If I went to the Little Museum of Dublin earlier it would be on my list of my 5 best museums in the world! I mean it! Although it is small for me that was one of the best things I saw in Dublin. For many reasons. Mainly because it stands for a completely new way of organizing a museum and get people interested in an issue or a place. But also because of its marvelous exhibits and wonderful staff. If you’re in Dublin you simply cannot miss it! I first read about this museum at Everywhereist blog and I knew I wish to visit it when I’m in Dublin. And I made it! So thank you Geraldine for sharing it! Less is more The name of this museum is absolutely right: it is little. 2 floors of half of this building at the picture above is enough to get people interested in Dublin and its history. First, a gentleman who welcomes you. An old fashioned bow-tie made me wonder from the very beginning whether he and the whole museum is there for centuries. Surprisingly it’s not. In fact it was established not that long time ago – in 2011 and until now it has collected over 5,000 artifacts! All donated by the Dubliners. It’s lovely with its green color all over the place: green ad in a front, green walls, green signs and pillows. Green makes you sure about being in Ireland. I entered this museum with great expectations, a warm welcome at the front desk made me sure about the fact it’s going to be spectacular. And it was. It really was. New Meaning Of Cosiness I got informed that a guided tour is about to start so took few pictures with my cellphone (sorry for poor quality) and I sat in a comfy armchair waiting for a guide. This was a relief! After a long walk I simply needed it. There were some books displayed and candies in a jar so after 5 minutes I felt like at home. I had started reading a book about Dublin and I forgot about the whole world while suddenly heard a voice. I was almost surprised with it but a very warm welcome of a gentleman (in bow-tie again!) made me wondering if this museum can possibly get any better. And it got better with every minute of this guide speech! This was amazing travel in time: a century of this city story just flew in front of our eyes! Thanks to amazing gift of storytelling of this guide we felt like the real Dubliners at the end. My story Each of the objects kept in this museum has a long and fascinating story behind. When I was watching the collection of photos I saw one that caught my attention. Remember when I was telling you a story about John Minihan? An Irish photographer who was famous for his pictures of Samuel Beckett? Well, his well known picture of Beckett was right there, in front of me, with John’s own inscription. Under the photo there was a framed letter and a picture of ordinary Irish house. I asked our guide immediately about this photo. And so, here is the story: a little boy got a homework at school. He was to get information about his current house from a previous owner. He suppose to know how was life 20 years earlier. It happened that the previous owner of his home was Beckett. And so he wrote a letter to Samuel Beckett (who was born in Dublin). And….he got a reply! A letter from Beckett is kept right next to the photo of the house. How cool is that? The best is ending of a letter, saying: If you ever meet my ghost in house or grounds, give it my best regards. The guide said a boy was scared but also thrilled to get a reply. I can easily believe it. If I received a letter from Beckett I would be deliriously happy. But even though, finding this story and sharing it with you make me feel really proud. Perhaps you are a German speaking tourist who would like to plan a trip to Dublin? Here is little something for you: a post on best activities in Dublin by Monika. Enjoy!  

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It all went surprisingly different! My travel plans, I mean. This is an excellent example of how changing circumstances affects travels in a positive way. We usually consider changing plans as something negative, that ruined our schedule but here is my story that show dreams can come true even if in a twisted way. First, I thought I’ll be in Lapland this autumn. As always. But I’m not. The reason why is related to my other dream of visiting Sweden and the King’s Trail in winter (What’s King’s Trail?). As the trip is long and bit expensive I can’t visit Sweden twice a year therefore a decision was made. I decided to postpone my lappish trip until May 2014 when, hopefully, I’ll take a night train from Stockholm to Kiruna again and ski from Nikkaluokta to Abisko. So far no bad news. And that’s how it goes because even my travels planned for the second term of 2013 are very different from what I planned they are far more exciting at the same time! No harm was made. I knew in advance that I’ll visit Ireland again from the moment I registered to attend a Tbex conference. But there is a surprise connected with this event as well. I applied and got accepted to one of the post conference trips. And guess what! I’m going to visit another small island called Inishnee (population 28 sounds already fascinating) near Galway! I have never thought I’ll visit Galway the same year twice but here we are. The trip called Wild Atlantic West Coast includes a half day trip to Inishnee plus visit to Connemara that I hadn’t have an opportunity to visit the last time. Thus, what else? Oh yes, I thought I’ll walk the Way of St. James this autumn. I was SO sure I’ll walk it this year! I know that at some point I will, however not this autumn, and that’s quite certain. Why? Because I bought a plane ticket to New Zealand! What a surprise! New Zealand was always one of my dream destinations but this is SO far away I thought I need much more time to decide, organize, book and buy than 3 days! This was sort of impulse: I was checking RTW tickets and discovered amazing offer of New Zealand Airlines that I couldn’t resist. So, this November I’ll fly from London to Shanghai, further to Auckland and finally to Christchurch. And back, of course. It looks like an amazing autumn to me. Most of all, I am happy that I’ll spend rainy European November in a place where spring begins! I’m thrilled with this idea and very happy that I’ll bring a totally new strand to my blog: New Zealand! Off to Dublin tomorrow and my first Tbex conference. I’ll publish the first post from my trip just when I get back! Stay tuned!  

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