Thrifts, Theatre and Transformations

I have been delaying writing this post for a while, not because I have nothing to say- quite the opposite in fact- but I just haven't felt the motivation to write.

However, a change was in order.

I was going to wait until the summer to redesign my blog, but than I realised how ridiculous that was and that there was nothing stopping me so..... Welcome to Leap of Faith 2.0.

It's a little brighter, and, in my opinion more clean cut.

Shameless self promotion.

I've also included some badges to the left in desktop view so you can follow me on twitter and instagram. I must warn you twitter is mostly inactive besides music events, and instagram is food, landscape, and things I think look aesthetically pleasing.

And now onto the good stuff.

It's been a while, eh?

My illness was not the worst I've had, but it definitely hit me hard. Thursday and Friday were blurs and, by some miracle, I made a recovery just in time for my busy weekend.

Kilo Sale at the Raddison Blue Hotel

On Saturday Lisa, Leni, and I bought tickets to attend Tola's Vintage Kilo Sale. I realised after that there were quite a few kilo sales on and they are quite a cool concept that I have never heard before.

After purchasing a ticket we were lead into a ballroom full of racks of second hand clothing, jewellery, bags, and other miscellaneous things. After choosing your items you would get them weighed and pay the assigned price. I was able to find a big bomber jacket and sweater for €16. We then went to Queen of Tarts afterwards and enjoyed our spoils. I also bought a cheeky sketchpad and pencils because I left mine all in the States.

Sunday I attended a play festival with Emma, Aoife, and Alan to support our friend Rory. The plays were in the Smock Alley Theatre and I was hit with a huge wave of nostalgia as the productions reminded me if the 10 Minute Play Festival held at the end of the year at my undergrad college.

The week following passed by in a rush of classes and assignments. I was able to take a quick break to see Triple Nine- I'm still confused as why there had to be black Russian Jews? I mean I guess it was alright.....

Wednesday I tagged along to Lisa's Game Society meeting since it was board game night and I genuinely had a great time. It was nice to socialise with new people and forget about school for a bit.

My back garden in a blanket of white.

Friday I woke up to the beautiful sight of snow! Yes, I thought spring had sprung, but seeing snow made me feel home- it also kind of made me crave maple syrup and other New England things but I digress.

That night I returned to the scene of New Year's Eve for yet another house party. It was much more low key, but so much fun nonetheless. I was also able to actually talk to those I met New Year's without worrying if they'd remember talking with me or not! I may have made people stay up far too late again but oh well.

Xx kim

This is the last week before reading week and Paddy's Day so I have a lot to get done before Jana, Maxi and Steph arrive.

It's going to be a busy two weeks!

New section! 

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Song of the week: 

Lukas Graham - 7 Years

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!

In Crashes February

To say the past two weeks were turbulent would be a huge understatement.

You know those moments when something unexpected hits you in the face, well multiply that by one hundred and maybe you’ll be able somewhat imagine how I feel.

University has reconvened once again, so last week was spent traveling and spending as much time as possible with new and old friends.

Dream cars <3

 On Monday I went to the bar on campus and played some pool- the Irish rules are quite different than back home. Even though I hadn’t played since I was probably ten, I still managed to pocket a few balls over the course of the night. Definitely no expert by any means, but with some practice who knows!

I spent Tuesday wandering Clontarf, but the wind was so breezy that I didn’t stay long. Spring has sprung here in Dublin and there are daffodils blossoming all over the county. Also I had to take a picture of these two old cars spotted while on my walk- for you to enjoy father, maybe one day we'll restore the bug!

Howth Harbour

On Wednesday Lisa and I finally made in out to Howth with a couple of friends. Once again we just walked around and took in the sight of the harbour. If you ever want good fish and chips, definitely come here sense there seemed to be a shop on every corner. We walked up this little hill just in time to spot a giant rainbow- double rainbow actually. The colours were so vivid and stunning that it made up for the wind and the rain we suffered.

By the time we walked back to the harbour, we all wanted something warm to drink and ended up in The Dog House. We spent almost two hours in the place drinking different kinds of teas and sweets. I want to go back just for this place alone.

Before taking the Dart- train- back into the city, we stopped by the Bloody Stream since my friend recommended it. Cheers, Liam!

Back in city centre I ended up going to a comedy club in the International Bar. Some of the acts were fantastic, but I definitely have to praise the MC, he was great- even though he may have called me a baby. I look young, I get it. Everything was in good fun though and you should go there if you want to have a laugh, plus at the end of the show you can make your way downstairs for a pint or two.

And then I slept for two days…

The Dog House

Not really, but I was surely lacking quite a few hours by Friday.

Lisa had a couple of friends over for Japanese curry- it was delicious thanks Lisa and Leni!- and then a few of us went out to celebrate our last Friday before university.

On Sunday Lisa and I went out to town to try and find another housemate. Yep. Due to circumstances I’m going to withhold, Lisa and I are frantically looking for a new place to live. Hopefully by next blog I’ll be settled into a new home...hopefully...

Anyway, Sunday.

We treated ourselves to Coco Bó while meeting up with a possible flatmate. We all clicked right away and stayed in town finding places to live and generally trying to get to know one another.

Monday was straight back into university- had to spend 10 hours straight there… but I hope that is going to change. It was so good to be back surrounded by people again, and also to be on a schedule.

Well this was longer than expected, so until next time!

Xx kim

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 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!