Dublin Vacation, 02.04.-05.04.2017

Oh, what a wonderful trip...

On Sunday morning at around 3 o'clock, we took the National Express from Hatfield to London Stansted Airport. After finally going through security (which took some of us a bit longer, right Miri? :D), we had to wait. The flight took off around 7:30 - we thought it would be a good idea to make most of the day. But honestly? No way! We were so exhausted that we nearly fell asleep on the way to the hotel and ended up taking a three-hour nap in our room. That was a bit of a disappointment :D But we still managed to go out for burgers in the evening and explore the Grafton Street and Temple Bar area. First impression: Dublin seems very promising! Much smaller than London, but cute!

On Monday, we walked through St. Stephens Green, my absolute favorite park in Dublin, towards the city center. Shopping, shopping, shopping! And of course, exploring the city. All on foot, yay! :) After a short break in the hotel, we naturally went back to the Temple Bar area in the evening. Every night there is live music in every bar! Perfect for ending a day in a cozy and musical way :) Even though I really find Guinness absolutely disgusting :D

Tuesday was pretty similar to Monday. A bit of sightseeing, a bit of shopping, exploring charming corners on foot. And in the evening, we toasted with a glass of champagne in the hotel room to the unfortunately already last night (rest in peace, champagne cork on the bathroom roof of our room :D). But of course, we still went to Temple Bar one more time and tried another bar. I personally liked Fitzsimons Bar the best :) ... maybe also because this time I had my favorite cocktail instead of Guinness :D And because the musician was incredibly talented. Anyone who can rock an Adele song impresses me :)

On Wednesday, we could hardly walk anymore :D So we decided to take a sightseeing bus tour. Good idea, because this tour also went outside the city center. These places we could never have visited on foot. After that, we went to Subway for lunch, then back to the hotel to collect our luggage. And then it was time to go to the airport again... Bye bye, Dublin!

I am often asked which city is more beautiful. Dublin or London, London or Dublin? As charming, beautiful, and relaxed as Dublin and Ireland are, I am simply amazed by London and its diversity, countless possibilities, and different atmospheres. So the answer to the question is probably London - even if it's a bit like comparing apples and oranges :D

At this point, I really have to emphasize how impressive the Irish pub mentality is. Every musician performing there reminds the audience to enjoy the moment. They say: sit back, relax, and enjoy yourselves! This philosophy is so important in life. At the end of the day, it's also about making peace with yourself. To be content with yourself. Not always depending on someone else for happiness, but being at peace with yourself and drawing strength and joy from there. Dublin made me realize that.

To conclude: Thank you for the truly beautiful time, Dublin! :)

Take care! And enjoy yourselves ;)

Yours,

Leonie