Today we decided to try to get some logistical things done. We’ve been having such a fun time exploring and feeling like we are on vacation, but we also have to try to get a few things set up before Jeff starts work next week.

Stop 1 was the bank to open a bank account. We were pretty sure you needed an appointment but we just wanted to check first whether we even had the right paperwork. Unfortunately we didn’t. They’ve gotten a lot stricter apparently and so the only thing they will accept is a utility bill, which we won’t get until after we move into our place in a few more weeks. Bank: 1. Us: 0.

Next stop: immigration. We have to register with immigration within 3 months of arriving here, but since we have the time now while Jeff is off we want to try to get it done. We got to the office at 11 and even though they are open til 7 at night, they were no longer giving out tickets for today. We were told to come back tomorrow and it was suggested to get in line at 6:30 am! They open at 7:30am. Oy! Jeff will go get in line at 6:30 and then the boys and I will join him at 7:30.
Immigration: 1. Us: 0.
Hopefully tomorrow we have success!

After those two attempted errands, we decided to try for something we knew we could accomplish: finding Isaac a backpack for school. We were near Grafton Street so we walked down it in search of a backpack. After trying 3 stores without luck, we finally found the Disney store and went in there. I sometimes hesitate getting things with characters since kids change their preferences all the time, but we were desperate for a backpack at this point and Isaac saw one he really liked so we went for it! He’s supposed to start at school in two days (gulp!)…I will write more about that later.

After backpack mission was complete, we had worked up an appetite, so we grabbed a bite of lunch and then walked to nearby Merrion Square. It’s a lovely little park in the middle of the city and you totally feel removed from the bustle of the city — it’s so green and peaceful and full of beautiful flowers and of course, a playground! Many of the playgrounds (including this one) are all wooden and lots seem to have themes related to where they are…for example a castle in the playground by Dalkey, a boat in Dun Laoghaire, a Viking ship in Clontarf (there was a big Viking battle there long ago), and Merrion Square had sort of a giants and elves theme. Not sure of the significance of that one, but oh well!

*or at least attempting to 🙂

to 🙂