Easter Rising Centenary Event

I wish I elaborate on more amazing adventures, but honestly my life has been pretty mundane over the course of the past week. Not that mundane is bad in any way, shape, or form, but just in that I haven’t done much.

Between all the work that I was doing I managed to sneak out and join the Easter festivities in town. This year it was the 100^th Anniversary of the Easter Rising in Ireland so there was a three-day celebration honoring the events that happened a century past.

 At Trinity I was able to hear some live music from the Trinitones- the all male student society singers which gave me major yearning to be back at Wheaton College hearing the Gentlemen Callers again. And then I was lucky enough to hear the Trinity College Céilí Band playing some trad- traditional Irish music- before hearing the 1916 Proclamation read in both English and Irish.

Photo courtesy of The Irish Times

There’s still so much about Ireland that I have yet to discover. Not only is this the place I know live, but I have rich family history in this country so I really should open a book and to start to learn about my past.

Saturday night I went to a friends 22 Birthday and once again managed to stay up well into Easter Sunday. My sleep patterns are really suffering.

On Tuesday I went to Lisa’s to hang out and also get her old bike! So excited to be riding once again!

Other than that I was very ill on Thursday and Friday- symptoms including lightheadedness and a fever, yet somehow managed to get quite a bit of work done.

Here’s hoping that I’ll be able to get out more next week!

Xx kim

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Throwback time

Hootie & The Blowfish

Drowning

Friends, Fun and Paddy's Day

Over the past two weeks I've had my share of adventures, reunions, and just plain amazing times with both new and old friends.

Let's start out two weeks ago. On the Thursday before Paddy's Day, Maxi and Jana arrived from Germany and we had a reunion party to celebrate their return. We had some pre-drinks at a friend's and it was so good to talk with them face-to-face instead of in text or over a computer screen. By the end of the night it felt as if they never left.

Sunday we went into Howth and I finally got to experience the markets there. The pier was so foggy and you couldn't really make out anything but it the photos came out nice.

Looking across the pier- no editing, just pure fog.

Maxi, Jana, Emma, and I

The foggy Howth Pier

The next few days were generally relaxing and I had to say goodbye to my Germans again but also hello to my Aussie. Steph and I hadn't seen each other for a year and a half and Tuesday was spent catching up. Wednesday we had a mission to get suited up for Paddy's day- yes, we went full tourist but it was fun.

Steph and I waiting for the parade to start.

Since we were out late Paddy's Eve, Steph and I didn't get into town until late but we still managed to get a spot for the parade. The theme this year was 'the future' and some of the floats edged on an open ended interpretation. It started almost an hour late, but the wait was worth it. The marching bands were definitely the highlight! For being the largest outside of NYC, I was not disappointed.

So. Much. Green.

Friday and Saturday were Belfast and traveling around northern Ireland. There was definitely an influx of Americans everywhere and it felt strange being surrounded my my native tongue once again. Steph and I went on a tour of the north coast and saw sights such as the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge- if you're scared of heights I do not recommend!- and the geological landmark of Giant's Causeway. I never knew the full myth of how Giant's Causeway came to be formed, but learning it definitely put a smile on my face. Let's just say if involves hubris, pranks, and a onesie.

The view on Carrick-a-Rede.

Tourists flocking over Giant's Causeway.

Yes, you can climb to the top of the rather steep hills.

The sights were amazing as always- Ireland hasn't disappointed yet!- but Belfast itself wasn't quite what I was expecting. Its kind of hard to explain, but  I'll have to go back and really explore the city.

Uni started back up on Monday and the reality of how much work I have to do is finally starting to set in. It's a bank holiday Monday so I'm determined to get as much as possible done this weekend.

Happy Easter!

Psyched to go back to Edinburgh at the end of April and I cannot wait to reunite with Chris and Steph again.

Let's just pray I survive the next month.

Xx kim

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Song of the week

Panic! At the Disco-  Death of a Bachelor

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!

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

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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

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