Phil is here... off to Kilkenny

Phil arrived today for his chance to experience Ireland. He has never been here before, and considering that he would have free accommodation if he stayed with me, he booked his flight. He brought me some bread from Germany, which I loved, and to make it even better it was in the shape of a soccer ball!!



That night we headed into the city center to watch the match of Germany vs. Spain. He of course brought his German flag, and we got several people from Spain saying auf wiedersehen which I found pretty hilarious. We wanted to eat, but couldn’t find a bar which had enough room for us to both eat and watch the match. So we ended up at a pretty open bar where instead we had a few drinks. Germany lost, unfortunately as most of you know, but Phil still seemed in ok spirits. Honestly, if the game was the USA I probably would’ve cried a bit (jk… well maybe).



We then headed to a place to eat, where we got some Irish stew. That’s the 2nd Irish stew I’ve had and loved it. Can’t wait to make some of my own. After some good craic, we headed home.

Thursday, Phil explored Dublin on his own and came back for dinner with the rest of us just like we usually do.

Friday we headed to Kilkenny, recommended to us by David. There was no problem getting there on bus. When we arrived, I think I began to realize how small of a town it actually is. No one seemed to be on the streets on a Friday night, and we weren't sure exactly where to get off the bus. But Phil and I being the smart people that we are, figured it out.

Kilkenny is known for its hurling team (hurling is a sport played in Ireland, but I have absolutely no idea about the rules, one day I hope to go watch a game):




At this point in my travels, I've begun to figure out that my sense of direction is not as good as it should be. I get turned around often and think we should turn certain places when in reality we turn the opposite direction. Good thing I'm not traveling alone...

After checking into our hostel, we headed to a pub! Guess what I ordered? That's right, irish stew! And to drink I figured I would give the cider a break and opted instead for some of the local brew call Smithwicks. Phil thought it tasted a bit like German beer. I enjoyed it quite a bit.





We then headed to the place where live music was playing and met up with the two Americans from Michigan that were sharing our room with us back at the hostel. The music was excellent, and Phil really got a taste of some live Irish music and a pub. We also managed to win ourselves some hats. Don't worry, I'll bring the hat home for all of you that are DYING to wear it.



After heading home at 1 am, we woke up early the next morning to begin our tourist duties. Unfortunately it was raining out (and didn't stop the entire day. Phil really got a taste of the real Ireland...). Afer a yummy Irish breakfast with some interesting pudding (it has meat in it... what???? that's not the kind of pudding I have at home...) We headed to some churches and what not, but the most impressive was the Kilkenny castle and the grounds surrounding it. If it were sunny, I would've loved to sit out on the grass and have a picnic. But alas, it wasn't. So we toured around inside the castle, got some pictures on the outside.





We then went for some sandwiches at Blaa Blaa Blaa which is apparently a kind of bread. They were excellent, and later went back for a warm brownie. Because it was a walk in sandwich shop, we decided to eat in this gazebo we had found earlier. It was super cute, and we had a view of this lovely house.



Then we headed back to Dublin. After a long day in the rain, we decided not to go out. Plus we had to watch the Germany Uruguay game, which the Germans won (the octopus got it right!!) We stayed in and drank some beers we had left over. Phil's plane left at 6 am and had to be at the airport at 4 am so we opted to stay up. James came back from oxygen (this huge music festival in Ireland, kinda like Coachella... the stories I heard from people were ridiculous. Like pee flying around, condoms all over, they wear rain boots called Welllies because their feet get so muddy... James' shoes were caked with mud, and he called me at 3 am to come cut some gum out of his hair... but he said it was awesome, I take his word for it.) He made us pancakes, which I was excited for because I missed Canada day... nom nom nom. Phil left sadly. We missed him as we ate more pancakes. By the time we went to bed (4:30 am) it was beginning to be light out again. Sleep time, thank goodness.

Great weekend with Phil, can't wait for more adventures and trips with him...