I'm A Dubliner

At last I am here to stay!...at least for a while. I'm back from Scotland and Kerry, and won't be leaving my fair city again til April. It's funny how quickly somewhere becomes home. Dublin has become that for me in so many ways. I find myself missing the familiarity of it when I'm gone I'm certain I'll long for this place when I set foot on American soil. It feels good to be back. I suppose you can call me a Dubliner, now! Anyway, time for a recap of my recent adventures:
The emerald rolling hills, mossy stone hedges and seaside makes the kingdom of Kerry the perfect place for any fairytale. On the train ride in I saw 4 dozen cottages fit for snow white, a few other castle-esque residences belonging to sleepy princesses, and plenty of gleaming sandy coastlines that merpeople surely inhabit. The landscape had me gobsmacked, and I half expected prince charming to come riding by on his white horse. While I wasn't quite that lucky, Kerry was truly breathtaking and I no longer wonder why some Irish trade in a Dublin life for a quieter country one. I went down with Bernie and Michael Jr. Friday to attend a family birthday party. It was different from any Hyde family function I've ever been to, and certainly more lively. It was held in the local pub rather than the church hall, and the refreshments were anything but a mixture of rainbow sherbet in sprite (mormon reference). It was definitely good craic (ireland reference).
Scotland was equally as enchanting, and the city of edinborgh had me at hello. A big rugby match brought the people and kilts out in the masses and the girls and I took notice of how handsome the scottish men were. It was strange how a skirt sort of enhanced this, rather than being demasculating. As for what they wear underneath them, let's just say it's not demasulating either....:p. Along with good looking men, Edinburgh has the most amazing architecture at ever corner. Even the newest additions to the city look like they've been around for 2,000 yrs and tell a story. I spent Monday on my own exploring the cities knooks and crannys. I'm not a religious person, but I'm fascinated by cathedrals and the one on the royal mile was truly awesome. I wandered into St. Giles cathedral to escape the afternoon wind, and it was fortunate because a local church choir was practicing. The angelic music paired with the sunlit stained glass handed me a moment. Moments aren't few and far between lately. I often feel complete gratitude for my ability to discover myself through travel. There is no better way for me to figure myself out than an independent journey.

We made it back from Scotland just in time for St Patricks day. Spending a st. patty's day in Ireland seems like it should be number 6, or 7 on my lifelong to do list. I guess I can check that one off! Needless to say, Dublin was packed with tourists and green decorations during the holiday and so were the pubs. A few friends and I had an early start with mimosas and pancakes, followed by many pints and bar hopping. The city felt very international with all the visitors, and for the day nobody was fascinated by my obvious American descent. I enjoyed the break from answering questions about my stay in Dublin.


It's unbelievable how my experience here is half over. Scary, actually. I know I'm still young, but every minute that passes is another one I can't have back. I am scared of slowing down, so I wish that time would. Anxiety about the future is important for keeping motivated, but at the same time we should embrace each moment. No regrets! (sorry about that fortune cookie soapbox. I swear I am not attempting to be Confucius)

I know I am adapting to Irish culture. The astounding amount of times the phrase 'oh jesus' escapes my mouth daily proves this.., but I am still fully American. At times I miss bad reality TV, Applebees, and just feel like singing the star spangled banner. It's clearly evident from my posts that I love Ireland and am accepting of our cultural differences, but there are still some things about this country I will never get. No offense to my Irish peers, of course! I'm sure you have your reasons... The following are merely observations I've made note of. No harm meant.

10 Things I simply don't understand about the Land of the Leprechauns

1. The unnecessary placement of the words 'like' and 'so' at the end of a sentence
2. The massive amount of driving roundabouts instead of four way stops
3. The eery infatuation Irish men have with their 'lads'
4. The steady fascination with a vegetable that is the reason half of Ireland left the country
5. The strange and baffled looks that come when asking for 'a ride'
6. The way milk and eggs are never refrigerated at the grocery store..
7. The fact that there are no power outlets in any bathroom
8. The unpopularity of happy hour specials in a country devoted to drinking
9. The elusive man, who is apparently yours
10. The labeling of every sign, stall, and road in a language that nobody really speaks

French Fries Aren't a Vegetable

I'm completely surrounded by music here. Whether it's the man playing for change on Grafton, the top 40 at the disco, or my walking buddy: IPod. Music is always keeping me company. I think someone’s playlist says a lot about where they are and what they are feeling. Just for kicks and giggles here’s mine to-date:
1. Daisy dares you Ft. chipmunk- Number one enemy
2. Example- Won’t go quietly
3. Trey Songz- Say Aah
4. James Taylor- Something in the way she moves
5. Telepopmusik- Don’t look back (John Tejada Mix)
6. Jay Z- On to The Next One
7. Biffy Clyro- Many of Horror
8. Kasabian- Fire
9. Timbaland Ft. Katy Perry- If We Ever meet Again
10. The Temper Trap – Soldier On
11. Rolling Stones- Beast of Burden
12. Mumm-Ra- She’s Got Your High
13. Tinie Tempah- Pass Out
14. Chiddy Bang- Opposite Of Adults
15. Lady Antebellum- American Honey
16. Ellie Goulding- Starry Eyed
17. The Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
18. John Mellancamp- Hurt so Good
19. Jack Johnson- If I Had Eyes
20. Taylor Swift- Today Was a Fairytale
21. Sad Brad Smith- Help Yourself
22. Bed Rock- Ft. Lloyd

3 more days and I am off to Scotland with the kilts and castles! I am anticipating some new scenery, even though I haven't spent a weekend in Dublin for the past month. Last Friday I ventured to Kilkenny, a small, but lively spot. There were some beautiful parts and most importantly- happening pubs (inserted pictures prove both). I am hoping to make it back before I leave the country. Serious skimping has been in order to save up for my trips ahead to London and Italy. This means a lot of walking, avoiding Brown Thomas at all costs, and the unhappy switch from lattes and cappuccinos to regular coffee. Bah! I've been trying to conjure up a get-rich-quick scheme to make life easier, but thus far my unoriginality has only lead me to the possibilities of a lemonade stand, or kissing booth. Since I am neither 1o yrs old, nor desire to mack complete strangers…the skimping will continue. If you’ve any suggestions for a quick buck, I’m open.

I was up late last night with my host Mom Bernie and her son Michael doing a grade school report. They needed some help with the computer, and while I'm no Bill Gates, a little teamwork got the job done. When I first moved here I was nervous about my personal freedom living with a family, but I couldn't be happier with the decision. I am thankful for the normality that comes with having to uphold some household responsibilities, and the liveliness of a family atmosphere. I enjoy independence, but I have never really liked solidarity. I am at my best self when I’m surrounded by humanity. This is probably why I miss New York City so much. Mr. Gleeson mentions daily that he hopes I am feeling at home, and there is no question about it. I will miss them dearly when I go. My only complaint thus far has nothing to do with my new adopted Irish family, but my new adopted Irish diet. I've been entirely ruined by the four C's: Chips, Coffee, Crisps, and Chocolate. All of the above have made it impossible to sustain any level of fitness. It's aggravating to me that Americans are so fat, when in Ireland they consider french fries to be a vegetable. I've decided to ditch the junk food and today I signed up for a 5k. I doubt they ever experience bikini weather here, but it will be in full gear when I get home and I'm determined to turn this mess around. I don't mean to bore you with my self-insecurities. I'm only telling you because it makes me feel more committed.

Here’s another observation. It’s unfortunate that Americans are cursed with the most unattractive accent EVER. I discovered this to be true after I asked an Irish friend to imitate us, and she did so by plugging her nose and saying, "Like, oh my god!" Since then it's become apparent that the way we talk isn't appealing. Actually, I can literally see the pain on the Irish faces when I pronounce certain words like: 'guy' 'movie' or 'house'. This is a large social disadvantage when you consider the following:
A subpar looking male walks into a bar in New York City and is barely glanced at by all the predatory, borderline desperate Manhattan females. Until.....he opens his mouth and speaks pure English tongue. Suddenly he is ransacked by every woman within ears distance. (This theory is proven by the American female population, and their intoxication with Hugh Grant and Jude Law.)
Let's reverse the scenario. I walk into a pub in Dublin and in order to retain some degree of appeal I can either, 1. Fake an Australian accent, or 2. Say absolutely nothing. Since my Australian accent always comes out more southern/Indian, and I love to talk, I generally just choose to be obnoxious. Maybe I need to move somewhere they don't speak English. I’d love to elaborate further on the man topic, but it’s probably a bad idea. Blogs are a funny thing. I sometimes have to remind myself that this isn’t my diary, and that there are thoughts I shouldn’t share with the universe. Obviously there is more to my life than weekend trips and day to day tasks. Like many other 21 yr old girls male interaction is a large part of my existence (I resent this, trust me.) But since I am not Carry Bradshaw, my dealings with the opposite sex will have to be restricted to the book in my bedside drawer. This is too bad for you, because some of these stories are class entertainment. I’ll put the boy subject to rest, after I leave you with this sentiment: All men, no matter which country they reside in, are trouble.

The End of The Honeymoon Phase

Dublin makes me feel creative. I've always been a mess of good ideas, with zero execution. Maybe it's the lack of home distractions. I have limited cell phone use and no access to any of my usual TV programs (AKA: the bachelor finale, which I sadly missed last night!). Maybe it's the self contemplation that comes with being independent....or in other words, too much time to think about my life. Whatever it is, I feel motivated! I spent my day yesterday editing photos I've taken around the city. I'm in love with a few of them. Photography is amazing because it helps us recognize the beauty of even the smallest things and moments, and how we all come
together as a civilization. Here posted are a few of my favourites. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up some oil paints, and this blog has encouraged me to write more. I'm determined to utilize my new found inspiration to the fullest, and I'll likely be expressing a good chunk of it on here. Please let me know if at any point this turns into sensory overload!

This past weekend I celebrated a friends birthday in town then took a bus to Galway with a few students. Galway is on the west coast of Ireland, about a 3 hr journey from Dublin. It was impossibly sunny and beautiful, which has been a very rare occurrence. We took advantage of the weather by walking along the pier and wandering the cobblestone streets littered with performers. Galway has an interesting vibe about it that seems to correlate to any west coast city. Nothing really opened before 11am, and people sleepily toted around their guitars followed by their unleashed pets. It was nice to escape the hustle and bustle of concrete to somewhere more relaxed. Relaxed suits me right now since it is a better reflection of my present state of mind.

I'm so thankful for technology! How comforting to know that family is only a phone call away. I finally got my webcam up and running and skyped mom for the first time Friday. She was nearly crying when she saw my face, and then of course the waterworks began on my end (were both crybabies). I've been missing family a lot lately, and would give up tea for a week in trade for a few hugs from them. Some say home is where the heart is, but I'm not sure if that's entirely true. If the Hyde's lived in a desert cave without running water and only camels for transportation, I'd likely venture back occasionally. Home isn't where the heart is. Our heart is where our loved ones are. Who are we really without the people that genuinely care for us?

Well, enough with the sap and onto a lighter topic.....Politics. Okay, so that's not exactly a lighter topic ha, but it's a noteworthy one. It's been no secret that economically the US has been struggling for a while, but until now, it’s not been a real mention of mine. Those that know me understand my rants usually centre on the topics of socialized medicine and the Iraq war, but, my wallet is starting to feel the crunch of the exchange rate. I'm about to get financial Right now the dollar is 1.30 to the Euro. Although it doesn't seem like much of a difference, it's really starting to add up and I've had to scale back my spending. This means no more manicures, tanning visits, or shopping sprees. Oh boy.... I know it's unlikely the president of the United States has enough time on his hands to read this meaningless blog, but Barack, if you aren't busy aiding natural disasters or mending public education I'm asking you to hear my plea. This letter is for you:

Dear Barack,

While the job market suffers.... so do my chipped nails, which are in desperate need of a manicure. Unfortunately, your inability to assist my little friend, 'the dollar', has made my quest for pretty fingers nearly impossible. In the beginning I cheered you on, and resonated with your platform of economic change, but this failing exchange rate has dampened my spirits. Just like the Euro is dominating Washington, these cuticles dominate my nail beds...Not a pretty sight. I beg you to consider those residing outside the states as motivation to hit the gas on economic reform. I'm much happier after a lemon scrub and polish change.

Yours truly,
Jessica