I got chills, they're multiplying.

Spending some quality time with the new love of my life--an electric heater.  Our radiators have been broken since I arrived, and even being from Canada I find it terribly cold at night.  Until this sweetheart came to live with me. :)

Somewhere there's music

A bit delayed posting these.  Ended up in Cork last weekend for their famous Jazz Festival, and have come out of it with a newfound appreciation for jazz. 

Stayed with another couchsurfer, Seb, who lives in the middle of a bird sanctuary and probably one of the most peaceful places I've ever been.
Just some neighbourhood peacocks.

Seb & I. Thanks for the couch Seb!

Cork!

Jazzy times.

In case you were unaware...

Another countdown that seems worthy of mentionning...

ONLY 72 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

A sign I walked by earlier today that made me smile. :)

About time to start up the christmas tunes I'd say.  And I'm sure Sara Seward would agree!

The Pogues -- Fairytale of New York

autumn has arrived

There has been a definite change in the air over the past few weeks.  Still not much rain though!

Fall colours. :)

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!  I went out for pancakes instead of turkey dinner, and spent the evening playing poker with work friends.  Not a traditional Thanksgiving celebration, but still good times.

59 days until back in Cape Breton :)  miss you all xo

Catch-up: October 9, 2010

I set a resolution for myself for the remainder of the month of October: to post a new picture at minimum every two days.  Mostly this will be for Allen who was just made aware of this photoblog in September, and must be horribly disappointed with its upkeep. (sorry I procrastinate so much!)

So, in keeping with the theme of new starts, I'd like to send out a Happy Birthday wish to my sister Megan as she starts her 25th year on this earth.  Having come to Ireland and put myself in a situation similar to hers, I have so much respect for her ability to create an amazing life for herself in Korea.  She is my inspiration when my spirits are low.  Hope you had an amazing day, an amazing year, and I know you have an amazing life ahead. xo

Paradise City

I found my personal paradise last weekend.  It's known as Brussels, Belgium.  It was love at first sight, and then I tried the chocolate and beer which completely sealed the deal.  The trip was a case of both good and bad timing: good in that an all night culture/art/music festival (called Nuit Blanche) was on so lots to check out, bad in that I missed my flight there and had to re-book for a hefty price.  Stayed with couchsurfers (www.couchsurfing.org/) though so saved on accomodation costs, plus met some amazing people who showed me around town.  Overall a fabulous weekend!  Here are some sights & sounds of Brussels.

The Grand Place



Nuit Blanche!

The survivors who made it to 5am breakfast.  Thanks for the fun times! :)

Galerie de la Reine

A gastronomical delight!



 The perfect finish!

"To Arthur!"

Although Arthur Guinness Day was on September 23rd, the storehouse had free tours on the 24th for Culture Night so we went to celebrate Arthur's Day plus 1. :)

Jamie reminding us where we are Vanna White style.

View of Dublin city from the Gravity Bar.

Beatlemania!~

It is impossible to go to Liverpool and not be exposed to Beatles music and paraphernalia.  Through couchsurfing, I met up with Warrington native Kathryn who showed me around a bit and gave me a place to stay (thanks again Kathryn!).  We boarded the Magical Mystery Tour bus which took us around to all the locations made famous by the Beatles and their music.

Such cuties.

\

Kathryn & I post drink at the Cavern Club, where the Beatles first made it big.  An acoustic John Lennon tribute was playing at the time--excellent atmosphere for a pint.

Two songs to offer.  One Beatles tune of course.  And the other a classic Liverpool song.

The Beatles - Revolution (live)

In My Liverpool Home

Scouse Immersion

I was in the UK city of Liverpool for the past 4 days.  It reminded me alot of Halifax, Nova Scotia actually, both being big port cities and all; however, I prefer the inhabitants of Halifax over Liverpool.   

A few pictures of the harbour and architecture of the city.  This is taken along the outer part of Albert Dock, a group of Grade I (exceptional importance rating) architectural and historical buildings along the Liverpool waterfront.

The Royal Liver Building.  One of the "Three Graces", three neighbouring buildings which contribute to the picturesque waterfront.  It's really just a glorified office building.  There are two "liver birds" on top facing opposite directions; the one shown here is believed to be the female keeping watch on the oceans and for her man coming back from sea.  The one opposite her is believed to be the male looking into town to see what pubs are open, busy, and worth a visit. :) 

The Port of Liverpool Building, another of the "Three Graces", with Canada Boulevard running along the front (note the Maple trees!).  The Boulevard commerates Canada's contributions to the Battle of the Atlantic. 

A perfect end to a day of exploring: a lovely cup of Earl Grey tea (that was followed by a delicious scone with jam and cream!--didn't last long enough for a photo).

More Irish Life Lessons

Perseverance:
steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.  (see dictionary.reference.com)

The perseverance of peoples of Ireland is something to aspire to; the sudden onset of rain at any given moment haults nothing.  Although this photo isn't the best quality, I thought it was a good representation of how one doesn't let the obstacle of rain stand in the way of business & life.

When something as mundane as the weather or as big as love and life gets you down, persevere.
xo

The Gourmet Burger Company

I took my camera to work for about 10 days straight before I finally remembered to take a picture or two. 

I work for the Gourmet Burger Company (http://www.gourmetburgercompany.ie/) which is this fabulous place that specializes in organic beef and free range chicken burgers. Mmm delicious!

An example of our tasty chicken burgers.

Yesterday was an exciting day in the kitchen.  I entered a radio contest on behalf of Will, one of our head chefs, and won him the prize--two tickets on a private jet to go to Paris and front row seats to the U2 concert in Paris (which amazingly falls on his birthday)!  Unfortunately his fiancee has priority over me for his spare ticket. :( Sad news.  But so excited to have won something that cool regardless! Lol

Happy birthday Will!  You owe me. Bigtime.

U2 live from Slane Castle, Ireland

blueberry fields forever

Yesterday was such a beautiful day and I was feeling much better, so I pulled myself out of bed to go enjoy the outdoors.  Joined in with a group of three others to blueberry pick in the hills of Wicklow mountains.  Didn't harvest much but an enjoyable time none the less.

In Loving Memory

Another very special lady to take note of.  I think I inherited her love of food, chocolates, and Christmas (thank you for those!).  Love you and miss you dearly Grammie MacLeod.  Birthday celebrations do not feel complete without your presence. 

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

 ~From a headstone in Ireland

Happy Birthday Nannie!

This lovely lady deserves a post all to herself.  She is kind, caring, loving, beautiful, graceful, generous, inspirational, talented, makes a mean pumpkin pie, always has time for tea and a chat, and is just utterly fabulous.

Happy birthday nannie.  Miss you crazy huge amounts on our special day.

Cake Day!

...also my birthday, but the cake part is more important to me usually. :)

Not even comparable to a Grammie MacLeod cake, but much appreciated none the less.  The only picture I have of the lovely cake my friend Simon brought over on Saturday that I so unceremoniously demolished in my drunken state.

Celebrations were started on Saturday by introducing one of the best drinking games to the Irish--Beer Pong!

The Fab team was maybe unsure at first...but after a few rounds, everyone's winning! haha.

Pure concentration face.

Doug's new job = lost ball collector.

Unfortunately, weekend celebrations were a little too hard on the body and my birthday presents to myself included precriptions and soup and lots of sleep.

And if I didn't like this admirer already, he certainly knew how to impress.  Note the size of the flower arrangement I purchased last week that I was quite satisfied with on the left, and then the size of the arrangement that arrived today on the right.

The sender of said flowers will likely be properly introduced in a subsequent posting, so keep checking for updates!  Since I cannot seem to keep up to date with my photos, I have to keep you engaged somehow--in this case by withholding interesting information. ; )

xoxo

Seasons of Love

I have not forgotten about updating, although it would appear that way.  Over the past number of weeks I have been settling into Irish life, getting trained at a new restaurant job closer to home, and attending some random city summer events.  However, this post is not focused on my adventures and outings, but on the support of friends & family.  Thank you all so much for your positivity and excitement.  I appreciate every conversation, update, and card!

Such as... this stellar postcard from Monique!  Hope nobody expects anything this cool from me...

..and an early birthday wish from mom & dad!  Sending some return birthday kisses your way <3

...and some fine news from close friends~!  Congratulations once again Sara & Rob.  Can't wait to celebrate your engagement in person. <3 <3

One of my favorites for your listening pleasure. : )

"Seasons of Love"

xo.