Dublin (cont.)

Things are going well. As you may imagine, I'm assimilating very quickly, already being treated as a native by the locals. I attribute this to my acquisition, and astute and timely use, of the two most important words in Dublin. Fantastic and brilliant. That'll be one euro sixty, sir. "FonTOStic!" You're standing on my foot. "Brillyent!" They really seem to appreciate me speaking to them in their own language.

We've been taking the city bus to go from our hotel to the city centre the last two days. Much more convenient, no need to search for parking, and most likely, life-preserving. We visited a number of very interesting historical and cultural sites today. The Dublin City Bus Tour was a good way to get oriented - it takes you to all the sites and you can just jump on and off.

St. Patrick's Cathedral (or as it's said, "Cateedral") was built over the holy site where he baptized the first Irish converts. A church has stood here since the fifth century. The current stone church was built here by the Normans in 1191 and was rebuilt in the early thirteenth century. Jonathan Swift was dean of the church from 1713 - 45.

The door you see in the picture played a part in a peace agreement between the Earls of Kildare and Ormond. Reconciliation between these Irish royals was needed in 1492 in order to avert continuation of a bitter and bloody battle that had claimed many lives. Ormond had taken refuge in the Chapter House and refused to come out despite Kildare's offer of peace Finally, Kildare took an ax and cut a hole in the door, stuck his arm through, and asked to shake Ormond's hand to seal a truce.

The guided tour of Kilmainham Gaol was particularly interesting. It was the site of the incarceration and execution of many of the heroes of Ireland's struggle for independence (one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter, right?). The conditions were truly horrendous. The gaol was used as a set for the movies "Michael Collins" and "In the Name of the Father."

And, oh yes, can't forget our afternoon 'snack break" at the Queen of Tarts." Most excellent!

Signing off for now.