Looking for water - Day 2

Still haven't found any. It does not look like the water crisis is over any time soon.

On the bright side; the news are predicting floods on the next 24 hours...

Looking for water

RTE news warned to preserve water. At a visit to Tesco I noticed that the shelf with drinking water was empty and I was secretly amused how easily people panic when they see warnings on the news.
Back home I tried to go for a shower, but there was no water coming from the mains. Not laughing quite so hard any more...

Snow, this time for real

Last night we walked through the most beautiful winter wonderland.
The world had gone quiet and was wrapped in beautiful white fluffy snow. There were almost no cars on the street and it was snowing really heavily. Instead of cars there were lots of children and even adults on the street making snow balls and chasing each other. Quite a nice atmosphere (though when will people figure out to wear hats and gloves when it snows).
I feel a bit responsible for the snow chaos. After a few years in Ireland I have started to miss seasons and maybe I have fantasized just a bit too much about a calm world wrapped in fluffy snow. If my theory is right than Ireland should see a real summer this year.
Let's wait and see what happens.

Sand for Grand Canal Bridge???

Back in Dublin I arrive in the midst of a snow chaos! Yes, the unbelievable has happened in Ireland...after making an appearance for the last time during the 80s, this Christmas it has...hold on...snowed in Ireland! Claims have been made that almost 8 inches of snow have been spotted.

So Monday morning I innocently started my slippery way to work and witnessed an inferno of stranded busses, sliding garbage trucks and generally scared people.

After 1 week of snow, ice and sleet I mastered the art of not falling when walking on ice again, but I have to say I am very surprised that very busy areas have not been cleared at all. Every morning when I reach the bridge at Grand Canal I see the most cautious of people falling flat on there back. It looks really painful and could easily be avoided with just a little sand.

Another thing struck me as well. What makes us jump up straight away declaring to everyone that we are fine when we fall, when it's clearly visible that the fall must have been rather painful?

Anyways; it does not look like the snow will stop next week. I think I will walk even faster and enjoy to see some white in the trees. It's almost winter in Ireland :)

Stormy Weather & Tea Roses

Nothing much to report. The weather has decided to be stormy, wet and unpleasant and is keeping everyone hostage inside.

So with the wind blowing through the drafty walls and the rain splashing against the windows, we are happy to spend a weekend watching tea roses unfold beautifully in our glass pot. Nothing nicer than a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea. I can even can almost feel the X-mas spirit knocking on the door. Yesterday we tried our luck at making German Vanillekipferl. Can you see the evolution in this image?

Back in Dublin!

I am back! Happy to be here again.
Back from another trip to San Francisco. I think it will be the last one this season. I have to say I am getting pretty good at relaxing on 12 hours flights, but the jet-lag still gets me every time.
First weekend back in Dublin just walking around, happy to be at home. There is nothing better than a relaxed weekend in good company and lots of sleep :)

Howth - rain sun wind and rain again

Weekend! And I even have some free time!
Yesterday we went to battle the elements and climbed a mountain (small hill :)) in Howth. I had not seen this view of Howth before and I was really blown away (partly by the wind every time I stepped out of the woods).
The climb is really doable for someone who thinks mountaineering is for others to suffer through and the views are a great reward.
The best reward I must admit though is a cosy pub lunch of fish ‘n’ chips after the climb and of course apple crumble for dessert.
Life can be good!

Oktoberfesting in Dublin

I am almost ashamed to admit it, but this weekend I visited the Paulaner Oktoberfest at the IFSC in Dublin.
I have only heard good things about this strange outdoor event so I decided in the end that I have to see for myself what the hype is about.
It definitely was a strange sight; smiling crowds of everyday Dubliners would patiently queue for ages just to be rewarded with an overpriced drop of Weissbier.
The culinary experience included: sausages from the grill, cooked sausages, polish food (sauerkraut and pork) and of course good old German pizza. To me that was almost the most authentic thing, but then again I know little about Bavarian authentic cuisine.
My personal highlight was the music in the tent. First we were able to witness a band with 3 band members dying of boredom and two members miming away a little too energetic. Then they played the most bizarre mixture of the worst German Schlager from the 80’s. I was about to turn away in embarrassment when I noticed how excited the little ones were. Even the smallest babies were happily wiggling around with their arms and legs surely delighting their parents who were able to enjoy some beer and pretzel in glorious peace.
That’s when I had a thought; people always say where would we be without laugher - Germany...however who takes care of all the high class entertainment in Dublin with X-mas markets and Oktoberfests...well think of the answer.

Autumn in Dublin

Autumn is my favourite season and this autumn is gorgeous so far. Today was a really sunny day (yes they do have those in Ireland as well) and everyone was outside smiling happily.
I walked by the sea; wind in my face, fantasizing about hot chocolate with marshmallows (I discovered this treat here in Ireland and am seriously addicted these days). After all this travelling a real treat.
The city looks better these days as well; red creepers are decorating the fonts of Georgian buildings and at the same time you will still find trees and bushes in full bloom.
What more could you ask for on a lazy weekend?

Massive Attack on the Olympia in Dublin

I was lucky enough to be able to go for the Massive Attack gig at the Olympia this week.
I really enjoyed it! The crowd was in a great mood, the venue had just the right size and massive attack played all the nice old mezzanine songs!
I was afraid that this would be a concert where I would watch two men playing with a Mac, but I was happily surprised that they had thought about bringing singers along as well as an impressive crowd to make up the band.
I would go and see Massive Attack again any time!