"Too Much"

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.