I slept a bit late and had a lazy morning. After coffee at the Cafe en Seine (I couldn't resist going back) I went exploring in Temple Bar to find some witchy shops. On the way there I got lost and found myself in St. George's Arcade - no, not that kind of arcade! - the old fashioned kind with shops and stalls. It was seedy in a fun kind of way and there actually was a little witchy shop in there (if it had a name I missed it) that was selling the most amazing athames. I was wondering whether I could get one home if I put it in my checked luggage. I may have to go back.

Pubs in Temple Bar, Dublin

I finally did make it to Temple Bar and the first of the witchy shops on my list. It wasn't as good as the one in the kooky arcade! So I wandered around the neighborhood, taking in the atmosphere, and then crossed the River Liffey to find the second shop on my list, Yellow Brick Road. There I got a lesson in Gaelic from Padraig O Mealoid (sorry, I don't know the html for Gaelic any more than I know how to pronounce it). Padraig is the Publisher, Editor and Reporter for the Irish Sci-Fi News. I also had amusing conversation with him and his colleague about Celtic ancestry, the dubious nature of those who claim it (including most of the Irish themselves they informed me), how all the Celts in America came to be called Johnson, and how if you have a Scottish name you really only have it by the grace of the head of the clan who owns it. I wonder if MacDonald's is paying proper tribute to The MacDonald? Anyway, I found the Yellow Brick Road fellows amusing indeed and I bought some Celtic Ogham oracle cards and The Fey Tarot.

Street Harpist, Dublin

After my adventures on the other side of the river, I made my way back to my own neck of the woods. On the way, I stopped to listen to this lovely harpist. Now, she is a busker! I was feeling pretty pooped by this time so I stopped for a snack at the famous Avoca cafe, where I couldn't resist buying their cookbook (yes, I bought a cookbook, haha) and an Ireland candle (it smells like grass, I kid you not). I poked around in a bookstore and bought a couple of books by Irish writers then returned to my hotel to drop off all my loot.

Flowers in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin

The sun was still out and since I hadn't actually been in the park at St. Stephen's Green I grabbed my camera and went across the street. It is a lovely park and the shade was a nice respite.

The Three Fates

I wandered around taking pictures of the pretty flowers and the fountain of The Three Fates. There is lots more to see in the park and I plan to go back tomorrow morning when I'll have different light and can take some more photos.

On the other side of the park from my hotel is a row of various government and university buildings. This lion was lounging on the lintel of one of their doorways. I couldn't resist taking his picture. I'm sure he's meant to be guarding the building but he looks more like he's napping to me. Isn't there some saying about a sleeping lion? (Ack, now I have The Lion Sleeps Tonight stuck in my head! That's what I get for making jokes about regal creatures atop important Irish buildings.)

Architectural Detail, Dublin

It's time for me to take myself out for some dinner. I'm going to try Peplo's, a little wine bar/restaurant a few doors down from my hotel that was recommended to me by an Irishman who was buying Euros at the same bank in Boston that I was last Friday. The world is a small, small place. (Oh no, now that song is in my head! Must find some brain bleach immediately!)

Until tomorrow....

Blessed be.

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 2:34 PM