First post from Madrid!

I have yet to really think about how I want to go about writing about Madrid (since I loved every minute of it) but I figured I might start with one of the most memorable moments I had in Retiro Park - the musicians. I'm not sure what percussion instrument it is, but I was intrigued by how he hits a different part of the instrument and different pitches comes out. If only I knew exactly what instrument this is and how the mechanics work... Until I figure it out, I'll just enjoy the sounds and relax while listening.

More posts from Madrid will come in the future!

I have seen some interesting performances while here in Dublin so far. Most recently, as I was running errands downtown (which has become somewhat of a habit since I have a lot to do and because I love being in the O'Connell Street area), I saw a guy setting up his rather unconventional drum set. He used a big, plastic laundry basket as the bass drum, for example, and actually used the street poles as a separate instrument to hit against. Needless to say, it was an awesome sight to see, so I took a video to remember this in the future! Now I just need to find the guy in a Scream costume playing the accordion on the streets.. he honestly makes my day.

Also, I realize it's sideways, but I haven't quite figured out how to fix that myself. 

This one is taken at a personal favorite bar of mine - Fitzsimon's. It's located in Temple Bar, which is usually where all the tourists go (because I'm totally past the stage of being a tourist, right?) and most people always ask us why we go there since we are living in Dublin. The answer is always, "the atmosphere is great and the live music is just spectacular!" Sometimes they play similar songs but this first night we went was great because it was a duo that played. Above is an Adele song they played, but they also broke out the accordion a couple of times to play some classic Irish tunes, which I absolutely loved. 

We sing a lot in Fitzsimon's to the musicians playing, but we hardly ever get to hold the mike ourselves.. which is why we decided to go karaoke-ing one night. If I had a video of myself, I'd totally upload it but 1. I don't have one and 2. Grace is a vocal performance major, so clearly she sings WAY better than I do. Just sparing everyone's ears, you know? Please don't kill me for posting this, Grace.. but the guy in the background totally is in love with the way she sings (which you can see by the way he head nods every time she does a fancy run or what not). 

Leap Day Celebrations.

Oh, look! My favorite movie that's so absolutely well done and the acting is great! (not my favorite, but I did watch it before coming to Ireland). Also, made me want to go to Dingle so bad. SO BAD.

But yes, I was in Ireland during Leap Year. No, not every woman proposed to some man. Which was a bit of a bummer because I would have liked to see more women down on one knee proposing to some men. All in all, it was a rather normal (but still amazing) day in Dublin. The sun was up and the weather was absolutely beautiful. If only I was in Dingle.. my day would have been made.

Yes, before you ask.. you will notice that both me and Veronica proposed to Tom. And it actually happened after midnight, so it technically wasn't leap day anymore, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right? Truth be told, there weren't many people at the bar at this time. We did see a couple of men sitting at a table so we decided to go up to them.. As we were about to get down on one knee, they began to hold each other's hands and looked longingly into each other's eyes. Upon seeing that, we scurried away realizing that they were not at all interesting in us, or rather, women in general. Ah, such is life. 

Tom wasn't as excited to be proposed to twice, does he? Granted, he does have reason to be almost laughing at me considering I had proposed via facebook chat to Brayden earlier in the day and he already said yes. What a good friend.. didn't want to hurt our friend's feelings. Very respectable! I really did only want in for the picture... priceless, isn't it?








And thus ended our Leap Day celebrations! Happy March everyone!! Can't believe that my study abroad experience is almost halfway over. Time flies by so fast when you're having the time of your life!

Dope Irish Places - Old Jameson Distillery

A little off the beaten track, mostly because every tourist usually only visits the Guinness Storehouse in St. James Gate is the Old Jameson Distillery. I'll begin by posting a video of my absolute favorite Jameson commercial, which coincidentally was playing right when we got there. I just can't get enough of the video thing since I figured it out, can I?

I really liked this distillery mostly because it was only by guided tour that you got to see everything. It's not used to make the whiskey anymore, but rather just a museum that people can walk through to get a general idea of how it's all made. But Bow Street, where the distillery is located now is the same area where John Jameson first began making his whiskey. It all began by seeing a short video of John Jameson's own life, which I found super interesting. What I distinctly remember is that the logo for Jameson Irish Whiskey is actually the crest for his family. Underneath the crest are the words, "Sine Metu" meaning "Without Fear". This motto was used and taken to heart by Jameson himself especially during the temperance movement when it seemed that alcohol was never to be drank again.

These are the lovely ladies I went to the distillery with: Grace and Veronica. We saw loads of people with Guinness Storehouse bags from the gift shop. Upon noticing that, we figured we, at some point in our lives, should do a drinking tour of Ireland and the world at the various different storehouses/distilleries/breweries. Guinness and Jameson in Dublin, Smithwick's and Kilkenny in Kilkenny, Beamish in Cork and the list goes on and on...

There were lucky eight people who got to taste test the differences between American whiskey (Jack Daniel's), Jameson and Scotch whiskey. The Jameson is distilled three times, Jack Daniel's once and the Scotch twice. After that taste test, you can definitely taste the difference. As seen below, I clearly was not a big fan of the Scotch whiskey. To tell you the truth, I liked the Jack Daniel's the best and when asked to push forward which one we liked the most, I was about to represent 'merica and proudly push the American whiskey forward when I got the dirtiest look from Grace saying, "Do NOT do that". After due consideration, I realized that because I was in the Jameson Distillery, I should represent the Irish and push forward the Jameson as my favorite. And what a surprise, it was 8 for 8! Everyone miraculously liked the Jameson the best. 

... realizing that I have to taste test that awful smelling scotch.

smelling the scotch whiskey...

The whiskey pictured above is one of the most expensive bottles that they sold. This is because the twelve year old whiskey held in barrels for yes, twelve years, is considered to be a collector's item. The longer whiskey sits in the barrel, the better tasting it will be. Definitely not meant to be chugged by college kids wishing to get wasted for a night, waking up with a headache. This is meant to be enjoyed slowly, particularly not in a frat house. 

The tour concluded where it began, in the front room. Under our feet were the original stone barrels where the whiskey was held and above us was a chandelier made strictly of Jameson bottles. The decor was amazing and very proper for the distillery. If only I had a chandelier like this... Who is down to help me make one? Anyone? Maybe these ladies will help me. And remember, Jameson is "triple distilled, twice as smooth, one great taste". 

Reasons I came to Ireland: Music

Towards the beginning of the semester, the study abroad office organized a trip and performance to the Merry Ploughboy Pub in Dublin. It was a bit off the beaten track, but upon entering, you could totally tell that it was mostly for tourists because of the large advertisement complete with pictures of musicians and dancers. Also, we as a large group were all herded upstairs to a big room with a stage all set to go. Contrary to popular belief (outside of Ireland) not every pub has traditional Irish music playing or Irish dancers tapping their feet along to the music. Most pubs have the decor that has become very welcoming to me, but are playing modern music on the radio - Mumford and Sons, Lady Gaga and such. 

The tune above was one of a couple of tunes that were meant to be more reflective rather than clapping along, singing merrily. Personally, I liked the tin whistle tune loads better than listening to the tradition reels and double jigs that I've been learning about in class on the various instruments. Also, if you look closely, you can see that on the microphone stands there are cup holders for the beer. Only in Ireland, I feel. I saw that and just laughed. Have to make the drinks super accessible even while on stage! Bulmers, Guinness, Smithwick's galore! 

This tune was particularly funny - I wish I got a longer clip. The singer began by asking us if we knew our ABCs, which of course we do. This modern take is definitely not age appropriate for kindergardeners learning their ABCs for the first time.. considering they're talking about Jack and Jill going up the hill to get some water (which is fine) but Jill comes back crowning... yeah. that. 

I just love the music so much. Honestly, this night at the pub was one of my favorite nights so far. I just was so excited. Being here in Ireland listening to traditional Irish music and watching dance (sometimes) is a totally different experience than being home in DC listening to tunes on my Macbook. I know, first world problems while studying abroad.. 

In fact, I got so excited that I was clapping the most excitedly out of everyone in the group. And because of that, I got to go on stage and be right next to the musicians! AND I got a free t-shirt out of it. Granted.. the instructions that the cute little Irish man told me to do when he started playing were a little odd coming from him.. I was told to put on the t-shirt as "sexily as possible".. I think it was the fastest I had ever put on a t-shirt. And that was even something the musicians commented while I was leaving the stage.

Also, I do realize that this happened in January and now it is March, but I hadn't figured out how to upload videos onto the blog until now. Better late than never, right? 

The Evolution of a Scotsman - Edinburgh Weekend Trip!

I giggled quite a bit, not going to lie. 

This past weekend I re-visited Edinburgh, Scotland to see my friend Abby and celebrate her 21st! I say revisited because I traveled to Scotland before with my orchestra in that awkward age in between middle and high school for the annual Fringe Festival. I was surprised with myself, but I remembered how to get around the major areas of the city - and I even remembered many of the important landmarks (including where Jenners and the castle were)! I even gave some guy directions how to get to the castle.. granted, it literally was just up the road and all I had to do was point straight up High Street, but still.. I was proud of myself :)

the famous castle, which unfortunately cost 14 pounds to get into...

After booking a plethora of flights all over Europe with Ryan Air, this was the first time I actually got on one of their planes. I was a little scared, considering the price of the tickets, but I survived! Surprisingly, I didn't need my passport at all leaving Ireland and getting to Scotland (I had checked in online). They only asked for my plane ticket. Weird, but I'm all about convenience and being lazy so I didn't complain. I didn't have to pull out my passport from the depths of my backpack, but unfortunately I won't be getting any stamps in my passport reminding me of all of the places I've been to (in case pictures and memories won't be enough). But at least I do have a stamp that I voted in the Latvian elections this year!

Upon landing in Edinburgh, I was surprised at how similar Dublin was. It wasn't identical, mostly because everything in Ireland is written in both Irish and English, but the architecture and the general feeling from the cloudy skies and rainy weather was welcoming in my mind. What I found interesting, was the amount of restaurants that were dedicated solely to the potato. You would think that Ireland would be the country with a bunch of potato restaurants (you know.. the famine and all of that), but it doesn't compare to Edinburgh!

just one of the many potato venues I didn't have the opportunity to dine at

Without my knowing, I visited on the weekend that Scotland was playing France in the Six Nations Championship. Countries playing in this rugby tournament: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Guess who I am supporting? You guessed right! France, duh! No, but seriously... Ireland. Let's be real here, where am I living for 4 months of my life? Tickets for these games go for about 300-400 pounds... you wouldn't have guessed with the amount of people walking around in kilts, Nessy hats, French flags and face paint! True supporters of their country! 

just one of the many supporters walking around..

Not only did we see a bunch of people dressed in their respective country's traditional garb or colors - we also saw people dressed in costumes ranging from characters in Alice in Wonderland to Braveheart! It was quite the scene in Edinburgh this weekend. Not sure if the characters of Alice in Wonderland were going to a party or what, but it was interesting seeing a person who actually look like the Mad Hatter walk around the city. It proved to be a wonderful weekend to visit - bagpipes and entertainment all around! It reminded of the last time I visited during the Fringe festival.. where I had the great opportunity seeing someone stick two long swords down his neck and live to tell the tale. Yeah, gruesome, I know. Anyway...

the aforementioned characters of Alice in Wonderland.. parody of all of the fans, maybe?

He told me this was our wedding photo...

... but then proposed to Abby anyway... what is going on?! 

My personal favorite was Abby photo-bombing one of the actors on the street with traditional Scottish garb. I took the picture and upon snapping the shot, the guy turned around, screamed something and then all of High Street heard a little squeal from dear old Abigail and saw her scurrying away. The guy couldn't help but laugh afterwards. 

I kind of want his outfit.. so stylish, right?

The weekend also included eating at a bunch of touristy places, including the Elephant House (the cafe where J.K. Rowling began writing Harry Potter) and Greyfriar Bobby's. The Elephant House is covered in, you guessed it, a bunch of elephants and African decoration. Made me miss Kara who is down in the southern hemisphere in South Africa! (take plenty of pictures of elephants, ok?) Not only was the cafe  decorated with a plethora of elephants, but the bathrooms were covered in little notes to J.K. Rowling from avid Harry Potter fans. I unfortunately did not write anything because I didn't have a pen on me and a lady was pulling on the door of the bathroom while I was simply trying to get a picture of all of the wizard comments written all over!

I wish I sat in this chair in the worst way possible...

one of the walls of the bathroom - beautiful isn't it?! LOVE HARRY POTTER. 

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend and I got to celebrate Abby's 21st birthday abroad in another country! I couldn't miss her birthday, considering we have celebrated together for three years now - going to continue celebrating every year! But even after visiting again, I'm still not completely sure how to say the name.. Edinborough, Edinbrah, Edinburg.. still so confusing! Hopefully one day I'll learn from an actual Scotsman? 

An Ode to Dr. Pepper

Yes, I am talking about the soft drink. I have missed it so and I had the wonderful opportunity to have a bottle while waiting for my flight from Edinburgh to Dublin. I have not been able to find any bottles of Dr. Pepper (not that I have been actively searching for it.. but maybe I have?) in Ireland, but imagine my excitement to see this wonderful logo when I had an hour and a half to wait for a flight! I was excited. And to think I almost got the Diet Coke placed next to it.. blasphemous right?

As I was drinking this wonderful drink, I decided to write notes about my real-time reactions to drinking it. 

I am sure I looked as if I was writing a very serious piece of work, but in all reality.. it was all about Dr. Pepper. Not Coke. Not Sprite. Not Fanta. Dr. Pepper. Honestly, it's like my crack. And not even the Irish kind spelled craic, meaning grand fun or something to that effect. 

It's wonderful and here ends my blog post dedicated to the ecstatic feelings and absolute bliss I had while drinking the wonderful drink known as Dr. Pepper. It is a little weird, I suppose but these are things I don't really worry about.