Started this blog as a newbie in Ireland...six years along the way and after a gap of a few years, I feel a fresh start is needed. So while I mightn't be updating this blog any longer, a new project is in the pipeline. No dairy No eggs, is about my life as a working mother of one (soon to be two) in Ireland and my love for food and cooking. Hope to meet you there!!!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Friday, September 02, 2011
Out of the Blue....alive and kicking!
That's what you call...out of the Blue...Second of September 2011!!!!!
And believe it or not...Still in Ireland...still in Cork...still working for the same company....and MORE IMPORTANTLY....STILL WITH THAT GUY...who is the proud daddy of our little princess Mia and will be an even prouder daddy some day soon in November when our second little girl comes along.
More to follow soon.....
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Josh
Saw Josh Ritter for the first time last year, in Ghent. A duo gig with Rufus Wainwright. Was a bit disappointed about Rufus, but Josh blew me away.
Was all excited so when I discovered that Denis likes Josh’ music at least as much as I do. And I was thrilled when I found out Josh was playing The Everyman Palace. We got tickets straight away. Were looking forward to the gig for a while. Yesterday the big night.
We went for a Sunday spin in the afternoon first. It’s a big thing in Ireland. People get into the car after Sunday dinner (around 2pm), drive somewhere with a view, park the car, get the Sunday Papers out and relax –even fall asleep- for a while. When it gets dark back home for tea.
In the car so, up to the West…for another beach….Long Beach, near Clonakilty. Was a bit cloudy and bit of a breeze, but after a horrible Saturday, no reason to complain as at least it was dry. Went for a walk, up and down the beach. Challenging the sea…no wet feet whatsoever…up to the dunes (grass, no sand)…admiring the surfers (fair play to them…water is bloody cold this time of the year – Denis is trying to talk me into it, but I might just stick with a swim in the ocean…in the summer). Back to the car. No Sunday Papers this time, but Denis did bring a flask of coffee and apple pie. Back to Clonakilty after, for a pint of Beamish in one of the locals. Instead of taking the main road, we took one of the back roads heading into Bandon. Great excitement. A group of about thirty men of all ages, gathered together at both sides of the road. Wasn’t really clear first what they were doing there, except from staring into the car. Grass-stalks on the road made it clear –at least for Denis. Road bowling it turned out to be. Just looked it up in my Lonely Planet: “the object of this sport is to throw a cast-iron ball along a public road (normally one with little traffic) for a designated distance, usually 1km or 2km. The person who does it in the least number of throws is the winner. The main centres are Cork and Armagh and competitions take place throughout the year, attracting considerable crowds”. Grass-stalks are used to mark the different throws. Was witness of some real Irish culture so.
Were back in Cork City around six, just enough time for (homemade, fresh, dairy free) pizza before heading into town. Am going out with a real Irishman, so there was no way we were just going to get into the Everyman Palace after parking the car. Pint of Beamish first. In the Shelbourne, pub next-door. We missed part of the supporting act, but it didn’t bother me, seats were numbered, so no reason to panic. After all, it was Josh we were coming for. As said, I did see him before in Belgium, but this gig was in nothing comparable with the one I saw last year. Josh’ career took off in Ireland a couple of years ago. His Irish tour was completely sold out. The Cork audience were having a ball. The show was fully seated. One of the nicest venues I’ve been to lately. Not too big, but with a balcony. Purple and turquoise. Real opera house atmosphere. Seated so, but even the guy on the seat next to me, falling asleep during the concert and stubborn on his seat during the first standing ovation, ended up rocking out during the encore. Don’t know what it is, well…actually…might know what it is that makes a Belgian audience so different from an Irish…the pints…I guess. Belgian people are sooo polite. Especially when it’s a seated gig. The audience yesterday was ready to rock. Josh opened the gig on his own, just one spotlight, himself and his guitar. A very intimate song, from his new album. But before the song was over, he was joined by his fellow musicians –a drummer, pianist and a bass player. Had a bit the feeling the bass was too loud the first couple of songs, felt like Josh was struggling a bit with his voice. But it didn’t take him too long to put that right. He started with some songs of his new album, but his big hits were played soon enough as well: Bad Actress, Hello Starling, Kathleen,…The Irish are great singers, especially after a few pints. The interaction between Josh and them was amazing. The stories he told in between hilarious. His folks were in the audience, which made this show even more special. And it was his last one of an eight weeks tour. No wonder he got a standing ovation. And an encore. Josh got his show perfectly planned out. The perfect mix of quite and more up-tempo songs. Sing-along and intimate moments. The lightshow was modest, but efficient. Just enough to support the songs. He did sing a song in complete darkness as well…telling us to pretend we were just listening to the radio.
The show exceeded all our expectations. Blown away. Have a few more concerts (The Human League, Roesy, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Aslan) to look forward to this month…but think this one might turn out to be the best one anyway. Denis was driving, so straight back to the car after the gig. Was a great night. A great weekend in general. Just what I needed. Something to take my mind off job hunting for a while. Because I was ill last week and missed the start of a new job in a call centre. Have to wait another month. But hope I find something else before. Need a regular income as soon as possible. Today rather than tomorrow.
Saskia
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
wee bit update.....sincere apologies!!!!!!
Am trying to sort things –and myself- out. One of the stuff on the “what to do list” was this blog. Have neglected it for too long. Sincere apologies.
Am lying in bed, Tom Dunnes on Today FM, live from Whelan’s with Gabriela y Rodrigo. They sound ‘fecking’ crazy. Going to their show in Cork at the end of next month. Can’t wait. Is one of the three gigs I’m looking forward to; Josh Ritter on 11th March and The Human League on 18th. All three in great company.
Back since a week from a short visit home. Ready for the next phase of my Ireland adventure. ‘Cause I’m not an EVS volunteer any longer. My project ended nearly 3 weeks ago, the new volunteer, a girl from Spain has already taken over my office. And me, I’m still unemployed, looking for a job in Cork. Because I’m definitely hanging around here for another while.
Don’t really know where to start my update, a lot happened since Christmas. New Year’s Eve was a good night, with an even better sequel. Don’t want to sound too corny, but am happier than ever. He (tall, Irish, doesn’t drink milk ;-) ) took me away for my birthday. To a nice hotel in Baltimore, West-Cork. For the weekend. Never been spoiled so much as this year. Have seen more of West-Cork in the last few weeks than in the whole year before. A new beach every weekend. Love his cooking. His company. Couldn’t imagine a better start of the 2006!
My visit back home went very well, although it takes every time more to get used to Belgian live again. Got to know my godchild a bit better. Cached up with my youngest sister, who perfectly timed it to get ill while I was home. She didn’t had to go to school so and we spend time together playing board games; watching DVD’s. I even read her Harry Potter. Was busy organising administrative stuff during the day. Only went out once, the Friday. In Antwerp. With two friends. Was good. Different from Irish nightlife though. But good.
Was back home in Cork soon enough. Didn’t take me more than an hour to get used to it again. Last weeks’ weather was horrible, but great now: at least ten degrees, blue sky, sun. Spring. Birds whistling in the morning, in the evening. Can’t wait for the summer to arrive.
Saskia
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Christmas
It’s all over. Or nearly…we didn’t take down the Christmas decoration yet…brings bad luck…you’re supposed to wait till after Little Christmas. But it’s back to work anyway. My first Irish Christmas, first Irish New Year…turned out slightly different than expected but did had a wonderfull time. Did feel home sick the Wednesday between Christmas and New Year, but that one off-day was more than compensated by some great days and nights before and after.
Christmas started the week before the holidays. Went for pre-Christmas dinner with some kiwi friends at Luigi Malone’s, had a pre-Christmas drink with the housemates (except the French one, for some reason he never showed up…we drunk the Bailey’s we got from the landlady whithout him so). We were playing Christmas music all week, talking about Christmas all week, making plans all week. High Hopes so.
As tradition within the Council goes, we left work at noon on Friday. Tried to do some shopping, but town was crazy. Mostly men, rushing to find that “one special present” last minute. Madness. Saturday morning was for vegetable shopping. Picked up our 10-pound-turkey as well. Cleaned the house, prepared the kitchen for some massive cooking. ‘Cause Tracy and I were about to stuff our very own turkey. Didn’t take us more than three hours to get all the vegetables, cranberry sauce and the turkey ready. Quick shower, prepacked meal and ready to go to the pub…for what was supposed to be the biggest pubnight of the year. Boy…were we disinformed. Walking through Oliver Pluncket Street at 8.00 o’clock, half of the pubs…CLOSED!!!!!Ended up in the Old Oak so, just as there wasn’t really another option…looked like this was going to be a bit of a dissapointment. Couldn’t believe even the Old Oak would close at 10.30 pm!!!Just standing at one of the tables, in an unusual quite pub. Started chatting with some Cork guys. Heared them out about Christmas Eve, St. Stephen’s day, New Year’s Eve. We didn’t feel like going home early so ended up at their place. No regrets…after all they were buying us drinks all night. Real gentlemen so.
Christmas started the week before the holidays. Went for pre-Christmas dinner with some kiwi friends at Luigi Malone’s, had a pre-Christmas drink with the housemates (except the French one, for some reason he never showed up…we drunk the Bailey’s we got from the landlady whithout him so). We were playing Christmas music all week, talking about Christmas all week, making plans all week. High Hopes so.
As tradition within the Council goes, we left work at noon on Friday. Tried to do some shopping, but town was crazy. Mostly men, rushing to find that “one special present” last minute. Madness. Saturday morning was for vegetable shopping. Picked up our 10-pound-turkey as well. Cleaned the house, prepared the kitchen for some massive cooking. ‘Cause Tracy and I were about to stuff our very own turkey. Didn’t take us more than three hours to get all the vegetables, cranberry sauce and the turkey ready. Quick shower, prepacked meal and ready to go to the pub…for what was supposed to be the biggest pubnight of the year. Boy…were we disinformed. Walking through Oliver Pluncket Street at 8.00 o’clock, half of the pubs…CLOSED!!!!!Ended up in the Old Oak so, just as there wasn’t really another option…looked like this was going to be a bit of a dissapointment. Couldn’t believe even the Old Oak would close at 10.30 pm!!!Just standing at one of the tables, in an unusual quite pub. Started chatting with some Cork guys. Heared them out about Christmas Eve, St. Stephen’s day, New Year’s Eve. We didn’t feel like going home early so ended up at their place. No regrets…after all they were buying us drinks all night. Real gentlemen so.
Next morning up at crack of dawn…there was a turkey to be put in the oven. Kiwi friends would arrive at two and calculated according to the “turkey-rule”, it should be in the oven for at least five hours. It was way more tempting to just stay were I was, but Tracy called me down whithout compassion. Fair enough…we didn’t want to mess this up. Felt wrecked all day, but was worth it after all. The turkey was a huuuuge success. Just a pity the roasted vegetables didn’t go as crispy as we wanted them…blame the oven for that. Christmas pudding with fresh straw- and other berries and custard as dessert…mmmhhh…We ended up watching a New-Zealand music DVD.Was definitely an interesting experience. Although I by times only understood 80% from what was said (but then….the kiwi’s do have the worst accent of the world – at least that’s what French guy claims), I did enjoy it. Got a phone call from home later that night…apparently my dad was playing Luka Bloom…hihi…He must really really miss me. Ended up in bed at nine that night…not very cool, but was just knackered.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Sinterklaas
It’s the sixth of December today. Sinterklaas-day so. Used to be all excited by it as a kid…and euh…still am a bit…apparently they never heard of such a think in Ireland, nor in New-Zealand, Canada, Norway, France or even….SPAIN!!!!!
Told my housemates about it. I’m thinking of surprising the girls when Bili and Joos are over here. Asked them to bring some chocolate and stuff. Am looking forward to it.
Told my housemates about it. I’m thinking of surprising the girls when Bili and Joos are over here. Asked them to bring some chocolate and stuff. Am looking forward to it.
Went for a drink last night with some Spanish friends. When I came back around twelve, I noticed that one of my shoes was gone…was all pissed of…thought one of the guys did that….but it was actually in front of my room…with a nice little letter from one of my housemates in it…I did had a bit of Sinterklaas so :-D
Saskia
(looking forward to see the Liverpool-Chelsea game and a Christy Moore-tribute band tonight)
Monday, December 05, 2005
Christmas Fever
Was walking in town after work, last Friday night. It was busy all right. Crazy actually. It’s getting more and more clear that those Irish people are mad about Christmas. Like everyone in Europe I guess…nothing weird there. The thing is…the Irish…are unbelievably organised about it. And that’s news for sure. ‘Cause all who are following my “adventures” in Ireland through this blog, know that the average Irish citizen is everything but organised. They don’t really get the “time” concept, they don’t take “rules” too serious and they definitely don’t stress out for things that can be done tomorrow as well.
Except what Christmas concerns so. I overheard at least three different conversations last Friday night. All about the same thing: “have you done all your Christmas shopping yet?” Don’t be shocked now…but the answer was in all cases the same….YES!!!!! I met some guys, young fellows six weeks ago and they already discussed what they were going to give for Christmas….to the neighbours (a box of biscuits for the nice ones, something more nasty for the others). That was in October!
At the end of November, the greater part of Irish population has accomplished the big Christmas mission: spending loads and loads of money on I-pods, mobile phones, X-boxes, perfumes, ties, computers, cud’s etc…And marketing knows that…where all the ads and brochures and flysheets and special offers were about presents the last couple of weeks, there is a clear trend noticeable from the first week of December on…because after present shopping the next challenge rises up….food!!!!!It’s all turkey, ham, pudding and chocolate nowadays. You would be stupid (or not having a big freezer) to wait buying your turkey, if you can get it now for half the price.
After the food comes the “what am I going to wear?” issue. Girls and women are already discussing what to wear for the Christmas work party. Pressure is huuuuge. It’s all glitter and glamour…and black…the only colour in the windows is black…very convenient for me so…although I’m a bit worried about the glitter aspect…definitely have to work on that. Haven’t solved the shoe-issue yet either.
You’re expected to already know what to give, what to eat, what to wear. Preferably all worked out in a tight schedule, knowing how many people you’re inviting, what time they’re coming, where they’re sitting at the table, …
Except what Christmas concerns so. I overheard at least three different conversations last Friday night. All about the same thing: “have you done all your Christmas shopping yet?” Don’t be shocked now…but the answer was in all cases the same….YES!!!!! I met some guys, young fellows six weeks ago and they already discussed what they were going to give for Christmas….to the neighbours (a box of biscuits for the nice ones, something more nasty for the others). That was in October!
At the end of November, the greater part of Irish population has accomplished the big Christmas mission: spending loads and loads of money on I-pods, mobile phones, X-boxes, perfumes, ties, computers, cud’s etc…And marketing knows that…where all the ads and brochures and flysheets and special offers were about presents the last couple of weeks, there is a clear trend noticeable from the first week of December on…because after present shopping the next challenge rises up….food!!!!!It’s all turkey, ham, pudding and chocolate nowadays. You would be stupid (or not having a big freezer) to wait buying your turkey, if you can get it now for half the price.
After the food comes the “what am I going to wear?” issue. Girls and women are already discussing what to wear for the Christmas work party. Pressure is huuuuge. It’s all glitter and glamour…and black…the only colour in the windows is black…very convenient for me so…although I’m a bit worried about the glitter aspect…definitely have to work on that. Haven’t solved the shoe-issue yet either.
You’re expected to already know what to give, what to eat, what to wear. Preferably all worked out in a tight schedule, knowing how many people you’re inviting, what time they’re coming, where they’re sitting at the table, …
Christmas fever so….Tracy and I are the only ones staying in the house with Christmas and so far we resisted going with the stream…but last night…we got our very own real Christmas tree!!!!!After all it is December now. We invited some other kiwi’s over to help decorating. Great fun. We have the whole lot: the baubles, angel’s hair, lights and even…fake snow. Tracy put a Santa Claus and some bright lights in front of her window as well. We even started planning Christmas lunch. At our place, with five other kiwi’s. Everyone will bring something to eat. We’ll organise a Secret Santa. YIEPIE.Mum, dad, sisters, do you start understanding now why I really wanted to spend Christmas in Ireland? It’s just a unique opportunity I didn’t want to miss!!! Christmas in Ireland is just so much more fun than back at home. It all started last week with “switching on of the Christmas lights in Cork City”. Than there is the Solas festival of Lights, celebrating the return of light according to the old Celtic tradition. There is Christmas Eve, when all Ireland goes mad (a Santa Claus hat is a must that nite), because the next day all pubs will be closed. There is St. Stephens day (second Christmas day), everyone going mad because the pubs are open again. After that the countdown to 2006, with major fire works just around the corner. And it all finishes on the 6th January, with Little Christmas (Nollaig na mBan), when the Irish men take on all the household duties and give their spouses a day off (wonder if we should tell our male flatmates about this ;-P. It’s the day when the long-suffering Mná na hEireann (women of Ireland) go out to relax and celebrate together. YIPIE….ISN’T LIVE IN IRELAND JUST WONDERFULLLL?????
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Wee bit update
Tuesday, after one o’clock in the afternoon and I’m still waiting for Bill to pick me up. Knew he was going to be a bit later this morning, but if I knew it would be after lunch I definitely would have taken the bus. ‘Cause this waiting is quite boring to be honest. Can’t really do anything, as he can show up every minute. Did some cleaning…stupid fool I am. Gave up on asking to put the dishes away, keeping the kitchen and the bathroom more or less tidy…much easier to do it myself.
Tuesday so, still a bit tired from the weekend. Was a great one. Not all as planned, but definitely worthwhile. I went to Galway with Ruth, a Spanish friend. EVS as well. Am going to miss her when she leaves in three weeks, that’s for sure. One of the disadvantages of living abroad and meeting other foreigners I’m afraid is to have saying goodbye all the time to friends going back home.
Galway so. But first there was the posh work dinner. In Green’s, one of the best restaurants of Cork. Arrived around eight o’clock. Went for the Irish look that night: hair straightened, black low cut top and black trousers. The only thing missing were the high heels…have a big shoe issue…spend many an hour looking for new winter shoes, but so far without success. Still wearing the same shoes as eight years ago…Problem is that sole is all worn out and when it rains I always end up with my socks soaked.
After a drink before, we got seats at one of the tables. Next to a South-African guy, near to Ruth and facing my boss. Dinner was an eye-opener. The “energy” people in Ireland are quite good craic. This dinner was far from boring. The food was great as well. Although I did make a wrong decision regarding the main course. I never ever had duck before in my life and so wanted to give that a try…turned out to be a HUGE casserole with not only duck, but also pork and…sausages. An overdose meat so. Didn’t even finish a quarter of it. Although it did taste all right. Dessert was very nice, but didn’t manage to finish that either. Beside a “shoe”-issue, I do have a “weight”-issue as well. Went to the hairdresser last week and promised my family to send some pictures of my new look over, but euh…they’ll have to wait a while, ‘cause I just can’t face their comments on how much weight I gained over here last weeks (don’t really know why, but assume that happiness makes me eat more). I am working on it anyway…sit-ups every night, weightlifting…give me two weeks and I’m back to normal. Anyway…that’s the reason why I didn’t finish my dessert so. Tried the wine, a huge risk as I never know if I’ll get an allergic reaction of it or not –especially embarrassing on events like this- but nothing strange happened so enjoyed that anyway. Think we were ready to leave the restaurant around eleven. Wanted to meet up with some friends in town, but went for a drink with Alex, the boss first. Ruth asked her boss if it was safe enough to go out with Alex and Seamus just said something like “it’s all right Ruth, but drink very, very slow”. Nice lesson. Went to the Bodega, where Alex was supposed to meet up with eight other country side boys. Was a bit weird. Oh yes, Alex told me before that he considered it as his task for the coming two months to find me an Irish husband…he he…I guess that was his first move in the whole mission…But we didn’t stay too long as there was another guy somewhere in town waiting for me. And wanted to meet up with my housemates as well. So as soon as we got the chance, we sneaked off and headed to Preachers. Only stayed there for about an hour, as Tracy had to work next day and the lads had to catch a plane early on Saturday morning. Back on the street at one o’clock so. If we would have been mature enough at that moment, Ruth and I would have joined Tracy back home, as we as well had to get up early to catch the 7.25 bus to Galway. But some of the Energy people were still in The Savoy. So that’s where we went to instead. First time I paid to get into a night club, but it was worth it. Somehow, Emma and Françoise managed to get the VIP room for themselves, which was handy enough. After the wine and a couple of beers, I was brave enough to get on the dance floor, where we stayed for the next hour or so…till closing time was there of course. Within fifteen minutes we’re standing outside again, and as everything was just closed Ruth and I walked home (euh…after passing the chippers of course). It was after three before we were home, so we wisely decided to aim for the 8.25 instead of the 7.25 bus. Which we did indeed.
Tuesday so, still a bit tired from the weekend. Was a great one. Not all as planned, but definitely worthwhile. I went to Galway with Ruth, a Spanish friend. EVS as well. Am going to miss her when she leaves in three weeks, that’s for sure. One of the disadvantages of living abroad and meeting other foreigners I’m afraid is to have saying goodbye all the time to friends going back home.
Galway so. But first there was the posh work dinner. In Green’s, one of the best restaurants of Cork. Arrived around eight o’clock. Went for the Irish look that night: hair straightened, black low cut top and black trousers. The only thing missing were the high heels…have a big shoe issue…spend many an hour looking for new winter shoes, but so far without success. Still wearing the same shoes as eight years ago…Problem is that sole is all worn out and when it rains I always end up with my socks soaked.
After a drink before, we got seats at one of the tables. Next to a South-African guy, near to Ruth and facing my boss. Dinner was an eye-opener. The “energy” people in Ireland are quite good craic. This dinner was far from boring. The food was great as well. Although I did make a wrong decision regarding the main course. I never ever had duck before in my life and so wanted to give that a try…turned out to be a HUGE casserole with not only duck, but also pork and…sausages. An overdose meat so. Didn’t even finish a quarter of it. Although it did taste all right. Dessert was very nice, but didn’t manage to finish that either. Beside a “shoe”-issue, I do have a “weight”-issue as well. Went to the hairdresser last week and promised my family to send some pictures of my new look over, but euh…they’ll have to wait a while, ‘cause I just can’t face their comments on how much weight I gained over here last weeks (don’t really know why, but assume that happiness makes me eat more). I am working on it anyway…sit-ups every night, weightlifting…give me two weeks and I’m back to normal. Anyway…that’s the reason why I didn’t finish my dessert so. Tried the wine, a huge risk as I never know if I’ll get an allergic reaction of it or not –especially embarrassing on events like this- but nothing strange happened so enjoyed that anyway. Think we were ready to leave the restaurant around eleven. Wanted to meet up with some friends in town, but went for a drink with Alex, the boss first. Ruth asked her boss if it was safe enough to go out with Alex and Seamus just said something like “it’s all right Ruth, but drink very, very slow”. Nice lesson. Went to the Bodega, where Alex was supposed to meet up with eight other country side boys. Was a bit weird. Oh yes, Alex told me before that he considered it as his task for the coming two months to find me an Irish husband…he he…I guess that was his first move in the whole mission…But we didn’t stay too long as there was another guy somewhere in town waiting for me. And wanted to meet up with my housemates as well. So as soon as we got the chance, we sneaked off and headed to Preachers. Only stayed there for about an hour, as Tracy had to work next day and the lads had to catch a plane early on Saturday morning. Back on the street at one o’clock so. If we would have been mature enough at that moment, Ruth and I would have joined Tracy back home, as we as well had to get up early to catch the 7.25 bus to Galway. But some of the Energy people were still in The Savoy. So that’s where we went to instead. First time I paid to get into a night club, but it was worth it. Somehow, Emma and Françoise managed to get the VIP room for themselves, which was handy enough. After the wine and a couple of beers, I was brave enough to get on the dance floor, where we stayed for the next hour or so…till closing time was there of course. Within fifteen minutes we’re standing outside again, and as everything was just closed Ruth and I walked home (euh…after passing the chippers of course). It was after three before we were home, so we wisely decided to aim for the 8.25 instead of the 7.25 bus. Which we did indeed.
…Bill just rang…it’s nearly two o’clock now and I’ll have to go to the office for a couple of hours…shit…well, and least I can post this first update so…’cause I got some bad feedback from family that there are too many gaps…euh…think especially my twinsister is a bit dissapointed I never wrote about their visit to Ireland…I plead guilty….
Friday, November 25, 2005
Snow
Exactly one month too early...25th November and it is snowing in Ireland. Nothing impressive in Cork, guess we're too close to the ocean for that, but enough to have some nice winterlandscapes on the way to Mallow. Had a front seat view on the early Cork-Galway bus to work. And before when I passed St. Lukes around 7, they were just erecting a big Christmas tree...Definitely some Christmas spirit in the air today so.
Am all set for the weekend...am leaving early...as I started at eight this morning and I'm here all on my own. Alex and Colette in Cork City for Annual Meeting of the Energy Agencies, Bill off. Finished the thing I wanted to finish and am ready to go so. Have posh dinner tonight for work and we definitely go out afterwards. Plan is to take the 7.25 bus tomorrow morning to Galway. Can't complain so....live in Ireland is still great.
Enjoy the weekend!!!!!
Saskia
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Short update
Realise I haven't updated this blog for a while...everyone probably thinks I'm still dealing with the loss of our cat...euh...not really the case...am happier than ever in Cork. Met some great people recently and am having a ball overhere. Some crazy weekends behind me, more of the same coming up. Will be Christmas and New Year very very soon (am not flying home for the celebrations, but everyone is more than welcome to come and see me overhere).
Saskia
Monday, October 17, 2005
Lancelot
Just got an e-mail from my mum....Lancelot...the cat who bit her died last Saturday...I had taken care of him together with Nina for the last week. We really thought he was getting better. When I left, he was able to walk again...he didn't bleed anymore. But his kidneys and blather were totally obstructed again on Saturday. Another operation would make no sense. There was only one option: an injection. I know it's only a cat...but feel very sad...after all the bad luck last week...
Saskia
Murpy's Law
Am in Charleroi-Airport. Feel like crying. Just can’t believe it….my flight is delayed for at least 50 minutes. Which means I won’t make it in time to Heuston-Station to catch the last train to Cork. Don’t really know what to do now. Don’t feel like spending another night at the airport. Have to work tomorrow. Am already exhausted.
I definitely learned my lesson: no more surprise visits home anymore. Because this delay is actually just an apotheosis of a trip turning out so different than I imagined it to be, when I booked my flight in August.
Weeks and weeks I was picturing myself getting home on Friday night, ringing the doorbell with a huge bunch of flowers, to surprise my mum for her birthday. Just couldn’t wait to see her face….my hell of a trip turned out slightly different though.
First, there was the General Strike. Reading Belgian newspapers all week, anxious to get stuck in Charleroi, as public transport was going to be down. Never really thought they would cancel my flight though. Till I phoned Ryanair Thursday afternoon to find out they actually did…Lucky enough they rescheduled the flight to the next morning; without any extra charges. Leaving on Saturday at 6.30h. No other possibility than spending the night at Dublin airport. They should put extra benches over there; ‘cause trying to get some sleep on just one seat is desperate. Didn’t sleep a wink. But the plane got there in time anyway. Arrived in Charleroi around nine in the morning. Where my dad picked me up…had to tell him about the surprise earlier because I just couldn’t make the effort after that long night to sit on the train for another two hours. Before driving home, we visited Anaïs and Janne. The big smile I got from my godchild definitely made it all worthwhile. The frustrations, disappointments, tiredness.
We arrived home around noon. Found my mum…on the couch…with her finger all bandaged. She was surprise to see me…I hope. But we didn’t really had the chance to enjoy it…as she was on her way to E.R. For the finger. It was all swollen and she had a red stripe on her arm…an infection. Happened the day before. One of our cats, Lancelot, had troubles with his kidneys, so my mum rang the vet. She was holding Lancelot, while the vet was examining him. He must have pushed on a very painful place, ‘cause in a self-defensive reflex Lancelot bit the nearest finger he saw. Which happened to be my mum’s. Mum to her G.P. so, to renew her tetanus injection and get antibiotics. But looking at her finger next morning, it didn’t really seem effective. To the E.R. so. I was going to take a shower in the meantime. Plan was to go to shopping afterwards…sounded nice….didn’t it?
Had take my shower, prepared lunch, just waiting for my mum. Till we got a call from my dad. They were going to keep my mum at the hospital. Diagnose: lymphangitis, a difficult word for blood poisoning. Serious infection, pretty dangerous actually….can be fatal if you don’t go to hospital in time....Bad luck indeed that Lancelot’s body contained the dangerous bacteria. Instead of shopping in Antwerp city, I found myself at University Hospital that afternoon, visiting my mum.
Initially we got the impression she would only have to stay for the night. Were we wrong again. Sunday morning the verdict was staying till Monday, a bit later they said at least five days. Saw my whole weekend being ruined. Just couldn’t bear the thought I would only have seen my mum in hospital. So I changed my flight. To Thursday night. Just so we would have the chance to go for lunch, just mum and I, before I had to leave. Was I wrong again. Had to say goodbye to her today….in the hospital. It is only tomorrow they’ll let her go. Never got the chance to take her out for lunch. Am disappointed about it of course.
I of course enjoyed the week at home as much as possible. Had a great night out on Saturday. And another one yesterday. Although I nearly had to cancel that one as well. My youngest sister Nina was cycling to music school last night and hurt herself when a tree branch she hadn’t seen in the dark, got into her eye. I cycled to the school as fast as possible, she was all in tears. Just couldn’t leave her like that at home. Especially because she was so good all week, helping me out with house holding. It was only when she convinced me she –still in tears- was going to be all right on her own, I left eventually. Was late for the first half of the Switzerland-Ireland soccer game, but rest of evening was great (although Ireland didn’t make it for the World Cup 2006). My parents think I’m completely brainwashed…spending the two evenings in Antwerp City in Irish Pubs. It just happened to be like that…Can’t help it.
As said, I did enjoy the week and greater part of that is because of my youngest sister Nina. Fair play to her. Hadn’t seen her for more than half a year. She changed an awful lot. From now on I’m the smallest from all siblings. Nina overtook me as well ( although she is eleven !!!!!!!!!!! years younger). Quite a shock. She was great. Helped me. Always in a good mood. Respect. She’s going to a Top Sport School in Antwerp. Selected for an intensive volleyball training. She is doing very well. Has long days, leaving the house at quarter to seven every morning. I couldn’t do it. Nina, thanks for a great week. Looking forward hearing from you in your next letter.
Well, am still waiting for the plane…not knowing yet what to do tonight. Am not sure Alex, my boss, will really appreciate it when I call him to tell I’m not coming into work tomorrow. Because I have to spend another night at the airport. I just can’t afford to get a taxi into Dublin, book a hostel and another taxi to Heuston-Station tomorrow. This trip was already more expensive than planned.
Sunday afternoon. Did indeed spend that night at Dublin airport. After calling Alex and Bill. They seemed pretty all right with it. Oef. I of course didn’t sleep at all. Just couldn’t find a good position to fall asleep. My stomach ached as well. Couldn’t get to Heuston-Station early enough. I should have taken a proper look on the train schedule….First train from to Dublin to Cork was 5.30h….on Mondays only. Why the hell don’t they put that a bit bigger in the brochures. Taking a taxi, arriving at the station way too early, standing outside (!!!!) in freezing weather for more than half an hour. Finally doors of the station open….was way too quite over there….there was actually no one there, except me and a creepy old man. Found out the first train on all days, except Mondays is only at 7.10h. Had to spend another hour and half in an icy, deserted station….Got on the train eventually. Don’t remember too much from the drive to Cork. Just that they had some troubles starting the train….but didn’t even realise it really….couldn’t care about it any more. Was back home around eleven. Straight to bed. Slept till about six. Woke up….bit confused about where I exactly I was. Found out all my housemates were out for the weekend. Looked like it was going to be a long boring weekend. Spend the weekend acclimatize to Ireland again. From tomorrow on I throw myself in Irish life again. Today I’ll give myself some to time to write some letters to family and friends…after that only English. No more brooding about last week and how disappointed I am about the way it turned out. Next four months I’ll focus on Irish life, try to find a job for after February, so that I can stay till next summer.
Saskia
I definitely learned my lesson: no more surprise visits home anymore. Because this delay is actually just an apotheosis of a trip turning out so different than I imagined it to be, when I booked my flight in August.
Weeks and weeks I was picturing myself getting home on Friday night, ringing the doorbell with a huge bunch of flowers, to surprise my mum for her birthday. Just couldn’t wait to see her face….my hell of a trip turned out slightly different though.
First, there was the General Strike. Reading Belgian newspapers all week, anxious to get stuck in Charleroi, as public transport was going to be down. Never really thought they would cancel my flight though. Till I phoned Ryanair Thursday afternoon to find out they actually did…Lucky enough they rescheduled the flight to the next morning; without any extra charges. Leaving on Saturday at 6.30h. No other possibility than spending the night at Dublin airport. They should put extra benches over there; ‘cause trying to get some sleep on just one seat is desperate. Didn’t sleep a wink. But the plane got there in time anyway. Arrived in Charleroi around nine in the morning. Where my dad picked me up…had to tell him about the surprise earlier because I just couldn’t make the effort after that long night to sit on the train for another two hours. Before driving home, we visited Anaïs and Janne. The big smile I got from my godchild definitely made it all worthwhile. The frustrations, disappointments, tiredness.
We arrived home around noon. Found my mum…on the couch…with her finger all bandaged. She was surprise to see me…I hope. But we didn’t really had the chance to enjoy it…as she was on her way to E.R. For the finger. It was all swollen and she had a red stripe on her arm…an infection. Happened the day before. One of our cats, Lancelot, had troubles with his kidneys, so my mum rang the vet. She was holding Lancelot, while the vet was examining him. He must have pushed on a very painful place, ‘cause in a self-defensive reflex Lancelot bit the nearest finger he saw. Which happened to be my mum’s. Mum to her G.P. so, to renew her tetanus injection and get antibiotics. But looking at her finger next morning, it didn’t really seem effective. To the E.R. so. I was going to take a shower in the meantime. Plan was to go to shopping afterwards…sounded nice….didn’t it?
Had take my shower, prepared lunch, just waiting for my mum. Till we got a call from my dad. They were going to keep my mum at the hospital. Diagnose: lymphangitis, a difficult word for blood poisoning. Serious infection, pretty dangerous actually….can be fatal if you don’t go to hospital in time....Bad luck indeed that Lancelot’s body contained the dangerous bacteria. Instead of shopping in Antwerp city, I found myself at University Hospital that afternoon, visiting my mum.
Initially we got the impression she would only have to stay for the night. Were we wrong again. Sunday morning the verdict was staying till Monday, a bit later they said at least five days. Saw my whole weekend being ruined. Just couldn’t bear the thought I would only have seen my mum in hospital. So I changed my flight. To Thursday night. Just so we would have the chance to go for lunch, just mum and I, before I had to leave. Was I wrong again. Had to say goodbye to her today….in the hospital. It is only tomorrow they’ll let her go. Never got the chance to take her out for lunch. Am disappointed about it of course.
I of course enjoyed the week at home as much as possible. Had a great night out on Saturday. And another one yesterday. Although I nearly had to cancel that one as well. My youngest sister Nina was cycling to music school last night and hurt herself when a tree branch she hadn’t seen in the dark, got into her eye. I cycled to the school as fast as possible, she was all in tears. Just couldn’t leave her like that at home. Especially because she was so good all week, helping me out with house holding. It was only when she convinced me she –still in tears- was going to be all right on her own, I left eventually. Was late for the first half of the Switzerland-Ireland soccer game, but rest of evening was great (although Ireland didn’t make it for the World Cup 2006). My parents think I’m completely brainwashed…spending the two evenings in Antwerp City in Irish Pubs. It just happened to be like that…Can’t help it.
As said, I did enjoy the week and greater part of that is because of my youngest sister Nina. Fair play to her. Hadn’t seen her for more than half a year. She changed an awful lot. From now on I’m the smallest from all siblings. Nina overtook me as well ( although she is eleven !!!!!!!!!!! years younger). Quite a shock. She was great. Helped me. Always in a good mood. Respect. She’s going to a Top Sport School in Antwerp. Selected for an intensive volleyball training. She is doing very well. Has long days, leaving the house at quarter to seven every morning. I couldn’t do it. Nina, thanks for a great week. Looking forward hearing from you in your next letter.
Well, am still waiting for the plane…not knowing yet what to do tonight. Am not sure Alex, my boss, will really appreciate it when I call him to tell I’m not coming into work tomorrow. Because I have to spend another night at the airport. I just can’t afford to get a taxi into Dublin, book a hostel and another taxi to Heuston-Station tomorrow. This trip was already more expensive than planned.
Sunday afternoon. Did indeed spend that night at Dublin airport. After calling Alex and Bill. They seemed pretty all right with it. Oef. I of course didn’t sleep at all. Just couldn’t find a good position to fall asleep. My stomach ached as well. Couldn’t get to Heuston-Station early enough. I should have taken a proper look on the train schedule….First train from to Dublin to Cork was 5.30h….on Mondays only. Why the hell don’t they put that a bit bigger in the brochures. Taking a taxi, arriving at the station way too early, standing outside (!!!!) in freezing weather for more than half an hour. Finally doors of the station open….was way too quite over there….there was actually no one there, except me and a creepy old man. Found out the first train on all days, except Mondays is only at 7.10h. Had to spend another hour and half in an icy, deserted station….Got on the train eventually. Don’t remember too much from the drive to Cork. Just that they had some troubles starting the train….but didn’t even realise it really….couldn’t care about it any more. Was back home around eleven. Straight to bed. Slept till about six. Woke up….bit confused about where I exactly I was. Found out all my housemates were out for the weekend. Looked like it was going to be a long boring weekend. Spend the weekend acclimatize to Ireland again. From tomorrow on I throw myself in Irish life again. Today I’ll give myself some to time to write some letters to family and friends…after that only English. No more brooding about last week and how disappointed I am about the way it turned out. Next four months I’ll focus on Irish life, try to find a job for after February, so that I can stay till next summer.
Saskia
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Helix
Went to Luka's DVD recording a couple of weeks ago. Rena asked me for a review for her website. Thought I might as well post it on mine as well.
Rena asked me to give my impression on the Helix gig. It’s nearly three weeks ago, but thinking back to it, I think I’m still able to give a pretty accurate description of my experiences that night.
Am a Belgian, living in Cork for the last eight months (currently not planning to move back home). This was definitely not my first Luka Bloom concert. To be honest, think I saw Luka playing more this year alone, than all years before. Can’t help it that he’s performing so often in Ireland, can I? And what about being back in Belgium for a short visit to my twin sister and her newborn, exactly at the time when he’s performing in Brussels. Couldn’t skip that one either, could I? The last time I saw him before the Helix gig was in Cobh. Was a magical evening. Just a small room, an audience of about 150 people. It felt like sitting in a living room. With windows on two sides of the room. View on the harbour. Seeing the sunset behind Luka. The sky first turning pink, after that beautiful blue and eventually black. Some great songs, I never heard him perform live before. Lonesome Robin one of them. A new song about the IRA declaration and my all time favourite Exploring the Blue. It was the first time in a while I saw Ruddy back on stage. Great surprise. The whole Cobh gig was definitely a foretaste of what Dublin was going to be. Less hot though.
I asked my boss that Wednesday to leave a bit earlier from work, to catch the three o’clock train from Mallow to Dublin. Rain was lashing down. Was wearing brand new white sneakers…should know by now that white isn’t very suitable for Irish weather conditions. Thanks to the Luka team I could bring a friend to the gig. Since I moved into the house, Luka’s music can be heard in nearly all rooms and the kitchen. After taking them to one of his gigs, three of the four housemates call themselves fans as well. I asked Laura, a Canadian girl to go with me. I met here on the train. We were all set for a great evening out.
We arrived in Heuston-Station around half five. Time was a bit tight, so we just had a quick bite in the station, before getting on our way to the Helix. Looking on the map, it didn’t seem too far away from Marino Institute, the college I had some trainings earlier this year. So we decided to take the 123 bus that direction and walk the rest of the way. We were lucky it was dry by then, ‘cause the walk was definitely longer than we expected. First test for my brand new white sneakers….blisters on both feet indeed.
We were in time anyway and Anne and Claire made us feel welcome immediately. There was plenty of time before for a drink. After a quick visit to the bathroom, we were all ready for the real thing. Anne gave us two seats on top of the stand. On the right-hand side. Opposite of the Lukalisters. We had a great view, on both the stage and the audience. Happy enough so…till we later that evening realised we must have gotten one of the hottest seats as well…high in a black corner. Well, it was all worth it. After a short welcoming by Claire, Luka came on stage and the evening started off. I don’t remember the set list any more, have never been very well in it, but am sure Rena has it all typed out on the website. I think it was quite similar to the one in Cobh. But the atmosphere was very different. It was all devoted fans that night in the Helix. Many had travelled a long way to be there that evening. All and everyone of us knew this was a once in a lifetime occasion and we were all definite making the most of it.
My housemate and I had been to John Spillane’s DVD recording in Cork as well, but comparing the two would be unfair. It was evident that John had to manage with way less resources than Luka. The amount of camera’s, lights and people running around that evening in the Helix was a bit overwhelming. Frightening is a bit strong, but still… It took me a while anyway to really get into it. Can imagine it must be pretty nerve wrecking for Luka as well…knowing it all had to happen that very one night. But once again Luka proved to be a professional and after a while we all forgot (almost) about the camera’s.
The opportunity to sing along came pretty early in the evening and it was obvious straight away this audience was well able for it. Am not a very good singer, so limited myself to miming the songs (on every live DVD there is always one person in the audience just sitting there while all the rest is signing along…me nor my housemate Laura wanted to be that person….therefore the miming). I loved to hear him play Lonesome Robin again. And we were lucky enough to hear some of the songs twice….Exploring the Blue and The man is Alive two of them.
The concert in the Helix was the longest I’ve ever been to. The most tiring as well. Never knew just sitting, listening and clapping could be so laborious. And hot. People started taking off jumpers, scarves and unnecessary accessories. After a while all sorts of “fans” appeared: tickets, passports, diaries,…Guess it made the whole experience even more unique. For the one time we shared Luka’s experience on stage…leaving the room for the short break, it looked like all and everyone of us had just given a great stage performance himself… I think it was nearly half eleven before the questions-and-answers- part began. And it was after twelve before I finally found myself a taxi to find some friend’s home in Dublin. After searching for the house for almost an hour finally in bed, to get up again (couldn’t find the house and forgot to put Lilliane’s number in my mobile phone) a couple of hours later to catch the seven o’clock train to be at work in time (or nearly, was half an hour late). Plan was to go to see Roesy in Cyprus Avenue that evening, but was wrecked and opted for an early night instead. Which I still regret…hope to see him another night.
saskia
Am a Belgian, living in Cork for the last eight months (currently not planning to move back home). This was definitely not my first Luka Bloom concert. To be honest, think I saw Luka playing more this year alone, than all years before. Can’t help it that he’s performing so often in Ireland, can I? And what about being back in Belgium for a short visit to my twin sister and her newborn, exactly at the time when he’s performing in Brussels. Couldn’t skip that one either, could I? The last time I saw him before the Helix gig was in Cobh. Was a magical evening. Just a small room, an audience of about 150 people. It felt like sitting in a living room. With windows on two sides of the room. View on the harbour. Seeing the sunset behind Luka. The sky first turning pink, after that beautiful blue and eventually black. Some great songs, I never heard him perform live before. Lonesome Robin one of them. A new song about the IRA declaration and my all time favourite Exploring the Blue. It was the first time in a while I saw Ruddy back on stage. Great surprise. The whole Cobh gig was definitely a foretaste of what Dublin was going to be. Less hot though.
I asked my boss that Wednesday to leave a bit earlier from work, to catch the three o’clock train from Mallow to Dublin. Rain was lashing down. Was wearing brand new white sneakers…should know by now that white isn’t very suitable for Irish weather conditions. Thanks to the Luka team I could bring a friend to the gig. Since I moved into the house, Luka’s music can be heard in nearly all rooms and the kitchen. After taking them to one of his gigs, three of the four housemates call themselves fans as well. I asked Laura, a Canadian girl to go with me. I met here on the train. We were all set for a great evening out.
We arrived in Heuston-Station around half five. Time was a bit tight, so we just had a quick bite in the station, before getting on our way to the Helix. Looking on the map, it didn’t seem too far away from Marino Institute, the college I had some trainings earlier this year. So we decided to take the 123 bus that direction and walk the rest of the way. We were lucky it was dry by then, ‘cause the walk was definitely longer than we expected. First test for my brand new white sneakers….blisters on both feet indeed.
We were in time anyway and Anne and Claire made us feel welcome immediately. There was plenty of time before for a drink. After a quick visit to the bathroom, we were all ready for the real thing. Anne gave us two seats on top of the stand. On the right-hand side. Opposite of the Lukalisters. We had a great view, on both the stage and the audience. Happy enough so…till we later that evening realised we must have gotten one of the hottest seats as well…high in a black corner. Well, it was all worth it. After a short welcoming by Claire, Luka came on stage and the evening started off. I don’t remember the set list any more, have never been very well in it, but am sure Rena has it all typed out on the website. I think it was quite similar to the one in Cobh. But the atmosphere was very different. It was all devoted fans that night in the Helix. Many had travelled a long way to be there that evening. All and everyone of us knew this was a once in a lifetime occasion and we were all definite making the most of it.
My housemate and I had been to John Spillane’s DVD recording in Cork as well, but comparing the two would be unfair. It was evident that John had to manage with way less resources than Luka. The amount of camera’s, lights and people running around that evening in the Helix was a bit overwhelming. Frightening is a bit strong, but still… It took me a while anyway to really get into it. Can imagine it must be pretty nerve wrecking for Luka as well…knowing it all had to happen that very one night. But once again Luka proved to be a professional and after a while we all forgot (almost) about the camera’s.
The opportunity to sing along came pretty early in the evening and it was obvious straight away this audience was well able for it. Am not a very good singer, so limited myself to miming the songs (on every live DVD there is always one person in the audience just sitting there while all the rest is signing along…me nor my housemate Laura wanted to be that person….therefore the miming). I loved to hear him play Lonesome Robin again. And we were lucky enough to hear some of the songs twice….Exploring the Blue and The man is Alive two of them.
The concert in the Helix was the longest I’ve ever been to. The most tiring as well. Never knew just sitting, listening and clapping could be so laborious. And hot. People started taking off jumpers, scarves and unnecessary accessories. After a while all sorts of “fans” appeared: tickets, passports, diaries,…Guess it made the whole experience even more unique. For the one time we shared Luka’s experience on stage…leaving the room for the short break, it looked like all and everyone of us had just given a great stage performance himself… I think it was nearly half eleven before the questions-and-answers- part began. And it was after twelve before I finally found myself a taxi to find some friend’s home in Dublin. After searching for the house for almost an hour finally in bed, to get up again (couldn’t find the house and forgot to put Lilliane’s number in my mobile phone) a couple of hours later to catch the seven o’clock train to be at work in time (or nearly, was half an hour late). Plan was to go to see Roesy in Cyprus Avenue that evening, but was wrecked and opted for an early night instead. Which I still regret…hope to see him another night.
saskia
Monday, October 03, 2005
Break the records!
I am aware of the fact that I didn't update my blog for the last month. Not that nothing happened last month...no, September was actually great.There was the magic weekend of the 10th and 11th. The weekend Cork wrote history, by breaking many records.
First there was the Ceili Mor dance record....exactly 8371 people danced "the Siege at Ennis" in the streets of Cork. I was one of them. Michael Flatley himself was flewn in by helicopter to lead the whole event.
After rehearsing for almost half an hour, I more or less got the idea of the dance and felt ready to do the real thing. Standing as one of the four in my row, we where all set to meet our opposite dancers. It's hard to explain but the idea is that the four dancers of the same row stay together and actually meet the row faced opposite to them. As your row always shuffles up, you actually end up dancing with half Cork. It was great fun indeed.
First there was the Ceili Mor dance record....exactly 8371 people danced "the Siege at Ennis" in the streets of Cork. I was one of them. Michael Flatley himself was flewn in by helicopter to lead the whole event.
After rehearsing for almost half an hour, I more or less got the idea of the dance and felt ready to do the real thing. Standing as one of the four in my row, we where all set to meet our opposite dancers. It's hard to explain but the idea is that the four dancers of the same row stay together and actually meet the row faced opposite to them. As your row always shuffles up, you actually end up dancing with half Cork. It was great fun indeed.
We did beat the record indeed. Dublin, Ohio is not longer...The Rebels once again proved why they live in the Centre of the Universe.....next year another attempt...don't want to miss that...so I guess I'll stay a bit longer.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Kerry 1-19 Cork 0-9
Am not a big expert in GAA, but you don’t have to, to know that Cork’s performance this afternoon was shameful. They were there on the field today, but that was literally the only positive thing there is to say. When they were six points behind of Kerry, there maybe still was a little hope they could catch up, but after a Kerry goal and so 12 points behind the whole match turned into an exhibition game by Kerry on how Gaelic football is supposed to be played. An anti-climax of this year’s football season for Cork. All Corks hope now on the hurling team. They fortunately did make it to the All Ireland finale. Looking forward to that in two weeks.
The weekend is nearly over again. A good one. With another great Luka show. Got on the guest list. Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh is a great venue. It was like a big sitting room. With windows on two sides of the room. View on the harbour. Seeing the sunset on the background. The sky first turning pink, after that beautiful blue and eventually black. Luka played some great songs, he didn’t perform live for a long time. Lonesome Robin, Love is a place I dream of, a new song about the IRA declaration and my all time favourite Exploring the Blue…The atmosphere was great. The audience was completely into it. After the concert we went for a quick drink before taking the train back to Cork city. The train turned out to be a bus at the end. Some technical problems. Back in town around twelve. Mia, a Finnish ex-housemate was spending her last night in Cork so we went out for a drink in An Brog. Must be so weird, to leave Cork after living here for eight months. Made us realise how quick time is going. Am definitely not looking forward to the day I have to leave as well. Cork is just such a great place to live. Feel really at home here. Can actually not believe I’m already six and a half months in Ireland. Have the feeling it was only a couple of weeks.
The weekend is nearly over again. A good one. With another great Luka show. Got on the guest list. Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh is a great venue. It was like a big sitting room. With windows on two sides of the room. View on the harbour. Seeing the sunset on the background. The sky first turning pink, after that beautiful blue and eventually black. Luka played some great songs, he didn’t perform live for a long time. Lonesome Robin, Love is a place I dream of, a new song about the IRA declaration and my all time favourite Exploring the Blue…The atmosphere was great. The audience was completely into it. After the concert we went for a quick drink before taking the train back to Cork city. The train turned out to be a bus at the end. Some technical problems. Back in town around twelve. Mia, a Finnish ex-housemate was spending her last night in Cork so we went out for a drink in An Brog. Must be so weird, to leave Cork after living here for eight months. Made us realise how quick time is going. Am definitely not looking forward to the day I have to leave as well. Cork is just such a great place to live. Feel really at home here. Can actually not believe I’m already six and a half months in Ireland. Have the feeling it was only a couple of weeks.
Saskia
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
My mum did best...fair play to her...part 3
I know I still didn’t tell everything about my mums visit over here. After further reading, you’ll definitely understand why it took me so long to do so.
As I said before we were spending some days in Killarney and the plan was to go for a big cycling trip on Wednesday. And so we did. Had some trouble finding the beginning of the Kerry Way, but once we were there everything went all right. We started enthusiastically. At least for the time being. Although I did realize there was a slight difference between my mum’s form and mine. Euh….no, it was not her cycling a bit behind…but I could still follow. Road was still going flat. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the beginning of the Gap of Dunloe. That was indeed the challenge of the day. A small road winding up between the Kerry Mountains. It was there my day of hell started. It is a bit hard to admit but indeed….I couldn’t keep up with my mum. The first few moments I still tried to hide it by stopping every five minutes to ‘take a picture’, but after 1/3 of the gap behind us I just couldn’t do it anymore and whereas my mum was still sitting ON her bike, pedalling up the steep hill, I just gave up and WALKED miles behind needing all my energy to push my bike up the hill. Of course I felt a bit stupid. We reached the summit eventually, but that didn’t mean the end of my suffering. My mum is definitely more confident on the bike than I am. She was descending the other side of the Gap in high tempo while me again miles behind, using the brakes, deadly afraid to slip.
I did make it. We had lunch in Killarney National Park. Recovered from the efforts. Find my courage again. And became a bit overconfident about the whole cycling thing…so we decided to go for another trip, try to get to Lady’s View…a very bad decision. The only way to get there is via the N72. On one side of the road high rocks, on the other side bushes and a dangerous looking ravine. The road was steep. No chance to stop, as traffic was dangerous out there. Hell all over again. Had a little break at one of the viewpoints. Met some other Belgians again. My legs were shaking. My backside was aching. Still another 5 km to go. We did make it at the end. Went for a glass of wine at Muckross House. Managed to cycle back to the B&B. Must have been a funny sight…I couldn’t sit ON the saddle, was just too painful…so was standing on the pedals for the whole drive back. I was shattered like I was never ever before. Took a long and hot shower and went for dinner in Killarney town after. It was the last day of the holiday but I just couldn’t find the energy to go out for some drinks. So we went back to our room early. Had a cosy evening inside. And went to bed very, very early.
Next day I walked like a crippled. We visited Ross Castle and enjoyed our last morning together. Was weird to say goodbye to my mum at the bus station. Her bus to Shannon was leaving half an hour before mine back to Cork. Was pretty emotional. Was a great holiday. Found out things about my mum I didn’t know before. And so did she about me…I guess.
As I said before we were spending some days in Killarney and the plan was to go for a big cycling trip on Wednesday. And so we did. Had some trouble finding the beginning of the Kerry Way, but once we were there everything went all right. We started enthusiastically. At least for the time being. Although I did realize there was a slight difference between my mum’s form and mine. Euh….no, it was not her cycling a bit behind…but I could still follow. Road was still going flat. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the beginning of the Gap of Dunloe. That was indeed the challenge of the day. A small road winding up between the Kerry Mountains. It was there my day of hell started. It is a bit hard to admit but indeed….I couldn’t keep up with my mum. The first few moments I still tried to hide it by stopping every five minutes to ‘take a picture’, but after 1/3 of the gap behind us I just couldn’t do it anymore and whereas my mum was still sitting ON her bike, pedalling up the steep hill, I just gave up and WALKED miles behind needing all my energy to push my bike up the hill. Of course I felt a bit stupid. We reached the summit eventually, but that didn’t mean the end of my suffering. My mum is definitely more confident on the bike than I am. She was descending the other side of the Gap in high tempo while me again miles behind, using the brakes, deadly afraid to slip.
I did make it. We had lunch in Killarney National Park. Recovered from the efforts. Find my courage again. And became a bit overconfident about the whole cycling thing…so we decided to go for another trip, try to get to Lady’s View…a very bad decision. The only way to get there is via the N72. On one side of the road high rocks, on the other side bushes and a dangerous looking ravine. The road was steep. No chance to stop, as traffic was dangerous out there. Hell all over again. Had a little break at one of the viewpoints. Met some other Belgians again. My legs were shaking. My backside was aching. Still another 5 km to go. We did make it at the end. Went for a glass of wine at Muckross House. Managed to cycle back to the B&B. Must have been a funny sight…I couldn’t sit ON the saddle, was just too painful…so was standing on the pedals for the whole drive back. I was shattered like I was never ever before. Took a long and hot shower and went for dinner in Killarney town after. It was the last day of the holiday but I just couldn’t find the energy to go out for some drinks. So we went back to our room early. Had a cosy evening inside. And went to bed very, very early.
Next day I walked like a crippled. We visited Ross Castle and enjoyed our last morning together. Was weird to say goodbye to my mum at the bus station. Her bus to Shannon was leaving half an hour before mine back to Cork. Was pretty emotional. Was a great holiday. Found out things about my mum I didn’t know before. And so did she about me…I guess.
Saskia
Monday, August 08, 2005
Mum knows best, part 2
Sunday 7th August. It is becoming a real habit. Sunday night, early in bed with a cup of tea next to me. Listening to the radio, typing away on my laptop. Am exactly six months in Ireland now. Strange thought. Everyday from now is one less left, like a countdown. Don’t know if I’ll stay longer or just go home and try to find a job in Belgium. From today on, I better try to think about that from time to time. Have to sorted that out as soon as possible.
Had a great weekend. Didn’t do anything special during the day, but went out last night and it was great fun. Went together with Tracy and a couple of New Zealand people. They left quite early and Tracy and me closed the evening with a bunch of Scandinavian guys. Don’t have a clue what time we were kicked out off The Bailey, but we got home safely anyway. Each accompanied by a nice guy, mine was Swedish, Tracy’s Norwegian. The Swedish guy had to content himself with a good night kiss (after buying me a couple of drinks earlier), the Norwegian one was probably a bit luckier spending the night here. Will they call again?
Have to continue the report on my mum’s visit now. As said, listening to the radio, although one of my housemates music is drowning out. Gave him some of my Christy Moore cd’s. It’s always a bit weird hearing YOUR music in someone else’s room. Especially when they try to sing along.
Second day in Cork so. We were going to go to the English Market in the morning. But before that I had another important point on the agenda. A jeans. My old one is full of wholes so I definitely needed a new one. No better shopping assistant than my mum. Found one in…FCUK. Thanks mum. After a soup of the day in one of the few outdoor cafes Cork has (the weather was indeed great on Monday) direction English Market. My mum loved it. We bought some great food for the night. And had some coffee and cake upstairs. Great atmosphere. They even came around with the coffeepot, filling your cup again. As mentioned earlier, the plan was to go to Cobh in the afternoon. But my mum woke up with a serious pain in her hip the other day and wasn’t able to walk very far. She felt guilty about it. I just felt pity for her. We decided to take it easy instead and just stayed in Cork. After all, my mum loved the place. Shopped around a bit and back to the house for an aperitif in the garden. Glass of Italian wine, olives and sun dried tomatoes. Felt like being home again. Have to do that more. After an early dinner, we went upstairs for a mother-daughter evening in my room. Sitting together in my bed, watching pictures first, a movie after. Listening music. Chatting, laughing, giggling, eating chocolate (Jazus, really sounds a bit cliché, doesn’t it?). We were not really up to go out again and just stayed home so. Around eleven I just took some pillows of the couch, the ‘sleep-over-duvet’ of the house and installed for a night on the floor next to my mum, snoring away in my bed. Strengthening the family ties, that’s what my dad would call it.
I wanted to give my mum a good impression of what Ireland is about and after Dublin and Cork I was going to take her for two nights to Killarney. I booked a room in Bloom Slieve Manor. We took the bus early on Tuesday morning. The guesthouse was definitely all right. A big room with a double and a single bed (left my mum the honour to occupy the double one), clean bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and television. We went to Killarney town first, to gather some information on renting a bike, bus tours etc. Don’t know if one of you readers is planning to go to Killarney, but if so be cautious not making the same mistake we made. There is a big Tourist Information Office in Killarney. And there is a Tourist Information Centre. The last one, that’s were we ended up first. It’s not what it pretends to be. We should have noticed from the very first moment we entered. Two old ladies sitting behind a desk. They certainly gave us the impression not having left that desk for the last thirty years. Wearing the type of blouses probably fashioned enough in the seventies. They were not there for pleasure. They were there to sell ignorant, naïve tourists a ticket for their bus tour on the Ring of Kerry. So, still not realizing we were not in the real Tourist Information Office we went to the desk and start asking one of the ladies about the possibilities of cycling the Ring of Kerry. Booking us for a bus tour, that was what they had in mind. Understandable they advised against cycling. Not in words but using a much stronger kind of communication, body language indeed. I had been in Killarney once before. Together with Julia. Suddenly remembered her showing me the Tourist Information Office. Somewhere on a corner. Near a big square. So thanked the lady politely and dragged my mum outside. Mum, this is not the real Tourist Information Office, there must be another one. Which we found eventually. Having the information we needed, we decided to go for an exploring walk at the lakes around Muckross House on Tuesday and a big cycling tour the next day.
Had a great weekend. Didn’t do anything special during the day, but went out last night and it was great fun. Went together with Tracy and a couple of New Zealand people. They left quite early and Tracy and me closed the evening with a bunch of Scandinavian guys. Don’t have a clue what time we were kicked out off The Bailey, but we got home safely anyway. Each accompanied by a nice guy, mine was Swedish, Tracy’s Norwegian. The Swedish guy had to content himself with a good night kiss (after buying me a couple of drinks earlier), the Norwegian one was probably a bit luckier spending the night here. Will they call again?
Have to continue the report on my mum’s visit now. As said, listening to the radio, although one of my housemates music is drowning out. Gave him some of my Christy Moore cd’s. It’s always a bit weird hearing YOUR music in someone else’s room. Especially when they try to sing along.
Second day in Cork so. We were going to go to the English Market in the morning. But before that I had another important point on the agenda. A jeans. My old one is full of wholes so I definitely needed a new one. No better shopping assistant than my mum. Found one in…FCUK. Thanks mum. After a soup of the day in one of the few outdoor cafes Cork has (the weather was indeed great on Monday) direction English Market. My mum loved it. We bought some great food for the night. And had some coffee and cake upstairs. Great atmosphere. They even came around with the coffeepot, filling your cup again. As mentioned earlier, the plan was to go to Cobh in the afternoon. But my mum woke up with a serious pain in her hip the other day and wasn’t able to walk very far. She felt guilty about it. I just felt pity for her. We decided to take it easy instead and just stayed in Cork. After all, my mum loved the place. Shopped around a bit and back to the house for an aperitif in the garden. Glass of Italian wine, olives and sun dried tomatoes. Felt like being home again. Have to do that more. After an early dinner, we went upstairs for a mother-daughter evening in my room. Sitting together in my bed, watching pictures first, a movie after. Listening music. Chatting, laughing, giggling, eating chocolate (Jazus, really sounds a bit cliché, doesn’t it?). We were not really up to go out again and just stayed home so. Around eleven I just took some pillows of the couch, the ‘sleep-over-duvet’ of the house and installed for a night on the floor next to my mum, snoring away in my bed. Strengthening the family ties, that’s what my dad would call it.
I wanted to give my mum a good impression of what Ireland is about and after Dublin and Cork I was going to take her for two nights to Killarney. I booked a room in Bloom Slieve Manor. We took the bus early on Tuesday morning. The guesthouse was definitely all right. A big room with a double and a single bed (left my mum the honour to occupy the double one), clean bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and television. We went to Killarney town first, to gather some information on renting a bike, bus tours etc. Don’t know if one of you readers is planning to go to Killarney, but if so be cautious not making the same mistake we made. There is a big Tourist Information Office in Killarney. And there is a Tourist Information Centre. The last one, that’s were we ended up first. It’s not what it pretends to be. We should have noticed from the very first moment we entered. Two old ladies sitting behind a desk. They certainly gave us the impression not having left that desk for the last thirty years. Wearing the type of blouses probably fashioned enough in the seventies. They were not there for pleasure. They were there to sell ignorant, naïve tourists a ticket for their bus tour on the Ring of Kerry. So, still not realizing we were not in the real Tourist Information Office we went to the desk and start asking one of the ladies about the possibilities of cycling the Ring of Kerry. Booking us for a bus tour, that was what they had in mind. Understandable they advised against cycling. Not in words but using a much stronger kind of communication, body language indeed. I had been in Killarney once before. Together with Julia. Suddenly remembered her showing me the Tourist Information Office. Somewhere on a corner. Near a big square. So thanked the lady politely and dragged my mum outside. Mum, this is not the real Tourist Information Office, there must be another one. Which we found eventually. Having the information we needed, we decided to go for an exploring walk at the lakes around Muckross House on Tuesday and a big cycling tour the next day.
Saskia
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Mother knows best....part 1
Am listening to Radio Rnag, Irish radio so, don’t have a clue what they are talking about, but do like the music. And the host, John Spillane. I think he’s funny, even if I don’t understand a single word of what he is saying.
My mum visited Ireland for the very first time last week. Up to me now to write about it. It was definitely a great week. An eye opener as well. For both my mum and me. It was the first time ever we spend a week together, just the two of us. Think we both discovered things about each other, we were not aware of before. At least, I did.
Both mum and I were quite busy the week before she arrived, so the journey wasn’t prepared in detail. The general idea was to spend one night in Dublin, three in Cork and two in Killarney. And so we did.
I took the bus to Dublin on Friday morning. I definitely wanted to pick my mum up at the airport. Watched ‘Love Actually’ the week before and was therefore prepared for an emotional reunion like they do it in the movie. But went for a Cappuccino in the bar first, to get my nerves under control. Had still about fifteen minutes left, when I discovered my mums plane had already landed. Got a small panic attack, because I absolutely wanted to see my mum set foot on Irish soil for the first time. Rushed to the big automatic sandblasted sliding doors and as she didn’t appear in the next ten minutes I was really convinced I missed her. Waited another ten minutes, next to a nervy young fellow with a bouquet of roses waiting for a more romantic reunion, when my mum finally appeared. It was emotional indeed. My dad would call it “Hove’s way”(that’s the small town my mum comes from, not that different from the place my dad comes from, but nevertheless such a big issue).
It was quite late, so we immediately took the Airlink Bus to town. We were going to spend our first night in Dublin, in a hostel. Ashfield House was expensive. The room wasn’t impressive at all. Had to share it with two other women. Was a bit worried about that. But there was no need for it, as my mum didn’t snore at all….that night. Dublin was busy, very busy. We went for a quick bite in a nice, not too expensive restaurant in Talbot Street. Wanted to show her Temple Bar. I know Temple Bar is not really Irish, especially not at this time of the year. No surprise so, my mum remarked that everyone was speaking Spanish. But it was a great experience anyway. We had some pints there and got plenty of opportunity to admire Irish dress code, or the lack for it. I am already used to it, but I think my mum’s first evening out in Ireland was a bit of a culture shock. And don’t understand me wrong, it’s not as if my mum is an old fashioned, conservative housemother. My mum definitely knows what fashion is about (that’s her job after all) and she definitely knows as well how to deal with the pints. We did stay till last order and went back to Ashfield House for our first night of the holiday.
I visited Dublin a couple of times before, but never went to Kilmainham Jail so that’s where we went the next morning. After nearly three weeks without rain it was raining that Saturday. I am living in Ireland for almost six months now and so far I never met any Belgians. But it was like my mum brought half of the country with her last week. First on my way to Dublin on the bus, in front of me a Flemish girl with her mother (a “midlife crisis one”, wearing a K-way, too short and definitely too tight cycling pants and sports shoes). And five minutes after the tour in the Jail started, I suddenly realised we were actually surrounded by Belgian, Flemish speaking people. We managed to end up in a group of “Anders Reizen”, one of those organisations in Flemish-speaking Belgium, organizing “alternative holidays”. The tour itself was really interesting. James, our guide was all right looking, and definitely knew what he was talking about. It was a bit less clear for us, as we got so much information in such a short period. Did buy a History of Ireland today at Waterstones. Just give me another month and I know everything about the Easter Uprising and Irish Independence. After all, as a Master in Contemporary History, that’s exactly what people expect of me, isn’t it?
The rest of the day, we just wandered around. We went window shopping in the expensive shops of Dublin and had a tea with scone in Bewley’s, at Grafton Street. Around five we returned back to Ashfield House to pick up our luggage and took the bus down to Cork. Was prepared for a five hour long sleep, leaning against my mums shoulder, but reality turned out differently. Bus was very crowded and so we couldn’t sit next to each other. Didn’t even had a window seat. The trip was hell. The smell of fast food, candies, coffee. Some hyperactive child, crying nearly all the time in front of us. Great was my relief when around half ten we finally arrived at Parnell Place. Rain was lashing down, my mum was having some pain in her hip so we took the taxi home. Had another cup of tea and straight to bed after that. Just can’t understand one of my housemates is taking that bus nearly every weekend to see her boyfriend in Glendalough.
I love living in Cork. I had two days now to convince my mum of the city’s charms. She already gave in after an hour. My mum loooooved Cork. Despite the rain lashing down the whole Sunday. In the morning we went to the exhibition of Sebastião Salgado, named Exodus. Very impressive. One of the people working at the gallery lived in Antwerp himself for a couple of months. He loved shopping in the “Nationale Straat”. Definitely explained why this guy was dressed like three times more trendy than the average Irish guy in Cork. Even his glasses were special (I have a big issue with glasses since I live in Ireland. You who already met me, know I have a pair of black ones myself and for some reason Irish people always have to make remarks about them. Am getting really tired of it.) After the exhibition we went for a quick lunch and after that to The Old Oak, to watch the hurling match. Cork playing in the quarter finals of the All Ireland. There through. Go Cork, go Cork. Think my mum did like it. The atmosphere etc. The friendliness as well. Waterford jerseys sitting next to Cork jerseys without fighting. Back home we enjoyed a healthy salad and got dressed for a night out in Cork. Showed my mum The Lobby (R.I.P.), the legendary live music venue, closed down yesterday night and Sin E, for some great traditional sessions. Night before I slept in one of my housemates room (she was in Plymouth, for a real military ball), but as she was back had to sleep in the living room that night. On an airbed. My mum upstairs in my room. Plan for the next morning was The English Market and some shopping in the morning and maybe Cobh in the afternoon.
My mum visited Ireland for the very first time last week. Up to me now to write about it. It was definitely a great week. An eye opener as well. For both my mum and me. It was the first time ever we spend a week together, just the two of us. Think we both discovered things about each other, we were not aware of before. At least, I did.
Both mum and I were quite busy the week before she arrived, so the journey wasn’t prepared in detail. The general idea was to spend one night in Dublin, three in Cork and two in Killarney. And so we did.
I took the bus to Dublin on Friday morning. I definitely wanted to pick my mum up at the airport. Watched ‘Love Actually’ the week before and was therefore prepared for an emotional reunion like they do it in the movie. But went for a Cappuccino in the bar first, to get my nerves under control. Had still about fifteen minutes left, when I discovered my mums plane had already landed. Got a small panic attack, because I absolutely wanted to see my mum set foot on Irish soil for the first time. Rushed to the big automatic sandblasted sliding doors and as she didn’t appear in the next ten minutes I was really convinced I missed her. Waited another ten minutes, next to a nervy young fellow with a bouquet of roses waiting for a more romantic reunion, when my mum finally appeared. It was emotional indeed. My dad would call it “Hove’s way”(that’s the small town my mum comes from, not that different from the place my dad comes from, but nevertheless such a big issue).
It was quite late, so we immediately took the Airlink Bus to town. We were going to spend our first night in Dublin, in a hostel. Ashfield House was expensive. The room wasn’t impressive at all. Had to share it with two other women. Was a bit worried about that. But there was no need for it, as my mum didn’t snore at all….that night. Dublin was busy, very busy. We went for a quick bite in a nice, not too expensive restaurant in Talbot Street. Wanted to show her Temple Bar. I know Temple Bar is not really Irish, especially not at this time of the year. No surprise so, my mum remarked that everyone was speaking Spanish. But it was a great experience anyway. We had some pints there and got plenty of opportunity to admire Irish dress code, or the lack for it. I am already used to it, but I think my mum’s first evening out in Ireland was a bit of a culture shock. And don’t understand me wrong, it’s not as if my mum is an old fashioned, conservative housemother. My mum definitely knows what fashion is about (that’s her job after all) and she definitely knows as well how to deal with the pints. We did stay till last order and went back to Ashfield House for our first night of the holiday.
I visited Dublin a couple of times before, but never went to Kilmainham Jail so that’s where we went the next morning. After nearly three weeks without rain it was raining that Saturday. I am living in Ireland for almost six months now and so far I never met any Belgians. But it was like my mum brought half of the country with her last week. First on my way to Dublin on the bus, in front of me a Flemish girl with her mother (a “midlife crisis one”, wearing a K-way, too short and definitely too tight cycling pants and sports shoes). And five minutes after the tour in the Jail started, I suddenly realised we were actually surrounded by Belgian, Flemish speaking people. We managed to end up in a group of “Anders Reizen”, one of those organisations in Flemish-speaking Belgium, organizing “alternative holidays”. The tour itself was really interesting. James, our guide was all right looking, and definitely knew what he was talking about. It was a bit less clear for us, as we got so much information in such a short period. Did buy a History of Ireland today at Waterstones. Just give me another month and I know everything about the Easter Uprising and Irish Independence. After all, as a Master in Contemporary History, that’s exactly what people expect of me, isn’t it?
The rest of the day, we just wandered around. We went window shopping in the expensive shops of Dublin and had a tea with scone in Bewley’s, at Grafton Street. Around five we returned back to Ashfield House to pick up our luggage and took the bus down to Cork. Was prepared for a five hour long sleep, leaning against my mums shoulder, but reality turned out differently. Bus was very crowded and so we couldn’t sit next to each other. Didn’t even had a window seat. The trip was hell. The smell of fast food, candies, coffee. Some hyperactive child, crying nearly all the time in front of us. Great was my relief when around half ten we finally arrived at Parnell Place. Rain was lashing down, my mum was having some pain in her hip so we took the taxi home. Had another cup of tea and straight to bed after that. Just can’t understand one of my housemates is taking that bus nearly every weekend to see her boyfriend in Glendalough.
I love living in Cork. I had two days now to convince my mum of the city’s charms. She already gave in after an hour. My mum loooooved Cork. Despite the rain lashing down the whole Sunday. In the morning we went to the exhibition of Sebastião Salgado, named Exodus. Very impressive. One of the people working at the gallery lived in Antwerp himself for a couple of months. He loved shopping in the “Nationale Straat”. Definitely explained why this guy was dressed like three times more trendy than the average Irish guy in Cork. Even his glasses were special (I have a big issue with glasses since I live in Ireland. You who already met me, know I have a pair of black ones myself and for some reason Irish people always have to make remarks about them. Am getting really tired of it.) After the exhibition we went for a quick lunch and after that to The Old Oak, to watch the hurling match. Cork playing in the quarter finals of the All Ireland. There through. Go Cork, go Cork. Think my mum did like it. The atmosphere etc. The friendliness as well. Waterford jerseys sitting next to Cork jerseys without fighting. Back home we enjoyed a healthy salad and got dressed for a night out in Cork. Showed my mum The Lobby (R.I.P.), the legendary live music venue, closed down yesterday night and Sin E, for some great traditional sessions. Night before I slept in one of my housemates room (she was in Plymouth, for a real military ball), but as she was back had to sleep in the living room that night. On an airbed. My mum upstairs in my room. Plan for the next morning was The English Market and some shopping in the morning and maybe Cobh in the afternoon.
To be continued......have a great week
Saskia
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Holiday
I am taking a holiday, to show my mum a bit of the country. We'll spend one night in Dublin, three in Cork and two in Killarney. We are dependent of public transport, so avoiding mass tourism is going to be impossible. But nevertheless I'm definitely going to enjoy the whole week.
Saskia
Monday, July 18, 2005
Andrea Boccelli
Fear not…I didn’t go to see him….although he did come to Cork last Friday. He was performing in Collin’s Barracks, a military domain just behind the corner. Jazus, you should have been there. It was like there was a major bomb alert. The whole area was blocked, no cars were allowed between five and twelve in the evening. Gardai on every corner…a helicopter passing every ten minutes….Fecking madness. For a concert, I mean. And two miles away, at one of the busiest crossroads of Cork, the traffic lights were out of order. On a Friday evening, at rush hour. No gardai there. Probably all too busy making sure that the Italian singer got to Collin’s Barracks safely. Just wondering what makes Andrea so special he needs to disorder the whole town on a Friday night. Does he have something, Nick Cave, Van Morrison, Diana Ross or Brian Wilson don’t have, when they performed at The Marquee (just a tent on the banks of the Lee, no domain surrounded by concrete walls and barbed wire).
Saskia
Saskia
Ps: I played the lotto for the first time in my live. Euromillionairs…I was 200% positive it was me going to win the 81 million euro….sigh…not.
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