Session and last day in Dublin:

1/15/11 Saturday Addendum:

I had met some young Irish lads and lasses in Galway at the hostel, Tom, Ian, Aaron, Aiofe, and Sarah who were there for a mate’s birthday. They invited me to Tom’s birthday party, or as they call it, a session, in Skerries. I was a bit skeptical about going but decided to chance it. There were about 50 people at this party, with great Irish hospitality. Everyone wanted to talk to the American; I got to dance with some lovely young ladies, and had a generally great time! So this is a big thank you to my mates Ian, Tom and Aaron for making me come, I had an awesome time! The party was pretty evenly divided between girls and boys, and I use that term on purpose, because most of them were about 18 or so. The party broke up about 1:30 and I took a cab back into Dublin.

1/16/11 Sunday:

Today I got up about 9am and after breakfast Elizabeth and I went to see the National Gallery of Ireland. The National Gallery is free, which is an added bonus. The highlight of this museum for me was the exhibition for Joseph Turner, who stipulated in his will that his watercolors could only be displayed in January. The reason for this was because watercolors are very delicate and light sensitive, and January is when the natural light levels are at their lowest. The room in which they are displayed is very dark, and the spotlights are set to only 50 lux.

The watercolors themselves were beautiful. Feathery and light, they looked like multi-hued clouds on paper. The themes were mostly landscape, and Turner captured them in a way that made them jump off the paper and into my imagination. My favorite was Great Yarmouth Harbour, which depicted a lighthouse, mill and dock against the backdrop of a brilliant sunset. But the best part is that it is an impressionist style, something I’m not a huge fan of, but it was done so well, I could not help but be moved by it.

After the Museum we got on the bus again and just talked until the end of the line about many different topics. I really enjoyed seeing my sister again, and hopefully I’ll see her again soon. We have many differences in philosophy and religion, but surprisingly we managed to remain civil, so kudos to her! I can be annoying at times when someone does not agree with me.

I’m sad that my time in Ireland is done, but I look forward to going back to work, seeing my friends again, and going down to the ocean and breathing the salty air. I cannot wait to come back here and see all my new friends again, as well as my friends in France and Australia! You guys made my trip, seriously. Thank you for being awesome people and I look forward to visiting you soon!

From Dublin,

Aeyrie