What else is there to do in an airport for 5 hours than catch up on blog posts? Watch out, world.
So yesterday, Monday May 25, we spent our last day in Ireland by roaming Dublin. Grand, it was. First we went to Trinity College, which is historic in its own right. Smack dab in the middle of Dublin, the college is a main tourist attraction. If I actually went to school there, I might be a bit annoyed with mobs of tourists. Alas, I probably won't have to experience that.
Here's the courtyard:
Our whole group met for a presentation from a PR professional. Though I'm not studying PR or Ad, I thought he it was pretty runner nesting. We then said adios to Frank, our tour guide. Then we were pretty much free for 8 hours in Dublin.
A good sized group of us went to the library to see the Book of Kells. This book is often called the most beautiful book in the world, apparently. :) It documents the four gospels and was handwritten. Unfortunately, photography wasn't allowed, but it was allowed in the library.
It's ginormous. I don't Ben know how you would find a specific book. Bindings line the walls of the two-story library, with busts if famous writers and philosophers on the pathway. Simply amazing.
After that excitement, we had hours to kill. I followed this coffee shop on Instagram back in January or February when I applied for this study abroad trip and have wanted to venture out to it ever since. That coffee shop actually inspired my idea of doing something with coffee for my project. It's something I like and am obligated to like, as a journalist. What could be a better combination than journalism and coffee???
It was almost an hour walk to find, but we did it. It's just a simple little nook in Stoneybrook, Dublin. It was spectacular--the setting, the food, the COFFEE. I can't say enough. I interviewed the owner, Ken Flood, on a whim as he was working behind the counter. I loved hearing bits about hottie shop started just one year ago and the visions he has had and continues to have for it.
The shop started off only doing coffee, and just recently (like a month ago) started serving food. He said people know they're serious about the product because they are very precise and specific in the menu. Simplicity is the element. He said his wife is Australian and the shop has lots of Aussie design influences.
That's the actual shop name, but to keep things fun, Flood said they often change the sign out front. This time it says "Yes" in support of the same sex marriage referendum that Ireland voted on just last week Friday. And I noticed the Cinderella figurine--adds a nice touch, doesn't it? You can definitely feel the love when you're in this place.
Ken Flood, one of the owners of Love Supreme. He is a Dublin native and recently moved back from Sydney just a few years ago.
If you read closely, this tells about where the coffee beans came from. The shop does direct trade, which means the farmer is directly paid top dollar. (Or whatever currency.) Flood said they won't take coffee that's older than 5 months. That includes the whole process of picking the beans, as well. This ensures the freshest coffee. And that's exactly what it tasted like. So smooth and fresh. I had a coffee white, which was one of the roughly five drinks on the menu. It was the best thing I've ever had--even better than the mocha. It was beautifully presented and lengthily savoured. Flood really takes his coffee seriously and with heart, and it shows.
Lemon curd poppyseed cake thing. I forget the actual name, but it was delightful and nearly heavenly.
After the coffee, Kayla and I roamed around Dublin. We made our way back near Trinity and stumbled upon a lot of souvenir shops and on Dublin Castle. We wanted to find a movie theatre to see Pitch Perfect 2, but we couldn't find any close theaters.
We sat, we walked. We shopped. Tried to waste time until 8:30 p.m. when our bus was picking us up. It was an extremely long day. But a very fun one--one of my favorites!!! And we checked out the fish and chips in Dublin for dinner. Gotta compare all the isles!
So back to Bray it was. For the last time. We packed up, signed thank you cards and stayed up too late. It was great. Then up at 5 a.m. to leave with everyone to the airport.
Is it really the end of a journey?
Cheers,
Kelli
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