Sunny Dublin Day

Well, I was woken up at 1:30 this morning to the sound of the buzzing again. I called the concierge and he came up to take me to an alternate room. I shuffled behind him in my PJs and stockinged feet, and slept on the third floor until 8 when I had to wander my way back up to my original room on the fifth floor so I could shower and get ready for the day.

Today was more interesting that yesterday. We got a little tour of DCU (Dublin City University) which is where all our study abroad kids are staying. Then, we met up with one of our students, Sarah, and followed her to work in the freezing cold (but very sunny!) weather. The video team had her walk certain streets (over and over) and we shot her riding the bus as well. That was a trip!  All these poor locals minding their own business have their personal space invaded by three nerds with cameras! They were very nice about it.

At Sarah's work we had tea and met her boss and chatted about cultural stuff. I mentioned that I hadn't seen many redheads here in Dublin and that surprised me. A woman who works in the same building told me that a lot of people dye their hair, "There's major slagging for being ginger-haired!" 
Translation, "You'll be harassed for being a redhead"

After photographing Sarah at work, which wasn't too exciting, I left and wandered the city for a bit before it got dark. I had about 45 minutes and I used it to check-out down Henry Street where there were lots of people and kiosks.

One kiosk salesman approached me and asked where I'm from. I told him Boston and he asked about Charlestown; that he's just seen The Town, with Ben Aflec.  He made an observation which I have found to truly be the case "The Irish in Boston are more Irish than the Irish here!"  I couldn't agree more. In fact, aside from some phrases and the accents, I see little difference in the people here and back home with regard to style and manner. Interesting.

I also went shopping at Penny's. Sarah explained to me that a common phrase was "Penny's!  3 Euro!"  Which is the same as saying "I got it at Target for 6 bucks!" when someone compliments something you're wearing.

So, I checked out Pennys and it was basically a Target but cheaper.

I returned to my room to find that buzzing has continued. So, I've been moved down the hall. The room's a little bit smaller, but I'll take it to get rid of the sound of a vaccuum cleaner being left on in the floor above.

fresh squeezed juice. Cool machine!

at right is one of our BU students, but I liked this man's face

I have no idea why I posed with James Joyce. I don't know his work. At all.

Note the bullet hole in the sleeve. It's form some uprising a million years ago or something.

I took a lot of people pictures today. (as you'll see)

all of the following were taken on Henry Street among the shops.

dinner at The Brazen Head, the oldest inn in Dublin. Great food and fun atmosphere!

Beef and Guiness pie. Much better than it looked.

this groups was trying to get a paper lantern to rise up above the flame. When they were unsuccessful, they found another use!