Dublin.

Truthfully, I never thought I would be so invested in the history of Dublin, a land founded by the Vikings. As you stroll along the river bank, eventually, you would be reminded of the great famine that struck back in 19^th century that had taken approximately 1 million lives across Ireland. 2 million emigrated from the country and many of those who survived suffered from severe malnutrition. Consequently, Ireland’s population that was almost 8.4 million had dropped to 6.6 million within the course of 7 years.

The famine memorial sculpture was just a stone throw away from our accommodation and every time I walked pass them, I could only feel a dreadful surge of emotions. The sculptures were of emaciated men and women trudging along the banks of river, with disparate expressions that reflect sadness and despair and also, determination.  Behind them was a scrawny dog. I could not bring myself to imagine the things they had had to go through just to survive, and having to endure losses so profound that it almost feels illogical. It is no wonder that the famine is still hugely commemorated up until today.

Compared to other European cities, there weren’t many things to see in Dublin but if you know me well enough, I do not really seek for things so much when I travel. I just like to “be”. Having said that, I truly enjoyed walking around the city at leisure and stopping to relish a cup of warm hot chocolate at one of their many pubs or cafes and as well as, their fish and chips. I did also enjoy my time visiting their national gallery and was completely blown away by their breathtaking pieces. It is always a wonder how anyone can be so talented even with such apparent limitations way back then, while another, say someone, could barely even draw a proper circle in this modern world.

Dublin has got so much to offer for adventurous seekers and nature lovers. A short drive away from Dublin, you could find yourself amidst the incredibly scenic Wicklow Mountains where you could find traces of ancient places of worships – megalithic tombs, standing stones, ceremonial circles. The roads were quite narrow for a two way street and one small mistake could end up sending you to meet God instantly but it was indeed worth the drive.

During my pastime, I have always enjoyed reading about fascinating stories about what had occurred in the places I had gone to. Who knew, the serene and beautiful St Stephen’s Green was once a place where witch burnings used to take place or that the stunning Shelbourne hotel, was where Hitler’s brother once worked in as a waiter in 1909.

Apart from its history, Dublin is beautiful and unique in its own way. I would say, Dublin emanates simplicity at most. You could walk around in your pyjamas and no one will bat an eye. But i must say, the locals were generally the friendliest people i have ever met and it was always nice to bump into friendly faces every so often.