Dublin, Ireland - 5 of 5 TOUR & O'HURLEY

As we drove back along the River Liffey that splits the city with the Dublin Castle, Old Parliament House, and Trinity College (400+ years old), and the 800-year old St Patrick’s Cathedral, Four Courts and Phoenix Park, the largest park in Europe and home of the President of Ireland. Our guide pointed out many buildings and Georgian squares including the Customs House. The port has many boats (mostly recreational sailboats) and has always been important in the life of the local economy and defenses.

We saw statues of Sir John Gray who was an Irish physician, surgeon, newspaper proprietor, journalist and politician and James Larkin or Big Jim, an Irish republican, socialist and trade union leader. He was one of the founders of the Irish Labour Party. We also saw the very modern Dublin spire-monument of light which is to represent Dublin's pointing to being an important part of the future of the World. The other interesting tidbit is that Benjamin Moore, of "paint fame" comes from Dublin and maybe that accounts for the beautifully colored homes (see photos of us leaving Dublin from the sea). Lastly, we did learn about how much Arthur Guinness shared the wealth and helped build the city with his success in the city's infrastructure, housing, and social well-being. The river splits the city and there are 50 bridges that connect the city.

The official residence of the President of Ireland is Áras an Uachtaráin, located in Phoenix Park, Dublin (see photo). It's also known as the "Irish White House". The building, completed in 1751, was formerly the Viceregal Lodge, the residence of the British Viceroy. It was designed by Nathanial Clements. A light constantly shines from an upstairs window, a symbolic beacon reaching out to Irish emigrant families. This house pre-dates the US White House, which was completed in 1800. While both are neoclassical buildings and the White House architect James Hoban was Irish and the similarity is so strong, there is no proof that the WH was inspired by the Irish Presidents home. You can decide.

The enrichment program at Regent Seven Seas has just been updated to include many new professionals and experts providing culture and history lectures as well as celebrities in entertainment. This evening we saw JOHN O’HURLEY – A MAN WITH STANDARDS.

You will remember John from his long resume which includes: 50 TV sitcoms, soap operas, 2 dozen movies, hosting many game shows, many Broadway performances including Chicago (he played Billy Flynn 1500 times) and Spamalot, many voiceovers, singing, and composing. We can’t forget he was the winner of the first season of Dancing with the Stars. Oh yeah, he appeared on a little known program called Seinfeld as J. Peterman!!! John is now a part owner of the real J. Peterman and has won awards for the arts and philanthropy.

His memoir , The Peterman Guide to the Extraordinary Life, is based on a life-changing statement he received 20 yrs ago. His guiding principle in life is that everything comes from the power of the next choice you make and you have two choices: To live an ordinary life, or to live an extraordinary life. His 3 principles: first is to live by my imagination (by the pictures in your mind). Being open to opportunities is important. His second is to live in the moment and the third principle is appreciation, recognizing the value and the inherent vulnerability in every human being. He starts every performance backstage by saying “God, let me be surprised.” He told a wonderful account of his life and career and even sang for us.
See 2 videos of singing - one is John O'Hurley and the other is ?Read more