Seven Days In Dublin: Day 2

I had wrapped the yoghurt we purchased last night, in a towel, hoping to keep it somewhat cool. Alas, the room temperature didnt make it easy, and though the yoghurt wasnt exactly room temperature, it wasnt far off! I dont think a basin full of ice would have helped either, frankly.
We slept fitfully, and I finally went into the bathroom, some time after 1am, and took a mother's helper (sleeping pill)  which of course makes me drowsy all morning, especially when my 8 hours have been short changed.
I woke with a migraine. I think the combination of early morning rising (and not getting more than 3 1/2 hrs sleep before that), dehydration and poor quality of sleep in general contributed to the malaise.
I had my Excedrin Migraine tabs with me and popped one of those along with a whole bottle of water...about half a litre. It tasted rather disgusting, coming out of the tap, and I was surprised this was the case.  We hate buying water when we can get it out of the tap, but were forced to spend precious Euros on water thereafter. It is always good to carry a bottle around with us (each) but it also adds to the weight of our over-shoulder bags, which I think contributes to the feeling of exhaustion, in the warmth.
Anyhoo...Breakfast was otherwise good. Fresh berries at a reasonable price...I haven't bought blueberries in France for a while due to the cost, but these were tasty and inexpensive in the scheme of things. The  blackberries were huge and delicious. We like to have super foods for breakfast. A full cream Greek yoghurt and banana completed the start to the morning. We decided to purchase the little plastic bowls and some paper serviettes but had taken the plastic cutlery from home for this very purpose. We washed them all in the bathroom sink of course under the extremely hot water! Nice to bring them home and be able to use them again on the road.

One good thing about the picture window in our bedroom was the view. Even though the grey skies persisted and made it challenging to see things in the distance, I was able to zoom in on this light house, one of many in the area. With the tide going out so far (as I mentioned yesterday...about a kilometre)  there must have been sand bars way out there towards the shipping channel which looked rather skinny from our perspective.

 A couple of ships (foreground type) were anchored in Dublin bay for the duration of our stay. No  room in the port, apparently. The Ferry in the distance is only one of many that come and go during the day.

 Looking to our right, we determined to find where those steeples were!

 The Booterstown DART (rail) Station, not far up the road. Another reason we chose this Hotel...for the proximity to transport links. Bus just outside the Hotel and DART 100meters up the road and across the pond...no swimming allowed. There is a road to the far right of this photos.

 The two tall chimneys used to belong to a Power Station. When the station was no longer in use, the City decided to take them down. NO WAY! said the general population, and they stand there today as a memory and part of the general view of Dublin. At least that is the story we got from someone who we think should know! The chimneys to the right are the new power station.

 While searching through the various drawers (some with broken knobs) in the bedroom, we came across the Laundry check list. While we didnt think we would need these services before reading it, we were certain we wouldn't after reading the prices. OUCH!

 Nothing beats washing your smalls in the shower and hanging them all over the bedroom on any railing you can find, lol.It was so warm at night that everything was dry in the morning...all except Waz's socks, of course.

While not exactly a pretty view, it did keep us somewhat amused when we needed to occupation. Always plenty going on down below our 4th floor window...sometimes at times that were inhospitable...you know what I mean!

 When we asked, we were told that most of these Ferries go to the UK. I had thought some, like this one, would go along the coast, either up or down...Cork?

 Two went out the sea wall in fairly quick procession. They weren't going too slow either!

 Back to more mundane things. Prices! Diesel is less expensive here than our corner of France. 135 euros, vs about 147 Eu, on our return to France. Not bad. Plenty of small cars here, but also plenty of gas guzzlers too. We were in a more affluent area, so I guess that makes sense.

 That FROM 99euros a night rate in the background?? Single room rate!
Across the road form the hotel was this rather quaint house. Stone, but it looked short and stunted. No grass or yard to speak of, so we guessed it might be historic in some way. Nobody seemed to know.

 It was certainly entertaining, looking at how some of the slate shingles were kept on with black tape! Some interesting architectural details.

 These duplexes were typical up our road. Single garages appeared to be a luxury as there were plenty of high end looking homes with nothing other than a fancy gate at the entry and gravel forecourt with two European cars parked there...not a garage in site!

 This mail box was built into the Gate pillar of a private house. It looks like it is still in use today.

 Lovely gates marked the private boundaries of so many properties as we walked up the main road towards Black Rock, our destination today. This house in particular took our attention, being placed so far back on the property from the road. Nice!

 We loved the red brick, and this home had some interesting features, including...

 Fabulous stained glass windows...

 A turret with fancy lightening rod! plenty of chimneys there...interesting ironwork...

 ...and a famous former occupants, it seems!

 This key stone would look very much 'at home' in our neck of the woods in France!

 Further on we came to this lovely yellow Pub. Typical of the Pubs we have seen so far...mostly from the airport bus, there are hanging baskets with the best of Summer colors still blooming...

 ...on a street corner, at that! The perfume from the petunias was wonderful. LOTS of begonias everywhere, and not just the normal small flowered bedding kind either.

 Moving right along up the road...Lovely and expensive row houses...how expensive?? Think upwards of 3/4 of a million. Auckland, NZ prices....and no garage!

 This seemingly ordinary looking home (from the outside) is for sale for 995,000 euros! ouch!

Yes, we are finding Dublin expensive. Public transport is, for sure. Food is less than NZ by a long shot, but similar prices to our corner of France. We also enjoy less expensive wines and luxury goods, in France.

On the sea side of the road were these apartment houses. The top floor had the best views, but they are very close to the DART rails, not to mention the bus stop just outside. We know from our hotel room proximity to one that it is NOISY!

 Dublin is well known for it's excellent education institutions. Private church schools abound here.

 A private Boys school. Castle anyone?

 we assumed the swimming pool is in that enclosure on the left. No way would they be swimming in the open air in Ireland!

 This rather gorgeous creature was on the hedge I was peering through to take photos:)

 We are always gratified to see fellow kiwis wherever we go. This is a NZ Flax, beside the pillar

 ...and the scraggly looking tree is a NZ Cordeline, commonly known as a 'Cabbage Tree' in NZ.

 Hmmm....another lovely property with a windy path...my favorite kind!

 Of course I had to stick my camera through the bars to see what else was in there...

 Aha!

 And just next door, another lovely curved driveway. Im in heaven! lol

 We like these 'rests' in the bus shelters. You dont exactly SIT on them, just rest against them.

 OK! We made it. A couple of Ks south and we found Black Rock. This is the shopping center and around the corner towards the sea is the small shopping center...quaint!

 Inside the shopping center and things were just opening up at 9am. Well, the Supermarket was open, which was great, so we went in there. We see plenty while perusing the aisles...and looking at what people put into their carts or baskets. Like so many western countries, Dublin (we were only in Dublin), has an obesity problem.

 I love these Happy Socks...they are everywhere here....Men's socks!

 The first aisle we came to was the Bread Aisle...wow!

 Slightly different names for their French style breads, but mostly similar prices to those we see in France.
Their own new bakery!

 LOTS of fabulous breads in bakeries and lunch cafes. We have eaten some with our soup for lunch and very impressed with it all.

 Look at those scones, on the right! Waz had to have one! Cant say I blame him, but I didnt indulge. I bought one of the pecan pastries next to the pain chocolat.

 Crikey! Donuts anyone?

 We went looking for the legs of Lamb, of course...and as you do, this being Ireland! Lots of the woolley things out there! This was a good price. I spoke with the butcher and we chatted about the prices of lamb worldwide.

 And then there was the coffee station! and...it was that time of day.

Frank and Honest are everywhere. Good coffee at a good price. Lattes were lovely with good Irish milk, and reasonably priced, thankfully.

 I dont know if 'Sincerer' is actually a word, is it?? Jury is still out on that one, lol. I have to agree with the sentiment though.

 Plenty of great food and we enjoyed the different menus using foods that we dont see a lot of here.
The last item on this menu is what I would have ordered!

 Black Rock, once we left the little Mall.
Plenty of pretty red brick buildings and small businesses.

 Lots of kids on bikes with their parents. Very much a bike culture here, which is fantastic.
Everyone walking, jogging...lots of young people out there too. Plenty of overseas students at the colleges. We heard so many different accents and languages being spoken. Such an international flavor...fabulous.

 The Sunday Market was interesting. Lots of crafty people making wonderful things. So creative!
Lots of little stalls...one selling sheepskins from places even he didnt know where they were from, lol. The Irish sheepskins are lovely...just like NZ ones. So many similarities. Irish butter is wonderful too. Just what you would expect from the green pastures out there.

 As I said, the Begonias are gorgeous, and they are everywhere.

 We walked towards the rail line and the sea beyond. You cant get down to the beach here, unfortunately These row houses are prime real estate with the expensive cars outside to go with them. They face the sea, but the rail line is between them and the ocean.

 Oh look....another Begonia:) And it's yellow too! My favorite color.

 This is what those houses above look out onto. Not pretty!

 There are blackberries everywhere...trailing along the side of the tracks, in the parks...simply everywhere, as I said. Im happy about this...free dessert most nights. Waz didnt indulge quite the same way, but he was generous in finding the biggest and ripest ones for me.

 Lots of these little Bug Hotels everywhere. Cute!

It was time to go back to the Hotel. We walked inside the fence along the train tracks, constantly being overtaken by fast walking Irish. It was warmish but overcast/grey.

 Crossing the bridge on the left we entered the pretty park. Nice to be able to walk all the way there and back in different environments. Sore feet by now!

 Apparently the white Egrets have just been introduced to Ireland. No idea why...as late as 2007! A couple of juvenile Grey Herons in the mix.

The Dublin Horse Show is on at the RDS (Royal Dublin Society) showgrounds. It is big business here. Another reason for the accoms. being booked up! THEN next weekend in the Dublin Ironman. They started arriving and training about Wednesday!

On the bus coming into the city from the airport, we were very surprise to see the rebuilding of the Docklands area. This city area was hit hard by the 2007/8 financial crisis and totally tanked, our sources said. They were happy to see so much construction underway, but we weren't necessarily...plenty of old red brick buildings under the wrecking ball to be replaced by bright shiny look-alike condos/apartments and office blocks. 

Coffee shops everywhere...even inside the little neighborhood wool shop we stopped by on our first walk. They had lots of Irish Lambswool and Alpaca wool for sale. Out back in a space much larger than the actual shop, was a tea shop. Hmm....we went to see what was on offer. It was busy, and the usual fare in the glass cabinet. Refrigerator slices, shortbreads, and other small cakes but not cupcakes, which we didnt actually see  that many of, fortunately. 

Gorgeous hanging baskets everywhere. We are SO enjoying the flowers. In particular the Begonias. WOW! I never thought I would ever see the larger varieties being used as bedding plants in this way. Climate!! has to be the key!

Lovely trees with plenty of variety, stunning Silver Birches, poplars, which make a musical sound hen their leaves twist in the breeze.

Being a Sunday there were plenty of people about, and lots of DINKS with their one or two French Bulldogs on leashes. All peeing against everything they came across. Plenty of poop on sidewalks, mores the pity.

Whole families biking, all kitted out in full cycling regalia. It was a bit amusing to be honest.

at 1/4 of twelve/noon, we sat down to eat some lunch. All day breakfast always invites us in. The Java Café in Black Rock was where we chose to stop. It was full up to busting and we enjoyed the family groups greeting each other in such a warm way, all enjoying being together and sharing food. 

We decided on a Bacon Benedict each. Irish bacon is wonderful! more like kiwi bacon, so we indulged. A couple of lattes were welcome and very hot, just as was asked for.

We paid 18,40 Euros for the two of us. In NZ we would have paid $45 kiwi dollars for the same thing. I dont know what the minimum wage is in Ireland, but these folks were hospitable and efficient, and no sign of tip jars, which was cheering to us.  Willing workers, and everyone moved as in a ballet in the small area for serving.

On our walk home through the park we met a Traveller man. They dont call them Gypsies...and he was with his little dog, which he had saved, along with it's 7 siblings. He lives in a tent down by the rail lines, and seemed happy enough to do so. He was very entertaining, and knew our accents, that Wellington is the Capital City of NZ and plenty of other information that rather surprised us...not because of his ethnic persuasion, but because he was the ONLY person we have met in a very long time who knows ANYTHING about NZ, especially in this part of the big wide world.

We stopped to harvest the wild blackberries on the way home, enjoying handfuls of them. Nobody else seemed remotely interested in them. Happy to have harvested!:)

Back at the hotel...where there is a Sunday Carvery doing a roaring trade, we sat in the lobby for 20 minutes or so, observing this mass of humanity and it's comings and goings.

Plenty of foreign accents around us.

Posters for the new MamaMia movie, everywhere. We thought we might go and see it, if we could find a movie theatre.

Back in the room we lay on the bed, watching the European Athletic Championships. Waz snoozed. 

Standing at the window, there are horse floats going by every few minutes. I guess some of the Horse show is wrapping up, seeing it's sunday.

Back to the Market in Black Rock: A sign posted on the pavement at the entry led us to a Hawaiian Poke Café. Ok! Not sure what that might be, in these parts, so let's go and explore, shall we.

In Hawaii, poke is an artform. It is various mixes of uncooked fresh fist, mixed with soy sauce, fish sauce, mirin, sugars, seaweed, onions and spring/green onions etc. Fresh and delicious. It is made with Ahi (are hee) Tuna, shrimp, white fish, octopus and squid, and you might find 10-15 varieties in a supermarket in Hawaii. My expectations were wayyy too grand for this place. Merde! 

Two tiny stainless pottles of an apology for Ahi Tuna (the young woman behind the counter couldn't even pronounce it correctly!!!!) made from a recipe in a book by a California guy....she showed me where they got it from! I did ask, of course.

There was the usual salad fixings alongside, and another young woman was making sushi rice, but there were no other signs of anything Hawaiian there. How disappointing!

I asked where the owners got the idea from...just being curious...riiight...I was pretty pissed off at this stage, to be honest. Oh, They are Irish, went to California, found lots of Poke Café type places and thought to bring the concept back to Ireland. They have not yet been to Hawaii, but are hoping to vacation there soon, I was told. Woohoo!:(

Seriously?? I was pretty disgusted. How can you educate the palate of the customer in new flavors from around the world is the flavors are not authentic? For me, if you cant offer authentic food, then call it something else...Rant over!

So, back to the nap and the TV showing athletics....

Waz woke up and we discussed finding that movie theatre. We had bought a Leap Bus ticket at the gas station next to the hotel on our first day...Saturday! and could use this for both of us, having put 20 euros on the card. We caught the bus to Dun Laoghaire. What lovely homes line the streets on the way there. South Dublin appears to be well healed. 

The movie started at 5pm, so we didnt linger in any side streets, heading to the theatre straight away to purchase our tickets. 1050 euros EACH! ouch!Waz isnt 65 yet, or we could have paid 9 euros for him.

Lots of 'shorts' before the main movie and we started crying over some of those. We had bought a large bottle of water for the movie duration, and drank 80% of it by the end of the movie...had to , replacing all the tears we cried, lol. Silly old people!

The movie was ok...Waz wanted more music he could sing to, and I enjoyed hearing less well known songs for a change. Cher was totally over-rated, and we wondered why her face and head never moved...ha! just kidding...so much plastic surgery and that white wig...whaw! lol.

The Shorts were Christopher Robin (Silly old bear!) modern day Mary Poppins, Queen...you can see why we started crying early, cant you! I dont think we would get through any of those without a box of tissues and two bottles of water!

I still have my Pooh Bear books...I think I will go back and read them again.:)

Following the movie, and getting ourselves back into some kind of shape, post-movie, we headed up the road to find an Indian Restaurant. It came high recommended. I have promised Waz an Indian meal (his favorite) for the longest time. We havent found one that is recommended, near us in France.

A little upstairs restaurant, wonderful smells, garlic narn for him and plain for me...Shrimp something for me and Lamb roganjosh for him...always! This one with Irish Lamb! Both were fabulous, and we enjoyed every mouthful. 33euros for the two meals with water. 

We had seen an advertisement for an Organ Recital at the St Georges church just around the corner, on our way there, and hastened to the entry, just before 8pm. This evening the recital was Trumpet and Organ. Another 12 euros each for entry, and we decided against it. A bit tired now, but not ready for home, being so light out at this hour, we decided to walk our meal off on the Promenade ...the Sea wall to the Harbor, right hand arm in the photo below. 

Past the two Yacht Clubs (The St Georges Yacht Club and the Dublin Yacht Club) fronting the Marina and out onto the sea wall. Heaps of people out there. Riding bikes, scooters, running, kids, parents, dogs...a whole lot of activity. Fish and Chips truck, ice-cream truck, plenty of people eating both.

The sky was pretty dramatic, as we walked out there. The wind felt warm and there was a hint of moisture to come.

 The fabulous St Georges Church Tower. The church burned down but the tower survived. The new church is something modern and interesting.

 Petunia how I love thee...the scent was gorgeous in the warm evening.

Victorian wotnot.  I normally take photos of all the name plates so that I dont forget what they are, but this one somehow didnt happen. Queen Victoria's head is on one of those gold thingys around the top there.(I must be tired!! lol)

 The Town Hall is an imposing and very pretty building. We took a closer look another day.

 The Dun Laoghaire Life Boat. You can see the promenade on the sea wall in the background.

 Sea walls are a necessity in parts like this. They get some vicious storms and there is no shelter elsewhere on Dublin Bay.

 We climbed the few steps to the lookout. Plenty of light houses to view. Each of those raised bronze discs show the direction of yet another and some other places of interest as well.

 The dramatic sky.

 Those rocks are huge, which leads us to believe that there are some massive storms in winter, in these parts. The Dalkey Peninsula is in the background.

 The reclaimed anchor from the Leinster, the Irish Mail boat full of 501 passengers that was sunk in Dublin Bay by a German U-Boat. Not a splendid day in Irish History, I can tell you. We saw many books in the bookshop on the subject. Fascinating!

 These seas are unforgiving. You can read the words for yourself. The lifeboats, not unlike the ones on the eastern shore of the Carolinas in the USA are famous for the hardy men who worked them and the daring rescues they made, but also the horrendous loss of life of these brave souls.

 This is their memorial.

We caught the bus home at around 9.30, with little light left in the sky. A small ice-cream was eaten before boarding, and footsore, we were happy to be back in the room...well, not THE room, but at the Hotel and bed.

Day 3 tomorrow!