Reading Week Part One

I realized the best way for me to gather all my pictures, sort them, and post about my week of adventure with Auntie Gail is in small chunks so I don't procrastinate too much! :)
So the first day she was here we did a tour of Trinity College campus led by an amazingly flamboyant Philosophy graduate student who was hilarious.  We learned some random facts about campus but also some really interesting information about when it was built and the randomness (for lack of a more precise term) of the architecture as a whole - meaning all the buildings were created in different styles and at different times by different people.  Then we visited The Book of Kells exhibit in the Old Library, and I showed her my favorite place - the Long Room in the Old Library.  I am still so distressed that they won't let me study there...  But I have figured out how to infiltrate the Early Printed Books department - but that is a story for another time.

Here is us at the College Chapel.

Here we are at the Campanile on campus.


We went for a late lunch at an amazing place right near by that my mom found when she was here called KC Peaches.  I get a 15% discount since I am a member of the Trinity Literary Society.  That was the beginning of what felt like a week of lasagna because I ate it many times (there is no ricotta cheese in it over here! so I love it!)  Then I showed her around Grafton Street area and St. Stephen's Green which is gorgeous.

Here is a picture of one area of the huge park.  It is an absolutely beautiful spot for a walk or to sit and read.

By then it was time to sample the night scene in Temple Bar and show Auntie Gail what this famous pub filled street is known for.  But this particular Saturday night there was hardly anyone there...it was the strangest phenomenon.  Usually on a Saturday it would be mobbed with people.  But we had some pub food in a pub called Farringtons.  We ordered Guinness to inaugurate the experience (Gail has that picture on her camera).  And we had Cottage Pie and Irish Stew.  It was a fun atmosphere and decent food.  Although as Auntie Gail reminded me near the end of the trip - the Irish are not known for their food.

We did make a friend that night in Temple Bar...but boy did he stink!!

The we met up with some of my friends from school for a birthday.  It was a great venue called Cafe de Siecle. Gorgeous inside and great music!  There was some dancing!  And we had a great time.
By the end of all that we were exhausted - especially Auntie Gail who was battling jet lag.

The next morning we got up and went to church with my friend Andrew.  It was a Baptist church.  Everyone was extremely welcoming, and we had a great time.

That night we met my friend Ashley for dinner and had amazing Italian food and then gelato to top it all off.  Just one of many delicious italian meals...in Ireland! :)

Here is me and Ashley outside the gelato shop in Temple Bar.

The adventure will continue in Part Two when we begin our travels around the island...stay tuned.
And sorry there aren't more pictures. Auntie Gail and I haven't combined all the pictures yet.