MV Explorer departed Halifax on August 23, 2012. We arrived in Galway on 31st of August. In the first day in Ireland, I went to the field trip for my Drawing at Sea class. We went to the various castles and sketched them. This was our first port; everybody was excited to enjoying the beauty of Ireland. The ship was docked in Galway for one day; however, we had given the option to stay in Galway and traveled ourselves overland to Dublin before ship leaves from Ireland. I decided to stay in Galway for two nights and Dublin for last twodays. On the second day, my friends and I explored Galway; we went to the cliffs of Mohr and experienced a windy/cold but beautiful day in Mohr. The third day in Dublin, I did city tour through Semester At Sea field program. We started our day with a trip to Phoenix Park. The Phoenix Park at 707 hectares (1752acres) is one of the largest enclosed recreational spaces within any European capital city. It was originally conceived as a Royal Deer Park, and we saw herds of deer roaming freely in the park. We visited Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the President of Ireland, dating from 1750 and is located in the center of the park adjacent to the United States Ambassador's residence, which wasbuilt in 1774. Afterward, we went to the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland’s number one visitor attraction. The Storehouse is modeled after a giant pint glass.According to the tour guide, if filled it would hold approximately 14.3 million pints of Guinness. We learned about the history of the world famous “Black Stuff”, and how in 1759, Arthur Guinness took out a 9000-year lease on the 4-acre site at an annual rent of £45. Dublin is also famous for its Georgian Squares, which were laid out during the Hanoverian period of the 1700’s as the city attracted new wealth and rejuvenation. After lunch at the Storehouse, we went to Dublin Castle. In continuous use since its establishment in 1204 AD, Dublin Castle has played a prominent role in Ireland's history. The State Apartments are among the most prestigious Staterooms in the country and are open for guided tours. At the end of the day, I explored Dublin’s premier shopping district centered at Grafton Street. Grafton Street Located in the city center between St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College, this pedestrianized street offers many fashionable stores. I stopped at Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland and located in an enviable position in the very heart of Ireland’s capital. Trinity College, on its 40-acre site, retains some of its ancient seclusion of cobbled squares, gardens and parks. The College is famed for its great treasures including The Book of Kells, a 9th century illuminated manuscript written around the year 800 AD, one of the most beautifully illuminated manuscripts in the world.
We came back to the ship around 6 pm. I ate dinner in ship, connected with some friends to to experience the nightlife in Dublin. We wend to the Temple Bar, which is famous nightlife area in Dublin. I made some more friends from Ship as well as from Ireland.
September 3rd, the last day in Ireland. I decided to spend this last day by wandering around Dublin city. I went out with Caroline and Emily; girls with whom I was traveling around Ireland. We stopped at shopping mall, tourist shop, and restaurant. Since my baggage was missing. I brought a sweatshirt and shoes. We wondered around till 5:30. Since ship time is 6 pm, everybody should come back before 6 pm otherwise they get dock time, which means you will not be able to get out earlier on next port. For example, if some one comes back to the ship at 6:30, he/she will not be able to leave ship before 12 noons in next port. Every 15 minutes counts 2 hours dock time. Anyways, we came back to ship hoping that my baggage arrived but had not. Iasked chief James about baggage arrival and he replied, “Baggage should arrived at airport by now but not sure, but I am waiting response from port agent.” I became hopeless to get my baggage back. I came back to cabin, took a nap. After half an hour, I heard my name called. I went to the reception desk and chief told me, I should hurry and go to airport, agent is waiting for me. It was 6:40 pm and ship is leaving at 8 pm, therefore, I should come back to ship within 1 hour. I went out and got into the car. There was Irish man, however, I am very bad with name, and we introduced and head to Dublin Airport hoping to get my bag back. I had a chance to know him. He said he is working as port agent for 8 years, he was pretty aware about the world map. He knows Nepal when I talked about my birthplace. I talked about our trip and places we will be visiting.
Finally, we arrived Airport. He ran fast to be done in time BUT he found out that luggage claim place was already closed. There was a phone in the wall near by entrance for calling emergency luggage claim. We tried calling them for half an hour , but no body picked up. I noticed his face going pale, as did my face. He was sad being not able to help me and I was hopeless again not to get my luggage back. He went to door and knock, though nobody responds. Now, we have only 25 minutes till ship leave the port. I was afraid not being able to get into the ship. Finally, around 7:35, I noticed smile in his face that gave me some hope. He said, “Yah-ho! Come with me”. I followed him, “show them your passport and get in. There you can find your luggage, and come back that way, I will be waiting for you. Don’t worry, go fast we will be fine.” There was security check; I showed them my travel documents. I got in and found out that port agent had told them my story about missing luggage and ship is leaving soon for UK. Security guard helped me to do a fast search and gave my luggage back. Yay!!!! Now, getting back to the ship is a bigger issue. I carry my big bag and ran. Agent went to parking lot and starts his car; I ran fast and put my luggage in car. He said, “We have to drive fast otherwise ship will left without you.” He drove his car out the underground parking lot. I remember him saying, I don’t care about getting ticket for speeding but you have to be there in time.” He drove faster, finally we made to the ship at 7:53. Crewmembers and both Deans were waiting for me. As soon as I got in, they folded the ladder and closed the Gangway. The ship started to leave the port at 8:00 pm.
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