It was our last day in Dublin for now, until we revisit on our last day in Ireland. We began the day with a visit to the journalism school at DCU, Dublin City University. We were able to take a peek at their radio and TV station rooms. Though small and dark, it was interesting to learn a tad about how different countries and universities run their journalism program. (They can't fool me, though. I'm sticking with UNL.)
After DCU, we took the coach bus to Dublin City to have about an hour of free time. That was interesting. Kayla and I ended up eating at Eddie Rocketts, the copycat to Johnny Rocketts in America. We were to meet near Trinity College, but weren't told detailed directions. Imagine being in a city and country you've never been before. Navigating isn't that hard. But is it? I'm pretty good at navigating my way around new places and I feel pretty comfortable doing so, so any of you who know me. However, when no street signs are to be found and the city is not seemingly on a grid system, the struggle is real. Also, people are crowing the streets and sidewalks. It was a little stressful. However, we ran into two other girls from the trio who were also freaking out. Numbers equal strength, and the four of us were able to make it back to the bus. Only 11 minutes late. Crunshed it. We felt a teeny guilty from the tour guide when we got back, but all was well. And technically, we were 3 minutes early to our next destination. So, boom.
And what was our next destination? Here's a hint:
Yes, we went to the Guinness Storehouse. Coming from an irregular beer-drinker, this pace was pretty cool. The inside is actually the worlds largest pint. Yes, the floors were constructed in a way that they built on each other forming the shape of a pint. The process of making Guinness and of its history was interactively mapped. You our walked through each step of the way, including the history of advertising for the famous beer. 
Kayla and I got to briefly chat with a worker at Guinness Storehouse. Kieron, a Dublin-native, is a former bartender. He's only been working at the highly-visited Irish attraction for two months. He said he's always had a respect for the drink, as he grew up in Dublin.
"I have a great passion for the drink, myself," Kieron said.
Working at Guinness means much more than getting to work for one of the most famous beer companies in the world.
"Working here has let me represent my country," Kieron said.
The Irish don't kid about their beer.
He said he's learned a lot in the short time working there. He seemed to know the answer to every question we asked him, though he was modest and nervous about if he's be able to answer them. Kieron was a very polite and personable man. And 'dat accent. 👌🏼Once I figure out how toe,bed the videos, they will be on here! Can't promise perfect quality, but you'll get the point.
After looking around more, we went to the top floor to collect our complimentary pint. You have to let it sit 2 minutes before topping off the glass due to the foam. Yay for Guinness mustaches.
After Guinness, we headed back into Inner Dublin near The Temple Bar, which is a famous cultural Irish hub. Kayla and I walked in while a band was covering Mumford & Sons. The place was seriously packed like sardines, and cigarette smoke was more populous than the oxygen.
After debating whether to attempt to order anything, we decided to leave. It still counts that we we're there, right? We walked across the street to a nice restaurant called The Shack Restaurant. I know you probably won't believe me, but I really was a fancy place. A bit Prichard, but great food. The name might need some changing. Unless they want to keep the customer numbers down? But it was completely full when we were there, so they must be doing something right.
I had the Irish stew, which was of course served with soda bread. Gotta love those carbs and starch. They love their potatoes, as well, as any good person does.
After dinner, we wandered in shops and listened to the music heard from inside pubs. Then we stumbled upon some fellow students and I got a coffee. For the study abroad trio, we have to do a project to get course credit. I will be doing a storify story on different coffee and coffee shops. This will bring together my opinions and experiences, as well as social media of Ireland coffee. Pretty exciting!
Early morning tomorrow, as we're venturing out of Bray and Dublin.
Cheers!
Kelli
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