Back in Dublin.....back to the States tomorrow

Greetings. We are back in Dublin where this whole adventure began almost two months ago! We had to drop in for a quick internet stop, so that we could get proper directions to our hostel for tonight. Our flight leaves tomorrow at 2:30pm Dublin time.......following an 9 hr. flight and a 5 hr. time change....we'll get into Chicago at 4:30.

We ended up chilling in our nice apartment in Waterford for the remainder of our time in Ireland. There was a deal for staying three nights.....and we just couldn't pass on that. We were warned that Galway was in the midst of a horse race that would leave us with a very busy city and no place to stay. Other places to visit didn't pique our fancy enough to stray from the comfort of our apt. On our last day, we did venture out a little more. We toured the Waterford Crystal Factory. It was pretty interesting and apparently world famous. If it weren't one of the only things to do in Waterford, we may have passed...but...as it was....it passed the time, and it was nice to do something touristy again. We didn't purchase any of the outrageously expensive crystal, although my grandma said she may have some....which I will promptly put my claim on upon returning. We went out to a movie in the evening.....the winner of the Cannes film festival....."The Wind that Shakes the Barley". It is about the struggle for Irish independence....couldn't have asked for a more fitting flick....and it was pretty good. We did talk about a few things that make a film festival winner afterwards (things this movie had).....1)end at a weird moment 2)no corny lines 3)plenty of loose ends. Dave and I are both looking forward to watching Miami Vice when we get back...probably not a quality flick...but the kind that gets the blood pumpin'......and the kind I usually prefer.

After the movie, we prepared a hodge-podge Indian dish (noodles, Pad Thai sauce, fried egg, string beans, pineapple, and onion). We feasted over "The Truman Show," which was on the tube. A good night's sleep.......train ride to Dublin......that pretty much catches you up.

We will now track down our hostel....waste away the day....get up tomorrow.....bus to the airport....and fly back to the States. Can't wait to see all of my friends and family again! 'Til then....much love. Josh