The past two weeks have had some personal setbacks & stressors, so I put my writing on the backburner.
I started writing & beautiful memories came up, but I kept getting distracted by what was happening in the moment.
And when I share my story of our travel experiences, I want my excitement to come through & just didn’t feel it reading back what I was typing… almost half a$$ed.
I’m a big fan of authenticity, not falseness.
Please stay tuned, there’s so much more to share! 😊
Thank you for returning & continuing to read my blog ❤
Today’s itinerary is packed full, so we can’t wait to get out the door! Back on our bustrip into Dublin city. We arrive on the bustling O’Connell Street Upper. Earlier than yesterday, so lots more & different to see. Back over the Liffey using the Ha’Penny bridge, we take a side street we haven’t used in the past two days – because we’re exploring of course 😊
So often Newton and I get lost together on our journeys, (even in Cape Town finding off-the beaten-track spots!) but we always laugh about it & see it as an adventure. I will usually be the first one to panic, but he’s had his fair share of “Oh shit we’re lost” moments haha!
After 12 years together, it’s now a standing inside joke.
Strolling through what could be considered alleys more than roads, we moved between main streets & found some cool buildings & little shops. But not too distracted, as we had our first touristy stop ahead.
A visit to Mr Oscar Wilde!
We were getting good at navigating with Google maps, but also just being aware… spotting street signs etc. Walking along, what seemed to be a business district, people sitting at cafes with laptops, suited up folks walking around. It felt nice not to be one of them, we were on holiday 😀
Turned a corner & spotted the memorial. There was a bus stop right outside the Merrion Park entrance, but I’m glad we didn’t use the bus, rather walked the streets & saw Dublin from a different perspective. There was tourist hop-on/off busses, usual commuter busses too.
It must have been a guided/private tour, a man was talking to a couple about the history of Oscar Wilde & the monuments we see. Nice! Except, this asshole was taking up all the space… yes, in an outside garden (I’m really rolling my eyes hard!) He was actually leaning on the statues that we and others, were trying to get to & take photos of. Urgh… no matter where you go you will come across selfish dickheads!
Anyway, after some staring at him & trying to take pics over and around him hahaha, he seemed to get the message & moved away. There were marble slates with the writing of Oscar Wilde, apparently in his own handwriting. Cool!
Then we ventured back out into the streets of Dublin. We walked past the Department of Taoiseach of Ireland – government building that looked like a palace, where a news crew was filming outside. We navigated to the Dublin branch of the company Newton works for… went inside but couldn’t get into the offices without an escort… and he didn’t know anyone personally, so goodbye.
Down another street, we walked past a stunning ivy-covered Georgian building with a red door popped in the middle. So beautiful. This was home to the gorgeous Grayson restaurant. I think there used to be a branch of the Bank of Ireland, since it was written on the far end of the building… in gold!
Crossed the street to find another statue, founder of the United Irishmen and a leading figure in the fight for Irish independence from British rule – Wolfe Tone.
Statue of Wolfe Tone
And now we found ourselves at the other end of St Stephen’s Green. Things are starting to look familiar, which just boosts our confidence for more exploring. Through many more streets, busy main streets, quaint side streets, we decided to stop for a treat at Murphy’s Ice-cream
The server was so much fun, pleasant & welcoming, but making it very difficult for us to choose a flavour of ice-cream! Finally, we were persuaded. We each settled for two scoops. Newton had Irish sea salt + Lemon Curd. I chose Irish bread flavour + chocolate Irish whiskey. Ice-cream nirvana!! 😀 After a chat about where we’re from & where we’re headed next, he offered to take photos for us. They have a spot in the store especially for tourists & anyone wanting to boast on social media about this spot!
Ice-cream before lunch is always a good idea 😀
Down the street we stroll with our scoops, just as we finish, I spot a homeware, “this-and-that” kinda store. Oh boy… my kryptonite 😐 Yes, there were many things in this two-storey store that I convinced myself I “must have” but settled on just one item. A cute baguette bag 😀
I confess, we are gluten, carb, wheat bread addicts. Which works well with the coffee addiction haha!
Next; Dublin Castle. Up a steep hill, we found ourselves amid an enormous crowd of tourists. The castle itself, was mighty and impressive. But we didn’t go inside, decided to skip. I was excited to go to the MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRPAHY for the 13th edition of Ireland’s international festival of the most comprehensive overview of the history & practise of Photography in Ireland to date. Entry was free, which is always a bonus.
We had to leave any recording devices at the reception before we could enter the exhibition.
I admired the photography; we enjoyed the exhibition with no time limit, but if I’m honest… underwhelming. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I wanted more. Don’t misunderstand, the images were thought provoking & some even raw. They showcased life in Ireland, past & recent.
Time for lunch! We decided to walk around & pick a spot spontaneously. No, I think we followed our noses because we ended up in PittBrosBBQ Restaurant.
I’m not religious but can appreciate preserved works of art & transcripts rich in history from “those days” It’s a self-tour, but very systematic. Once you enter, you are smacked with ooh’s & ah’s. Ancient drawings fascinated me, the intricacy, the symbolism. An illuminated manuscript created by Scottish and/or Irish monks, the book illustrates the four gospels of the Christian New Testament – in Latin! I did two years of Latin in high school, far from enough to understand any of it 😐
I can understand why it’s dubbed Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and one of the most famous artefacts in the world.
As this tour comes to an end, you walk up stairs and into bookworm, architectural utopia!! Enter, the Long Room. A beautiful old library, filled with heritage, housing manuscripts and books some of which are still used by professors and students – under strict supervision. A working library since 1732! :O The literature is regularly restored, books are marked with tickets next in line for restoration. The entire collection of books is cut off from the public – a really good idea if preserving such history!
Oh, the smells in this library. Transported me to childhood, when books for school projects were still a thing & you had to visit the library for research. Yes, I’m giving away my age. Never mind, it’s a sensory memory I cherish. And in this moment, in this beautiful library, I’m glad I had those experiences as a child.
The Long Room was adorned with busts of all the famous literary greats. Socrates, Plato & Newton to name a few! We spent so much time here. Aside from trying to capture the moment by so many shots clicked, I sat on a bench in the middle of the room & just absorbed. I watched people, admiring this space just as I was. Right here, right now, we all have this one admiration in common. No matter how we look, where we come from or how we speak.
I watched Newton (my guy, not the bust 😉), I wouldn’t describe him as a literature enthusiast haha, but could see how impressed he was. Enjoying taking photos from every angle. Beautiful staircases, gorgeous dark wood archways, stunning displays of millions of books behind rolling ladders.
When we finally had enough, & I couldn’t pose for another pic 😐 we went downstairs & it was a world of souvenirs. So clever, I thought! You have to go through this shop to get to the exit. Of course, you will browse & be tempted. Well, we fell for it! After probably a half hour, we were both in the queue with something to take back home.
Back on the streets of Dublin, we head to Grafton Street. We have a plan! SHOPPING!
Yes, both of us😉
Yesterday, we walked through an indoor market named George’s Street Arcade selling souvenirs, trinkets, art, clothing, accessories… which brings me to the point of wanting to return today, for a beautiful pendant I saw at a silver jewellery kiosk – Doyle Design Dublin. I bargained with myself, spoke a thousand words to the lovely, patient saleslady. She was enjoying conversation about where we’re from, what Cape Town is like, what the Irish folk think about our country & city. Then, either from boredom, impatience or just sheer love, Newton announced “we’re taking it, please wrap it for her” and bought it for me. What a guy, I think he loves me loads haha! 🙂
Gifts for family, gifts for ourselves, gifts for our hosts! Carrolls Irish Gifts is basically everywhere, so we chose them. Yesterday, while window shopping, I saw a stunning Irish hoodie. When I went home, I was talking about it & both Warren and Newton said, “you have to get it!” How can I argue? 😉 So, I did 😀
Newton bought himself a beautiful green Irish pee-cap, like really, green! But he rocks it 😊 We laughed when we realised, well… we can’t buy Carmen & Warren Irish souvenirs, they live here haha! We thought, they were so wonderful buying the Nespresso machine, we were drinking up all the capsules… so let’s get them more & different capsules 😀 (But… there was a back-up plan too!)
Oh my word, do you think we could find this frikkin Nespresso shop? One of the few times Google maps didn’t help 😐 We probably passed it a couple times, but eventually found it down a side street. Not being familiar with Nespresso, we thought the shop & purchasing style was very fancy! You had to select your sleeve of capsules, take it to a self check-out, drop the capsules into a shaft, swipe or tap to pay & out pops a bagged purchase….whaaaat? Where are the leprechauns!?
While searching for the store, we passed a very long line outside a donut shop – The Rolling Donut. On our way back, we decided to get some to take home for us all to enjoy after dinner. Think about these flavours; Ferrero Roche, Coffee, Blueberry Cheesecake, Apple Crumble…Boy was it a hit! Happy faces all round.
Today heading back to our bus stop, we decided to take a different route, explore some more while heading home. You can feel the energy change later in the afternoon, or early evening (because it’s so light out I get confused with time!) Tourists are getting fewer, local professionals are taking over, pubs are getting louder. Coming across the Liffey (river) I felt like I was in New York! Haha! Never been (bucket list for sure!), but what I’ve seen on tv about the busy streets, is what’s right in front of me.
Since today is our last day exploring the city, we decided to pop into a coffee shop on O’Connell Street Upper – Cafe Nero. Newton ordered a mini carrot cake & a brownie for me. No judging please, I know we have a bag full of donuts, but calories don’t count when on holiday… especially when you average 20k steps a day!
There we sat at the window bar (our favourite spot in a café) watching the world go by while discussing & recapping our day. It’s only the end of today & already we’re giggling about memories we just made! One thing we agreed on, was how much we appreciated this opportunity. To sit where we are, after where we’ve been, considering where we come from, how much it took for us to be here… and just be! Here!
The cookies weren’t great, the coffee was done so off we went for a walk from O’Connell Street to Beresford Place to catch our Bus Éireann back home.
However, to my surprise, mister had one last stop along the way! Fun! A couple of dodgy looking side streets later, we were at Sports Direct a massive store with everything sports related. If I wasn’t tired, I probably would have bought sneakers I didn’t need. While sitting on a bench waiting for Newton to find what he needed, I enjoyed one of my favourite pass times… people watching. Damn! Some of these shoppers were ripped! Women in Ireland loooove tights! Like yoga tights. Tight, tight tights… this was odd, to me haha! Not a common sight back home…
And we’re off… this time for real heading to the bus stop. Once again enjoying the trip back, it was different because we both knew it was the last bus trip leaving Dublin city. Peace out, you were great!
Back home, poor Warren got an ear full again. I say that, but he really seemed to enjoy our stories & experiences. He scolded us for buying more coffee pods haha, such a great host. After dinner, while waiting for Carmen to return from work, I was packing goodies away, journaling, looking over pics in the bedroom… when I head the most amusing sounds ever! Warren & Newton were watching stand-up comedy on Netflix & they were crying with laughter! By the time I stopped laughing at their laughter & wanted to catch some of it on video, it was past the peak of entertainment, but I did catch some 😀 My heart smiled, hearing Newton so happy & relaxed. And seeing Warren relax after work enjoying Newton’s company😊
Carmen’s back! Yay! More opportunity for me to talk about my day haha! However, we can’t get passed our excitement for tomorrow – Friday! They’re taking us on a road trip! Into the country…
So do come back next week when I share more adventures & photos of our travels. These are such special memories & I’m so glad I still remember so much ❤
Ok full disclosure… this trip happened late 2022 & people have said why blog about it now, so long after? And my response is 100 fucks to that!
This was & is my experience and if I can still remember so much so vividly, it’s surely worth sharing. Also, I can come back here if I ever need convincing to travel again… (yeah right, I’d need convincing!)
Late 2019, we decided to plan a Xmas 2020 trip to France. Then… the Covid bombshell happened!
I remember my friend saying “Don’t worry, by the time you come it’ll be gone”
Cut to 3yrs later!
It started as a joke, a what-if. Then I decided to get serious about 2022 being the year I travel.
I chose to visit Carmen – my friend of 26years! She’s living in Ireland now.
A 2nd destination would be France, to visit the friend who thought Covid would be gone in 6months – Marie, in Carcasonne.
And who can go anywhere in France, without a stay in PARIS! The last destination before returning home.
I wanted my guy (Newton) to join because I wanted to share this experience with my life partner. I wouldn’t have enjoyed coming home to tell him the stories of my travel experiences but wanted us to have experiences & make memories together.
Well, he joined! After much convincing. And boy did we make memories!! It was an epic adventure. Our first international trip as a couple. And we survived to tell the tales.
On 24th July 2022, we jumped on a plane…. That sounds like we just did it spontaneously, but everything was well planned! It’s not easy to travel internationally from South Africa financially, and usually involves very long journeys.
But off we went on the first leg of a 20-hour journey! Carmen & I had been planning for about 4 months.
I can still feel the excitement after going through customs and hear the departure stamp, then waiting to board the flight. I can still see myself sitting at the window looking at all the planes, wondering about all the different destinations & excited that I’d be in one of them.
The first flight was long, cramped & packed full. We were required to wear face masks throughout, with exception of eating/drinking. I am convinced this is what put me to sleep so often. Dozing on & off, never really sleeping. I remember Newton saying “these seats are so uncomfortable; I’m never travelling again” on the 1st leg of his 1st overseas trip 😐 Flight number 1 of 5! Ha-ha! My thoughts… well this is a good start!
Coming from Cape Town, the food menu was South African & this included a very popular South African dessert – peppermint tart. The highlight of this flight for me was when a non-South African guy used his bread roll to eat this entire dessert, like wiping the container with the roll. He must have thought it was a pate or something. It caught me in a laughing fit only a fellow Saffer would understand. Even funnier was me hiding in Newton’s armpit to get my giggles out, which made him giggle too.
11 hours later, we arrive at our first connection. Few minutes before midnight, the airport buzzing as if it were midday! People everywhere! People queueing, rushing, unpacking, repacking at security, checking boards, calling floor assistants to help with directions to gates (that surprised me), on escalators, travelators… phew!
It can be overwhelming, but there I am… looking for that famous big yellow teddy bear. It was as if time stood still for me, even if just 3seconds. We passed it so quickly, Newton didn’t realise we passed it & missed it. Or maybe he didn’t care about it haha!
One thing I promised myself for this trip, was to soak in as much of the experiences as I could. I knew I would take a million photos but did not want to be spending so much time behind the camera, looking back at the pictures & not remembering the experience, the feeling… The smells, sights, sounds & vibes! Later, I even found myself touching things like leaves, walls & pillars… for the feel of it haha!
Off we dash, on the travelator because as luck would have it, our connecting flight had to be at the 2nd last departure gate! Arrived with enough time to catch our breath, have a bathroom break, pinch ourselves realising where we were; and being thankful that our journey thus far was safe & easy.
Next up… flight number 2… arriving in Ireland, the reunion with my bestie & the Epic Irish experiences!
NB: if you know what yellow teddy I’m referring to, you’ll probably know which airport we went through – let me know in comments!
Do we look excited?And we’re on our way!Almost time for stop 1Waiting for flight 2 – Dublin we’re coming!
Wow! Times sure does fly by! Even in lockdown. I thought I was still recovering from an overload of Easter eats & realized it’s been days since my last post! So, what’s been happening?
Aside from eating too much chocolate, I got back to some coloring for adults. It really is therapeutic, relaxing and reminds me I have a creative muscle that needs to be flexed now & then.
One month ago, I was preparing for two exams. I’m studying part time while working full time. Today, the results were published and I passed both exams with over 80% each! I’m feeling very proud of myself, especially since these exams were written just as everyone started panicking about Coronavirus. We were roughly 12-15 students taking exams in one room, over two days. One cough and everyone shifts in their seat. Not the most ideal conditions, nerve-wrecking aside from normal jitters. A week later I had flu😧 luckily for me, it was a different strain, still scary as shit! The following week… national lockdown. That’s why I’m feeling so proud & relieved! I kept my cool, was prepared well enough and my results today proved just that.
A small personal victory, positive news amongst all the darkness surrounding us.
South Africa’s lockdown period has just been extended by 14days to the end of April – as announced by our president in his address to the country tonight. Congratulations Mr President, thank you for being a leader to us. I support your decision and will continue doing my small part in Supply Chain to help our economy.
I cannot imagine how difficult this decision must have been, the amount of stakeholders engaged and consulted to reach this decision. Many people, many businesses are suffering and will not be happy with this announcement, but I must believe this is short term pain for long term gain.
I have to applaud the relief efforts implemented by our government to help our citizens and small businesses, as well as those adhering to the lockdown regulations. I empathize with those struggling financially, but am optimistic they will bounce back. Already, many communities are supporting local, small businesses – especially those offering a delivery service.
As a nation, we have overcome much worse. We are literally stronger together, proven time and time again.
Well Monday was horribly blue!It started with technical challenges, unable to use Teams for a meeting. That kinda set the mood for the day.. boo!Then Monday night, I lay awake through to Tuesday morning. Tired as hell, I just couldn’t fall asleep. Last I checked the time, it was well after 4am.
So obviously Tuesday was terrible. Because of the lack of sleep, still needing to work from home, I was extremely sluggish and just couldn’t get going. Everytime I moved my head, felt like my eyeballs were playing catch up. I was in bed before 9pm and man… I slept like a vampire!
And here we are mid week, Wednesday.
Today, we ventured out into the world. We had to stock up on some staples. I was surprised & disappointed. The shopping center’s parking area was full! Even worse? We both stood in separate queues for two different grocery stores. That’s how many people were out shopping. It took us nearly 2 hours to get basics at the shops, during lockdown! I was, we were flabbergasted! We felt a smidgen guilty for needing to go out, that feeling was soon replaced with disbelief & disgust – especially standing in a queue at safe distance from two people standing together chatting away. 🤦♀️
Only to return home to two neighbors picnicking on the common area lawns. After settling back in, the cherry on the cake was the news that today’s death & infections increased substantially. Certainly far from huge numbers seen elsewhere around the world, but considering lockdown is at day13, it’s still steep.
Everyone is on the edge of their seats, waiting to hear what our president will announce by next week this time. Personally, we suspect covid-19 will eventually become the new “flu” Everyone will start returning to work, because economies need to recover, people need to earn a living… At this point, who knows 🤷♀️
Aside from banana bread recipes and pics to prove baking attempts, I’ve seen a lot of people posting pics from their homes, complaining about cabin fever already, fussing about space and lack thereof… I foresee a booming real estate market #postlockdown I imagine these same people will be looking for bigger apartments, homes with outdoor space, homes in different neighborhoods. I foresee a general need for different.
Yesterday, in an attempt to stay social & connected while continuing with physical distancing, we had a group call and someone commented how sorry they felt for us being “cooped up” in our apartment 🤔 after complaining how bored they were in the house with outside space🤔🤔
We’re really the furthest thing from “cooped up” Aside from working from home keeping us busy, we really enjoy being with each other & doing things together. I just don’t think unhappy people get that! As if they just simply cannot understand how we’re not irritated by each other. It’s simple really… we don’t only love each other, we like each other and we are happy together… SNAP🙌
Today he baked a gorgeous batch of dinner rolls(YUM), while I made a batch of home fries, meatballs and pickled red onion. We had an awesome late lunch together.
Proud to say, we still haven’t been out to the shops or anywhere else.
Our 2nd Friday in #lockdown and TGIF! Been a busy work-from-home week. I work in manufacturing & import goods from Europe, so you can only imagine all the hiccups, from flight delays / cancellations, newly imposed import restrictions to customs stops… everything is upside down, yet we need to carry on. Our economy depends on it.
Unprecedented times indeed.
This morning was garbage collection & we were so relieved that ours was collected as usual. Some neighborhoods were waiting days for trucks to come around because of skeleton staff and a couple trucks broke down. On my way back in to the complex, I had to take a pic of this notice in our foyer.
Notice in our complex foyer Image taken by myself
So, after waiting all day to see what would happen at 8pm, the time finally arrived. There we are, my partner & I, peeking out our windows overlooking the street. It was so expected, it was hilarious. If there were 4 people cheering, that was a lot. I did hear some bagpipes in the distance🤷♀️ And someone was playing the Gloria Gaynor song “I will survive” The air is beautifully crisp and clear, it’s so quiet that it’s loud. I hear things in the distance more. Like those bagpipes 😂
But on a more serious note, I have the utmost respect & gratitude for all those serving us on the frontlines. My sister is a medical receptionist / physician assistant, she had to take some time off while treating symptoms. Luckily, like me, it was the other strain of flu and not covid-19!!! I also have a very good friend nursing in Ireland, currently finishing her quarantine period after traveling back from Cape Town last minute, before Ireland closed their borders. I didn’t get to see her while she was here, but we keep in touch and I’m so glad she’s ok. But I still have concern, knowing she’ll be stepping into the frontlines in Monday, while my sister returns tomorrow. They’ll happily put on their masks & still keep smiling behind it as they serve.
Across the road, in the garden of a neighboring complex, I saw an older gent sitting under a tree, on a garden chair, topless, wearing a sun hat and reading a book. It was a beautiful 32°C day, blue skies. The kind of day I’d drive to the beach after work. Go for a walk to shake off the week.
Those are two things on my #postlockdownlist of things to do. A long, mountain drive to nowhere in particular and a long walk on the beach, maybe even a dip in a tidal pool if it isn’t freezing by then yet.
Lots to look forward to. Keep positive and stay safe. If you can, stay home!
Strangely irritated today. Not because of lockdown, but irritated by people. People complaining. People bored at home. People asking what to binge watch. People running out of snacks.
I’m irritated by these people… because I’m still working full days, remotely! I think it’s just a bit of the jellies! While they’re complaining, I’m getting stuck with shit from a manager who thinks he needs to find crap for us to do. Here… do another unnecessary spreadsheet or hey guys I need a list from all of you individually…😣 Oh fuck, give me strength! I’d take “what to binge on Netflix” over this shit any day!
Look, I get not every single person can work remotely. While some are having a partially or fully paid 21day vacation, I still have the same shit-different day vibes going. And I guess, I’d love some of those kinda problems.
That’s us humans hey, always something to complain about. But my rant got you reading this far ha-ha… Gotcha! 😏
Stay safe everyone and wash those dirty, grubby paws!
And remember… you’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home.
The new norm? No April Fools jokes today! Days are becoming blurred. This morning’s coffee conversation went something like this: Him – hun, are you still having your early morning meeting tomorrow? Me – no, that’s usually on WednesdaysHim – so, tomorrow is Wednesday Me – no hun, today is WednesdayHim – no man, are you sure?Hahaha… yup! 6days in 😅
Autumn is my favorite time of year🍁 Watching nature change. Trees turning beautiful colors. Cool, crispy mornings. Warm, sunny days. Then the nighttime chill creeps in. If I’m lucky, a misty morning – especially on a week end when I can go for an early morning walk. Usually these fellas keep me entertained on nature/park walks this time of year as I go stomping through drying leaves🍂 Now, I hear them making a noise in the skies and miss them up close. It’s a beautiful, louder noise when the air is so much quieter.
Egyptian goose in the Company Gardens, Cape Town Image taken by myself
lots happening up there 