Trip to Dublin

As mentioned in my last post, I took an ill-fated trip to Dublin where I left my camera in Rita's dining room (incidentally, I was taking a photo of her lovely table setting).  However, aside from my forgetfulness, I had a wonderful time visiting with my father and grandfather in the land of our heritage.  Though too short, it was a wonderful experience and we saw some fabulous things.

This is "Dublin Castle" and it served as the seat of English power in Ireland for quite some time.  It is of Norman design and the surrounding industrial era buildings, such as the Courthouse, were built into it in later times.

A gate going, into the "court" area of the "court house".  I found the depiction of Lady Justice, in Ireland, especially ironic:

One of the many things we noticed in Dublin was the vast number of churches and cathedrals that exist.  This former cathedral has been turned into the Dublin Tourism center and was near the start of our day long tour of the city.

This is the General Post Office building for the city of Dublin, and headquartered the insurgent Republicans during the nasty business of 1916. (See: Easter Rising)

We went to the Saint James Gate Guinness Brewery, where I learned that the same company that makes "the black stuff" also makes the famed Book of World Records.  The apparent purpose: to settle once and for all silly, and odd, pub arguments inspired by "the black stuff".

There is no doubt that Ireland is very green and very beautiful.  This was a picturesque garden just outside Dublin Castle.  Apparently this beautiful structure was built for the sole purpose of housing the King's Horses. (Can you imagine the tax protests back then?)

Finally, the tallest building in the center of the next photo is a famed hotel on the Liffey (the river running through Dublin) with an all copper roof (hence, the green color).  What's notable about it: the top floor is owned by Bono and Edge.

To see a fuller tale of the trip, see my Dad's blog: Allmost Daily PB.

My Daily Walk to Work...

I get to see some pretty cool things on my daily walk to work.  First, here is the path I take to work:

As you can see, I get to walk right past the Champs-Élysées and the various shops, cafes and street performers that line the famous avenue. Beyond this, I get to walk around l'Arc de Trimophe everyday.  It is very impressive in person, far larger than you would think from pictures. Even so, I'll try and do it justice:

After work, it's a return trip past one of my favorite restaurants thus far, it's a cafe underneath a building that appears to have a mini-golf course on top (though you cannot see that in the photo):

Finally, it is home sweet home after a long day at work.  Here is the exterior of the building:

I'll try and post some pictures of my workplace and co-workers, when I can.  However, since I left my camera in Dublin (whoops!) I'll have to wait until I get it back in the mail... hopefully just a few days.

In Paris Safe and Sound

Hi all!  

I just got into Paris and, after a lengthy cab ride with Phillipe, made it to the apartment.

The flight was fairly interesting as this little guy, Leon, was my co-pilot for the trip:

The room I've reserved for my stay is pretty great, complete with a view of the Eiffel Tower (which I am looking at as I write this blog post)!  I've taken some photos so you all can envision where I am staying. 

I'm going to settle down for a quick cat nap and then it is out to see the city!

BT