So far, Dublin is living up to my expectations, and even the weather has been more sunny than not. Thought the winds are cold, the local people are very warm, and are happy to provide directions even without me asking. Maybe it's all the Patagonia layers on me and the Timberland boots that give my nationality away. I'm staying in the Temple Bar district, at Barnacles Hostel. Its supposed to be the cleanest one, according to the Lonely Planet. It's also the smallest dorm room i've ever seen, built more for leprechauns than people! 6 of us share one shower, so you'd better be quick out of your bunk, unless you're prepared to wait for an hour or more. The price includes breakfast, big deal as it's only a few slices of white bread, rank nescafe, and watery orange juice. UGH. I'd rather drink more Guiness! But it's centrally located and easy to walk around to most of the sites. So far, I've toured the Kilmainham Gaol. where many of the Irish political prisoners of the 1916 Easter Rising were held and then executed, the Dublin Castle (more of a palace than a castle), and lots of pubs. The Irish traditional music scene is alive and well. I went to the Brazen Head Pub, reportably the site of the oldest pub (circa 1198--though housed in a newer building now). Internet cafes are on almost every block, so keeping in touch with US news (especially the ongoing political debates, etc) is current. Most of the Irish can't stand Bush, and are very worried about the upcoming US election. Last night i went to a party for jouralists hosted by "The Dubliner" magazine. Saw a great up and coming band called "Chuzzle" named after the Dickens' character, Martin Chuzzlewith. Lead singer wore a top hat and red overcoat and was very theatrical, ala early Peter Gabriel. Their music was a cross between the Beatles, David Bowie, and yet very original. I thank my new Irish friend John Downes for the invitation. I'll stay in Dublin until Oct 12, then head on to Kilkenny, home of my Father's ancestors. May take in a day trip to Newgrange to see the ancient stone site, and also the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough, home of some lovely scenery I'm told.