Friday, November 29, 2013

Let the games begin!

Right.  Now that Thanksgiving is over we can talk about Christmas!
That's the rule in America.  No Christmas before Thanksgiving.
 I'm afraid that I've been breaking that rule for a week or so now.

On Monday, I attended a special BritMums Christmas Party sponsored by Morrison's.
I walked in to find three long tables loaded down with Christmas treats just for us.
It was quite a spread.  After all of the bloggers circled the tables taking photographs,
it was time to sample.  Everything was really yummy and they have some really cute cakes.

Neil Nugent, their Executive Chief of Product Development was there sharing cooking tips.
He told us how to cook the perfect Turkey.  In the UK, Turkeys are the centerpiece of Christmas Dinner.
I just pretended that he was talking about Thanksgiving Turkeys instead.
There are rules, you know.


Afterwards, I took a walk around Oxford Street to take some photos of all of the Christmas Decorations.
London is beautiful at Christmas.


This weekend the Gluhwien Gang rides again!
 
They've been going for a few years now and we joined them for the first time last year.
Last year we went to Germany. 


This year, a group of ten of us are spending the weekend visiting the
Christmas Markets in Vienna and Bratislava.

The Christmas Markets are pretty much Christmas squared.
I'm so excited! Follow along on Twitter and Instagram!


Where is your favorite Christmas Market?



Thursday, November 28, 2013

"For each new morning"

I've confessed that I've been struggling with the lead up to the holidays.

After last year, I decided that I would be home for this Christmas this year.
But, unfortunately that isn't going to happen.

And with a very close family member in the hospital,
the tears have been bouncing around the back of my eyes for days.

I'm really homesick.  I miss my family and friends so very much.
It's been almost two years which is too long.  So, I'm planning a trip home after the first of the year.

In the mean time, I'm determined to get a grip and enjoy the holidays.
This has always been my favorite time of year.

With a bit of encouragement from some expat friends on Twitter (Thank you!),
I made a bit of an effort last night by cooking a turkey breast and nuking some sides.

It did make me feel better.

With a good cry, Facetime with loved ones, some hugs from Matt and 10 hours of sleep last night,
I'm ready to embrace the holidays.

Today I'm thinking of my many blessings. And I am so thankful.

"For each new morning with its light,
for rest and shelter of the night,
for health and food, 
for love and friends,
 for everything Thy goodness sends."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson


Happy Thanksgiving!

 


I can't have a post without a photo and although I did make an effort
on a Thanksgivingish Dinner, it certainly wasn't photo worthy.

Instead here's a picture of the fruits of some retail therapy.  They make me smile.
And they made Jessica roll her eyes and say "Mom, really?"
Mission accomplished.


How do you handle it when the holidays are tough instead of terrific?


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wandering in Wild Wicklow

*I received a complimentary tour from Wild Wicklow Tour for the purposes of review.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

One of the great benefits of attending the TBex Conference for travel bloggers
is that you are able to participate in a variety of local tours and attractions.

Failte Ireland welcomed us with open arms, eager to show us all that Ireland has to offer.
The day-long Wild Wicklow Tour was another highlight.

I was picked up at the hotel by a big white coach bus.  As the door swished open,
I was enthusiastically greeted by Denis as if we were long lost friends.
Denis is another great storyteller and quite the character.
He was our driver, our guide and our friend for the tour.  He is the perfect ambassador for Ireland.

He entertained us with stories, riddles and secrets.
He had everyone on the bus connecting with each other and enjoying themselves.
You can tell he absolutely loves what he does.
He has that delightful gift of gab that the Irish are known for.

At one point in the journey, he stopped the bus just to greet a couple picking blackberries on the side of the road.
They lifted up the basket of their bounty and he popped a few in his mouth before setting out again.  That's Denis.

We visited several different places and he made them all come alive for us.
It was a rainy and foggy day.  Denis would point out into the mist and describe what we should be seeing.
It was just as good as actually seeing it.

And what we did see was breathtaking.

I'm still convinced that Ireland is a magic place, as if it must exist on some other plane.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

The tour took us along the Irish coast and to Dunlaoghaire Harbour.   We stopped at a local swimming spot.  Denis is the one who told me of the health benefits of swimming in the Irish Sea.  He claims to go himself every Christmas. 

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

After a stop for some coffee and cake, we headed up into the Wicklow Mountains and to Sally Gap.  This area is covered by a massive blanket bog.  He showed us where they have been cutting peat for years which they burn in place of wood. He passed around a piece of peat.  It looks like a rock so I expected it to be heavy, but it's not at all.  It's very light.  And the smell of it burning on a fire, it's like nothing you've ever smelt.  It's wonderful and earthy.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

The bog is a big sponge covered in wild heather.
The water trickles into streams which eventually become rivers.
Up here the water is colored brown by the peat it runs through.
It looked like a river of Guinness which seemed appropriate. 

We stopped at the famous bridge from the movie P.S. I love you.
Many films (pronounced fill-ems by the Irish) have been shot in this area
including Excalibur and Braveheart.  Denis told us that Braveheart was the most popular movie in Ireland,
because every single Irish person was an extra in the movie and they love seeing themselves on the big screen.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Soon it was time to warm up by a peat fire in a local pub and have some lunch.
I had this succulent Beef & Guinness Stew with mash and a ha'pint of lager.
Probably one of the best meals I've ever had and perfect on a grey Irish day.
It went perfectly with the smell of a peat fire.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

After lunch, we headed to Glendalough to explore a 6th Century monastic settlement.
It was pouring rain, but Denis pulled out a stack of massive green umbrellas for us.
I quietly tucked away my little black umbrella and reached for one.
I opened up the big green canopy, just the right size to keep me and my camera dry.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

I felt like a ghost myself treading lightly through the cemetery and the ruins of the church.
I was protected from the rain.  The quiet sounds around me even more muffled by the umbrella.
I almost expected to see a priest in long robes walking between the tombstones.
Doesn't the white moss look like lace?

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

I walked around in my little protective bubble taking photographs.  Periodically just stopping to take it all in.  Denis pointed the way to our pick up point and left us.  We were to follow the path to the Upper Lake where he would meet us with the bus.  No one seemed to mind at all the prospect of a walk in the gentle but persistent rain.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

I slowly got further and further behind the group
 Eventually, I found myself completely alone.
I came upon a crossroad, a path to the right and another to the left.
I couldn't see which way the group had gone, but both paths were very well marked and led to the same place.
So, I picked one and started off.  

 
I was in Ireland.  Walking in the woods.  Completely alone.  With "Irish Sunshine" pouring down.
My beloved camera in my hand.  Cocooned under the safety of a huge green umbrella. 
Fog quietly floating down into the valley, hugging the rolling landscape.
I gazed around in wonder.  Isn't that a song lyric?

I have never, ever felt so alive and a part of nature.  I hope that makes sense.
It was pure magic and something I will never forget.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

As I followed a curve in the path I realized that I was no longer alone.
I startled them with my clumsy footsteps and excited gasp.
They acknowledged me cautiously but I stood still.  They then relaxed and continued eating.
They didn't seem to mind at all the clicks of my camera.  I might have even talked to them.
Aren't they beautiful?

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

I never wanted to leave them or this place.  Looking around at the misty fog kissing the treetops,
I wondered if maybe I'd actually traveled back in time.  Would I emerge from the woods
to find all modern trappings of life gone, replaced by a simpler time?  If only.

But, I knew I probably should find my group. 
I didn't want Denis to have to send out a search party so I walked on.

Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

I found the group by the lake sharing a bottle of Jameson Whiskey to warm the blood.
I made sure to get my share before boarding the bus to take us back to Dublin.
 
Wild Wicklow Tour in Dublin

I think Denis has done this tour enough to know
the special mood that this walk instills in his guests.
Everyone was quiet, warmed by the whiskey and moved by the experience.

He turned off his microphone and drove us safely home, 
traditional Irish music playing softly in the background.

It was an absolutely magical day.

When have you felt the most connected to the earth and a part of nature?



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  *I received a complimentary tour from Wild Wicklow Tour in partnership with Failte Ireland
for the purposes of review.   All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Cheers, Madame! Reflections

  Today is the last day of our Cheers, Madame! series.  I'm so sad that it's coming to an end.

Amy from Créatrice Mondial and I have had a blast with this series.
We are both Americans that have adopted another city as our own.
Amy lived in Paris for several years and I'm currently in London.
So, we wanted to spend some time comparing and sharing the two sister cities.

We started the series in week one talking about our first impressions.
London      Paris

During week two, we described the perfect day in our favorite city.
London    Paris

Week three, we switched it up.  I shared special memories in Paris and Amy shared about London. 


And through it all, you've been participating by joining our twitter chats and the link up.

Selena making a duck face

Okay.  So, this is NOT me doing the duck face.
Well, it is me doing the duck face, but I'm not trying to do the duck face.
I'm trying to make the flag all flat and pretty for the camera.
And in the process, making my face not so flat and pretty for the camera.

(Aaaaand making the duck face. 
But, not really.  Let's move on.)



This week, we're wrapping up the Cheers, Madame! series (for now) with reflections on London and Paris
and how living in these cities has changed us.

I can't believe that I've been in London for almost two years now.
Some days it feels like it's just flown by and other days it seems like I've been here forever.

What parts of the UK culture have I absorbed?
How has London gone from feeling foreign to feeling like home?
How has living in London changed me?

During the early stages of this move, I read as many expat blogs as I could find.

And they all experienced the same thing.
Eventually, they got to a point where they were no longer an expat learning
their way around and figuring things out, but they were just living a normal, everyday life.

I often wondered if living this life would ever feel normal.
 (Let's face it.  For me "normal" is a sliding scale.)
 But, they were right.  Somewhere along the way, I just started living a "normal" life.


Oh, things are different.  Very different.

Flip flops and high heels have been replaced with flats and boots.
 Dangly earrings are gone and now I have dozens of scarves.

Sunkissed skin is now a shade of white that is almost translucent.

No more fresh Texas air and wide open spaces.
Now I play Frogger on a daily basis dodging cars and buses.
I might even occasionally use the phrase "smog boogies."
 
I said goodbye to my full-size washer and tumble dryer and 
the bakers rack in my kitchen has been replaced with drying rack.
(Don't even get me started.)

Open floor plans are a thing of the past and every room has a door
that is closed to keep in the warmth.
Apparently, window screens and central air have not yet been invented.

I used to walk down the street...
Actually, who am I kidding?  I never walked anywhere.
But, I used to make eye contact throughout my daily existence.

Now, I avoid eye contact when walking down the street.
I learned quickly that making eye contact implies that you actually see someone coming
and will get out of their way.  You will never get anywhere like that.

I haven't driven a car or had decent Tex Mex in two years.  Two years!
(I'm so ready for a trip home.)

Life is different and I am different.

I think I'm a little bit braver.  My comfort zone has grown much bigger.
I hope that I'm more open minded, accepting of things that are unfamiliar and different.

I'd like to think that I'm much stronger.  As great as this move has been, it's also been really hard.
I've spent a lot of time alone and I'm learning how to be more independent and self-reliant.

I've been exposed to some fascinating people and places.
Someday, I'll look back on my years (however many) in London with a deep fondness.
As well as pride and joy that I was able to make this place my home.

With my second Christmas in London looming
(yeah, I admit I'm struggling a bit with that) and my two year anniversary as a Londoner coming up,
I've been reflecting quite a bit on the new me.
I don't think I'm fully aware of exactly how I've changed.  But, I know that I have.
And for now, I call London home.  And mean it.


I have had such a great time hosting this series with Amy from Créatrice Mondial.
She is just amazing and I'm so glad that she invited me to join her in this project.
You must read her reflections on Paris.

And you!  Thank so much for joining in all of the fun.
I've loved reading about your London and Paris.

If you'd like to participate, the Cheers, Madame! Link Up is still open.
While you're there, check out some of the other terrific posts.

We also have one more Cheers, Madame! Twitter Chat happening today.
at 12 Noon EST/5pm GMT.
I hope to see you there!

We'd also love to have your feedback on this series.  What do you think? 



Cheers, Madame!

What parts of your new culture have you absorbed?
How has your new city gone from feeling foreign to feeling like home?
How has living in your new home changed you?




Monday, November 25, 2013

Tell me a story...



*I received a complimentary Traditional Irish Storytelling tour from Hidden Dublin Walks for the purposes of review.  


I mentioned before that everyone in Dublin is a storyteller.
That's because Ireland has a long and rich heritage of myths and legends.
On a foggy morning, Gina and I entered a magical bus thatched cottage and
were whisked back in time to a land of vikings, pookas, fairies and giants.  And, of course, Leprechauns.

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Our guide on this magical journey was Dylan who is an enthralling storyteller,
a real life seanchaí of the ancient tradition.  Snug in our cottage with the curtains drawn,
Dylan sat on a stool in front of a fire and told us the most wonderful stories.

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

As he weaved his tales, we were transported both in our minds
and in reality.  After each story, the doors of the cottage would open and we stepped out to a new location that completely brought the stories to life.

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

I could just imagine the fairies flitting about and leprechauns watching us from the trees.
Gina and I were grinning like kids the whole time and completely engaged.
You can read more about the tour on her blog Sweet Serenity.

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

 At one spot we were joined by a time traveling servant who emerged from the woods and moved us with his story of betrayal and murder.

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Back into the cottage for a story of a tricky merman who collected the souls of sailors.
Before we knew it we were alighting at this lonely beach and on the look out for the flick of a tail flashing in the waves.

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

It was a cold day, but our hosts warmed us up with a pint of lager and a haunting song
before taking us back to reality and the modern day.
 Traditional Irish Storytelling Bus Tour

I was so sad for it to end.  I wanted it to go on and on. ( The 2-hour tour is well worth the €25 price.)
 But the feelings of magic and wonder I experienced that day have really stayed with me.

 This tour and so many of the people I met in Dublin reminded me that storytelling is
such a powerful way of communicating and connecting with people.
That is exactly what I want to do with this blog.

So, I've decided to start a new monthly link up
that focuses on storytelling and sharing a special moment.

You know how I live for those special travel moments,
so on the first Friday of each month I'm going to host a Travel Moment Link Up.

The first one will be Friday, December 6th and I can't wait to read the stories
of your travel moments.  So be sure to pop in and link up!

I won't be serving you a pint of lager or singing you a haunting ballad
but I will connect with you by reading your special stories and telling you mine.

I hope you are as excited as I am!

Will you be joining in the Travel Moment Link Up?
Do you already have a story in mind?



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  *I received a complimentary Traditional Irish Storytelling tour from Hidden Dublin Walks in
partnership with Failte Ireland for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Coast and Castle

*I received a complimentary tour from Dublin Bus for the purposes of review. 


Editing all of these photos from Ireland is so bittersweet.
So many gorgeous sights, I just ache to be back there.

Here are some photos from the Dublin Bus North Coast and Castle Tour.
The three-hour tour with live commentary takes you to Malahide Castle
and then along the North Coast ending with a short stop in Howth.
(The price for adults is €24 and €12 for children 5-14.)

I'm starting with the pictures from Howth because it was just gorgeous and I wanted to stay.
And I saw some seals!  I was so excited!

Along with a man in purple trunks swimming in that frigid water. Brrr!
We saw swimmers everywhere that we went.
Apparently, a cold dip is supposed to be very good for your health.

I hope you enjoy the photos.  I'm having such a hard time narrowing them down.
So you will have to forgive me for the photo heavy post.

North Coast and Castle Tour

North Coast and Castle Tour

North Coast and Castle Tour

North Coast and Castle Tour

Hawth Ireland

Hawth Ireland

Hawth Ireland

Hawth Ireland

Hawth Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Malahide Castle in Dublin, Ireland

Have you ever taken a dip in the cold Irish sea?
(I think I need to add this to my bucket list.)




TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | SUBSCRIBE | BLOGLOVIN


  *I received a complimentary tour from Dublin Bus in partnership with Failte Ireland
for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.