Dublin, Republic of Ireland



Ireland, havent we heard so much about it? first of all, there is the much celebrated St. Patrick and the drinking that goes with it, and then we have the green Leprechauns for some reason appear just about everywhere here, let´s not forget Guinness the famous beer, Titanic that was built in Belfast, Bailey´s, C.S. Lewis (author of Narnia and Christian icon) who was born here and the two Unesco heritage sites...i guess that´s just about everything...oh wait, O´brien´s sandwich bar is from here as well...

Got in to Belfast on a not so fabulous rainy day, quickly realize there are much more terrible weathers outside of London, and also found out that i left all my water-proof jackets in London. Nevermind that, hopped in to the nearest T.K Maxx and got myself something to shield from the rain, a very nice jacket, if i may say so myself.

Next up, waited for Rafal to pick me up at the city hall, let him explain the city´s orientation to me, which aint all that difficult, about several times smaller than London and the lack of public transport, which is practically non-existent apart from buses, but then again, they dont really need it.

It really is a small city, which suits me just fine, but im not here for the city, am i? Booked myself a tour to the first unesco heritage site of Giant´s causeway. Nothing too overwhelmingly spectacular, just some very unique rocks formed out of some volvanic activities some centuries ago, ive seen it numerous times in the nature-blessed country of NZ. Like so many world wonders, it´s just some rocks...think Ayer Rock in Australia, think Stone henge and think Easter island...

Did several tours around Northern Ireland and crossed the border to the republic of Ireland today. Dublin is a good hangout and also a good base to explore the surroundings. Met up with Sergio, Nuri, Suzanna and Francesca (3 spanish and 1 chilean) here where i will be crashing at their place for the next few days. I´ve always loved to hangout with the spaniards because they really know the meaning of life. Went bar hopping around town, had some guiness and wine and will go with them to the second world heritage site in Ireland tomorrow.

It´s also the Euro final tomorrow where Spain is playing against Germany, so naturally a drinking footballmatch session is in order. and naturally too that i´ll be supporting spain...not that im much of a football fan...

Oh yeah, another good tidings, i´ve just received my check of 709 pounds from the magnanimous Queen, she´s returned my tax! albeit not everything but im not pushing it, im glad to get something back!

i´m feeling generous today...

what with oilfuel price soaring everywhere, it could just mean the end of cheap-travel era, or so i thought...

Been keeping an eye on travel offers for some time now, and i cant resist anymore, i just booked another flight ticket! As exciting as it may sound, booking tickets in advance without knowing where you'll be at the time of travel can be rather tricky. So far ive got three virtual tickets that i've yet to utilize and it's pretty comforting knowing that the getaway ticket is right there at your disposal and some good times are forthcoming.

Heard from a friend yesterday who is currently stranded in the UK because her passport was stolen while she was in Spain that contrary to what i might believe: 'Malaysian Passport is pretty valuable'. Apparently our passports are one of the targeted ones as it allows access to the UK and EU without the need to apply for travel visas. And havent i been taking that for granted?

The winter flight that ive just purchased is Stockholm bound, and it set me back for a mere 13 quid, and trust me, that's a bargain. And if time permits, im gonna sleep on it for the next couple of nights and decide if i should get future tickets for france and spain and the balkans. It pays to plan your trip months ahead!

Will be flying to Belfast on Tuesday and lately just busy having goodbye drinks with friends and colleagues, after telling them that im leaving London for good (im still not sure if that's true).

and how'bout that course that ive been wanting to take, nothing has materialized yet...so typically me...but blame it to the Revenue and Custom board, what's taking them so long to refund my TAX?? im hoping to get hold of some 700 pounds of tax paid to the queen under my nose if i can have it my way.

we'll see what happens...

Now, time for some good ol' travelin'...



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another fruitful week where much was done and time fully utilized...

Summer's here and hence free shows and gigs and festivals are happening literally just every other corners in town. On Sunday, we went to Trafalgar Square for the free Live screening of the premiere of Romeo and Juliet, the ballet, as performed by the royal Ballet at the Royal opera house, Covent Garden.

now im not so much of a ballet person, having just seen the Nutcracker and thought it was OK, simply because i love the Nutcracker overture, ballet or not. But yeah, Romeo and Juliet was great, the orchestra outstanding and the casts danced with passion, though after endless pirouette you would start willing them to have a change of style, their moves are just so limited...

On tuesday, I took Callie on a tour of West End, visiting various theatres and galleries, in which we're both fond of. At the national portrait gallery, the images of the Tudor Dynasty came to life and i found it most fascinating as i'm currently reading the book of the great Lady Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth I.

Thursday, went to the cinema at Leicester square with Anna Paola and Uyi and we watched 'The Kite Runner'. As i've read the book before and fell in love with it, i applaud the director for such a great film, it was such a faithful adaptation of the book! and that's so rarely happens in book adaptation films...i found myself quoting dialogues from the book as the movie unfolds and was please to see little alteration has been made.

and now the highlight of the week, of catching 'Wicked' at the Apollo Victoria theatre. Simply Spectacular! and it wasnt unexpected, i've only heard good things about this fairly new musical and their numerous awards, among them the 'Best New Musical' and the 'best design' category, need i say more?

Art direction was phenomenal and the songs and scores top-notch, with leading casts Elphaba and Glinda outshone everyone else and were awarded with a standing ovation when the curtains fell. They were soooo GOOD! Both demonstrated amazing vocals and their ensembles so well coordinated and executed, it was truly a magical experience with 2.5h of nonstop entertainment (alright fine, there was the 20 min recess between act 1 and act 2).

All in all, it is definitely one of the must-see musicals on earth, and not just once, but many times over...