Jinxed

The inevitable has happened.

I’m finally sick.

Oh Spring...

Up until I came back from Australia I was always known as the ‘sick one.’ In year six, I missed a grand total of 49 school days and if I didn’t have good grades I would have been held back due to my multiple absences. However, I’ve only had minor illnesses since coming to Ireland but I think I finally jinxed myself…. I also blame spring allergens…. A runny nose and congestion won't hold be back though since I've a busy weekend ahead of me.

 Starting out last Wednesday, myself and a few friends went out to celebrate our friend Alan’s 22 birthday. Da Baby is growing up so fast.

We all returned to Whelan’s for their silent disco night, and although the tunes weren’t as banging as the last time, the good company made up for it. I also met a Canadian that lives about an hour away from Montreal, and so we talked about our favourite spots. It was my first time talking to someone about some place other than Boston.

The Bleeding Horse for Alan

My weekend was spent doing uni work and naught much else, but it was nonetheless a very much needed relaxing weekend.

Last night, Tuesday, a few of us got together and had a karaoke night because why not? At these events I usually have a drink or two to really let loose, but I must say it was a nice break to just hang out and have a good time.

It still amazes me to think that I’ve only known these people for about five months because it’s hard to imagine a life before knowing everyone.

Xx Kim

……

I have no idea where the time has gone, but I’m happy to say that some reunions are quickly approaching!

Maxi and Jana are coming back in March, and also my friend Steph from Australia is joining me for Paddy’s Day! I can’t wait to be the ultimate tourist! At the end of April Steph and I are joining our friend Chris for a weekend in Edinburgh, it’s been over 8 years since I have traveled there and I know we’re going to have amazing adventures!

Bittersweet

Here’s to Jana and Maxi, my dear German family <3

I came over to Ireland clueless, friendless, but eager for adventures.

Within the first couple of days I had slowly made my adjustment to life in Ireland and tried to

immerse myself in the social life the country had to offer. You guys were a big part of making Ireland feel like home.

Maxi, even though I thought your name was Emma you decided I was worth your friendship and I couldn't have asked for a better Mom. You are so fun loving and always have a smile on your face. You were never one to shy away from a pint at the pub, and you were always there to make sure I got home safely on nights out. I better see you and your beautiful sunshine bag soon!

 Keep laughing and being beautiful babe.

Jana, I’m glad that we decided to have that first date at the Autobahn. It was that night that we discovered we were twins and that night set the tone for our entire friendship. Girly you are so beautiful. We’ve been through some serious stuff together and you were always there to have a casual drink or  walk around Dublin with me when I was bored. What am I going to do without my other half? This is not a goodbye, but a see you later and all I can say is look forward to some more adventure featuring Thing 1 and Thing 2.

The three of us have survived multiple nights out, and we managed to survive Snoozles- forever bonded together by the shock the shock of rooming with a naked drunk Irishman, a terrified Frenchman, and a mystery man that didn't know how to shut a door.

See you soon fam! 

Love you both so much <3

Xx kim

P.S.
Expect a lot of snapchats, whatsapp messages, and endless Skype conversations!

Happy Thanksgiving... And Christmas

Remember how I said all of my coursework was looming in the shadows? Well it came onto me like a ton of bricks.

No entry last week- obviously- due to the sheer amount of pressure this one assignment was causing me. However, that’s over and I can take a breather until the next one.

Christmas.

Christmas lights at the GPO.
http://bewleyshotels.blogspot.ie/2014/09/the-magic-of-christmas-in-dublin.html

It’s starting to be an acceptable time for me to start singing Christmas carols and start my Christmas shopping. Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and though I haven’t celebrated with a real turkey for over 8 years, it’s that fact that I won’t be able to spend time with my friends and family that I am missing.

Also, pie. I love pumpkin pie.

Festivities are just around the corner and all the beautiful lights are up in Dublin and the Christmas markets are about to open and I’m actually getting a little bit excited for the holidays.

The reason why there aren’t going to be many of my photos in this- or next week’s blog- is that I lost my phone and it will take a while to replace it. Yes, I have a camera and I will try and bring that around more but it’s just not the same.

Amazing picture featured in the Irish Times
http://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.2000023.1415906311!/image/image.jpg

And to anyone that is wondering, I lost it in a taxi.

And, yes, it was an excellent night.

…….

In other news here’s a shout out to my favorite non-Uncles Paul and Al who got married after 3 decades together! I wish I could be there to give you a big hug!

There and Back Again: Dublin Transportation

City Centre, looking at D'Olier St. and Westmoreland St.

I live about a 15-minute bus ride from my uni and about a 30-minute bus ride from Dublin City Centre. I love how all the buses are two levels, but I don't like the price to ride.

On my second day here I went into the main city and had to pay €2.80 each way, even with my student LEAP card I’m still charged €2.05. A great plus about having a student card is that it is capped at €5.00, meaning you cannot pay more than €5 a day no matter how many times you take the bus.

This brings me to my next subject…. bikes.

Everyone here seems to be active. If people are not riding the bus, then they’re walking, or riding a bike. Bikes are prolific wherever you go- I’m even thinking about investing in a secondhand one since my roommate bought one. It’s also not unusual to get your bike stolen in town so a good bike lock is a must!

One thing to note, if you ride a bike you will be expected to ride in the same lane as regular vehicles. Out where I live this idea doesn’t bother me much, but in city centre you have to be fearless. There are so many merging vehicles and huge buses to look out for, and helmets do not seem to be required here….

I love all the exercising now integrated in my day-to-day life, I just hope the weather continues to stay brilliant.

On another note, the fabric used to cover the bus seats here is the same as in Australia. A random observation yes, but I found it quite interesting. The longer I live here the more I see the similarities between here and Oz, and the more I miss it.

O'Connell Monument

One Week in and Weather Wonderful

There are so many things I want to write about: food, people, transportation, weather- I swear these are way more interesting than they sound- but the blog post would turn into a book. So I’m going to try and limit myself to weather and people this week.

River Liffey and those hovering clouds.

I honestly thought Dublin would be shrouded in mist the majority of time, however the weather has been wonderful the past week. Of course the only time it rained was when I tried walking home from Uni and then missed the bus and was forced to wait an additional 15 minutes for another bus… but I digress.

There always seems to be a constant set of clouds that hover over the city, but aren’t threatening for the most part.  It can be sunny and hot one moment, and then cloudy and windy the next. This is just like New England weather so I almost feel at home in a weird sort of way.

Okay.

Topic number two: the locals.

The Irish are so friendly and welcoming, and the people here will usually go above and beyond the call of duty if you need help.

When I first arrived I had some trouble setting up my phone. I had to go into the local vodafone store three days in a row and yet, by the end of the ordeal, the employee that helped me turned into a friend. 

I really love this country, I truly do. 

……

Seriously though, the people are wonderful.

And here's a picture of the moon from Tuesday 22/09/2015.