I'm back in Dublin, after a slightly hellish trip back from Belfast. Even though i'd organized my return bus trip with Tir Na Nog tours weeks earlier, they forgot and their bus was full....so i had to buy a train ticket (but due to a "security alert"--read as...bomb threat) the tracks were shut so I had to get on a bus half the way, then change back to the train....all in a full-on downpoar. Most of Ireland got hit hard with heavy winds, and Cork, Galway and Waterford suffered heavy flooding. I've actually had the luck of the Irish on my side with weather this month, and have managed to avoid most of the rain on my day trips, hiking, bus touring, etc. I checked back into Ashfield House Hostel, and now that i know my way around Dublin, it's great to just cruise around. I'd have liked to go up to see Newgrange, famous site of ancient stone remains from pre-Celtic times, but i'm feeling a bit more like just hanging around and not playing tourist much my last two days here. Today, i met a young Irish girl, Aisley, who goes to Trinity College and she allowed me into the computer room to upload some of my pics. As always, the Irish are friendly and helpful. Their country is beautiful, charming, and of course, full of history both good and bad. I plan to come back again, in the not too distant future and explore more of the country. I encourage everyone to come here, you won't be disappointed (even braving the weather, October is a great time to see it with colorful foliage, and not as crowded with tourists).

Last night, i had a great conversation at Doyle's pub with Lorcan Keogh, a really sweet guy, who works as an audio engineer (toured with Oasis and U2 among others). We had a fantastic evening of conversation about life, love and the pursuit of passions. I met another kindred spirit and hope to keep in touch with him.