Take a Walk

Caminar (v. inf. Spanish): to walk.

I thought when I first came here there would be a moment of realization when I found the closure I was looking for. A moment when the answers were all clear. I thought one part of my journey, the part of coming to Ireland, would have a definitive end point when the next part of the journey began-the part where I get down to living life here in Ireland. Somewhere along the way the two parts of my journey became one, and tonight I realize that there is no end to any journey in life, no one answer. The finality that we look for in the answers to life's greatest questions doesn't exist. The journey itself is the answer. Every day we get to take a breath is the answer. Every day we meet a new person is the answer. Every joyful thought, every moment of sorrow and desperation-these are the answers.


We are on un paseo, a walk. A walk through life. And its lovely and refreshing. Its terrifying and heartbreaking. It's magnificent and insignificant all at once. But its our one thing in life that's ours. Its our own beautiful journey.

"Let. Yourself. Go."

I just booked a ticket to go to Edinburgh, Scotland in a couple of weeks. Its a place I've always wanted to go, and I'm so excited! Every time I go somewhere new I learn so much about myself. Sometimes I can't believe this is my life. I'm a lucky girl.

Edinburgh(photo courtesy concierge.com)

Hot Yoga & Brunch-a very suburban weekend

Last Saturday I went to hot yoga with Ly and Kaylen. It was a perfectly girly afternoon in Dun Laoghaire, complete with brunch and strolling around the harbor. As we were sitting at brunch, Kaylen and I both started laughing at how suburban and real housewives-like we were. Maybe we were, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I needed a Saturday like that to de-stress and stretch it out and just relax. Guess I'm a real Dubliner now, what with going to hot yoga and brunching and everything....  :)

Keogh's: A Dublin Treasure

Today I spent some time in my favorite cafe in Dublin-Keogh's! I had some reading to do for my classes so I decided that I would head there and grab a coffee and a treat while I did my work.

I love the troll guy with the cupcake!

Keogh's is located just between Dame St. and Suffolk St. (about a 30 second stroll from the Tourism Office that was once a church) in the city centre. Walking in, prepare for your senses to be delighted. The unmistakably delicious smell of fresh coffee and espresso greets you first. Just after, the delights of the baked goods and sandwiches offer a warm welcome, beckoning you to come in and stay awhile. After perusing the mouth-watering selection, you might find yourself drawn to something sweet. Perhaps a slice of chocolate cake, or a chocolate brownie bar. Select the later, and a latte will be the perfect accompaniment to your choice. Settle into a warm and cozy corner table with a book for the most wonderful of afternoons. Be prepared, however, to be distracted from your reading by the mesmerizing flavor of the chocolate brownie bar. The first layer of silky chocolate is followed by a thick, more cake-like layer brimming with whole hazelnuts. It won't take long for you to devour this treat and settle in with your book and latte, enjoying the sounds of such classics as "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver. 

Great Expectations, a latte, and a chocolate treat

I could not recommend this cafe anymore highly. The atmosphere, the coffees, the food, the customers, the music--everything about it is welcoming and delightful. This cafe is quite small, and if you're in a rush you could easily pass it by without seeing it. Maybe that's why I love it so much. The small, off the beaten path places are always my favorites. 

I hope everyone has been having a fabulous Monday!

xoxo,

Erin

Lets go Maigh Eo!! -- Gaelic Football Finals

Yesterday after work, I went to The Living Room (an awesome pub with giant televisions and a HUGE beer garden out back-- link here) with a couple of friends to watch the Gaelic Football finals. County Donegal and County Maigh Eo made it to the end. Somewhere along the way I got recruited to the Maigh Eo side, so I wore my red and green and cheered them on all the way to the end. They lost, but it was such a fun evening! I met a lot of new friends and learned a lot about the game. 

Although there's days when I'm completely homesick and long for certain things that can only be found in America, Dublin continually steals my heart. My life is pretty unbelievable right now and I'm so thankful.

I started classes about 2 weeks ago and they're going wonderfully so far. A lot of work, but all of it is super interesting to me. I also got a job working at The Shelbourne Hotel, which is where the Irish Constitution was drafted. Pretty cool for a history nerd like me! :)

I hear the Gaelic Hurling finals are on next Sunday--I think I know what my plans are! :)

Life in Bloom

Does anyone else ever have those moments when you feel your life changing you into the person you always knew you were meant to be? These past two weeks have been pivotal for me. I've had conversations and experiences which have made me more than certain I am exactly where I need to be right now.

One day I was waiting in line for the restroom at Starbucks and I met a girl named Sarah. We swapped numbers and got to hang out this week. In her I have found a friend and a kindred spirit. We shared lots of laughs and conversations about life experiences the other day, and realized the reasons that brought us both to where we are now are quite similar--needing to reset and find meaning in a world that can sometimes bring you down.

In general I've felt myself opening up to life. I was never quiet or reclusive by any means, but I feel myself becoming a complete extrovert. I'm just soaking in life and I couldn't be happier about it. I haven't ever felt like this, and its amazing. To come out on the other side of a dark time in life is almost like a rebirth. It sounds cheesy, but its true. With everything I do, I can feel my mom smiling and encouraging me. She's my constant motivation to find the truth and beauty in my life, both of which were cut short in hers.

Beautiful sunset over the River Liffey

On a more comedic note, I was on the bus yesterday and the bus driver had serious anger issues. She was laying on the horn for most of the trip and the whole bus could hear her swearing at any poor soul who got in her way. The funniest part of the whole thing was that when each person made their way off the bus, she gave the biggest smile and the most kind goodbye. Strange. Funny, but strange and kind of terrifying. 

xoxo,

Erin

The Game That Launched 40,000 Americans

On Saturday Navy and Notre Dame will duke it out on the field here in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium. Its one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in all of football and the excitement in the air is palpable. I was walking around town today and noticed that for once I heard more accents like mine than I did Irish accents. Its estimated that 40,000 Americans will be in Dublin this week/weekend for the big game and I certainly believe it! There was even a pep rally/parade at Stephen's Green with a marching band and cheerleaders today. Apparently I'm assimilating well, because I got asked by Americans and Irish alike for directions. I only wish I could have helped more. Its really unfortunate how directionally challenged I am.

The pep rally!

Also, I got an iPhone today. And it was free. And cheaper than the junky pay as you go phone I had been using. And the sun was out. All in all a pretty wonderful day.