Another Day in Dublin

On our second to last day of the trip we basically had the whole day to do whatever we wanted. Most of us went to a few museums and others went to a shopping center. I REALLY wanted to go see the Book of Kells. This was my number one thing I wanted to do in Dublin. Most people decided they would go the next day, but Alexandra and I didn't want to risk that falling through so we went together. 

Trinity College Campus

Samuel Beckett Bridge

Jeanie Johnston Ship- This is a replica of a ship used to cross the Atlantic ocean to take immigrants from Ireland to America. Most of these were trying to escape the potato famine. It made 16 crossings to America and not one of its passengers died on the journey. This was pretty much unheard of at the time. Even when the ship eventually caught on fire and sunk, all the passengers were rescued. 

This was painted on the bridge, I thought it was funny.

Creepy wax figures/statues

Even though the wax people were a little creepy, this was one of the most memorable experiences I had while on study abroad. The whole time I was on the tour of that ship I had an overwhelming feeling that my ancestors went through similar experiences to the people on the Jeanie Johnston ship. I gained a new appreciation for the sacrifices they made so that I could grow up in America and have the opportunities I have. These people were tough! I can't imagine having to deal with all the things they did on those ships. Lice, cholera, sea sickness, disease, sharing beds with 5 people, etc, etc. When I got home from the trip I told my brother about my experience on the ship and he told me that our Irish ancestors did in fact immigrate to America during the potato famine. They went to England first and then came over on an English ship, but like I said they had similar hardships as the people on the Jeanie Johnston.

Seeing the Book of Kells up close was one of the coolest things I did in Ireland. I had learned all about the Book of Kells in one of my Humanities classes and learned more about it in Iona, Scotland where the book was written. After the island kept getting plundered they moved it to Trinity College for safety.

Alexandra was very excited as well

Most beautiful library I've ever seen!

Too bad we couldn't take pictures of the Book of Kells! It was awesome! I don't know how on earth those monks painted all those tiny details!

After seeing the Book of Kells we went to the National Gallery of Ireland. We weren't allowed to take cameras in here either so all I have is this photo of me coloring a picture in the kids area. But it was an awesome museum. The only thing I was disappointed about is that a huge tapestry called, "The Triumph of Cuchulainn" which normally hangs in the entry hall was being cleaned. I had to read The Coming of Cuchulainn for class and so I was excited to see the tapestry that had been inspired by the story. Oh well! When we asked a guard where it was he told us about 5 other stories of Cuchulainn that we hadn't heard before. That was kinda fun.

 

Look! We all match! Except Jaci, who is doing some excellent creeping.

I think this girl stalked my wardrobe cause we accidentally matched all the time. Oh and our names matched too- Jenalyn Clegg and Jenna Leigh Curran. That was confusing for people the first week.