Droim Conrach

After nearly 3 hours of sleep (Canadians are champs, obviously) we got up to do our favorite thing to do in Ireland... Go grab a pint of Guinness at 11am.

We walled to the factory in the pouring rain (see my last post for more about that...) and met our amazing American friends for a 3 hour self guided tour of how Guinness is made!

But honestly the only things I learned were that Guinness is actually Ruby Red coloured and that the best way to drink it is to gulp it and exhale after. OBVIOUSLY WE WERE THERE TO LEARN HOW TO POUR AND DRINK THE BEER.

After taking an acceptable amount of time reading the exhibits and doing a tasting, the 5 of us headed up to the fourth floor where the Guinness Brewing Academy is located.

Our instructor, Flavio, told us that there are 6 steps to pouring the Perfect pint of Guinness... I can't remember what they are but I must have done them perfectly because I AM OFFICIALLY A MASTER GUINNESS POURER!

(disclaimer... I do know the 6 steps. Above statement was for comedic effect 1. Grab a clean glass with guinness logo. 2. Hold the cup 45 degrees to the spout. 3. Pull the handle towards you and fill cup to below the white writing. 4. Turn cup straight up and fill to top of harp. Leave for 80 seconds to let the gasses settle. 5. Push handle away to finish filling Guinness to the top. 6. Serve with logo outwards with a smile)

After pouring our pints and taking some obligatory photos, we headed to the 11th floor to the "Gravity Bar" which has 360 degree views of Dublin and is a great place to enjoy our beer. Honestly, I used to hate Guinness SO MUCH but after learning the proper way to drink it, I actually enjoy it!!

After finishing our beer and making a quick(ish) trip to the gift shop, we decided to go grab some lunch together. We followed our American friends directions into the city and AND WE WALKED AROUND LOST FOR 45 MINUTES. MORAL OF THE STORY, ALWAYS TRUST A CANADIAN WITH DIRECTIONS.

Anyway, after we finally found our way, we made a quick stop at our hostel to change our shoes and headed to McDonalds. Again. Honestly its so yummy and cheap... Dont judge.

After lunch we parted ways with Ricarrdo and Azurae with promises to meet up for dinner and drinks later, and the three of us headed to the shopping district for a little last minute souvenir finishing effort. The day went well, and we headed back to the hostel for a well deserved nap before getting up for dinner and drinks.

When we woke up, we headed into the city again to grab food (Subway) and meet up with our friends again.

Honestly we love Azurae and Ricarrdo... We have some great new friends and WE ARE DEFINITELY GOING TO VISIT THEM IN GEORGIA. We will bring maple syrup and Canadian goodies when we come!

Now we are sitting here, at 230am avoiding going to sleep because we know we have to leave for Prague in the morning. Its so bittersweet... We are so excited to continue our adventure but Dublin has been such an incredible time ... And our new friends made it that much better.

Next time I post will be from the Czech Republic!!

XoOkumaya devam et