Expat

A Dublin Autumn – in photos

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Although I absolutely love all things summer, there’s something to be said for autumn, too. Even though it’s the beginning of the weather getting colder and the daylight hours getting shorter, I really don’t mind. Sure, there can be some VERY dreary days, but when it’s sunny, it’s just amazing. Is there anything nicer than going on a walk on a sunny, crisp autumn morning with a big coat on and a hot coffee in your hands? I’ll tell you the answer – no, there is not. And trust me, autumn in Dublin can be pretty magical.

Now that it’s December (wtf?) and Autumn has come and gone and replaced by winter, I thought it was the perfect time to look back at the GORGEOUS autumn we had this year here in Dublin, Ireland!

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Well dang, it’s been a while.

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Hello? Anyone there?? I know I fell off the face of the earth for a while there and haven’t written a post in *checks notes* THREE YEARS, so I thought I’d post a lil life update. I promise I am alive and well! I’m still in Ireland and still loving it.

Actually, the fact that I’m loving it is part of the reason I haven’t posted in so long.

Let me explain with a lil life update.

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7 American Chains Dublin Needs

7 American Chains Dublin Needs, Ranked by Urgency

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7 American Chains Dublin Needs

Land of the Free, Home of the best fast food in the world. I LOVE living in Dublin, but oh how I miss the greasy French fries and overly-generous portions of American fast food. There’s really nothing quite like it.

And though Ireland does have a few US chains like McDonalds, Burger King, and KFC, they’re just not the same. The portion sizes are smaller, and they just taste different. (That’s probably because they’re lacking the artificial ingredients found in the States that are illegal in most other places because they aren’t meant for human consumption, BUT STILL.)

I’ve gotten used to, and mostly forgotten about, fast food places they have in the States that they don’t have here in Dublin. But then, every once in a while, I’m reminded. Someone utters the word “Popeyes” and I start foaming at the mouth. I wasn’t even a huge fast food eater back at home, but as soon as I hear magical words like “Taco Bell” uttered, I’m a goner. What’s that phrase again, “Distance Makes the Heart Go Fonder?” Well, that’s exactly what I’m suffering from.

Now, keep in mind that I’m from South Louisiana, and I realize that some of these chains aren’t everywhere in the US. But for me, these are THE best and the American chains Dublin needs, like, STAT.

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Iceland

My Iceland Video Diary – September 2016

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I’ve been reminiscing on Iceland SO much lately. The glaciers, the volcanic landscape…it’s only been a few months since I’ve been but I’m already DYING to go back! It’s such a unique place with the most unbelievable natural beauty. There’s not really any other place like it. So even though I recently posted my photo diary from the trip, I decided that I also needed to post an Iceland video diary too!

When my friend Ciara and I went last September, we saw glaciers, beaches, waterfalls, and mountains. We got to snorkel in the Silfra Frissure, go glacier hiking on Solheimajokull Glacier, and take a dip in the Blue Lagoon. Such diverse landscapes and such varied activities, all in one trip!

The weather was moody and it was EXPENSIVE, but those unique landscapes and terrains really made it all worth it. It was just so different than anywhere I had ever been!

Usually, a take a few videos when I’m traveling but I don’t really think much of it. And I certainly don’t do anything with the footage other than a few Instagram video posts. But I decided to try my had at a little bit of video editing. I love editing photos so why not try videos, too?!

So here is my short, shaky Iceland video diary with footage from my trip in September 2016.

Any video editors out there that can give me any tips, please do!
Let me know what you think of my Iceland video diary in the comments below!

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Hiking the Wicklow Way: Glenmalure to Glendalough

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Hiking the Wicklow Way

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Ireland has some of the most amazing natural landscape I’ve ever seen. Ireland is famous for its rolling green hills, beautiful coastlines, and breathtaking cliffs. With that comes MANY amazing walking/hiking trails that offer people a taste of the natural beauty.

I’m trying to take advantage of the landscape here since where I’m from (South Louisiana) is totally and completely FLAT. Couldn’t be flatter. I already shared all about cliff walking in Howth (which was AMAZING). But during my time here in Ireland I’ve gotten a chance to do a few different hikes. It’s great for getting some fresh air, clearing your mind, and seeing some unbelievable sights.

…Weather permitting of course.

Well, one amazing hiking trail in Ireland (that’s also easy to get to from Dublin city centre) is the Wicklow Way, in County Wicklow.

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Expat Life in Ireland // Month #4 recap and photos

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So, as always, here is my obligatory post recapping yet another month of being an expat here in Ireland! This past Monday marked the anniversary of our move here, bringing month #4 of living in Dublin to a close!

And holy crap, what another whirlwind of a month! The expat adventures never end, which I guess come with moving to a foreign country. It’s like…I’m still doe-eyed and loving it (I call it the “Honeymoon Phase”), but I also really feel comfortable and at home here.

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Ireland month #1

Expat Life in Ireland // Month #1 recap and photos

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Ireland month #1

I’m a little late on writing this post, as technically last Thursday marked a month of living in Ireland. But, that just goes to show how insanely hectic life has been since I moved here! Getting settled in as an expat in Ireland has pretty all-consuming.

Just for a little background info, my friend Maggie and I moved to Dublin, Ireland on a year-long working holiday authorization visa. When we moved across the Atlantic at the end of April, we had no jobs and no places to live lined up. Not nerve-wracking at all, right?! So here is a summary of our first month of expat life in Ireland!

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Expat

Expat News / Updates / Freak Outs

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Expat

I’ll admit it, last week I was hard core slackin’ on this blog. I didn’t post quite as frequently as usual, I was slow to respond to sweet comments, and I didn’t get to do much browsing of other people’s blogs. And I missed it! But I’ve been SO busy starting to really prepare for my big move to Ireland. That’s right, soon I’ll be an expat in Ireland ahhhhh!!!!!!

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