If the weather holds…

The weather has really held up and it’s been a great introduction to Ireland. Without fail, everyone I meet and talk with warns me this weather pattern is incredibly uncommon. So, we’ve done lots of exploring to make the most of it.

First bus and train rides have happened and the system is easy and clean.

I’m happy to report that mullets are still going strong here in Ireland. And jorts. And body suits. So many body suits. Who knew?

Riley is also very much enjoying herself as it seems to be a very dog-friendly country (or city, at least). At least a couple of times each day people stop and admire and pet her. At coffee shops they offer treats for her. She doesn’t love the loud busses and trucks passing by but I think the aforementioned benefits well outweigh the downsides. Here she is at the Farmer's Market after receiving a bite of cheese.

We all biked together out to Poolbeg Lighthouse (beautiful but malodorous). A weird ride because in one direction is beautiful ocean and the other is the wastewater plant and incinerator and shipping docks. On the way home, Sally and I saw a Disney-esque horse and carriage for a first communion.

We kayaked the River Liffey, providing nice views of the city from the water.

We’ve gone to the beach a couple times (so many half-naked people!)

As well as a day trip to Bray for its Cliff Walk (gorgeous).

I’ve also stumbled across more vegetarian and vegan spots than I ever imagined. I thought seitan was actually a food of satan until now...I didn't expect that Ireland would know how to make it delicious but I stand corrected.

And, finally, we found the elusive ice cream truck whose sonorous music was enticing/torturing Sally each evening. Dash down 6 flights of stairs, run 2 blocks, and you get a beautiful sprinkled cone with a flake for just 2 Euro. :)