Sunday, October 17, 2010

Day Two - Cancun 2010



Beautiful day in Mexico. The beaches have been fully restored to pre-hurricane Wilma conditions. They are simply wonderful. What a nice treat to see them.


Saturday, October 16, 2010

Day One - Cancun 2010

We always enjoy a get-a-away to Cancun. Although the old village has changed enormously to an more Americanized city. Still it is a great escape from the rush at home and work ... and of course, seeing old friends makes for a special treat.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Day Four - Dublin Views

Set One










Location:Fitzwilliam Ln,Dublin,Ireland

Day Four - Chester Beatty Library

Well - we tired twice and missed the Library both times! Oh well - it was still a pleasant walk in the gardens on a sunny Dublin day.












Location:Fitzwilliam Ln,Dublin,Ireland

Day Four - RMA Gallery

A short walk from our hotel is the RMA Gallery. What a treat! The contemporary exhibits of Irish native artist was very good.





Location:Fitzwilliam Ln,Dublin,Ireland

Day Four - Dublin Deadline

Who knew time could pass so quickly when you are enjoying yourself. Today is another warm (60ish) and sunny day in Dublin. We had been warned that no one travels to Dublin for the weather. But these few days have been a real treat. We stopped by Iveagh Gardens on our way into town.












Location:Dublin, Ireland

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Day Three - O'Donoghue's

We finally passed this Dublin mainstay when it wasn't overflowing. I could not resist taking a few quick pictures.











Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Three - Bleu Dublin

Another nice restaurant for some Modern Irish fare. This one is located on popular Dawson Street.











Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Three - Dublin Castle

The center of British rule over Dublin is now used by the Irish Government.











Location:Fitzwilliam Ln,Dublin,Ireland

Day Three - National Museum - History

Collin Barracks is home to the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History. I am not much for objects but the National Army history hit the spot with me. From cannons, tanks and military gear - I enjoyed the walk around. Also, the historical review of currency up to the install of the Euro in Irelands was well worth a stop.











Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Three - Rail Dublin

Light rail in Dublin isn't the easiest way to get around the city. But for going the East to West (or vice versa) on the North side of the Liffey - it works fine. A 1.50 Euro fare can save your tired soles a few extra steps.









Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Three - Modern Dublin

The Irish Museum of Modern Art was almost disappointing with the main gallery close for the hanging of a new show. Luckily - an exhibition dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Graphic Studio Dublin made the stop worthwhile. (Oh and did I mention it is directly across the street from the Gaol? - so very convenient.) Also, the show of Post-War American collection in the New Gallery was good.

Converted in 1991 - the Royal Hospital building and grounds makes for an interesting setting.












Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Three - Dublin Jail 2

Some extra views of this 1796 prison and center of Irish history.












Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Three - Dublin Jail

No. We did not get arrested. Surprising one of the most popular sites in Dublin is the old prison - Kilmainham Goal. This is a really good museum and well worth the 6 Euro entry fee. The only way to visit the museum is via tour. But ... the museum itself is well worth spending 30 to 45 minutes.











Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Three - Merrion Hotel

It is easy to understand how the Merrion Hotel earned its 5-star status in Dublin. Our room was one of the less expensive garden rooms - but it did not lack a single convenience and was spacious. The hotel frontage combines three row houses and is easy to miss. Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green and Liffey River are minutes away. It tooks us about 20 minutes to walk to the Abbey Theatre on the opposite shore of the River Liffey last night.














Location:Fitzwilliam Ln,Dublin,Ireland

Day Two - James Toner Pub

In Dublin - you have to end the evening with a pint or two. Tonight we found ourselves at the James Toner Pub on Baggot Street Lower. We couldn't bring ourselves to fight the crowds at O'Donoghue's Pub. A fun lovers paradise but you have to be willing to elbow your way into both the pub or beer garden.











Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Two - John Gabriel Borkman

We lucked into the Dublin Theatre Festival running during our trip. An enjoyable way to enjoy the city and many of its locals. We saw Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan in John Gabriel Borkman by Frank McGuiness. It was shown at the Abbey Theatre - Ireland's national theatre. Interesting drama with a few funny bits thrown in to keep the otherwise dark play from causing too many suicides by the patrons. While every seat in the house is good (as it is a small play house) ours at K30 and K31 were perfect. For those long legged patrons - K27 doesn't have a seat in front of it. We jealously admired its occupant while we hugged our knees.









Location:Dublin, Ireland

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Day Two - Dublin Octoberfest

Nothing like a little German fun in Ireland!








Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Two - Dublin Views

Set One














Location:Dublin, Ireland

Day Two - Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is an amazing manuscript. We were fortunate to visit without the crowds and could enjoy a close-up review without being rushed away. Trinity College holds a prominent place in Dublin. It is a lively place for the students.











Location:Dublin, Ireland