Day 198: Pub Crawl

Date: 18 MARCH 2009

Today is my last day in Dublin. Feeling sad and dont wish to leave. Even though I have only been here for a week or so, I felt as if I have already been here for months. The people that I got to know, the great company I had, the superb fun, priceless. It was an international gathering from all continents. Nevertheless, there is an end to every story. At least it was an happy ending.

Did nothing much. When I woke up, people were already leaving. These mexican guys were leaving.







And so were these germans.





My host already left the place even before we wake up. But it was so nice of her to leave us some "couchsurfing food" :)



This was where I sneaked in and out for the last couple of nights.



Joined a couple of CS'ers for a museum tour but we all ended up enjoying the sun as it is quite rare for Dublin to be sunny.











She is a military police and she is based in Iraq!!!



Then when it was about after office hours, I made my way over to Andrew's house as he was going to host me for tonight. Along the way I bumped into another CS'er. See, thats why I feel that I have been here for long and I dont wish to leave. I feel connected to Dublin.

Andrew has a huge balcony with an awesome view which left me saying nothing but WOH!!







Andrew's cat.



The last event for this CS Paddy's Day week was a Pub Crawl. It means going from pub to pub, staying at each pub for a time of about half an hour or so. Go in, order a drink, finished it and moved on. Since this was the last event, everyone enjoyed themselves and we all started exchanging contacts. I asked them to write their emails on my arm.































Whats a picture of a toilet bowl doing here?



Cause it was unique......??????


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Day 197: St Patrick's Day

Date: 17 MARCH 2009

FINALLY!!! The day I have been waiting for... The reason why I come to Dublin.... Its PADDY'S DAY!!!! WOOT!!!! There will be a huge street parade/party going on in town later and so armed with my camera, I marched towards O'Connell Street, the main thoroughfare of Dublin and one of Europe's widest Street.

It was already packed with people by the time I got there and I could not clearly see the parade when it started. Instead, every time when the parade/float passes by, I saw hundreds and hundreds of hands stretching high up, snapping away. It was quite a funny sight. Haha....



Few moments of the parade.





After trying to capture shots of the parade, I decided that it will come to no avail. There were too many people and the shots will not turn out nice. So I decided to do street photography instead. Capturing the moments, the expressions, the fun and laughter might be a better choice. And it was indeed.

You see, there were too many people viewing the parade and so if you want to be able to see it, you have to be on higher ground than others. So some people stood on the rubbish bins, trying to catch a glimpse.



Some climbed up trees.



How about clinging on bus stop sign posts.





Clinging onto street lamp posts.



Some made their way up monuments.





Others brought their own ladder.



However, the best of all are those who climb up the traffic lights.



Even better, wearing skirt up on a traffic light.





While these people were going all out just to have a view of the parade, the police seems to be alright with them. No one seems to have concern for the safety of these people. Well, I LIKE IT!!! Thats the way a parade should be. Its freedom!!! Haha....

Anyway, liked I said, I was going to do street photography and street photography I did. I went wild and crazy shooting at random people. It was fun. Presenting to you, the colourful St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland 2009!!!









































The police, smart and ready for the parade.











Then it was time to go to a bar to catch a cold Guinness, have a break, before heading back out again. Saw a couple of CS'ers in the pub.





Back on the streets!!!





































Since there was a huge crowd from all over the world here in Dublin, how can the attention seeking drags not make use of this good chance to have their own mini parade?







Even though the parade has ended, there were still thousands and thousands of people roaming around the streets. Everyone were in very high spirit. Singing loudly, holding hands, dancing in group, It was pure fun. How I wish my friends were here as well, it would be more fun!!

Noone was camera shy that day. Everyone wants to be captured and was so willing to pose in front of the lens! Some saw me shooting them and they even stop for me, others approached me and asked me to take photos of them. It was awesome.

















Even the police were friendly. Hey, did that police wear a make up while on duty? Beautiful ya?



Well, only one guy was not very friendly. One random guy on the streets. Just as I was talking photos of some cute little kids, he walked passed me and shouted " BEWARE OF THIS MAN!! DONT LET HIM TAKE PHOTOS OF CHILDREN!! HE IS A PEDOPHILE!!!"

What is wrong with him?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Anyway, the fun did not stop with the parade. People were singing songs, drinking, smoking, chilling, playing guitar all over the streets and also, on the ledge of windows!! :)









The most interesting of all was this group of youngsters. I stood by the street for a very long time trying to capture these moments. They were on the 2nd or 3rd floor window and were waiting for victims to walk pass along the streets on the ground floor. Then, once they decided on their victim, they would lower down a sock using a string. Most of the time the sock would hit the head of the victims, and sometime, it just appears inches away from the victims faces.

The shock and surprise look on the victims faces were priceless. Many of them gave a "huh?" look at first but ended up laughing. It was like gotcha or gigs in the making.

Check out this pictures.















The cool thing was noone got angry. :) It was Paddy's Day!!!







I met up with Joey for the later half of the day, visiting some places around Dublin.















and then I headed back to my host's place for a rest.



Wassup for the night? Another round of huge party ofcourse!!! Sad to say, it was the last party. Everyone will be heading off towards their own direction from tomorrow onwards. But no worries, we live to enjoy the moment.

Haha.. Check out Emma's name tag.







More asian!! Japanese.









Asian spotted again! Its me?? No No... Its Andrew....













More Asian spotted! Korean.









P/S: Saw another drag on the streets wearing only a small piece of cloth which was just enough to cover up his "little brother". Along with that, 2 tiny strings run up along his body covering only his 2 nipples and then down his back connecting to his G-string. I was quite amazed!! He was as good as naked. How can he not feel cold at all? Impressive!!



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Day 196: Paddy's Day's Eve

Date: 16 MARCH 2009

Joined a free walking tour around Dublin in the morning.











Got to know some interesting fact through this tour. For example, this guitar was used by dont know which famous singer. haha.



However, the most interesting of all is this little plague mounted on one of the bridges over Liffey River. Initially, someone place a sign here saying that some person died from a mysterious accident, fell into the river but the body was never found. Then lots of people started offering flowers to the dead. The people in Dublin somehow got so emotionally involved in this case that a plague was placed here permanent in memory of him. It was till many many years later that someone confessed that it was a prank done by them when they were drunk. They started this whole thing but never thought that it would become so big an issue. However even after this clarification, the authorities decided to leave the plague as it is and it soon became a tourist sight. Haha..



After the walking tour, I went for a visit at the Guinness Brewery together with the rest of the CS'ers. It is so good to be a CS'er in Dublin. we even got discount prices for this visit.



The CS gang!!



How can one miss Guinness when one is in dublin right? Furthermore they are celebrating their 250 years!!!!







The original contract lease signed by the forefather of Guinness, 999 years of lease!!



The water from the river flows straight into this brewery to be used.



More pictures taken.













Why is there an Aerial Bomb here in the Guinness Brewery?



Read this to find out.



We were also taught how to pour a pint of nice Guinness. It looks simple but it requires some skills. Thats me and Joey giving it a shot.



And yes, we passed!!







Doing the Guinness mustache shot!





The whole Guinness building was built in the shape of a pint glass and at the top of it is a bar with nice view.





I then went over to Joey's host (from FIJI!!!) place for dinner. After that we all dressed up for the huge CS's private Paddy's Day's countdown party!!









But before we go over to the party, we went to try some deep fried chocolate Mars bar in batter!! It was damn sweet!!







Dont know if you can see it but there is a Shamrock sign on the Guinness!!



Well, its TIME TO PARTY!!







From USA.



Rory, the guy whom brought us all this wonderful events!



From Australia,



She is the girl whom painted my face!



And its her birthday!





From Australia, my "long lost brother", Andrew. Well, from Not Loh to Still Not LOh. It haS yet again evloved into him wearing name tag saying Not Singaporean, Not Loh and me wearing Not Andrew , Not Australian. Haha...





From Germany and France





Australian...



Canadian....





The girl in black, the first female SINGAPOREAN I met so far!! She lives and work in London. Finally some mate from Singapore!!! And we indeed let the Singapore Spirit fly!!!! Finally can speak singlish, finally someone to understand my lame jokes, my singaporean jargon. :) The feeling of meeting a fellow mate overseas, priceless. You will see more of her in my later post!!





My host, from USA! I am currently staying with her in a female dorm in the university. Sneaking in and out everyday was exciting enough.



More pics!!







It was one hell of a night. Love dancing to all the Irish folk songs!!


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Day 195: Big Carnival

Date: 15 MARCH 2009

Woke up today feeling very sad. Why? Because I am already more than half way through my stay in Dublin and soon we will all go our own way. Although today is only my 6th day in Dublin, I had already made lots of friends. Believe it or not, I felt as though I had stayed here for ages. While walking alone on the streets, I bumped into many people whom I had met throughout the past few nights and I was saying Hi to all of them. That feeling is great!! It was as though I was walking along Orchard and bumping into friends. But soon, all these will come to an end....

Well, that aside, there is a huge carnival opening today at Merion Square prior to St Patrick's Day. How can I missed it? I am so going there.

The atmosphere for the festival was already building up. Lots of people were already performing on the streets. The moment I got into the city center, I saw a band playing.









Then people were dancing along to the music as well. The old man just anyhow pulled a young girl out from the crowd and they started dancing!!







People were also dressed up even though Paddy's Day still 2 days away.





A large and beautiful painting done by a street painter.







I was just strolling along the streets, soaking in the atmosphere. Then not far away, there is another band playing. A different kind of band though. Kind of interesting.













People were also dancing to the beat.



By this time of the day I realised that I love doing street photography, capturing the moment!





So I decided to try out my novice skills. First time handling a DSLR camera, I hope I still frame my shots well till now.

A very green way to see the Dublin city.







Arriving at Merion Square Carnival. Lots of people were already here.









Alright, its time to capture the moments!! My targets, children. I think they are all very cute and should be good subjects. I saw some children happily drawing away on the floor. I quickly walked towards them.







Some were drawing alone, while some had the company of their parents.



I wonder if this girl was drawing or eating the paint?



She must be the supervisor!!!



This kid must have gotten tired after painting.



And so he decided to take a break.



Oops... He caught me shooting him!



The guys behind the scene.



There were lots of other activities going on.



How about sweating it all out by cycling to move the fan so that it will cool you down? So.... whats the point? heehee...



One of my favourite activities was this show put up by this guy. He was so damn good. Everyone, both young and old, were laughing their teeth off. Trust me. He is either as good as or even better than Jim Carrey.









It was interesting to see that lots of people were already dressed up for the event.













Even the dogs were dolled up for Paddy's Day.



You can give a go at the hip hop dance,



or the traditional Irish dance.











Or if you have the guts, go for this!







If not, just sit back, relax and watch a game of fools balls by these kids.







But the sound from this Brazilian band, Mu lek Etu, who was playing Samba music caught my attention!! And I ended up making an photo album for them. I tried my best to capture their individual expression!







































Their music was really very good. I love it alot. However, as I am on a budget, I could not afford to buy one CD from them.



The name of this band. Then I got to know that it was not the first time they performed in the St Patrick's Day in Dublin. They performed in many other countries as well. Quite famous eh!!



She is very dynamic!!





I am so going to go to Brazil!! HAha...

Want a change of music? How about a DJ spinning in a van?







Robots never fails to get the attentions of children.







This carnival was filled aith so many activities that I spent the whole day there. Soon nightfell and I went around Dublin city taking some night shots.



















Then it was back to the usual meeting place to meet some of my new found friends whom I had been meeting up with for the past few days,



before heading off to another pub to catch some traditional Irish tap dance.





















Then we went off to the nightly CS meet up for yet another night of fun!!



























It was kind of interesting that even though all of us have been meeting up every night, people still get confused between me and Andrew. You see, we are the only 2 Asian Guys around and I dont think I look the least like him and vice versa. However, he has got lots of people going up to him calling him LOH (I am known as Loh) even though he has his name Andrew written on his tshirt. So, in order not to be mistaken as me, he wrote NOT LOH on his name tag instead. Wahahaha..



Somehow, that became a trend and people started writing NOT LOH on their name tags as well!!



And by the end of the night, it evloved into STILL NOT LOH. haha...



Rory, the guy who made all these wonderful CS events happen. He is the man of CS dublin!!



Have you ever wonder why people still drink beer even if it taste bitter and even it gives them an awful spinning headache if overconsume? Cause it has been helping ugly people have sex since 1862!!! hahahaha...



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Day 194: Treasure Hunt

Date: 14 MARCH 2009

Woke up in the morning feel fresh and good. "Today is definitely going to be a very eventful day".

Oh, forgot to mentioned that I have already got to my new host place. I am now staying in the FEMALE DORM in a university. Wahaha.. Getting in and out of the building was kinda exciting. Got to sneak in and out. Heehee...

Using a jar as a glass for drinking. Interesting.



Empty beer bottles as candle holders.



Well, will tell you more about my host again. Back onto the streets of dublin city.





I find this kind of cute. Dog in training. Nice!



Well, why did i say that today will be an eventful day? Because I am going to join the treasure hunt around dublin city with my fellow couchsurfers!! We gathered in a pub.



While waiting for everyone to arrived, I went to the loo. Saw a glass of yellow liquid on top of the condom selling machine. Haha.. IS it beer or is it? Urine? Heehee....



Once everyone have arrived, we made our way to the registration point. Hell lots of people here. Hey look!! They are giving away free hotdogs!!! We all ended up queuing for the free food first.



And just as I thought giving out free hotfdogs was a very beautiful thing to do, I realised that the lady who was giving out the hotdogs is even more beautiful!! The one in the middle. Chio right??





Now that we had filled out stomach, its time to get down to business. Let get registered.





The lady at the registration counter. Once she saw that I had a name tag on, she asked me if I am from couchsurfing. ofcourse I said yes. Seems like the couchsurfing community here in Dublin is really very well establish.



After forming into teams of four, our time starts now!!!



But just as got out of the building, we saw some face painting in progress and we decided to get our face painted as well. haha.. Since we are in Dublin Ireland, we decided to get a shamrock, A HUGE SHAMROCK!! Wahahaha..... Forget about the timing, we just wanna have fun.















Do I look good?



This is the lady who painted my face for me. She's pretty ya? And oh, she reminds me of a singapore actress but I cant recall her name.



Presenting my team with our shamrocks and our face painters, from left to right, Australian, Czech Republician, Singaporean and Americian.



Thank you Q102 for the free face painting.



The following are some photos taken during our treasure hunt!! Visited lots of places of interest for free. One word, SHIOK!!









As I was doing the treasure hunt, I also did not forget to make some good pictures. Here I am trying to create 2 different effects with at the same location. Nice?





I think this is not bad as well.



More random photos.







Getting stamps at each of the check point.







After walking around for the whole day, we realised that we will not be able to finish this treasure hunt in time and so we decided to give up. Wahaha.. So we went back to the city center.

I saw this lady carrying a blow up doll walking down the street. I quickly went up to her and asked for a photo. Wahaha.. The hen's party here is definitely more fun and fierce than back home. This is what I call a real hens' party!! Wahahaha look at the huge eraction of that blow up doll. By the way, she is so shy..... And her friends were laughing at her. I guessed they just wanna embarrass her.



We first went to a bar to get some drinks. Saw some couchsurfers there as well. haha.. They have also given up. So after a couple of drinks, we went down to temple's bar. The buskers here are so good and entertaining. We ended up listening to them for quite a long time.









After that, we made our way down to another bar to meet up with the rest of the couchsurfers. The Dublin couchsurfers community had booked a different bar for us every night throughout the whole of this St. Patricks week. Couchsurfers from 6 different continents shown up. I got to know lots of people. It was a hell of a party. I can forsee myself partying every night!!

Well, walking down the streets with the shamrock on our faces drew lots of attentions. Some people shouted out to us that we are too early as paddy's day is still 3 days away and they laughed. But we enjoyed it. we just wanna have fun. I have also got an old man who just came up to me, held my head and kissed my forehead. Wahaha.. He ended up having green lips.

When we passed by a gay pub, some guys talked to me as well.

But not all comments are negative. In fact, with this shamrock on my face, a bunch of girls came flocking towards me on the streets and asked to take photographs with me. They also asked me where Am I from and said that I am cute. HeeheE. :P For the first time in my life this kind of thing happened to me. :)



Back in the pub, the party goes on!! And it was more Guinness for me!!! :)





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Day 193: Guinness

Date: 13 MARCH 2009
Day ????

ITS FRIDAY THE 13TH!!



An interesting fact about the euros. We all know that many countries in Europe uses the Euro. Money changes hand day in day out. But how many of us actually take a closer look at the bills or coins we have in our pocket? Definitely not me. It was not until someone told me something interesting about the euro coin which than drew my attention.

On one side of the coin, it has a universal print stating its value.



On the other side, it differs from coin to coin depending on which country it was made in. From left to right, a euro coin from Spain, followed by Dublin. I dont know which country was the last coin from.



Another interesting art piece of Maggie's.



Leaving Maggie's place, I went back to the nature by going to Howth. Howth, originally just a small fishing village and surrounding rural district, is now a busy suburb of Dublin, with a mix of dense residential development and wild hillside. Ofcourse I am more interested in the wild side. I came here for a cliff walk.

Seeing this bike at the beginning of the cliff walk trail makes me miss my bike.



Seeing the sea makes me feel relax.



Some pictures taken during the walk.











I wonder what happened to the driver of this vehicle. Dashing down the cliff was no fun at all.





This walk took me a few hours to complete but it was really refreshing. I felt so good to be close to nature once again.























The island of Ireland's Eye.



The end of the trail led me to the town of Howth.











Took a train back to Dublin. Back on the streets, BONG PARTY PILLS anyone? hmmm.... BONG Party? Whats that?



This busker has a very unique and interesting skill. He juggles the football using his clutches and he is good at it!!! I am impressed!! God is fair.







I then went for a weird but interesting performance with fellow CS'ers.













And after the show, we all made our way to the pub. On the way, a few of us tried to do a replay of the show. Haha..



How can I not try Guinness when I am in Ireland??!! Not sure if I will like it though, but I am still going to try it.



Do I like it?



Well, I do!! Never knew that I will like it. I always have an impression that Guinness is very bitter. But surprisingly, the Guinness here in Dublin taste so much different as those I had tried back at home. No wondering they always say that the best Guinness is in Dublin. Its true!.

And with good drinks, I have made some new friends.





And we all ended up going to a club. The CS gang I mean. and I am one of them. See my name on the wall of crime? Heehee.



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Day 191 & 192: Sightsee Dublin

Day 191
Date: 11 MARCH 2009

Today is a day filled with lots of sightseeing. First stop, the Trinity College

The Trinity College is one of the seven ancient universities in the English speaking world and the only one outside the present United Kingdom, and is one of Ireland's principal third-level institutions. The institution is ranked highest in Ireland in some international surveys.





And the reason for coming to this college is to visit its library to see the famous BOOK OF KELLS. The Book of Kells is by far the Library's most famous book and is located in the Old Library, along with the Book of Durrow, the Book of Howth and other ancient texts. Also incorporating the Long Room, the Old Library is one of Ireland's biggest tourist attractions, and holds thousands of rare, and in many cases very early, volumes.

Three million books are held in the book depository in Santry, from which requests are retrieved twice daily. Why are there so many books here? Because for every book published in the Uk, Trinity College is entitled to a free copy! Thats why!



Pictures of the longroom found on the net.(No photo taking allowed)





So what exactly is this Book of Kells? The Book of Kells (Irish: Leabhar Cheanannais), sometimes known as the Book of Columba) is an illuminated manuscript in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was transcribed by Celtic monks ca. 800. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure.

To know more about this treasure, google it!! I am glad that I have seen it.

Leaving the College, I passed by a park before arriving at other places of interests(Saint Stephen's green, National Art Gallery, Marion Square, history Museum etc). All seems fine in this peaceful and quiet park.









Except for this sculpture which does not seems to fit in.





More museums and libraries.









As in Manchester, you seldom get bright and sunny days here in Dublin and so when the sun is shinning bright, everyone comes out to enjoy it. So did I. I went to a huge park, sat on the grass and had my lunch while I people watch.







There are lots of activities going on. For example, Family outing,



Having a break in between work,



Kissing passionately,



relaxing on the grass,



enjoying a slience moment,



or even laughing loud with your friends. You name it, you have it.



Then it was back on the streets in the shopping area.





Saw a church and sO I went in to take a look.











Back on the streets again. Bank of Ireland.



Saw a motorised wheelchair which is quite a common sight in europe. But the funny thing is that not all those not these motorised wheelchairs are handicap. Some people just used it as they do not want to walk.



A woman play a harp, a national symbol and musical instrument of Ireland.



Lets see how temple street looks like in the day time.

















And thats me with the camera which clayton lent me for this dublin trip. I am gaining interest in photography now.



And as nightfalls, I went back to Maggie's place.





Had a chat with her, her son and her boyfriend till late.





And thats the first time I heard of the term Fruitarion. A what? He who eats ONLY fruits that drops naturally is known as a fruitarion. You cant even pluck it. It had to be the act of nature then a fruitarion will eat it. OMG. How to survive? Maggie had met a fruitarion before. Thats why she is telling me this.


Day 192
Date: 12 MARCH 2009

Did I mentioned that Maggie is now doing her degree in photography? Here are some of her previous work.





And as she is now doing a project on couchsurfing, I help her out and became her subject. Here are some photos which I took during the whole process of she shooting me. Haha.













This is the camera she used.



And this is the negative.



And after a long shoot, she accidently exposed the film!!! OH NO!!! We got to redo!!! But still, it was fun.







I went out after the shoot and guessed what? I bumped into the Maritus girl on the DART again!



A night shot of the Spire



Its all about night shoot tonight. Trying to self-learn something about photography. Heehee. Tell me if you like these photos.

Christ Church Catherdral.





Saint Patrick's Cathedral at night. These photos were taken without a tripod. I am so proud of myself. As a beginner, I think I did great for these 2 shots!!





Saw this menu in one of the restaurants when I made my way back to the city center. I always find it funny that in europe, you can always find this food known as Singapore fired noodle and singapore fried rice in chinese restaurants. However you can never find it in Singapore. Just what is Singapore fried noodle and Singapore fried rice? hmmm.....



Walked pass the lively temple street again,







before I finally got to the Long Stone Pub, a place where couchsurfers gathered for tonight. It was the first couchsurfers event for this years St Patrick's Day in dublin. It was the reason why I came to Dublin.



















This is Andrew. I just got to know him tonight but you be seeing more of him so remember him!!



And I was so amazed by how organised CS'ers in Dublin are. Just look at the number of events lined up!!



I left the gathering quite early as I had to catch the last Dart back to Maggie's place. Then It was more chatting...



Followed by writing her something for her project



and then off to bed. I will be having another long day tomorrow. This is her son's old room, which is also where I will be sleeping for the night. Needless to mention, he loves football!





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