Olympics, Olympics, Olympics!

Olympics and dissertation.

That’s all I’ve really got to say about the past two weeks.

Now, for the first time I have no pictures. Everyday has literally been me getting up at eight working on dissertation, Olympics, and then going to bed. I haven’t even really been into city centre lately. I’ve some photos of food that I’ve cooked over the past two weeks and you can check that out over on my Instagram, otherwise things have been pretty mundane.

Can't forget about the Olympics though!

I was always an athletic child, and for being a bit chubby, boy did I love all sports. I was always on a sports team through my childhood and even now I love watching so many different sports. One of my favourite weeks in gym during primary school was when I opened the doors to see the gymnastic equipment. Every since then artistic gymnastics have always been a passion of mine to watch- unfortunately I grew a little too tall to compete when I was younger.

I absolutely LOVE watching the Olympics, you can ask any of my housemates and they’ll back me up. Not only does it bring nations together but also all the sports that normally go unrecognized finally get a chance to be in the spotlight. It’s been an incredible past two weeks and I’m so sad that it’s over now…. however I’m betting I’ll be able to do a lot more dissertation work now that it is over.

Japan 2020 can’t come soon enough!

Short and sweet, I guess that’s all I really have to say about the past two weeks. Come September 1^st I’ll be able to have a normal life again and now be one big ball of stress.

Pray for me!

xxkim

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Hamilton.

I finally got  a chance to listen through the soundtrack and now

I sooooo want to see the play. Absolutely astounding, Lin-Manuel is a beast.

 

Top Ten Experiences in Ireland So Far

As it’s summer now, I took an unexpected break. To be fair it was refreshing not having to worry about a post a week, but I did miss the schedule of it all.

I’ve officially been here ten months, wohoo!

That means I have lived in Dublin longer than anywhere else in the past five years.

Here are my top 10 photos that I’ve taken in the past 10 months. I’ve selected a mixture of travel destinations and just pictures of great memories.

The Beginning

After nearly 8 years I finally returned to this gem of an Isle. This was the first picture I took of Ireland from the plane heading down to Dublin airport.

A Halloween Like No Other

Did you know that Halloween actually originated in Ireland? Neither did I until this past year.

Howth

This side of Dublin Bay has become one of my most frequented travel spots and I plan to go back to this place right outside of city centre. It's a quaint town that's right on the water, and, on the weekends, there is a great market there filled with delicious treats.

The Cliffs of Moher

This is seriously one of the most breath taking scenes I have ever visited. I'd love to go back out west and complete the entire cliff walk someday.

The Festive Season

With all of its small alleyways and narrow streets, Dublin was ripe with opportunities to decorate for the holidays. I loved just going out at night and walking aimlessly around.

Paddy's Day

No it's not St. Paddy's, or is it ever really called St. Patrick's Day. I spent my time watching the parade with my friend Steph from Australia- I hadn't seen her in nearly two years. A lovely member of the garda- policemen- took this photo of us and everyone around was buzzed with happiness.... and maybe a bit too much of alcohol, but who am I to talk.

The Giant's Causeway

I loved learning about the formation myth of this landmark, and I highly recommend going there and taking a tour of it. 

Pentatonix

After years of watching them come together as a group on The Sing Off and then all their youtube videos, I finally was able to see them live in Dublin. If you ever get a chance to see PTX live I would recommend going. They sounded amazing, if not better, live than on their records.

Dublin Zoo

Even though it's summertime and many of my friends have gone home, we were still able to plan a day trip to the zoo. Although I can't say it compared to the zoo in Dubbo, Australia or the Tarangire in Tanzania, I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I especially loved that the peacocks were allowed to roam freely all over the zoo grounds, plus good company always makes for an amazing day no matter what.

Home

After living here for 10 months I can confidently say that I am feeling Ireland is home. I really can;t describe what drew me here, but now that I am, I really do not want to leave. I've made some incredible friends here and I can only hope to make more and gain more fond memories.

xxKim

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Normally I would put a music recommendation here but I've been listening to such a variety that I can't choose.

-Olly Murs: just feel good music, especially his earlier material

-Fleetwood Mac: I was never a huge fan, but they have some great summer tunes

-DNCE: I can't stop listening to Cake by the Ocean

-The Beatles: summer becomes my time where I put on the White Album or 1 over and over again.

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