One thing about being in a hostel - you meet people from all over! Austrians, Canadians, French, Australia - I even met a Italian guy who was wearing a french world cup shirt - he said because it was cheaper - HA! Hostel living is quite multicultural.

However with that said, I shipped myself out of Galway and into the city of Dublin, where I checked into a hostel that Tyson Gamblin (a friend from Enumclaw) was coincidentally staying in the same hostel on the same night! It was so crazy! After a long day of walking the streets of Dublin (and getting VERY lost), I sat myself down in the lobby very breifly and who should walk in but Tyson himself! Since he had been there for quite some time, he decided to show me the night life of Temple Bar streets (a cobble-stoned pedestrian streetway lined with funky stores, restaurants and of course, Irish pubs). We simply just sat and had a drink, caught up on each others lives, and of course dished out some Enumclaw memories and gossip! It was really great to be with someone from home who has had the study abroad experience (he had been in london all summer) and it was great to get his perspective and advice on things.

Since I had only one full day to see Dublin, I decided to try and hit up all the venues I possibly could! First I went to the Guiness Storehouse and took the tour, which ended at a bar with a skyview of Dublin (so beautiful). Then I walked across the city to see the National Natural Museum, the National Gallery, and the National Archeaology and History Museum - all sooo great! I also got to roll the streets of the Trinity College (where James Joyce went - very cool!). So now I am back home and EXHAUSTED! The streets were starting to get hecktic as well, because Pearl Jam is in town. (they havent been here for nearly 15 years!) I plan on having a early night in, and tomorrow I go off to Bratislava then Prague! I am unsure about internet usage, but I will surely try to keep you updated!

until next time!

xoxoxoxoxoxo