Traveling Tomkas: In Dublin's fair city

Did dhuit! We made it! As I type this blog entry I am sitting in an apartment in Dublin overlooking the historic Henrietta Street - one of the oldest Georgian streets in the city. This is where Dublin's powerful and elite once called home, only to be replaced by some of Dublin's poorest residents. When the Irish republic was formed, many of the wealthy homeowners returned to London and took up the role of absentee landlords, carving their beautiful Georgian homes into tiny one room tennements. Today, the neighbourhood is making somewhat of a resurgence. The tennemnts are gone and developers are breathing new life into some of the buildings. I can't stop staring at the facades, thinking of all the life that has passed through them and all of the history witness by their residents. This is Dublin in a nutshell - both rough and charming, both maddening and wonderful.

Today will be our first full day in Dublin. Hubby and the kids are still sleeping off the effects of our long journey, but I was up with the gulls...literally, they starting shreaking at 5:30 AM. I'm itching to hit the pavement but I have to remind myself that I am travelling with young children this time around and need to be sensitive to their needs. I can't fault them, they were absolute troopers during the long flight, travel delays, and then walking all over Dublin to do some shopping for supplies. After being up for some 39 hours - zero complaints from them. They were a bit ropy by bedtime, but happy alltogether.

First stop on the list this morning - Dublin Castle. Dan and I missed it last time we were here because there was a state visit and most to the rooms were closed. Thankfully our timing seems better now. The kids have been begging to see a castle, so I can't wait to see their reactions. From there, we'll lively hit up the Stag's Head - Dublin's oldest Pub - for a pint and some lunch. From there we'll be checking out EPIC - Dubling's newest attraction that tells the story of Irish immigration through interactive digital displays. It has won a number of awards and came highly recommended from a few different locals. The remainder of the day, we'll play by ear.

Signing off now, as I hear a bit of rustling coming from the kid's room. It was their first time sharing a bed last night and they have been asleep for a solid 11 hours. It's just poor Mom who can't seem to catch any rest - I'm just too excited to be back here again!.