It seems like is has been forever since I last posted. I guess it's because I've been having too much fun and haven't really been around the computer much. I've finally got some time today, so I'll go ahead and fill you in on the last few days.
Last week I was hanging out in Dublin trying to figure out what I'd do about the visa situation, which has been an issue for almost a year now if you consider that I began looking to move abroad last October. It's too much to ponder...working holiday visa, student visa, work permit. After finally speaking to the lawyer and emailing back and forth with the consulates in NY and Washington, I'm back to where I started. I will be sending off my application for the working holiday visa here in a day or two. The paperwork isn't too terribly bad, but they require a good bit of information from me. I just hope if I can get it sent off that I won't have to wait too long before I know something. I have to mail the papers from Wales (or anywhere outside the state of Ireland). Once I get the visa (if I get the visa) then I have to leave Ireland and re-enter with that paperwork. I did have a dream last night that I had permission to work and live in Dublin, so let's hope that dream comes true.
In the meantime, I'm enjoying traveling and visiting with friends since I'm not tied down to a job. I've met a lot of Americans in Dublin and have had dinners, etc with them and then of course I've got Allan in Cardiff. We planned for me to visit his hometown of Greenock, Scotland for his cousin's christening last weekend so on Thursday I took a flight to Cardiff. I arrived and Allan surprised me with a night at a hotel he's working with. The St. Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot was amazing. We were only there the one night, but the resort is beautiful. I was disappointed I didn't have time for some pampering, but we did check out the sauna and Allan took a dip in their infinity pool. It is certainly a place I'd go back...beautiful views.
On Friday Allan and I drove up through England to Greenock which took longer than we expected because of traffic, but the journey wasn't too bad. We arrived and went to Allan's aunt's house where I met his aunt, uncle, cousins and a few other friends. We were able to spend the weekend in a family member's apartment which was unoccupied so we had a little down time. This was needed for sure because the Scottish know how to party, and apparently christening is code for get snockered.
After the "meet and greet", Allan and I went to the apartment and then got ready for a night out in Gourock, which is just a town over. We visited a few little pubs but headed back to get to bed and prepare for the day ahead.
At 11:00, we went to the church and attended what I would have imagined to be a beautiful ceremony. I'm Southern Baptist, so I don't attend christenings often; actually, that was my first. It would have been lovely, but when the priest addressed the crowd telling us to be respectful and remember why we were in the church, I should have know what was in store. The people in the pews all around me talked the whole time, some even cursing in church! I couldn't hear any of the ceremony. I never once heard the priest ask us to pray. It was interesting for sure, but it was over quickly.
We left the church and went next door to the pub where the party was to be held. Allan and I began drinking water because we knew it was going to be a long day. Others got started quickly with Vodka and coke, which is very common and other beverages. By 2:00 people were getting busy on the dance floor. I enjoyed the experience because I'm a big people watcher and let me tell you, I got to watch some people having a good old time. They were having too much fun.
To wrap up the rest of the day, Allan and I took a break to nap and then went back out for round two and the others, when we returned, were still going strong. Actually, they went straight through Sunday afternoon. Yup, never even went to bed! I just can't hang like that!
Sunday Allan and I took a drive and he showed me the Royal Scotsman Train, which is beautiful. He used to work on it and we ran into his friend at the station so we were able to take a mini tour. I would love to take a trip with them. Something I think my mom would really enjoy too.
Monday I got to see another really special spot as Allan showed me where his mother's ashes were spread. It was a beautiful spot and I felt very honored to see it. After the drive to another nearby town and a visit to the farmer's market there, Allan and I had lunch at a pub called Charlie Smith's and then we hit the road to head back for Wales. I was supposed to have a flight for Dublin on Wednesday, but I got talked into staying in Cardiff through Monday of next week. That's where I am now.
Yesterday I went for a run in Roath Park and got groceries to cook us dinner. I made goat cheese stuffed chicken breasts, garlic mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. Allan said it was the first home cooked meal he'd had in ages...that's sad to me. He's got a good kitchen, he should enjoy it!
Today I got up to get back in that kitchen, but for another reason. Allan was gone for the day so I emptied every cabinet and drawer, wiped them all out (scrubbed in some cases) and restocked things so they would be organized. In my opinion, the kitchen now makes sense, but we'll see what Allan thinks! I also ran out to several of the great second hand stores here and got some clothes for the weekend, which is supposed to be really warm. I only brought clothes for Scotland so I had to grab some tops in order not to burn up. I'm heading back out for a run in a bit because that Roath Park is too beautiful. I'll enjoy my afternoon there.
Tomorrow I'm taking care of the roots I've grown since I've not had my hair done in a while. Heading to a salon called Guy Christian. I think Allan's renting a car for us to visit some sites in Wales this weekend, and I think I'm getting a driving lesson too. Loving the experiences I'm having and I'll say, I am all too grateful for them.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Sweet Nostalgia
This happens to be the second time I wrote this particular entry as I was in a fantastic mood and typed quite a bit yesterday, but carelessly closed one too many tabs and lost my work last night. Here I go again!
We often times are caught off guard by little things in life, a song, a smell, a memory that is brought to the forefront because of the tiniest trigger in our daily life. Yesterday was full of these moments for me. It started early in the morning while I was in church. I should have known then that yesterday would be a really simple, but good day.
In the church I'm visiting here in Dublin, we begin the service with a prayer from the Pastor and then the congregation joins in on the Lord's Prayer. Once we've all recited this we move on to a hymn of worship. The first hymn made me grin, as it's one I know from home and really enjoy singing (although others probably don't enjoy my singing quite as much). Something I find rather amusing in this particular church is that the hymn books list the words, but there are no notes, no guides at all for the music and because there is no music director, everyone sings what they think is the tune. I caught myself giggling quite a lot yesterday (probably because my two new American friends and I had just discussed this the night before and they were sitting with me in church Sunday morning. We surely seemed like a bunch of school children who couldn't contain themselves). The second hymn we sang we all knew the tune to, Amazing Grace, and it went much more smoothly. I find that singing these old hymns usually reminds me of my grandmother, who I probably take after with my lack of singing ability. It was nice to remember her though.
After church I had planned to make a Southern Sunday dinner and had bought all the ingredients the day before. I had told my new friends I was cooking but I didn't want to invite them over as it was my first time for this meal here in Dublin and I wanted to make sure it was edible, not use them as Guinea pigs for my experiment. That's what my neighbor is for (but I'll explain later). They laughed and said they'd wait for round two, but to let them know how it went. Luckily for me, I got exactly what I had hoped for: a juicy ham and a not too eggy macaroni and cheese (I don't eat eggs but I do have to cook with them occasionally, so I was happy with my end result). I had no recipe to follow for the mac and cheese, but I had called T'Lene and asked what she thought I should do proportion wise for my tiny kitchen. I have no measuring utensils here but it all turned out. I also made a pitcher of sweat iced tea and then later remembered I had green beans to cook so I made those for Josh (the neighbor). After I ate my lunch and then attempted to run it off, I had Josh, who just returned from Africa, take a plate. He was thrilled, and so was I. I was glad to get rid of some of the leftovers! The day before I had also made chocolate chip cookies for my neighbors so Josh said, no matter what, he'd be on my side since I cook for him. It makes me feel good though. I enjoy cooking and here I don't have the space to invite everyone over, but I can certainly fix things and give away. It's nice to share a bit of that Southern Hospitality with Dublin.
As I mentioned, I had gone out for a run yesterday afternoon and this is the time I probably felt most nostalgic. I decided to take a different route yesterday (my mother always says people watch and you should change it up to be safe). I ran up Leeson Street to St. Stephen's Green and was pleasantly surprised when I got there. I had forgotten that on the weekends the park walls are lined with paintings from artists in the area. I went to the corner and was going to walk back along the perimeter but got caught, even with my Ipod blaring, by the sounds of music in the park. I heard Bob Marley's Three Little Birds and stopped in my tracks. There was some band on stage in the gazebo and what looked like a highschool marching band in the crowd. They jammed for 15 minutes or so and I sat in the grass enjoying it. Mostly I enjoyed watching the people attempt to dance to the music. I don't claim to have a lot of rhythm, but it was entertaining and made me smile to watch them. It was one of those moments that you appreciate being in a place.
After the performance had ended, I did walk around the park to admire the artwork, but once I'd seen it all, I was "called" back into the park. This time it was the sun that was calling. I've been rather deprived of it living over here and although I made fun of the locals when I visited in April, I understand their appreciation for it now. I have always enjoyed lying in the sun, so that's what I did. I lie right down in the grass and rolled my sleeves up in hopes of "catching some rays." I put my Ipod back on and listened to my man Dave for a while. I stayed there about 30 minutes before it got chilly and then I headed back to my studio, or "box" as a friend is calling it.
On my walk back from the park I had my Ipod in and just enjoyed watching people as they passed me, but one person in particular caught my attention. I wasn't drawn to the person's appearance, but as she passed, I got a whiff of her perfume, and it was the same as what T'Lene wears. It was a great moment because I don't know anyone else that wears it, so it reminded me of my sister, who is coming to visit in 18 days (she posted on facebook this morning), and I'm so excited to see her.
Dublin is great and I'm learning an awful lot being here, but any little reminder of home is welcomed, and yesterday was full of them. Sweet nostalgia.
We often times are caught off guard by little things in life, a song, a smell, a memory that is brought to the forefront because of the tiniest trigger in our daily life. Yesterday was full of these moments for me. It started early in the morning while I was in church. I should have known then that yesterday would be a really simple, but good day.
In the church I'm visiting here in Dublin, we begin the service with a prayer from the Pastor and then the congregation joins in on the Lord's Prayer. Once we've all recited this we move on to a hymn of worship. The first hymn made me grin, as it's one I know from home and really enjoy singing (although others probably don't enjoy my singing quite as much). Something I find rather amusing in this particular church is that the hymn books list the words, but there are no notes, no guides at all for the music and because there is no music director, everyone sings what they think is the tune. I caught myself giggling quite a lot yesterday (probably because my two new American friends and I had just discussed this the night before and they were sitting with me in church Sunday morning. We surely seemed like a bunch of school children who couldn't contain themselves). The second hymn we sang we all knew the tune to, Amazing Grace, and it went much more smoothly. I find that singing these old hymns usually reminds me of my grandmother, who I probably take after with my lack of singing ability. It was nice to remember her though.
After church I had planned to make a Southern Sunday dinner and had bought all the ingredients the day before. I had told my new friends I was cooking but I didn't want to invite them over as it was my first time for this meal here in Dublin and I wanted to make sure it was edible, not use them as Guinea pigs for my experiment. That's what my neighbor is for (but I'll explain later). They laughed and said they'd wait for round two, but to let them know how it went. Luckily for me, I got exactly what I had hoped for: a juicy ham and a not too eggy macaroni and cheese (I don't eat eggs but I do have to cook with them occasionally, so I was happy with my end result). I had no recipe to follow for the mac and cheese, but I had called T'Lene and asked what she thought I should do proportion wise for my tiny kitchen. I have no measuring utensils here but it all turned out. I also made a pitcher of sweat iced tea and then later remembered I had green beans to cook so I made those for Josh (the neighbor). After I ate my lunch and then attempted to run it off, I had Josh, who just returned from Africa, take a plate. He was thrilled, and so was I. I was glad to get rid of some of the leftovers! The day before I had also made chocolate chip cookies for my neighbors so Josh said, no matter what, he'd be on my side since I cook for him. It makes me feel good though. I enjoy cooking and here I don't have the space to invite everyone over, but I can certainly fix things and give away. It's nice to share a bit of that Southern Hospitality with Dublin.
As I mentioned, I had gone out for a run yesterday afternoon and this is the time I probably felt most nostalgic. I decided to take a different route yesterday (my mother always says people watch and you should change it up to be safe). I ran up Leeson Street to St. Stephen's Green and was pleasantly surprised when I got there. I had forgotten that on the weekends the park walls are lined with paintings from artists in the area. I went to the corner and was going to walk back along the perimeter but got caught, even with my Ipod blaring, by the sounds of music in the park. I heard Bob Marley's Three Little Birds and stopped in my tracks. There was some band on stage in the gazebo and what looked like a highschool marching band in the crowd. They jammed for 15 minutes or so and I sat in the grass enjoying it. Mostly I enjoyed watching the people attempt to dance to the music. I don't claim to have a lot of rhythm, but it was entertaining and made me smile to watch them. It was one of those moments that you appreciate being in a place.
After the performance had ended, I did walk around the park to admire the artwork, but once I'd seen it all, I was "called" back into the park. This time it was the sun that was calling. I've been rather deprived of it living over here and although I made fun of the locals when I visited in April, I understand their appreciation for it now. I have always enjoyed lying in the sun, so that's what I did. I lie right down in the grass and rolled my sleeves up in hopes of "catching some rays." I put my Ipod back on and listened to my man Dave for a while. I stayed there about 30 minutes before it got chilly and then I headed back to my studio, or "box" as a friend is calling it.
On my walk back from the park I had my Ipod in and just enjoyed watching people as they passed me, but one person in particular caught my attention. I wasn't drawn to the person's appearance, but as she passed, I got a whiff of her perfume, and it was the same as what T'Lene wears. It was a great moment because I don't know anyone else that wears it, so it reminded me of my sister, who is coming to visit in 18 days (she posted on facebook this morning), and I'm so excited to see her.
Dublin is great and I'm learning an awful lot being here, but any little reminder of home is welcomed, and yesterday was full of them. Sweet nostalgia.
Friday, August 19, 2011
On the Soap Box
I'm sorry to have to start off like this, but I have something on my mind and I need to get it out in the open. I'd actually love to know your thoughts on the subject, so please let me know if this strikes a cord with you.
I just got an email from EF, whom I worked for in England in June/early July and only YESTERDAY got paid for. Yes, beyond my financial frustrations, this email had a survey attached to it for the teachers/local leaders (I was both) to fill out and return in order to better the program. Please bear in mind that I was in Butlins Resort in Minehead, England "teaching" to both Spanish and Russian students for part of the day and "leading" the group of 27 Russians I was assigned to around the rest of the time. Please also note that EF, which in some cases refers to "Education First" and in some cases refers to "English First" is a very well known and established company. I'm honestly not sure how they made it to be so successful after seeing how things are run within that company though.
The survey consisted of seven questions mostly regarding accommodations and activities. I hate to be so negative, but I had very little good to say in response to any of the questions. The final section of the survey asked for "further comments" which I had plenty of (think about my personality...you know I had something else to say). The problem I had with this survey is that there was no question AT ALL regarding the actual teaching that took place. So, here are my additional comments:
I’m a little upset that, as an English learning facility with an “English first” mentality, there are no questions here regarding the teaching materials or standards for implementing lessons. I understand that you are concerned with the “camp” portion of the course, but as an educator, I’m very disappointed with the program. Putting 15 students into the tiny rooms we were provided, with nothing but a white board, a marker, a cd player and a textbook, these kids were done a great disservice. There were never specific objectives we were to teach; actually we were told to choose what we wanted from the book. When I asked about assessment, the response I got was “We don’t do that.” I was flabbergasted honestly. How can one teach and not assess? How does one know what the children are learning if both formal and informal assessments are not taking place? How does one exam at the end of the program tell us anything, especially when the kids are not in a secure testing environment? I’ve worked and travelled with EF for over 10 years now and I must say, this side of EF really let me down.
I'm not sure if anything I said will change the program, but I can say I won't work for that department of EF again and I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone sending their child to participate if the goal is to learn English. I'm sure the kids enjoyed themselves and I'm sure that just the little practice they had in speaking conversational English did them good, but the program as a whole, in my opinion, was a flop.
I just got an email from EF, whom I worked for in England in June/early July and only YESTERDAY got paid for. Yes, beyond my financial frustrations, this email had a survey attached to it for the teachers/local leaders (I was both) to fill out and return in order to better the program. Please bear in mind that I was in Butlins Resort in Minehead, England "teaching" to both Spanish and Russian students for part of the day and "leading" the group of 27 Russians I was assigned to around the rest of the time. Please also note that EF, which in some cases refers to "Education First" and in some cases refers to "English First" is a very well known and established company. I'm honestly not sure how they made it to be so successful after seeing how things are run within that company though.
The survey consisted of seven questions mostly regarding accommodations and activities. I hate to be so negative, but I had very little good to say in response to any of the questions. The final section of the survey asked for "further comments" which I had plenty of (think about my personality...you know I had something else to say). The problem I had with this survey is that there was no question AT ALL regarding the actual teaching that took place. So, here are my additional comments:
I’m a little upset that, as an English learning facility with an “English first” mentality, there are no questions here regarding the teaching materials or standards for implementing lessons. I understand that you are concerned with the “camp” portion of the course, but as an educator, I’m very disappointed with the program. Putting 15 students into the tiny rooms we were provided, with nothing but a white board, a marker, a cd player and a textbook, these kids were done a great disservice. There were never specific objectives we were to teach; actually we were told to choose what we wanted from the book. When I asked about assessment, the response I got was “We don’t do that.” I was flabbergasted honestly. How can one teach and not assess? How does one know what the children are learning if both formal and informal assessments are not taking place? How does one exam at the end of the program tell us anything, especially when the kids are not in a secure testing environment? I’ve worked and travelled with EF for over 10 years now and I must say, this side of EF really let me down.
I'm not sure if anything I said will change the program, but I can say I won't work for that department of EF again and I certainly wouldn't recommend anyone sending their child to participate if the goal is to learn English. I'm sure the kids enjoyed themselves and I'm sure that just the little practice they had in speaking conversational English did them good, but the program as a whole, in my opinion, was a flop.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Southern Comfort
There are few things that I've missed since moving to Ireland. Perhaps it's because I've not been here long enough to realized I'm doing without. Perhaps it's because I've been so busy I haven't thought about the fact that there are items I don't have. Whatever the reason, I've been quite content so far.
That hasn't changed, but my eyes are beginning to open a bit. Mom and I took a trip out to IKEA yesterday and although that place will give me nightmares for a while (too big and too many choices for me), it made me realize how little things can make you very happy. The simplicity of having organizers in my "house" shouldn't really change my perspective on the place, but waking up this morning and seeing them, it did. I was actually a lot happier to see that small row of storage containers holding the papers that have been stacked on the shelves for weeks now. Knowing me, you know that I am a bit of a neat freak. I like things to be in there place, and so these little plastic containers make me very happy.
At dinner at Dillingers tonight, the waitress read through the specials, as normal, before taking our orders. I had already told Mom she had to have the swordfish tacos I had on my last visit to the restaurant. It was really funny though as both our eyes perked up when the waitress told us of the southern fried chicken special. This was my choice, and it was a good one. Oh and lucky for me, it's their Monday night special which means I can go back next week!
The gigantic plate, which only cost me 14 euro, came out with four pieces of chicken battered in a light, but very greasy Rosemary mix, a piece of corn on the cob, a peculiar but delicious version of black eyed peas in a BBQ bean sauce, cole slaw and french fries. I'm talking southern comfort food like you've never seen. Granted, it wasn't done the way we do it back home, but it was good. I did take a to go box, but only because I knew Mom and I would be having dessert and I had to leave room. We enjoyed the same thing Allan and I had eaten before, a strawberry pavlova. Mom jokingly commented, "You don't like this at all, do you?" as I devoured my half.
Southern comfort...not even realizing I was missing it, having Mom here to enjoy some of the things I've been seeing and doing has made me miss home even more. Charleston's going to look really good come December!
That hasn't changed, but my eyes are beginning to open a bit. Mom and I took a trip out to IKEA yesterday and although that place will give me nightmares for a while (too big and too many choices for me), it made me realize how little things can make you very happy. The simplicity of having organizers in my "house" shouldn't really change my perspective on the place, but waking up this morning and seeing them, it did. I was actually a lot happier to see that small row of storage containers holding the papers that have been stacked on the shelves for weeks now. Knowing me, you know that I am a bit of a neat freak. I like things to be in there place, and so these little plastic containers make me very happy.
At dinner at Dillingers tonight, the waitress read through the specials, as normal, before taking our orders. I had already told Mom she had to have the swordfish tacos I had on my last visit to the restaurant. It was really funny though as both our eyes perked up when the waitress told us of the southern fried chicken special. This was my choice, and it was a good one. Oh and lucky for me, it's their Monday night special which means I can go back next week!
The gigantic plate, which only cost me 14 euro, came out with four pieces of chicken battered in a light, but very greasy Rosemary mix, a piece of corn on the cob, a peculiar but delicious version of black eyed peas in a BBQ bean sauce, cole slaw and french fries. I'm talking southern comfort food like you've never seen. Granted, it wasn't done the way we do it back home, but it was good. I did take a to go box, but only because I knew Mom and I would be having dessert and I had to leave room. We enjoyed the same thing Allan and I had eaten before, a strawberry pavlova. Mom jokingly commented, "You don't like this at all, do you?" as I devoured my half.
Southern comfort...not even realizing I was missing it, having Mom here to enjoy some of the things I've been seeing and doing has made me miss home even more. Charleston's going to look really good come December!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Floral Fun
I'd been thinking for a while of things to do with Mom when she got here and one area of interest we both have is gardening. Granted, I haven't a green thumb in my body, but I can appreciate someone else's talent in this area so that was going to be my plan of attack today...see some gardens.
Mom actually arrived yesterday and we got a lot in from the time she landed, dropped her bags at my flat, toured the city centre, and finally called it a night back at the studio. In just those few short hours we saw St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was a lot to do but you have to keep moving after a flight like the one Mom had, otherwise you get a bad case of jet lag. She did really well as we came home to cook dinner and she didn't go to bed until about 9.
This morning we planned to get up without an alarm clock and go first to get bus tickets for the week. We woke up around 8:30 and by 11 I think we were finally out the door! We got our bus to the bus headquarters to get our passes and then we went ahead to the National Botanic Gardens because we were pretty close by. We spent several hours there. It's really a beautiful place, and it happens to be free...well worth a visit or two.
After the gardens and something like 150 pictures between the two of us, we headed by bus back to the city centre and walked through Temple Bar where we had our late lunch/dinner (fish and chips at Farrington's) and then walked back towards St. Stephen's Green via the George's Street Arcade (market). We took one more bus back to my apartment. Mom came on here without me as something about living in Dublin makes me want a coke and chocolate bar every day! I ran to the store to get something to snack on and have just come back.
I've got to say there are many reasons I'm glad my mother is here, but what just happened made me even more happy to have her visiting. When I was in Paris with the boys I fell trying to catch the Metro and messed up my toe rather badly. The toenail just decided to call it a day and I (not being a foot person) about had a fit. It doesn't matter if it's my foot or not. I can't handle toes. My mom just did some amazing foot surgery on me and thankfully, I've got chocolate chip cookies left to console me and the trauma I just went through. Love you Mom.
Ok, so now we will more than likely watch a movie in my hometheater...that is sitting on my bed watching the laptop, and head to bed. Tomorrow we are taking a day tour to Kilkenny and Glendalough. Good times ahead.
Mom actually arrived yesterday and we got a lot in from the time she landed, dropped her bags at my flat, toured the city centre, and finally called it a night back at the studio. In just those few short hours we saw St. Stephen's Green, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library, Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was a lot to do but you have to keep moving after a flight like the one Mom had, otherwise you get a bad case of jet lag. She did really well as we came home to cook dinner and she didn't go to bed until about 9.
This morning we planned to get up without an alarm clock and go first to get bus tickets for the week. We woke up around 8:30 and by 11 I think we were finally out the door! We got our bus to the bus headquarters to get our passes and then we went ahead to the National Botanic Gardens because we were pretty close by. We spent several hours there. It's really a beautiful place, and it happens to be free...well worth a visit or two.
After the gardens and something like 150 pictures between the two of us, we headed by bus back to the city centre and walked through Temple Bar where we had our late lunch/dinner (fish and chips at Farrington's) and then walked back towards St. Stephen's Green via the George's Street Arcade (market). We took one more bus back to my apartment. Mom came on here without me as something about living in Dublin makes me want a coke and chocolate bar every day! I ran to the store to get something to snack on and have just come back.
I've got to say there are many reasons I'm glad my mother is here, but what just happened made me even more happy to have her visiting. When I was in Paris with the boys I fell trying to catch the Metro and messed up my toe rather badly. The toenail just decided to call it a day and I (not being a foot person) about had a fit. It doesn't matter if it's my foot or not. I can't handle toes. My mom just did some amazing foot surgery on me and thankfully, I've got chocolate chip cookies left to console me and the trauma I just went through. Love you Mom.
Ok, so now we will more than likely watch a movie in my hometheater...that is sitting on my bed watching the laptop, and head to bed. Tomorrow we are taking a day tour to Kilkenny and Glendalough. Good times ahead.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Paris
I arrived in Paris after only a few bumps in the road. The flight was fine, although the "cheaper" Ryan Air ticket quickly increased with fees at the airport. I took a train from Paris Beauvais with no problem to Paris du Nord, and then things got a bit tricky. After two hours out of the way to the wrong station, I arrived in the area of my hotel in Paris. I had no way to contact the guys to see if they were there and I only knew the name and address of the hotel, but not much more.
In my best French, I asked a bar tender at a cafe for information and he quickly got some locals to help. They told me it was too far to walk, and I couldn't take the subway there, but I could grab a cab. I got a cab (in the rain) and went all the way around a roundabout before the driver told me there was no such address. I finally asked ladies in a pharmacy and they told me to walk a block and it'd be on the right. Genius. I went through all that for nothing.
I walked (right past another metro station mind you) into the hotel and at the desk, in French, asked for my room. No such luck. No reservation under my name, Jonathan's name, or Ryan's name, who I knew booked the place. My internet wasn't working but the receptionist let me use the hotel internet for free and I emailed the boys saying I was about to cry and wasn't leaving the lobby until they found me. I went back to the front desk and asked another lady, who lo and behold, was able to ring Ryan's room and there he sat waiting for me. He came down to get me and so the fun was able to begin.
We headed out to see the Arc de Triumph, the Eiffle Tower, etc. We had a bite to eat at a cafe (I had a croque monsiuer with goat cheese) and then we went to the store to get more bread, cheese, and wine. We hung out in the room that night chatting.
We woke up on Friday morning, not too early actually, and headed out to see Sacre Coeur, the Louvre and other sites along the Seine, Notre Dame, etc. We didn't get to go into the Louvre, but I've done it before so I was ok. Disappointed for the rest of the gang though because it's something everyone should do.
We went to the hotel in the afternoon to rest and shower before going back out do go up in the Eiffle Tower at night and have dinner. We ate first at a cafe and all had pizzas that were really good. At the restaurant I was trying to move out of the way for another customer and kicked my foot so hard I drew blood. We walked (me half limping) to the tower then took the stairs to the second floor. I though I'd die! I've done the elevator before, but not climbed the thing. I had on my good white pants and just about ruined them from all the rain that night. Hadn't rained all day so I thought I'd be safe, but no such luck. Remember also I had one foot bleeding I was trying to keep away from my pants.
We walked around the bottom of the tower with our bottle of wine and were going to go to the Moulin Rouge for the gang to take pictures, but it was rather late and we were worried about getting stuck out there when the metro closed. We actually got really worried when the first stop we went to already had closed its doors. We ran to the next stop and up the slippery steps when, bam, I fell. Yep, very classy lady. Jack Rogers aren't meant for running or rain so it was my own fault, but as I went up the stairs to the metro, I slipped. I now have two bleeding feet as I busted my toe on my right foot. Perfect. Even better is the fact that the train is about to leave so Jonathan, a real American hero (inside joke) stands between the closing doors as I scream "Go on without me" and holds the doors open. He saved the day as I was able to board and he even got two other ladies in. Classic moment here. We made it to the hotel and I got in the bathroom to wash my poor feet and ruined pants. I think we all went to bed shortly after.
Saturday morning we got up and the boys decided to stay behind and plan their next leg of the trip, so Angela and I went back to the Champs Elysees for an hour or so. She wanted to get a purse or something, but found nothing she wanted. I bought a cute pair of ballerina flats. We grabbed lunch (a baguette) and headed back to the hotel to grab the guys so we could all go to the train station and see Angela off. She had to get her train to London to catch an early flight on Sunday morning. The boys and I split up after to get our travel plans for the next day. I had hoped to stay with them in Paris on Saturday night, but my train to leave was Saturday evening and the flight was early Sunday, so I had to make different arrangements.
Jonathan and I decided after this, even though we had very little time, to go out to Versailles. I wanted him to see the palace and gardens, but unfortunately we had no time. We just took a few pictures in front and he'll have to go back another time. It really is a beautiful place.
My train to Beauvais was at 9:48 so I sat in the hotel with the boys for a bit after Versailles and had a few glasses of wine before heading out. It was really sad to leave them again. My hotel room in Beauvais was very quiet. It was of course a journey getting there too, but nothing too exciting happened along the way, nothing except a guy on the train deciding to blatantly use drugs in the seat next to me. That was interesting. Never saw any official to tell, and not sure how I would have described it in French anyway!
I'm back in Dublin now and if feels good to be "home" but I did have a great time in Paris. Mom comes on Wednesday so I've got more fun things to do this week. Staying very busy here!
In my best French, I asked a bar tender at a cafe for information and he quickly got some locals to help. They told me it was too far to walk, and I couldn't take the subway there, but I could grab a cab. I got a cab (in the rain) and went all the way around a roundabout before the driver told me there was no such address. I finally asked ladies in a pharmacy and they told me to walk a block and it'd be on the right. Genius. I went through all that for nothing.
I walked (right past another metro station mind you) into the hotel and at the desk, in French, asked for my room. No such luck. No reservation under my name, Jonathan's name, or Ryan's name, who I knew booked the place. My internet wasn't working but the receptionist let me use the hotel internet for free and I emailed the boys saying I was about to cry and wasn't leaving the lobby until they found me. I went back to the front desk and asked another lady, who lo and behold, was able to ring Ryan's room and there he sat waiting for me. He came down to get me and so the fun was able to begin.
We headed out to see the Arc de Triumph, the Eiffle Tower, etc. We had a bite to eat at a cafe (I had a croque monsiuer with goat cheese) and then we went to the store to get more bread, cheese, and wine. We hung out in the room that night chatting.
We woke up on Friday morning, not too early actually, and headed out to see Sacre Coeur, the Louvre and other sites along the Seine, Notre Dame, etc. We didn't get to go into the Louvre, but I've done it before so I was ok. Disappointed for the rest of the gang though because it's something everyone should do.
We went to the hotel in the afternoon to rest and shower before going back out do go up in the Eiffle Tower at night and have dinner. We ate first at a cafe and all had pizzas that were really good. At the restaurant I was trying to move out of the way for another customer and kicked my foot so hard I drew blood. We walked (me half limping) to the tower then took the stairs to the second floor. I though I'd die! I've done the elevator before, but not climbed the thing. I had on my good white pants and just about ruined them from all the rain that night. Hadn't rained all day so I thought I'd be safe, but no such luck. Remember also I had one foot bleeding I was trying to keep away from my pants.
We walked around the bottom of the tower with our bottle of wine and were going to go to the Moulin Rouge for the gang to take pictures, but it was rather late and we were worried about getting stuck out there when the metro closed. We actually got really worried when the first stop we went to already had closed its doors. We ran to the next stop and up the slippery steps when, bam, I fell. Yep, very classy lady. Jack Rogers aren't meant for running or rain so it was my own fault, but as I went up the stairs to the metro, I slipped. I now have two bleeding feet as I busted my toe on my right foot. Perfect. Even better is the fact that the train is about to leave so Jonathan, a real American hero (inside joke) stands between the closing doors as I scream "Go on without me" and holds the doors open. He saved the day as I was able to board and he even got two other ladies in. Classic moment here. We made it to the hotel and I got in the bathroom to wash my poor feet and ruined pants. I think we all went to bed shortly after.
Saturday morning we got up and the boys decided to stay behind and plan their next leg of the trip, so Angela and I went back to the Champs Elysees for an hour or so. She wanted to get a purse or something, but found nothing she wanted. I bought a cute pair of ballerina flats. We grabbed lunch (a baguette) and headed back to the hotel to grab the guys so we could all go to the train station and see Angela off. She had to get her train to London to catch an early flight on Sunday morning. The boys and I split up after to get our travel plans for the next day. I had hoped to stay with them in Paris on Saturday night, but my train to leave was Saturday evening and the flight was early Sunday, so I had to make different arrangements.
Jonathan and I decided after this, even though we had very little time, to go out to Versailles. I wanted him to see the palace and gardens, but unfortunately we had no time. We just took a few pictures in front and he'll have to go back another time. It really is a beautiful place.
My train to Beauvais was at 9:48 so I sat in the hotel with the boys for a bit after Versailles and had a few glasses of wine before heading out. It was really sad to leave them again. My hotel room in Beauvais was very quiet. It was of course a journey getting there too, but nothing too exciting happened along the way, nothing except a guy on the train deciding to blatantly use drugs in the seat next to me. That was interesting. Never saw any official to tell, and not sure how I would have described it in French anyway!
I'm back in Dublin now and if feels good to be "home" but I did have a great time in Paris. Mom comes on Wednesday so I've got more fun things to do this week. Staying very busy here!
Visits from Home
Mom comes this week and I can't begin to describe how excited I am to see her. I have had lots of fun hanging out with friends from home as well as new friends here, but there is nothing like your mother coming after you haven't seen her in a while.
It's funny, but I'm actually getting teary eyed just thinking about it. It just goes to show how close my family is. Many people go for ages without seeing family. I couldn't do that. Daddy didn't raise us that way!
You know, Daddy came to visit today actually. It's been a while since I've "seen" him. I talk to him all the time and I feel his presence a lot, but I took a little nap when I flew in from Paris, and I got to both see and talk to him, and give him hugs and kisses!
Just before I fell asleep, I asked the Lord to let me have a visit, and thankfully, this was one prayer that was quickly answered. In my dream, I had flown back to Charleston. Edgar was there and Mom too, but they both left and I sat down with Dad in his chair. I was a little thing in his lap, although I was the same age as I am now. He was rocking me in the chair, and I was chatting with him about my life here. At first, he was asking me questions about how I was doing. He was telling me to live it up over here. This has been a stress on me for a few days now as I still don't have things sorted with my visa, which means I have no income even though I keep spending. Dad's comments helped reassure me that God has it under control and I'm going to figure it all out.
Anyway, after catching up, I was sitting there with my head on Daddy's shoulder and I began asking him more serious questions. At first, it was like he was still living and he knew he was not going to be around much longer. He was telling me things like, "You know, it's coming." As we chatted though, it was more obvious that he had already gone. I asked if he was scared through it and he just shook his head, no at first, then a small yes, and finally no again. I asked if he was in too much pain, and he said no. I gave him kisses on his forehead and hugged him. Mom came in and took a picture of us and in the picture, it was just me, but Dad's shadow was cast around me.
I hope that that's the case forever you know, that even though I may be standing "alone, my Daddy's always with me. I believe it will be. I miss him so much, but I think of him constantly and I appreciate what I'm seeing and doing more because of him.
It's funny, but I'm actually getting teary eyed just thinking about it. It just goes to show how close my family is. Many people go for ages without seeing family. I couldn't do that. Daddy didn't raise us that way!
You know, Daddy came to visit today actually. It's been a while since I've "seen" him. I talk to him all the time and I feel his presence a lot, but I took a little nap when I flew in from Paris, and I got to both see and talk to him, and give him hugs and kisses!
Just before I fell asleep, I asked the Lord to let me have a visit, and thankfully, this was one prayer that was quickly answered. In my dream, I had flown back to Charleston. Edgar was there and Mom too, but they both left and I sat down with Dad in his chair. I was a little thing in his lap, although I was the same age as I am now. He was rocking me in the chair, and I was chatting with him about my life here. At first, he was asking me questions about how I was doing. He was telling me to live it up over here. This has been a stress on me for a few days now as I still don't have things sorted with my visa, which means I have no income even though I keep spending. Dad's comments helped reassure me that God has it under control and I'm going to figure it all out.
Anyway, after catching up, I was sitting there with my head on Daddy's shoulder and I began asking him more serious questions. At first, it was like he was still living and he knew he was not going to be around much longer. He was telling me things like, "You know, it's coming." As we chatted though, it was more obvious that he had already gone. I asked if he was scared through it and he just shook his head, no at first, then a small yes, and finally no again. I asked if he was in too much pain, and he said no. I gave him kisses on his forehead and hugged him. Mom came in and took a picture of us and in the picture, it was just me, but Dad's shadow was cast around me.
I hope that that's the case forever you know, that even though I may be standing "alone, my Daddy's always with me. I believe it will be. I miss him so much, but I think of him constantly and I appreciate what I'm seeing and doing more because of him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)