in hotels outside U.S. I have to add that to my packing list. We bought some at a Guiney's store, 5 for $1.50. Will use one here in Dublin, leave it, and use another in Paris and leave that one there. Not too bad. They're not as absorbent as ones we buy at home but who cares.
A packing list does help but not if you don't include EVERYTHING on it!
Didn't start out too early this morning, especially since we were tired from traveling, etc. Good thing we went to breakfast after 9:30. There is a large group of 9-10-year-old students (English team of either hockey or football) staying here for 2 nights. They're not too bad but were running in the hallway last night, but not too late.
Breakfast was very good, included in our hotel plan... eggs (scrambled and fried/over easy), beans, tomatoes, sausage/bacon for the meat eaters (Found out they have veggie version which we'll have tomorrow.), cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, breads (yummy scones and croissants), juice, and coffee. Much better than a typical continental breakfast that many places offer. Attractive dining room. I'll take pictures on another day.
Walked about a block, turned corner, and waited at bus stop for about 10 minutes. Bus went directly to O'Connell Street so we could stop in at Bus HQ to get a free bus map. Map was not too helpful, with only the routes and not with streets or showing where the stops were. Steve later bought a better map, but not the best. We've been spoiled when going to other places that have very easy to understand transit maps. It will be a challenge the rest of the time we're here, but we'll manage.
We decided to visit the Dublin Writers Museum, free admission if using the Dublin Card. The audioguide had interesting stories about the many writers featured in the museum. In addition to well known James Joyce, Bernard Shaw, and William Butler Yeats, and Bram Stoker, we heard about other authors who made an impact in literature. A first edition of Stoker's Dracula was on display in addition to a signed copy of Joyce's Ulysses.
Lunch was a tasty prawn salad to share, with lots of veggies. We sat on a bench, watching the people walk by. Afterwards, we walked to the Customs House, no longer used for that but remains a government building. It's located across the street by the bank of the River Liffey. The bicycles in the picture are rental ones that you can ride throughout the city, leaving them at another outside rental location. With all the traffic in this city, it's not the way I'd want to get around.
Alongside the river, people stroll on the wooden walkways, enjoying the beauty of the river and the many bridges that cross it. We walked across a bridge to the other side and stopped in a gift shop. Sat down to visit with a new friend.
After a short stop at the Visitors Center to browse and use the restrooms, we walked to the nearby National Wax Museum, which relocated there in October. Figures of Beckett, Joyce, and Shaw were included, all very realistic looking. In each room we visited, there was a theme and an audio recording that explained the scene featured.
The downstairs area included a dungeon section with figures that are very recognizable.
More figures upstairs, with a science area and a special children's section. A large room featured many performers, both real and characters. Of course, there's a gift shop. Most interesting was the person sitting next to the checkout counter. Not the very best wax museum I've visited (We visited Madame Tussauds in London.), but a good representation.
After walking to the bus stop to catch one back to the hotel, we saw Reads Bookstore and went in to check it out. Bought a French phrase book and Paris book (for next stop on this trip). By that time it was raining. Opened up the umbrellas and walked back across the street to wait for the bus. It was good to sit down on the ride back to the hotel area.
Dinner at Kanum, a Thai eatery near the hotel. Delicious Pad Thai and Spring rolls.
When we walked into the room, we saw that the mini fridge had been delivered. So, back out to Tesco to get some juice, fruit, cheese, and tea bags. Back in the room, made tea and ate a few buscuits. All the comforts...
The room is finally cooler than yesterday. Heat is no longer blasting.
Tomorrow we will probably visit the Jameson Brewery and Guinness Storehouse. We're not driving.
As planned, we went to the Dublin Zoo today. Sat on the upper level of the bus so we could see the sites along the way. Last stop for the bus was a couple of blocks outside the entrance to Phoenix Park. A 5-minute walk to the entrance. No need to wait in line because we had the Dublin Card.
Exhausted, we walked out of the zoo and treked to the bus stop, not a short walk. Took the bus as far as we could and walked UPHILL to the DUBLINIA attraction about Vikings and Medieval Dublin. Interesting information with realistic scenes about Viking life,sights and sounds from life in medieval Dublin, and skeletal remains and artifacts from digs in Dublin. We exited out via a walkway connection to the Christ Church Cathedral, parts of which are the oldest remaining building in Dublin. 
