Linda in the Trinity College
Library.

August 20, 2014 -- (the day before Linda's birthday!!). Again, we were late getting out of the guesthouse. It has been nice sleeping in a bit. But, by 9:30 we were having coffee at one of the little "coffee joints" that populate the streets of Dublin. The coffee, by the way, is usually made with an "espresso"-type of machine and is quite good. In the event you're a Starbuck's coffee fan, the Irish just don't have it figured out. I've tried Starbuck's coffee in 3 or 4 different places. It is TERRIBLE!! Can't figure why, it just is . . .

After exchanging an email and sharing my blog entry with Joe McCauley (from Trinity College) yesterday, we decided to take his advice and re-visit the Book of Kell and the "Long Room"  at the Trinity College Library. The library is the largest in Ireland with more than 6-million volumes throughout its several buildings. The "Long Room" is a 217-foot long room built between 1712 and 1732. On its own, it contains  200,000 volumes.

The "Long Room"
Trinity College Library,
Dublin, Ireland.

Before entering the Long Room upstairs, one can view the "Book of Kells". As reported yesterday, the Book of Kells is an illuminated hand-written (in Latin)  Bible containing the first four gospels of the New Testament. Looking at the book ourselves, we were impressed -- not with the book per si', although it is beautiful -- but rather as a "labor of love" written in 800 C.E. by those devoted to Christianity. It is an impressive sight.

Upon leaving Trinity College, we turned "left", away from the river.  We found, and explored, a part of Dublin we haven't seen. This part of the city has a different "feel", with shops, restaurants and pubs lining the small and narrow streets. Many of the streets are closed to vehicles and are for pedestrians only. As we walked along, passing restaurants and pubs, the inviting aroma of the  different foods greeted us. They were hard to resist!

Pot of Gold? What? Where?

We've thoroughly enjoyed Dublin. It's a beautiful and modern city -- on a par with any city anywhere As we explored the many sights and wandered the streets, we were reminded of New York, Florence or Rome. But, if anything makes Ireland special, it is the people. They are friendly and warm. If one asks a question or directions, the response is overwhelmingly positive. It's been a great experience and we've enjoyed every minute of it.

Tomorrow, we're up early and will be making our way by ferry and then rail for Holyhead, England and London. The transit to London will be an adventure on its own. So, as always, I'll report  on our adventure along the way.