Dublin, Day 2

After sleeping nearly 12 hours, we emerged from our warm cocoon and into the arms of this adorable child who is still waving her little American flag. Actually, moments before this she was sobbing because her mother was leaving for work. But, as I always say, there's nothing that an American flag can't fix (#sarcasm). 

Figuring out new mass transit systems is always a challenge. I remember riding the subway in Munich for days without paying because we could never figure out how to buy tickets (in the days before the Internet). According to Eleanor, we're probably the only Americans who have ever taken the Luas from Stillorgan. But, conquer the Luas we did and in the process we learned several things: 1) try to sit so that you're not traveling through the country backwards 2) try to both see and listen to the stop names (said in English and Irish--the first in an accent we're struggling with and the second in a language that is utterly befuddling) and 3) move out of the way when you exit lest you be trampled.
From the terminus of the line at St. Stephen's Green, we began wandering towards the Oscar Wilde Memorial in Merrion Square Park. Not far from the Luas stopped for a few photos near Fusiliers' Arch and to consult with Google Maps--how did I ever travel before Google Maps?!?

 Consulting in action.

Even in the midst of a construction zone, I've been so impressed by the beauty of Dublin. This tree has lovely strands of yellow flowers.

 Fortunately, we ARE those cats who love adventure.

 Because it was nearly lunchtime and we were heading to the park, we stopped an grabbed a sandwich at a Spar along the way. This was our lunch spot near the Oscar Wilde Memorial.

 Nearby, we also found this incredible children's park.

Then, at long last, there he was. 

I love the smug and sad expression on his face. As you might imagine, this is a popular tourist destination. Later, I did some additional research on the monument and learned that the statue is carved from several different materials and that his face is supposed to look alternately happy and sad--happy and smug can be the same thing, right? 

Opposite the Wilde Memorial are two additional statues, one of a male torso, the other of a pregnant woman. She looks over her shoulder reproachfully at Wilde. I was absolutely taken with her.

On the pillars are quotes by Wilde in the handwriting of other famous Irish folk--including Seamus Heaney.

As we were leaving the park, I grabbed one last photo. The weather has been unbelievably wonderful thus far--we've been informed that this much sun is a rare thing. Everywhere you look around the city, there are people sitting in the sun. The parks are crammed full of happy pasty people (including us) who are so taken with the weather. We might be the only American tourists who return from Ireland with a tan. 

Next, we headed over to the National Museum of Natural History. For those of you who have been watching Penny Dreadful, you'll recognize the wonderful Victorian displays from the show. If you're not into taxidermy, you might just want to scroll ahead. Here's a small sampling of the MANY photographs I took.

 Peyton's new nickname is "immature little gull."

 I love the expression on this otter's face!

 I was cracking up with some of the labels. Irish fishes forever!

 The museum has a great collection of articulated animal skulls, if you're into that sort of thing (I am!!).

 In case you can't read the label, "Eel, choked in attempt to swallow a frog. 1929."

 "Dead Man's Fingers."

 This is the second floor--if you look up you'll see that there are additional levels with more artifacts. However, there are some safety issues the museum is working through, so we were confined to the first level.

 Judging goats judge.

 This expression on Peyton's face is pretty much his only face in this museum.

 Hairless and skinless bat.

 A little bit of home.

 Rhino rear.

 And, then a pack of loud Irish children arrived speaking in Irish. They were really fascinated by all of the animal "wieners."

 Adorable Irish children pointing out the giraffe wiener.

The evolution of man.

After a thoroughly enjoyable romp in the National Museum, we decided to go to Trinity College to take a gander at the Book of Kells and to see the Long Library. Along the way I saw this great building and couldn't resist a photo.

We couldn't take any photos in the Book of Kells museum, but here's a shot of me on the way in.

 Then, we entered the Long Library and mama was home. As with the National Museum, we couldn't use a flash, so here I am in the dark, but also in love. I wish we had smell-o-vision because the smell of this place is intoxicating.

Visiting with old friends.

I loved the light on the books.

 Unfortunately, we weren't allowed on the upper levels (theme of the day).

After Trinity College, on Eleanor's recommendation, we went to Powerscourt Centre to do some shopping. Peyton bought a great hat--I didn't take a picture of that, but here's a picture of some cool architecture in the neighborhood.

 Mimes.

 Obligatory Molly Malone shots.

 I'm not sure what church this is, but I was drawn to the creepy statue in the background.

 After culturing, shopping, and walking, refreshments were required. We stopped in at Grogan's Pub for a couple of pints.

After refreshments, we headed towards Temple Bar for some fish and chips at Leo Burdock's--it was throughly greasy and perfect. Ha'penny Bridge was nearby, so we strolled over there after dinner. Peyton is looking a bit sunburned and fatigued at this point.

 View from Ha'penny Bridge.

 We started our walk back to St. Stephen's Green and passed this great building--check out the cool reliefs.

Christ Church Cathedral.

 St. Patrick's Cathedral.

 And, then at some point on our way to St. Stephen's Green a tall Irishman whispered to me as he walked by, "It's a fine day, isn't it." Yes, it is, but it's also a bit creepy to whisper at women on the street. Tomorrow we'll be attacking the Guinness Storehouse and the Irish Whiskey Museum!