Step 3: Forget everything you thought you knew ... again

Hello folks!
So it's been - wait, two months?! My, time flies. We are now in the middle of snow-less December here in my side of the world. Although Christmas is near, I can't say I feel it. It's hard to be in the Christmas cheer when there's no snow on the ground and the thermometer indicates 10 degrees. There are also no decorations in my apartment because honestly, what am I going to do with it all after Christmas? I'm sure Munich will have plenty of Christmas cheer to compensate for what I am lacking at the moment anyway. Although I will admit that it's about more than decorations and snow; I miss the present hunting and wrapping, the smell of turkey, mashed potatoes and cookies, the warmth of a wood stove and skating. But mostly, I miss the comfort of being surrounded by my family, the people who matter the most to me. It's a good thing we have FaceTime!

I also did get to see my dad a few weeks ago, which was fantastic. It was much needed. We didn't do anything too crazy, but I was happy just having him around. We did two bus trips, which were great. My favorite one was without a doubt Kylemore Abbey and Connemara. The scenery was beautiful. And they are sheep everywhere! Now I know where they hide them all. Scroll below for some pictures!

As for my travels, I have my trip to Munich coming up very soon, for which I am very excited. My first vacation in quite some time. It will be lovely to just enjoy myself without having to worry about this and that. However, my travels will not stop there. I will be leaving about one week after I come back from Germany, this time for weeks, hopefully months. As I found myself abruptly without a job Sunday night, I was faced with two choices: find another job or go travel. Out of desperation I looked at the travelling option as I could do something about it right away. Once I had calmed down, however, I started applying to a few jobs. Sadly, most jobs available at the moment (or in general, really) are in customer service. At least, the ones I'm qualified for. Here's the problem: I don't want to work in customer service anymore. I have no interest in putting on a fake smile and be nice to people just so they will buy something or give my company a good review. There is more to life than that (at least I hope). And so it seems Ireland has done everything it could for me for the time being. I have learned a lot, but I feel that it is time for me to go learn other things in other places.

Now, don't get me wrong, I am scared. Terrified, actually. I am leaving certainty and the comfort of a beautiful apartment for the unknown, uncertainty and possibly a couch instead of a bed. But I choose to have faith, to believe that everything will work out for the best and that when I need it, I will find another beautiful and comfortable apartment. My desire to learn, discover and be happy again overpowers my fears. I see it as a quest. I'm not sure what I'm searching, but I am out to find something. In all my thinking, I have managed to pinpoint the reasons why I want to go travel:
-Learn about everything and anything
-Discover new things and rediscover old ones
-Find myself and my happiness
-Fall in love, even if just for a night
-Feel alive

So that's that. I'm not certain of all the details yet, but I plan on waiting after my trip to Munich to pinpoint my exact destination. I have a feeling that I will meet people there who will inspire me, invite me to join them, or even give me some ideas. After all, a lot of what I have learnt so far was taught to me by fellow travelers. I'll keep you posted!

Now for the fun part: pictures!

I went to Belfast for a weekend with a fellow Canadian I met in Galway. We made sure to stop by the Titanic Museum:

Scenery from Connemara:

The beautiful Kylemore Abbey:

A new friend of mine I made at the Galway Aquarium:

A few pictures of our trip to the Cliffs of Moher:

This is actual a gravestone, believe it or not:

The Cliffs of Moher! We had a beautiful day, with very little wind and a lot of sunshine.

That's all for now! I must go back to hunting for my next destination. I have many emails to send...

Christine

Travel thoughts

Yesterday I was reading a fellow Canadian's blog about his travels to Ireland. His latest post talked about the one year anniversary of his departure from Canada, to which he has returned, and the many changes he had experienced and the discoveries he had made. All of which had me wondering where I would be in one year, or even two once my Visa expired. I mean, one month ago I was in Dublin, thinking I would work at my office job for two years. So one year? There is no way I can predict that. As my wise cousin once said: "We think we know how things are going to go, when in fact we have no clue whatsoever. We have no control." One thing I do know, is that if change comes along, you're better off grabbing it with both hands than try to fight against it. Because whether you want it or not, it will force its way in.

I was discussing these changes with my parents earlier today and how one matures when travelling. From my experience, I have formed the opinion that everyone should, in their twenties, spend a considerable amount of time abroad. Two or three weeks will allow you to see the tourists attractions, sure, but it won't introduce you to the country's different way of life. I would also suggest doing some travelling alone. It is amazing how tough we realize we are when we have no one to count on but ourselves. It also shows you that in the end, you are your own best friend. It might sound tacky, but it's true. Trusting yourself is a lot more useful than having to rely on someone else's judgement to get you by. Something I learned was to take risks and not be afraid to make a mistake (which I learned by making mistakes, and then realizing it wasn't such a big deal). For example, I dyed my hair purple today. That's right, the whole hair population on my head is now bright purple. I also entered a singing competition. My point is that after you dare to do something a bit crazy, the little risks won't seem that frightening anymore.

Another example is the trip I just booked to Munich in Germany for Christmas. I will be spending Christmas in a hostel, in a country I have never been to, with people I have never met. Why? Because I'll be alone for Christmas anyways, so I might as well go play tourist. And because I heard that they have wicked markets that time of year. But I didn't research the whole country before booking my flight. I just know which city I'm going to. Now, six months ago, that would have been quite anxiety inducing. But now, I figure that if I managed to do it in Dublin a few months ago, I can do it again. Plus, it should be easier this time since I don't have to work hard to find a job and an apartment quickly. I can just sit back and be a tourist (something I still haven't done in Ireland yet). Needless to say, I am very excited for my trip. Know what I'm even more excited for? My dad coming over to visit me in a month. It'll be six months that I haven't seen him. It's also his first time in Europe, so I bet it's exciting for him also.

And to end this post on a good note, I present to you the monster I found at the market today:

I apologize in advance if you have nightmares about it tonight.

The Heineken Cup was this week, Ireland vs Germany (the irony). Germany won 3-0, which is probably why I didn't hear anything about it the following day. 

Third time is the charm

Evening folks!

I am writing to you from my third apartment, in the center of Galway city. Let's just say, moving was a great decision. I like this city a lot more than Dublin; it's less crowded, it's cleaner, less dusty, closer to the ocean and the people are nicer. Everything is less hurried than in Dublin. Another thing that I like is how small it is. Everyone told me that I would get bored because it's small, but not me. Since the city isn't that big, it means that living in the center of the city allows me to have everything nearby. They also have a market every Saturday where I get most of my groceries.

I have met some interesting people in my few weeks here, and so I have had a few interesting talks. I also found out they have an archery club in town with beginner classes, for which I am on the waiting list. Ah, the joys of shooting stuff. Speaking of socializing, the guys at work have made it their mission to teach me the Irish ways. And so, last Sunday, I had my first true hangover, meaning I stayed in bed all day feeling nauseated. Let's just say I was close to swearing off alcohol forever that day. But moving on.

I have finally found a salon that will do my crazy hair colors, and it happens to be next door to where I work, which means I will finally be able to dye my hair to the color I wanted in June without having to go to Dublin for it. Oh how things work out.

But enough chit chat, I was cleaning through my cellphone and now have new pictures to show:

First off, my new haircut! (Ok, it was like two months ago, but the point still holds)

Nice little street name with the address 0

My very first Guinness, which made me tipsy, but I finished the whole pint!

Found this genius little graffiti on a bridge

I went wondering around Dublin (and to be honest I really remember where that was) and found this on the street

A picture of what Grafton Street looked like back in the day

The Oyster Festival Parade in Galway 

Take that, you English people you! 

This one is still kicking

Hello there my long lost friends! Why yes, I am still alive, thank you for noticing. I have suffered quite an ordeal, which is why I haven't written in so long; I have been without Internet for the last month. The horror. The good side (or the bad side, it all depends on how you look at it) is that it will make for a (somewhat) long post. So let's get to it, shall we?

I'm moving to Galway Saturday (how's that for starting with a bang?). Yep, that's right, I am leaving Dublin, my full time office job and my apartment five minutes away to go live in a smaller town near the ocean where it rains all the time and there's less stuff to do. But I love it. I've been to Galway three times. I didn't like it the first time, but the next two I did. I felt as though I could breathe better there, near the sea and the nature. I also found a job there. Believe it or not, I used The Secret and visualized it every day. Within a week I had three job offers. I ended up taking a job at an Apple Re seller. They gave me a call for a job in Dublin, and at the end of the interview they mentioned that they were opening a new store in Galway. I mean, what are the odds?

And so I joined nine guys and one girl for training down in Galway this past Monday. The training was done in probably the nicest hotel in Galway, the Meyrick Hotel. We were treated with lunch there everyday and it was delicious. I even treated myself on the third day and went to the spa. They have a lovely Jacuzzi on a balcony with a view of the city and the sea. It made for a great afternoon. Well, a great day, to be honest, as I found my new apartment that same day. I won't spoil anything by giving you details, but let's just say that is it fabulous. Nowhere near what I have here (in a good way). I am moving there Saturday, so I'll upload photos very soon. 

I also be uploading pictures of my new city, but for now, how about my last pictures of Dublin?

The view from my window

My room

Swans in the park

My favorite view in St Stephen's Green

I don't remember what this one is

A very clever window display for a ribbon store

A jewelry store

Dublin Comic Con

That open window leads to my room :D

My front door

I lied about my name at a Starbucks! :D

My beautiful new world map

The famous Temple Bar. It's almost impossible to get a picture of it without anyone around. I took these at 9am on a Saturday.

An HMV cemetery

Rainbows all around!!!