Readjusting

Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day/Moving Day

Everything over the past two weeks has gone by in such a blur. I've been absolutely crazed between moving, schoolwork, and life in general.

Luckily I found a new house to live and it's less than a 10 minute walk from uni! They only downside is that one Lisa and I realized how brutal it is trying to find accommodation this time of the year, so we decide to live in different places for now. Hopefully we'll live together in the future though!

My new roommates are a couple from Romania and then a girl from Africa, Malawi to be more precise- I haven't really had the chance to talk with her and she's moving out at the end of they month so.... I'll save about €50 a month and the rent itself is cheaper so I'm super excited.

Tuesday was a whirlwind of trying to pack and move. I'm still getting reorganized, but I'm slowly getting there. I've been here only five months and I still can't believe how much stuff I've accumulated. 

The beautiful dinning area.

Probably one of my favourite things about the new place.

One of the worst/best things about moving out is buying new bedding, it really makes your room so much more personalised.

I finally feel like I'm living more in my own house than another person's.

This semester is really looking up.

New Room!

Soon it'll be March and I'll get to see yet another Australian friend. Time really is flying by and I soon am going to get out there and look for jobs. The thought scares me half to death but I guess everyone has to suffer through it at least once.

Sorry for the mundane post, hope next week's will be a little more exciting now that I am settled into my new home.

Xx Kim

.......

Random weird tidbit, but the place I'm living now is the neighbourhood where Luke Kelly lived. He's a great trad artist- traditional Irish music- and I recommend him if you're into that sort.

Plaque for Luke Kelly

A Dublin Pub Crawl

In lieu of exams and final assignments finally being turned in, my break has officially begun and I can have a life once again!

I’ve decided to highlight some of the pubs and clubs I’ve been to in Dublin since arriving in September. Mom, Dad, I swear I didn’t go to all these places in one night. I was tempted to join in the 12 pubs of Christmas Irish tradition but I saved my money for England instead. I’ve only selected places that are within walking distance of each other, so anyone who wants to take this list and create their own pub crawl feel free!

THE PUBS

Against the Grain

 This had to be my number one recommendation as it has become my second home- or so all my friends tell me.  The staff are friendly, and there are all kinda of craft beers on tap- there are also some craft ciders that are great here as well! Some of my favorites here are McIvor’s Medium Cider, Of Foam and Fury double IPA, and Buried at Sea stout. Upstairs there is a pool table and a kitchen that has some of the best chunky chips I’ve had.

Don’t come here for a Guinness though, you’ll just be disappointed.

The Bleeding Horse

 

I’ve been here a few times and I absolutely love the atmosphere, there are even big projection screens that come out when there is a football match on. The upstairs can get a little toasty, but there is plenty of space if you want to get together with a few friends. You can also get some tasty pub grub here- the sweet potato fries are excellent!

Camden Exchange

This can be a little pricey depending on what you order, but this pub offers a wide variety of craft beer and cider. It is also one of the only places I know that has a vehicle mounted on the inside wall. There are all kinds of knick knacks incorporated into the décor giving it a quirky character. 

If you or your friends smoke, there is a pretty big indoor smoking lounge that you can enjoy. The Pilgrim’s Red Ale is delicious, and overall this is a good place to have some chats with friends.

P.Mac’s

This little pub is deceptively large and is always seemingly full of a mixture of people. If you get there early enough you might be able to snag one of the booths. Now this isn’t a typical ‘booth’- at least not what I am used too- these are like separate cubicles that you can be almost completely isolated from the rest of the pub. It can get noisy towards the end of the night but by then you'll be having a grand old time.

Cassidy’s

Although this one is a little further away than the other’s listed above- this is right off D’Olier Street- Cassidy's is a great place to start a pub crawl. There is room to sit both upstairs and downstairs and there is even a couple board games and jenga games you can play. The mixture of chairs, tables, and sofas give the place a living room like feeling- and I don’t mind it at all. Be wary though, some of the chairs have a way of eating you alive.

Some bars that I didn’t mention but are worth a visit are: The Gin Palace, The Hairy Lemon, The Mercantile, and Anseo.

A great thing about Dublin is that you can literally turn any corner and there will be a new pub to explore. I’ve been to quite a few in Dublin City Centre- go to The Autobahn if you’re near Glasnevin in the North!- however there are still so many to visit, and there seems to be new ones that pop up every month. 

Can’t wait to explore more this session.

So sláinte and drink on!

Xx kim

…..

• If you’re wondering about prices, there is quite a range. I would say that the standard pint is around 5 euros, but you can get beer for as low as 4 and cider as high as 7. 
• One thing to consider is that a pint here is 500ml, in America it’s around 470 but the glasses are often under-poured and there is no law where it has to be this amount. Back in the states, bars can serve you in whatever glasses they have, but here the pints are often over-flowing.
• Remember that the beer in Ireland is often stronger than back home- especially if you’re drinking craft as it can get over 8%. A few of these and you'll be well on your way to merry.
• If you are not a beer expert, don’t be afraid to ask the bartenders for a recommendation although make sure the place isn’t too busy. Have an idea of what kind of brew you might like and they'll point you in a direction to find your right beer.
• Pubs in Dublin- or seemingly the entirety of Ireland- are more like community living rooms so don’t be afraid to talk to strangers and make some new friends.

A Vegetarian Takes Dublin

While my parents might have the impression that my diet consists of pints and good times, over the past 4 months I have had the chance to explore some of the fine cuisine that Dublin has to offer.

As a vegetarian going on 9 years, there was little chance I was going to break my lifestyle when I moved. The last time I visited Ireland, I remember my very first dinner consisting of lamb, so sadly I ate potatoes and everyone’s leftover brussel sprouts. Appetising, I know. However, I knew that this time around would be far more promising.

Whilst I don’t really approve so many people suddenly deciding to go on the vegetarian or vegan ‘diet’ because they want to try out the 'fad,' I am loving the benefits of this big trend. Pretty much every restaurant now serves some type of vegetarian or vegan options, and there are quite a few that are vegan only.

Here is a list of some of my favourite spots so far:

Cornucopia

Cornucopia is one of the best places for a quick vegan meal. The food is served a la carte- I definitely recommend the soup- and everything is made fresh with a constantly rotating menu. The friendly service is also a bonus.

Wok In/Boojum

If you want a cheap meal I would suggest Wok In or Boojum. Both of these are conveniently located right next to each other and have great student deals for Thai cuisine and Mexican.

Boojum is like Ireland’s version of Chipotle, but if you’re vegetarian no worries. 

The guac DOES NOT cost extra. 

Better get there early though, the queues get pretty long.

Staple Foods

If you want to spoil yourself with farm friendly dishes made with local, organic, ingredients Staple Foods is definitely the place for you. I had the superfood salad and was craving it everyday for the next week. Everything is just so delicious.

Firepit

Firepit in Dublin’s Village District is a newly opened barbecue restaurant serving delicious grilled meats with spicy sauces, but don't let that fool you. Vegetarians are warmly welcomed here.

This place can be summed up in three words: Affordable. Halal. Delectable.

Be warned though! This is not a restaurant for a large party!

A few honourable mentions are Brother Hubbard, Pablo Picante, and then Against the Grain and The Bleeding Horse for some great pub grub.

The longer I live here the more I’ll explore the food available. Now all this talk of food is making me hungry, so I’m off to make dinner!

Until next time.

Xx kim

.......

Queen of Tarts

Also I have to make a shout to Queen of Tarts for satisfying my cravings for sweets every once in a while! I definitely recommend the scone and apple crumble.

New Year, New You? Meh.

I’ve learned a long time ago that resolutions do not have to be made on the start of the New Year. What is so special about this particular day? For me it’s always been a halfway point rather than a new beginning- school and whatnot. Furthermore, if I am making any resolutions, I always make sure to make them realistic.

In the past I have done:

• ·      Make new friends and keep better contact with the old
• ·      Graduate
• ·      Smile or laugh everyday
• ·      Take time for myself

New Year's Eve Crew

·       

Although I have had varying success, for the most part I am happy with what I accomplished. This year I want to take more photos- I apologize in advance to all my friends- and I would like to get my MA.

This year I got to spend it with new friends, and am excited to see what 2016 will hold.

Now that that’s out of the way, it is time to backtrack.

The beginning of the feast.

Christmas Eve was spent making my very first mince pies- as Chris’ mother said, “rustic but delicious”- and trying to do some last minute shopping. We ended up going out to spoons for the night where I got to met all of his old secondary friends and they were all so lovely. We stayed out in town way longer than intended and I hate to admit I was a little hungover from the night before- although not as bad as Chris ;)

Christmas day was spent doing absolutely nothing besides enjoying family time and watching Love Actually, and the Queen’s speech. At the end of the night the entire family ended up playing a few games and it was all just so relaxing.

For Boxing Day, Chris, his brother Michael, and myself decided to go ice skating while their parents braved the crowds to take advantage of sales. Being from a place ice skating is second nature, I was surprised at how rusty I was at it. And boy, what a difference it makes to have your own skates. I asked at the counter how often they sharpened them and was appalled that the answer was every two weeks!

Rushmere Country Park

The next day was my Birthday and I was surprised upon receiving more gifts from Chris and his family. We went out for a walk a nature park and then I went out to dinner with Michael, Chris, and Sara- a girl whom I met Christmas Eve. A few of Michael’s friends showed up later on and treated us with a few jäger bombs. I went home at a decent time and had a wonderful night sleep.

Monday was my last day in England and the entire family and myself went for a long, but rather enjoyable, walk around the Tring reservoirs which showcased the incredible English countryside. I was able to see some canal boats and a few swans before I packed up and flew back to Ireland.

Bulbourne

Tring Reservoir.

One of the many canal boats

It was a strange sensation stepping back on Irish ground.

I felt as if I was coming home, and as I opened my door to my apartment I felt like I could breath and relax again.

I am so lucky to be where I am, and maybe this year’s resolution should be to try and cherish every moment I am here.

Xx kim

PS

I would also like to dedicate this entry to the man that nicknamed me "the blueberry-eyed baby." You were such a big part of my life and graced this earth for the past nine decades with smiles and perseverance. I'm glad you are no longer in pain

 <3

A Very English Christmas

This isn't the first time I've spent my Christmas holidays abroad, however the last time was in Australia and I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.... This year it feels more odd since it's cooler and it actually feels like Christmas time.

I've come over to England- just north of London- to spend the holidays with one of my good friends that I met in Australia. I hadn't seen Chris or his family in nearly 18 months and I was hit with a boatfull of nostalgia when he and his brother picked me up at the airport.

The family home is just far out enough on the countryside that it almost reminds me of where I live back home in the States. I haven't felt as home here as I have in quite some time. It's amazing how open families can be, and at Chris' home everyone has been so welcoming.

Since Monday, I saw an English pantomime and spent the day in London.
I had no idea what a pantomime was besides the fact that it usually consists of cross dressers... Boy it was quite an experience. The theme this year was Aladdin, and Priscilla Presley was the Genie. There was so much audience interaction and jokes for both the children and adults attending. I was so proud that i understood the majority of the jokes referenced even though they were mostly about English pop culture.

Before going to the theatre, we went to the Milton Keynes shopping center and it was huge. Unlike most of the malls in America, this center was all one story so it seemed to go on for ages.

The Theater at Milton Keynes

Today, Wednesday, Chris and I made the journey into London to go up the shard and do other tourist stuff- like see Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. We ended our day in the winter wonderland in Hyde Park. It was very much like a fair or carnival back home but loaded with stalls offering mulled wine and hot cider. I was lucky enough to meet with Allie once again and Nick- another friend that I met whilst in Australia. We stayed in the Bavarian Village for the majority of the night listening to live music's and catching up since it's been so long since we've all been together. Our meeting was to brief but I hope I'll see them again in the future.

All in all a very good break so far. I still can't believe it's been three months since I left. Time is going back quicker and quicker.

Xx kim

PS
I arrived on Monday no problem from Dublin, and the day was very nice and relaxing. Chris brought me up to me up to Dunstable downs- I know confusing, right?- and we experienced some of the most intense wind gusts I've experienced for some time.

Still, the view was pretty spectacular.

Pictures will be pretty sparse this week, because I'm only using phone photos and none from my camera since I don't have access to my laptop.
So long until next time and happy holidays!