If I'm bored on a Saturday night, I'll either head out for dinner and drinks with friends, catch a movie or when I was back in Boston head to Lucky Strikes- a bowling alley/ club.
In the Irish countryside (mostly in County Cork or County Armagh), instead of doing these things, they shut the roads down and "Road Bowl". When we were in Kanturk this weekend, one of the "major roads" was shut down for a game of road bowling. Unlike our bowling where you knock down pins, the goal of road bowling is to throw the "bowl" or "bullet" along the country road as far as you can in the least amount of throws. There's also a lot of betting involved where participants will bet on one of the two players and then follow him around giving him advice.
I wanted to go see the game, but apparently like the cow mart it is not really a spectator (outsider) sport. However, in a couple weeks there is the All-Ireland championship happening in Kanturk. Perhaps they'll let us watch the next time around?
June 30, 2009
June 29, 2009
Lovely weekend in Cork
This weekend we took the train to spend the weekend with BF's family in Kanturk, a village right outside of Cork.
I sadly did not get to go to the cow mart (as it's only open on Tuesday) or Cork's Brown Thomas, but since the weather was lovely on Saturday, we drove to Kilarney National park for the day. It's the start of the Ring of Kerry which is a major tourist attraction in Ireland (very sheep and cliffs and green patches of gorgeous land). The park is absolutely lovely! We had lunch in their arboretum and then rented bikes to cycle around the three lakes.
Absolutely lovely views there! We also saw the Torc waterfalls, which you can climb to the top of but we, really I, was too lazy to go all the way up.
I also experience my first stinging nettle. A couple months ago, we went to a Des Bishop comedy show. He's an American who moved to Ireland when he was 17 and his jokes center on comparing Ireland to American. He had a whole bit about stinging nettles, which we don't have back in the states. It's a plant that gives you a burning sensation when you brush up against it. Also, where ever stinging nettles grow, so does this other plant Dockwood which is the supposed remedy. These stinging nettles are a part of every Irish childhood- similar to poison ivy for us. I have of course been obsessed with it since I heard about it. So, on Saturday, I found my first stinging nettle!
I experimentally brushed up against it and was macho and didn't feel any pain at all... Until about 3 minutes later when my arm was BURNING! The Dockwood did help a little bit, but my arm had a burning sensation for the rest of the night. Stay away from these bad boys. They are NOT something to become obsessed with!
I sadly did not get to go to the cow mart (as it's only open on Tuesday) or Cork's Brown Thomas, but since the weather was lovely on Saturday, we drove to Kilarney National park for the day. It's the start of the Ring of Kerry which is a major tourist attraction in Ireland (very sheep and cliffs and green patches of gorgeous land). The park is absolutely lovely! We had lunch in their arboretum and then rented bikes to cycle around the three lakes.
Absolutely lovely views there! We also saw the Torc waterfalls, which you can climb to the top of but we, really I, was too lazy to go all the way up.
I also experience my first stinging nettle. A couple months ago, we went to a Des Bishop comedy show. He's an American who moved to Ireland when he was 17 and his jokes center on comparing Ireland to American. He had a whole bit about stinging nettles, which we don't have back in the states. It's a plant that gives you a burning sensation when you brush up against it. Also, where ever stinging nettles grow, so does this other plant Dockwood which is the supposed remedy. These stinging nettles are a part of every Irish childhood- similar to poison ivy for us. I have of course been obsessed with it since I heard about it. So, on Saturday, I found my first stinging nettle!
I experimentally brushed up against it and was macho and didn't feel any pain at all... Until about 3 minutes later when my arm was BURNING! The Dockwood did help a little bit, but my arm had a burning sensation for the rest of the night. Stay away from these bad boys. They are NOT something to become obsessed with!
June 26, 2009
Words of Wisdom
It's health and wellness week at work. Every day emails are sent out about how to stay healthy physically and mentally. There are health screens and cholesterol checks, but the best advice this week was...
Don't stab yourself with sharp objects.
Insightful.
Don't stab yourself with sharp objects.
Insightful.
June 25, 2009
Sitting on the dock of the ...
Quay! Or as my friend Kate calls it the "Irish Riviera".
Yesterday was gorgeous out (Sorry, Boston friends!) and so several pals and I decided that we could not pass up this great opportunity to drink outside. We headed to the lovely Ocean bar near work which was sooo nice! They are located right along the quay, and although the outside seating area is not large, they will let you grab drinks and sit along the water.
We also went out for a nice long dinner afterwards as well since my friend Michelle F. is leaving work for her three month sabbatical. (There are 1,000 Michelles here. We have to differentiate them- Spice girl style.) We have a lot of perks here at work, but I think this is one of the nicer ones. After working here for a certain amount of time, they'll let you take a quarter off to do whatever you want- volunteer, travel, sit and watch tv for three straight months, etc. So great!
Hurry back Michelle! Karaoke won't be the same without you!
Yesterday was gorgeous out (Sorry, Boston friends!) and so several pals and I decided that we could not pass up this great opportunity to drink outside. We headed to the lovely Ocean bar near work which was sooo nice! They are located right along the quay, and although the outside seating area is not large, they will let you grab drinks and sit along the water.
We also went out for a nice long dinner afterwards as well since my friend Michelle F. is leaving work for her three month sabbatical. (There are 1,000 Michelles here. We have to differentiate them- Spice girl style.) We have a lot of perks here at work, but I think this is one of the nicer ones. After working here for a certain amount of time, they'll let you take a quarter off to do whatever you want- volunteer, travel, sit and watch tv for three straight months, etc. So great!
Hurry back Michelle! Karaoke won't be the same without you!
June 23, 2009
Birthday Wishes
Instead of going to Belfast for my birthday this weekend, we decided to go to Cork (BF's home area) instead. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and their claim to fame is having one of the tallest buildings in Ireland (17 stories). So quaint, no?
Even more quaint is Kanturk, the BF's little village/town outside of Cork. The BF's family has a cute little store in the village.
It is seriously the quintessential Irish town with a couple of shops, some pubs and a COW MART!!!!! I grew up in the mean streets (kind of, not really) of Philadelphia and would never have stepped foot on a working farm, but Kanturk is a farming town. The first time I went to Kanturk in 2003, the BF took me to the Cow Mart and I could not be happier. All the farmers from the surrounding villages go once a week to trade/buy cows, sheep, pigs, etc. ADORABLE! I was so excited I started taking tons and tons of pictures and got the evil eye from the farmers. Apparently the cow mart is NOT a tourist attraction.
Anyways, the birthday wish is to be taken back to the cow mart because it is just so very Irish farming.
My other birthday wish is to be taken to the Brown Thomas in Cork City. This lovely store is having a VERY large sale, and the Dublin store doesn't have my size in these bad boys. :(
Even more quaint is Kanturk, the BF's little village/town outside of Cork. The BF's family has a cute little store in the village.
It is seriously the quintessential Irish town with a couple of shops, some pubs and a COW MART!!!!! I grew up in the mean streets (kind of, not really) of Philadelphia and would never have stepped foot on a working farm, but Kanturk is a farming town. The first time I went to Kanturk in 2003, the BF took me to the Cow Mart and I could not be happier. All the farmers from the surrounding villages go once a week to trade/buy cows, sheep, pigs, etc. ADORABLE! I was so excited I started taking tons and tons of pictures and got the evil eye from the farmers. Apparently the cow mart is NOT a tourist attraction.
Anyways, the birthday wish is to be taken back to the cow mart because it is just so very Irish farming.
My other birthday wish is to be taken to the Brown Thomas in Cork City. This lovely store is having a VERY large sale, and the Dublin store doesn't have my size in these bad boys. :(
June 20, 2009
Britney!!!
Oh Brit Brit! You're a delightful treat!!!
While at work on Friday afternoon, just when I didn't think I could take it anymore, I get an IM from my friend Sarah asking if I had any plans for the evening. I didn't really think sitting on the couch watching a romcom I've seen 50 million times counted so I asked her what she was thinking of doing. It turns out she had 2 FREE tickets to go see Ms. Britney that very evening. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Not only that, we had access to the VIP lounge and (apparently) excellent seats. How could I turn that down!?!
So off we went to the O2 to see Britney. First off, this was my first time at the O2, and the venue is great! We walked in and were greeted by O2 angels - basically pretty hostesses dressed as angels who showed us to the Indigo Lounge where we had a couple of drinks to get ready for Brit's show. Just as the show was about to start, the angels escorted us over to our seats, and they were excellent! We were in the front row (above all the standing tickets) and right in the center. I could seriously get use to this kind of life!
Her opening act was the Big Apple Circus, following her Circus theme. After about 20 minutes, Britney dropped down from the ceiling in a hot ringmaster outfit. The show was BRILLIANT! Obviously she lip-synched the songs, but I give her credit for the entertaining show. She was working it out on stage and definitely was sassy during all her dances. She did sing one ballad "Everytime" which was actually very pretty.
We tried to find K-Fed in the crowd to no avail; however, we did see her two little adorable babies near the stage.
Overall the show was a blast! Below are some of the best pictures from the show.
Sarah and I in the VIP lounge
Britney's Opening
Britney's First Act
Working it!
While at work on Friday afternoon, just when I didn't think I could take it anymore, I get an IM from my friend Sarah asking if I had any plans for the evening. I didn't really think sitting on the couch watching a romcom I've seen 50 million times counted so I asked her what she was thinking of doing. It turns out she had 2 FREE tickets to go see Ms. Britney that very evening. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Not only that, we had access to the VIP lounge and (apparently) excellent seats. How could I turn that down!?!
So off we went to the O2 to see Britney. First off, this was my first time at the O2, and the venue is great! We walked in and were greeted by O2 angels - basically pretty hostesses dressed as angels who showed us to the Indigo Lounge where we had a couple of drinks to get ready for Brit's show. Just as the show was about to start, the angels escorted us over to our seats, and they were excellent! We were in the front row (above all the standing tickets) and right in the center. I could seriously get use to this kind of life!
Her opening act was the Big Apple Circus, following her Circus theme. After about 20 minutes, Britney dropped down from the ceiling in a hot ringmaster outfit. The show was BRILLIANT! Obviously she lip-synched the songs, but I give her credit for the entertaining show. She was working it out on stage and definitely was sassy during all her dances. She did sing one ballad "Everytime" which was actually very pretty.
We tried to find K-Fed in the crowd to no avail; however, we did see her two little adorable babies near the stage.
Overall the show was a blast! Below are some of the best pictures from the show.
Sarah and I in the VIP lounge
Britney's Opening
Britney's First Act
Working it!
June 19, 2009
Houston, we have a problem
It's bad when your IRISH BF (known for drinking and boozing and all sorts of debauchery) suggests you calm down on the Friday night happy hour drinking.
June 18, 2009
Two Desks!
So no corner office yet at work for me, but yesterday I found out that I will have TWO DESKS! Woot! Woot!
At work, we're allowed to devote 20% of our time working on projects that interest us which is outside of our core job. Starting in Q3, I'll be working on two different teams. My core job will still be working with agencies in the UK, but my 20% project focuses on agency education. The first project will be creating and designing a website exclusively for their use. I'm so very excited to be starting on this project because I get to be a bit more creative (ie... pick out logos and colors for the site) as well as create the content.
It will be great to get to know different teams in the office. Now how am I going to decorate my new desk?!
At work, we're allowed to devote 20% of our time working on projects that interest us which is outside of our core job. Starting in Q3, I'll be working on two different teams. My core job will still be working with agencies in the UK, but my 20% project focuses on agency education. The first project will be creating and designing a website exclusively for their use. I'm so very excited to be starting on this project because I get to be a bit more creative (ie... pick out logos and colors for the site) as well as create the content.
It will be great to get to know different teams in the office. Now how am I going to decorate my new desk?!
June 17, 2009
The Sun
You must be thinking "If she moans about the fecking Irish weather one more time, I'm going to punch her in her sun dress."
No, No, dear readers, calm down. I'm going to share with you a website that brightens my life each and every morning. While I'm embarrassed to admit it, I'll share my embarrassment for your entertainment and your eventual embarrassment when you get hooked. I'm talking about the wonders of the The Sun.
This celebrity gossip, papparazzi filled tabloid gem keeps me updated on all the important things in life such as Wags' wardrobe, royal breakups, or my BF's personal fave SuBo. (I do not know why he's obsessed with this story line.)
But more importantly it reports on hard hitting stories including gay penguins that get married.
If that's not a journalistic masterpiece, I don't know what is.
No, No, dear readers, calm down. I'm going to share with you a website that brightens my life each and every morning. While I'm embarrassed to admit it, I'll share my embarrassment for your entertainment and your eventual embarrassment when you get hooked. I'm talking about the wonders of the The Sun.
This celebrity gossip, papparazzi filled tabloid gem keeps me updated on all the important things in life such as Wags' wardrobe, royal breakups, or my BF's personal fave SuBo. (I do not know why he's obsessed with this story line.)
But more importantly it reports on hard hitting stories including gay penguins that get married.
If that's not a journalistic masterpiece, I don't know what is.
June 16, 2009
Optimism Rewarded
Yesterday, I said that I was going to pretend it's summer in Ireland and perhaps it will ACTUALLY become summer. Apparently, Ireland loves my optimism and has rewarded us all with gorgeous summery weather again! It's 16C/61F and sunny! According to the forecast, it is suppose to stay this way through the end of the week.
June 15, 2009
Summer Optimisim
I don't care what people are saying about Irish summers, I'm hoping beyond hope that it will start to get warmer and sunnier. So far, we have had one week of absolutely gorgeous sun and then back to cold, windy weather.
If I were back home, I would have transitioned my winter clothes into the back of my closet and pulled out my summer clothes around April. I did this about two weeks ago, and I'm finding that I need to pull out the winter stuff I had put away. Depressing.
However, in trying to be completely optimistic, I am refusing to put on any more winter gear even if it means freezing in my thin summer clothes. If I dress for the sun, perhaps it will come out?
If I were back home, I would have transitioned my winter clothes into the back of my closet and pulled out my summer clothes around April. I did this about two weeks ago, and I'm finding that I need to pull out the winter stuff I had put away. Depressing.
However, in trying to be completely optimistic, I am refusing to put on any more winter gear even if it means freezing in my thin summer clothes. If I dress for the sun, perhaps it will come out?
June 12, 2009
Fortune Cookies
As you know, my new year's resolution is to travel a lot this year. I just opened a fortune cookie and it predicted that I "will step on the soil of many countries."
Looks like the stars are aligning!
Looks like the stars are aligning!
June 11, 2009
You call this volunteer work?
As part of an annual company wide initiative, I was out of the office yesterday to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin. I was with a group of ten who went over to the house to host a BBQ for the children and their families. We couldn't have asked for better weather (considering we are in Ireland). Being American, it was decided that I had the most experience with cooking outdoors in sunny weather so I manned the grill while everyone else made salads and helped with food distribution. It was eye opening to meet the children who are so sweet and happy even though they have been through a lot medically.
The Ronald McDonald house runs mostly on donations so please visit their site to donate. Or, next time you're buying a Big Mac or chicken McNuggets, drop in a couple of Euros (or dollars!) into their collection bin.
The Ronald McDonald house runs mostly on donations so please visit their site to donate. Or, next time you're buying a Big Mac or chicken McNuggets, drop in a couple of Euros (or dollars!) into their collection bin.
June 9, 2009
Travel Plans
One of my New Year’s resolutions was to travel somewhere, anywhere every month. So far, I’ve done well to keep my resolution and have managed to pack my bags and go for a quick overnight trip if not a full fledged vacation up to this point. However, last night I realised that I don’t have anything planned for June. Ekks!
In order to keep my resolution going, the BF kindly agreed to take me to Belfast for my birthday later this month. Whoopee! Belfast is only an hour and a half away by train. Last week, my Boston buddies went there for an overnighter and loved it. Plus everything is much cheaper up North. Shopping trip for my b-day? Lovely!
Below is my resolution on paper. I still need to make travel plans for a couple more months this year. Anyone up for a trip September and/or October?
January – Galway
February – London (Twice)
March – Prague
April – Morocco
May – London (Again!), Boston
June- Belfast
July – Achill Islands
August - Croatia
September – No plans yet :(
October- No plans yet :(
November- Boston for Thanksgiving - Not confirmed yet.
December – Cork for Christmas and India for the New Year
In order to keep my resolution going, the BF kindly agreed to take me to Belfast for my birthday later this month. Whoopee! Belfast is only an hour and a half away by train. Last week, my Boston buddies went there for an overnighter and loved it. Plus everything is much cheaper up North. Shopping trip for my b-day? Lovely!
Below is my resolution on paper. I still need to make travel plans for a couple more months this year. Anyone up for a trip September and/or October?
January – Galway
February – London (Twice)
March – Prague
April – Morocco
May – London (Again!), Boston
June- Belfast
July – Achill Islands
August - Croatia
September – No plans yet :(
October- No plans yet :(
November- Boston for Thanksgiving - Not confirmed yet.
December – Cork for Christmas and India for the New Year
June 8, 2009
Worst Weather Ever!
This weekend was the worst weather that I've experienced since my move here. Saturday was terrible!! It is JUNE (come on, Ireland), but the weather outside definitely feels like November. It poured rain which surprisingly it has not done on the weekends since I moved here, and the wind was gale force. I left the house to go to the gym, and I was nearly blown away.
When I finally got back home to watch the Ireland v Bulgaria World Cup qualifier (which was eh... Ireland should have held out to win instead of tie), I looked out the window and saw these nut cases playing golf in the rain.
I guess if you have the time booked for a hard to book golf course, you go anyways, but I can't imagine the game was very fun.
When I finally got back home to watch the Ireland v Bulgaria World Cup qualifier (which was eh... Ireland should have held out to win instead of tie), I looked out the window and saw these nut cases playing golf in the rain.
I guess if you have the time booked for a hard to book golf course, you go anyways, but I can't imagine the game was very fun.
June 5, 2009
What's with the legs?
Seriously, G Cafe, what's with the legs on the menu? A couple weeks ago there was roast leg of suckling pig and today there's Cajun Breaded Rabbit Legs. Ekks!
And this is coming from a girl who loves weird food and in the past three months has tried camel stew, snail soup and goat's brain!
Be normal, G cafe! Serve us a tuna sandwich for Pete's sake.
And this is coming from a girl who loves weird food and in the past three months has tried camel stew, snail soup and goat's brain!
Be normal, G cafe! Serve us a tuna sandwich for Pete's sake.
June 4, 2009
Home alone
The BF was off to Germany for work this morning for two days which means one thing....FREEDOM!!! Kidding...I will enjoy having the TV to myself this evening though.
Auf Wiedersehen BF! Hurry home (with German meat of some sort please)!
Auf Wiedersehen BF! Hurry home (with German meat of some sort please)!
June 3, 2009
Lovely Lovely Ireland
The weather here has been GORGEOUS! Warm and sunny and just generally lovely which puts everyone I meet in such good moods. I would love life if it were sunny like this all the time here.
I have friends in from Boston this week, and they are slowly falling in love with the place. I think if they were here during with rain, they would think differently!
I have been showing them the sites (Sandymount Strand, Herbert park, Oscar Wilde Statue park, etc) and they went on their own guided tour yesterday.
Last night I took the ladies to my favorite restaurant for cocktails. They make really fresh and fruity drinks using none of that syrupy drink mix stuff most places use.
Then we headed into the Porthouse for dessert. Porthouse is a nice tapas restaurant which is perfect for dessert and also has a very extensive wine list.
Finally, I took the gals over to O'Donoghues, which is a Irish pub famous for traditional music... Think fiddles and fifes. This was my first time there and at first I was NOT impressed. It was a run-down old man's pub. But then when the music started playing, it developed a good atmosphere. The girls loved it!
I have a feeling it's going to be hard for the girls to say good bye to Dublin on Friday!
I have friends in from Boston this week, and they are slowly falling in love with the place. I think if they were here during with rain, they would think differently!
I have been showing them the sites (Sandymount Strand, Herbert park, Oscar Wilde Statue park, etc) and they went on their own guided tour yesterday.
Last night I took the ladies to my favorite restaurant for cocktails. They make really fresh and fruity drinks using none of that syrupy drink mix stuff most places use.
Then we headed into the Porthouse for dessert. Porthouse is a nice tapas restaurant which is perfect for dessert and also has a very extensive wine list.
Finally, I took the gals over to O'Donoghues, which is a Irish pub famous for traditional music... Think fiddles and fifes. This was my first time there and at first I was NOT impressed. It was a run-down old man's pub. But then when the music started playing, it developed a good atmosphere. The girls loved it!
I have a feeling it's going to be hard for the girls to say good bye to Dublin on Friday!
June 2, 2009
Local Elections
The local elections are taking place this week on June 5th. Leading up to the day, candidates have been campaigning like crazy. Everywhere I go I see big posters with just a face and the candidate's name - quite like a grade school election for president of student council. There is one candidate who is particularly pleasing to look at- Eoghan Murphy. He's a Ben Affleck look alike - yum!
Over the weekend, his campaign kicked into high gear. As we were hanging out in Herbert Park, we saw him walking around shaking everyone's hands. His campaign manager approached me and the BF and asked if we wanted to be in posed "candid" photo. A chance to be near "Ben Affleck" and to be in the papers? Sign me up!
We looked for our pics the next day in every paper, but didn't see ourselves. I guess we were not adorable enough :(
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