Cinq jours de joie

I'll be there in two days.
I have been waiting all of my life to visit Paris, and tomorrow I'll be there with my fiance. I don't think there could be a better spring break.

But right now I need to get back to studying Ireland via dance class.

The North

Our trip to the North lasted for three days, and it was packed with information, stories, and lessons of peace and reconciliation. We left overwhelmed. What I learned about the Troubles of Northern Ireland has challenged my thinking and helped me to understand the people who have lived through it. The North has only recently begun the move from hatred and violence towards compromise and peace. Protestants and Catholics are still living in separate neighborhoods, and the peace wall that divides Belfast stands tall.


Murals like these are scattered on buildings all over Belfast. We were fortunate enough to have a tour by Noel, a former para-military member for the loyalist/Protestant side of the Troubles. He told us his story, and the meaning behind many of the murals.





Our visit to the Catholic/Republican area, Falls road, included a stop at one of the memorials. Brian, our bus driver, is a Republican Catholic, who shared with us the history of the Troubles starting back in the 60's. He told us about the fight for a United Ireland that so many Republicans gave their life for.




We also had time for some sight seeing and fun during our three day stay.




This is the beautiful Giant's Causeway


A hike with a view







playing on hay


crossing the scary bridge




Visiting the Parliament building, Stormont





Sitting at the C.S. Lewis monument



Shopping in Belfast City Center




And hanging out at our Hostel







This trip has been the most meaningful by far, and it will be what sticks with me the most.

Morning Meal

This is where we go to get free porridge from 9-11am, always hoping that we might catch Damien Rice (he is a frequent customer apparently).












The Happy Pear is a hot spot in Greystones. With organic food, produce, and the most divine dark hot chocolate I have ever experienced.

Kyle and Kelsey took Jordan and I out for breakfast, and as you can see, we had plenty of food to keep us there for a few hours. We are thankful that they are willing to talk with us about the joys and struggles of marriage. What an encouragement it has been to spend time with people full of advice, wisdom, and great stories to share.

Meaningful conversation in the most cheerful environment.
I wish I could take this little place home with me.

Toil & Glitter

This Scandinavian style boutique is right down the street from where I live in Greystones.

When I first walked in, I was delighted to meet the owner, Jill Barron, and ask her a few questions about her shop. She told me that some of her inspiration came from Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores. Jill has also opened another Toil & Glitter in a nearby town, Dalkey, which is only a few minutes away on the Dart station.

It's quirky and unique flavor is shown in not only the clothing and accessories, but also the interior design, all done by the owner herself. Toil and Glitter offers labels like Odd Molly, Feber, American Vintage, Hunky Dory, Free People, Desigual, and Orla Kiely.
















Would you shop here? I certainly would.

Weekend in Kilkenny

It was a weekend filled with castles, cathedrals, and abbeys. We traveled two hours to Kilkenny County, where we stayed overnight in a hotel. Our trip included six sites, all of which had deep historical meaning, and of course were beautiful places to see!



The Rock of Cashel




Hore Abbey (often humorously mistaken as whore abbey)




Cahir Castle




St. Canice Cathedral






Kilkenny Castle




Jerpoint Abbey






We had a lovely time exploring Kilkenny, and we were happy to have a night out at one of the pubs for a delicious Irish meal and dessert.