A little gem

Dublin, Dublin, Dublin....what can I say, after tonight it deserves two posts today. You see, we decided to go and see Riverdance. I figure not only is it a good show, but watching a story about Ireland, in Ireland, with Irish dancers is probably the best way ever to view it. And they did not disappoint. But first, let me say, we have finally discovered the shopping district!

Ireland, Dublin, wow we nearly missed it and what a loss it would have been. Not only is there this seriously cool, quaint, part-with-your-money I am worth it theatre show, there is a drop dead whip-out-your-camera shopping area. What a treat. Even more, what a surprise. We have driven in numerous circles round the city centre, which isn't as easy as it sounds. Ireland must be a world leader in lining up buses and taxis down their main street, but they have their own lane and appear rather well behaved so it isn't too bad trying to follow where four lanes become two, and left's are ok and right turns are not and tram lines are there just to make sure you really are on your toes. But tonight, when we walked, with a positive attitude and no map (we had viewed one dot on the map, so it had to be that way somewhere) we found ourselves in the midst of a secreted shopping centre. Okay, I figure everyone in Ireland knows it is there, and probably even most tourists, but I kid you not, in our many eventful treks through the town we had not seen one tiny reflective light, glass dome or sign which indicated that there were hallowed halls to walk down and tempting merchandise decadently arrayed to tempt even the staunchest of shoppers!

Gorgeous is an understatement of what we found. A huge shopping centre with glass panelled ceilings, wrought iron framework, clocks which had me out clicking away to record.  Flowers, in pots and stacked in red and white layered pillars, lining all the walk ways, people milling about, talking, busking and fire juggling. It's devine. So, so many people all out enjoying it. I felt like a little kid late to a party. There is a smattering of cafes, night clubs, pubs, churches and art studios, with artist's painting in them, late into the night. The place is a Mecca which it is your duty to visit. At least, once in your lifetime.

Luckily, we still have one morning left. The shops open late, but we will make it.

And just a couple of other unexpected things. One, I know it is the Northern hemisphere, but I am really surprised at how light it is late at night. Eleven pm and it has just got dark and then the same is true for the morning. It's light when we get up. I can only imagine what it will be like in Stockholm.

Two, Jayllee has discovered that some stereotypes have been well earned....more on that later.