The Barroom Is Filled With The Joy of Making Old Friends...

So I went to Ireland and guess what? My face looked NOTHING like the terrain- severely disappointed, total bummer. Other than that, things were perfectly lovely and I'm quite sad to be back home (sorry America). I spent a good bit of time on my own, getting lost in the rain and tripping on cobblestone streets and doing proper nerdy things like visiting libraries, but I also met some really excellent new friends and drank a bunch of beer and fell in love with the city of Dublin. I learned the historical origin of the term "shit-faced", heard all about the decomposition of mice & rats, was repeatedly told how badly I need to visit Spain, tried amazing smelling deodorant (spray kind of course) from a girl in a bathroom who loved my "accent", discovered that people from Norway like to visit Ireland and drink massive amounts of Heineken, had wonderful conversations about music and literature and racism (awkward) but most importantly, confirmed that I really really really love traveling alone. I left feeling so much more confident about the time I want to spend in Europe next summer. Special thanks to my new BFF Eamon aka Ned aka Neddie who was so welcoming and generous with his time while I was there and is my favorite Irishman for promising to root against Notre Dame when they play in Dublin next fall. Also, many thanks to the sweetest couple in all of Ireland, Noel & Rose, who have invited me for a visit to their hometown of Galway upon my return, which I will absolutely take them up on.
Didn't take as many photos as I thought I would, I was too busy just enjoying myself (and shopping), but here are enough to bore you to death. Enjoy!


Making KC proud



Reading Room in the National Library



Adorable Trash Can



Wise Ole Oscar



Alley where I didn't get raped or murdered



My Hotel- there was tacky Irish Dancing every night



Rotunda in the Natioal Museum



St. Stephen's Green



Busy, busy Grafton Street



Not sure but I liked it!



Ha'Penny Bridge



Original Dublin City Wall & Gate, or something, I dunno



Christ Church Cathedral



Lit a Candle for my Dad



Festive Crypt



St. Patrick's Cathedral



Super Adorable Chairs



Token St. Pat's Photo



"Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order."



O'Connell Street



Dublin Custom House



Glow Tree



Can't be sure, but I think it says "We love you Mindy"... or just "Dublin"



Trinity College



Occupy



Again, can't be sure, but I think it's some expression of love for me.



Stairwell in City Hall



City Hall Rotunda



Anticlimactic Dublin Castle



Curse you uneven walking surfaces!



SHOTS SHOT SHOTS



Proudly avoided all touristy pubs like this, but it does make for a great photo!



LIES!!!!



Pop Quiz: Which of these fools is about to fall off this monument? (HINT: it's me)

Thanks for everything, Dublin. Can't wait to see you again in March :)
~M