Well, the weather yesterday afternoon went from bad to really bad. By the time I finished updating the blog, the wind had moved in and the rain was really coming down. I decided to find some food and shelter to see if the showers passed. They didn't, but I tried to venture out anyway.

I bought a new bag, since mine had bit the dust and then I tried to find the statue of Molly Malone, but the rain and the wind were so bad, I had to turn around and come back. My umbrella was of little use because the wind was blowing me all over the place and I was a danger to those around me. I was also wet. It was not a whole lot of fun.

Well, I walked past a movie theatre and thought what the heck, I'd go and see a movie to pass the miserable day. I couldn't get into my room at the hotel yet, so a movie it was. I picked Harry Potter because I wanted to see it and because it was the movie that had the soonest starting time. Because I went early, I got the early bird special on ticket prices, so I didn't feel so bad about going to see a movie as opposed to sight seeing. The movie was good, so I was happy that I decided to go and see it. Two thumbs up!

I finally got to see my hotel room about 4:30. It was absolutely the most welcomed sight on planet! I am not kidding you. I was never so happy to see a real double bed with four, yes, four, fluffy, soft, squishy pillows! That alone was worth any amount of money in the world.

Immediately, I had to get my stuff out and take a bath! I had not had this much privacy since I had left home, so you'd better believe that I was going to take full advantage of it! I took a bath and a shower! I felt like a kid in a candy store, but my sugar fix was a bathtub of my own. Yes, I have gone stark raving mad!

After my bath-capades, I watched some television. Granted it was not the best television in the world and it only got a few channels, but it was TV! I had almost forgotten what it was like to hold a remote in my hand. I watched Sponge Bob, but it wasn't in English, but rather in Gaelic, I think. I could only understand the words Sponge Bob, Sandy, and Bikini Bottom. I was just happy to have television.

I spent the evening with my eyes glazed over watching the television. Hey, you have to take a break from traveling sometimes. I tried to get caught up on the news. Theres is a lot of hoopla over the Saturday visit of President Bush here. I am glad I will be in Killarney by that time, because I think things could get heated here in Dublin and in Shannon as well. At least Killarney isn't too close to any major action. Yes, it is closer to Shannon than Dublin, but I think it is just far enough away to be quiet.

Anyhow, on to the best part. Today, I did the total tourist bit. I bought a ticket on the Dublin Tour Bus. The Dublin Tour Bus is one of those double decker buses that takes you to all the sights and you can hop off the bus and back on at various points of interest. I have always wanted to ride a double decker bus, so I had to do it when I was here.

My first time on, I did the entire tour, all 90 minutes of it. My guide, Martin, was fantastic. He knew so much about Dublin, it was amazing. He told us all the stories and even sang Molly Malone at the end of the tour. I give him two thumbs up.

After my first ride, I wanted to get on the bus again and ride to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. I missed that the first time I was here and I had to see what all the hoopla was about. I took the bus, not Martin's bus though, and jumped off at Trinity College.

The line to the Book of Kells was long. I was debating whether I should really go and see it or not, but my conscience said "When will you get to see this again? You are already here, just go in and see it." So, I did.

It turns out that the line wasn't so bad, because the people in front of me were in a bus tour and already had their tickets. I paid my Euro's and went on in. I didn't know what to expect, but I thought it was going to be fantastic.

Well, let's just say, I don't know what all the stink was about. Don't yell too loudly out there until you hear me out. The exhibit itself was nice, but when you do get up to see The Book of Kells, you can't see if for all the gawky, tourists leaning over it and not moving. Plus, you only get to see four pages. I was a little underwhelmed. I did however like the library. It was awesome. Did you know that the library houses the first edition of every book printed in Ireland? Well, it does. See, I learned something today.

I jumped back on the bus. I was bound and determined to get my Euro's worth. I next jumped off at the Statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square. I had the chance to see where Oscar Wilde lived at a child at #1 Merrion Square. His statue is positioned so that he can watch the house where he grew up. Cool, huh?

Well, I waited yet again of the bus and decided to ride until I found Doheny and Nesbitt's Bar. Why did I need to get there? Well, you see my landlord's last name is Nesbitt and I promised them that I would try to get a picture of the bar. I was just trying to keep my end of the bargain. Who knows, perhaps I will get a break on my rent? Not holding my breath on that one.

I didn't see it until it was too late and I missed the bar. I couldn't get off for a really long time, so I ended up staying on the bus until the end of the tour. I decided my best bet was to catch another bus since I knew exactly where I needed to get off this time. So, back to O'Connell Street I went and on to another bus. I really wanted to get that picture. The things I do for other people.

I finally got my picture and I even managed to get some lunch before boarding my last Dublin Bus of the day. I got my Euro's worth out of that ticket, let me tell ya! Plus, I had many different guides. My favorite is still Martin. That man is awesome!

As I was riding the Dublin Bus, I was reminded of something from Harry Potter. I think the Dublin Bus is strangely like the Knight Bus. I swear that was all I could think about on my last ride. I half expected that little talking head to come down and start speaking with an Irish Accent. "Hello, all! Welcome to the Dublin Bus!"

Well, that concludes my sight seeing for the day. Now, it is back to the hotel to enjoy my last night with 4 pillows. I think a bath sounds really good right now. Perhaps a shower too. I don't know if I will get that combination again until I get home. Speaking of which, I come home in 5 1/2 days! I can't wait!

Tomorrow, it is off to Killarney. I hope this hostel is better than the last. I think I am safe with this one. It came highly recommended. Well, until I update again, Heather