Dublin: The Return

I went back to Dublin in July, following my first visit in May. I wasn't planning on going back so soon, but my parents and brother were meeting our Colombian friends there, so I flew over for a weekend of catching up.

Because I'd done the touristy things during my May trip, it was much more relaxed... shopping, drinking, wandering. Drinking.

Here's the weekend in pictures...

Blue skies over Ha'Penny Bridge, and my traditional "local lager and guidebook" photo

Our David and his beard, before a Turkish hot shave that brought tears to his eyes!

Team shot in Temple Bar

Tourist-tastic posing on Grafton Street

Pete, Molly Malone and Pa

The Worlds Longest Riverdance. Yup, really! Fantastic, and very emotional. They made the bridge shake, and me want to learn how to Riverdance :)

We stayed at the Ballsbridge Hotel which was swanky and lovely, if a little too far from city centre to walk. There's a bus stop outside though, and taxis were reasonable. The hotel was hosting the Miss Ireland pageant the same weekend we were staying, so we had fun checking out all of the beautiful girls at breakfast and guessing who would win the title!

Dublin is great, and I'd definitely go back a third time, or a fourth, or... you get the point. Slainte!

When in Rome...

...do as the tourists do.

I did!

So, that's the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican City and Pantheon. Photo evidence below. It really was a whistle-stop tour, we had 2 nights there (that means only 1 full day) so only scratched the surface of Rome and there's plenty to go back for. Saying that, I won't be going back in July... HOT. My ginger self did not appreciate the ridiculously high temperatures, but seeing as I won the flights I can't complain!

We stayed at Hotel Arenula which was fine, but nothing more. Nice low price though, which is why I won't complain. I'm sure there's better out there, but you could do worse!

In a nutshell, Rome was fun, and very beautiful. I'd go back, and try to be less of a typical tourist next time so I actually have something interesting to write... ;)