Welcome, my friends, to my so called life. This story takes place in Ireland at the moment, Cork city to be exact. And it's about a girl named Lauren, a "blow in" from Canada. She moved here at the beginning of May, after, essentially, running away from her life at home. It wasn't a bad life that she had in Canada, she just needed to get away from it all.
After a hard breakup of a 3 year engagement, she decided that it was his loss and she needed a new adventure. The world was her oyster and it was calling her name. "Lauren, you can sing London bridge is falling down ON London bridge!" "Lauren, you could learn to surf in Australia!" "OOH OOH! Waltz with a handsome stranger in Austria, Lauren!" She'd thought about all of those places, but in the end, the enticement of playing with fairies and leprechauns had won out over more exotic locales, because as many of you know, she's a giant 4 year old. It might also have something to do with the fact that her best friend from Japan had been living there for the past 3 years. (But we all know it was mostly the fairies.)
With her plane tickets bought, visa in hand, she said a difficult goodbye to all of her friends and family. The people she had come to meet over the last 3 years left a lasting impression on her soul, and they helped shape her into the person she was to this very day. She knew she would see them again. And they would stay in touch. That's what all of the technology is about right? Bringing the world together.
When she arrived, she was as giddy as a 3 year old on Christmas morning. Getting on the bus after her best friend picked her up, she wouldn't shut up. So many new things to see and smell and learn. The country of Ireland definitely lived up to it's reputation. Everything was green. Green grass, green trees, She was in green heaven. Good thing it's her favourite colour.
The duo spent a few short days in Dublin before heading to where she would call home for the next 2 years. Cork city. the tiniest big city you ever did see. With it's 5-6 streets classed as "city centre", people from all over Ireland come here before Christmas to do their shopping because it's "such a nice big city". FUN FACT: Cork city is Ireland's 2nd biggest city population wise after Dublin. but for being so small, it sure has a very multicultural population. Lauren's met people from Hungary, Poland, Russia, Singapore, France, Spain, New Zealand, Italy, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, and others that she can't even remember right now!
She works in a fancy schmancy hotel called The Imperial Hotel. 1 of 4 in the Flynn hotels group, centrally located in the heart of the city, it boats an almost 200 year old building, and an even more impressive staff following. Some working there 20+ years! It is rated as a 4* hotel, but if you were to come and see for yourself, you'd know that no rating can compare or explain the rich history and decor. Michael Collins spent one of his last nights in room 115, before he was shot. Many celebrities choose to stay at the hotel because of it's location, such as the boys from Miami and New York Ink when their new tattoo shop opened in Cork city. The mouldings in the lobby are some of the finest you'll ever see. With it's rich history and charming cast of characters, turning down a job at Apple seemed like the easiest thing in the world to do for Lauren.
So here's where we are today. Lauren is still living with her best friend and her best friend's cat in a small apartment on the other side of the river from downtown Cork. She walks to work and thinks that she won't try and change over her licence because she doesn't need a car and the expenses that come with it. There is a view on her way to work that she never gets tired of looking at. She is still working on herself, and trying to figure out what she wants to do with her so called life, but right now, she's just leaning towards happiness,
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
S & M
Ouch. I know we all promise ourselves we'll never do it again, but we always go back for more. That damn book hangover. It gets you every time. True readers will know what I mean when I describe the state of mind after finishing an amazing book or book series and not being able to basically cope with the real world. It's the feeling of wanting to crawl inside your book and not leave for days because, frankly, it just hurts to much to leave.
This is not a healthy relationship, but you rationalize any way you can to continue. Just one more chapter. Just one more page. But it can't end like this! The excuses go on and on. It's a form of pain that readers, like myself, will willingly bring onto themselves as a form of torture. We know how good the book will be. We know this is the last book, or the newest release. But we still bring on the pain. Readers are some seriously kinky people. It's like a form of S & M. The books bring the pain and we relish in it. It's a good pain.
I've recently just finished a book series called The Mortal Instruments. The last book came out in July and I devoured it in 3 days while also working full time. And this series has left me so hungover that I find myself scouring the Internet for any news of a different series (which there will be) that lies in the same universe. This will be the authors 3rd series and even though I am 25 and it's in the Young Adult section, I seem to be drawn like a moth to the flame to these books. And I had to wait over a year for the 6th book in the series to be released. The torture was excruciating. But I'm happy with how things ended. The author tied the previous series together so nicely with this one, and made such a good foundation for the next. I seem to be giddy with anticipation for the next series. Please let the author take pity on our souls and release the first book soon. My poor heart can't take much more.
This is not a healthy relationship, but you rationalize any way you can to continue. Just one more chapter. Just one more page. But it can't end like this! The excuses go on and on. It's a form of pain that readers, like myself, will willingly bring onto themselves as a form of torture. We know how good the book will be. We know this is the last book, or the newest release. But we still bring on the pain. Readers are some seriously kinky people. It's like a form of S & M. The books bring the pain and we relish in it. It's a good pain.
I've recently just finished a book series called The Mortal Instruments. The last book came out in July and I devoured it in 3 days while also working full time. And this series has left me so hungover that I find myself scouring the Internet for any news of a different series (which there will be) that lies in the same universe. This will be the authors 3rd series and even though I am 25 and it's in the Young Adult section, I seem to be drawn like a moth to the flame to these books. And I had to wait over a year for the 6th book in the series to be released. The torture was excruciating. But I'm happy with how things ended. The author tied the previous series together so nicely with this one, and made such a good foundation for the next. I seem to be giddy with anticipation for the next series. Please let the author take pity on our souls and release the first book soon. My poor heart can't take much more.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
I really don't care
But even if the stars and moon collide
I never want you back into my life
You can take your words and all your lies
Oh oh oh! I really don't care
Oh Demi Lovato, you really understand me. This is exactly how I'm feeling these days. After a bad (but good for me) breakup last year, all I want to do is move on with my life. And it's really hard when this person, who broke it off with me in the first place, keeps trying to get in touch. I never want to see this person again. Ever. Like the Song says, I never want you back into my life. Take the hint bro and leave me alone. Move on. It's OVER.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
The Infamous Bucket List
You all know it. And you most likely all have one. That seemingly never-ending list of things you want to accomplish before you die. Travel, learn a new craft, read books by famous authors or poets...The difference of things could go on for days really....And mine is not so different. I, too, have a list of things I want to accomplish and/or do before I die. And I'm not waiting for death to get his greedy paws in me before I do it. My list started out very small at first. In fact, it really only had one thing on it. Travel to Japan.
Now, over the years, things had come and gone off and on my list, but travelling to Japan stayed in the #1 spot. For years and years on end, Japan was all I could think about. And when opportunity to go and live there for a year knocked, I ran to answer.
During my time in Japan, I met a boy and fell in love. We had a relationship for 4 years and I thought he was the one. My new #1 was being with him through life and travelling around the world together. But when life turned cruel and things didn't work out, I can honestly say, that for a long time, I was lost. I really didn't know what to do with my life. I knew the travel bug was itching in the back of my brain again, and this time, I started to scratch. I found myself looking back on the SWAP website for places to go, things to see and do. And it hit me. My #1 spot will always belong to travel.
Travel is my passion in life, whether I am going to another country, or just another city. Road trips, long flights, train rides...I looked forward to them because I knew they brought me closer to somewhere I've never been before. To that restaurant based on a friends recommendation, or a day trip to the zoo, decided on pure whimsy. The need for me to go an explore will always be in my heart. Which is one of the many reasons I decided on a compass for my first tattoo. I even remember my mom telling me that she has known since I was very little that I would never stay in our little town.
So for my bucket list, I feel mine's a little different. My list is broken down into many sub-categories. The first thing on my list is travel. And underneath that is all the places I want to visit, and the things those cities offer. Next is my list of things I would like to do. Learn multiple languages, learn to knit, learn to cook fancy meals, learn to organize better....After that comes the dreams I can't exactly control. Get married, have kids, become a grandmother who spoils her grandchildren and tells silly other kids to "Get off my lawn you rascals!" while never really meaning it. It's actually a quite extensive list.
I've yet to accomplish most things on my list, but I think if I can conquer at least 1 thing every year and cross it off, I'm doing ok. How does your list look?
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Put a Cork in it!
I've been living in this odd town called Cork for almost 3 weeks now and let me tell you something. I'm in love. Cork is absolutely wonderful. I'm lucky enough that it's only a 5-7 minute walk from our current apartment into the city centre, and I walk it everyday! The city itself is wonderfully charming. It keeps a small town feel and city feel all wrapped up into one fantastic package.
The city centre is the place to be with all the cute shops and boutiques, restaurants and pubs, electrics and Euro stores. The buildings are all colourful, some painted bright purple or red, and most have an antique feeling to them, as if they have been there for hundreds of years. and in some cases they have, such as the 4* Imerial Hotel in the business district of the city. It has been there for almost 200 years! That's crazy when you really think about it! That building is older than Canada itself! Amazing!
My favourite part of the city is probably on 2 streets, Grand Parade and Patrick street which have all the nice shops and restaurants. But my favourite shop goes from Patrick street to Oliver Plunkett (think Ouellette street with all the bars). Penney's. What a great shop! Friends coming to visit, please bring an empty suitcase, because Penney's is super cheap! I bought a pair of dress pants there for, like, $8-$9! It's ace.
I haven't really tried many restaurants yet as I am still unemployed (but I'm hoping that all changes this week) and we are trying to cut back on spending until I've got some steady pay checks coming in! So I'll write a separate update in a couple weeks when I've had some more money to go exploring in the town.
The walk into town is really lovely as you have to cross a bridge to reach the city centre and it's always just nice to look at! I do enjoy living near the water! Especially because there doesn't seem to be any mosquitoes yet, which is fabulous!
I hope everyone gets a chance to come see this beautiful place where I live one day!
The city centre is the place to be with all the cute shops and boutiques, restaurants and pubs, electrics and Euro stores. The buildings are all colourful, some painted bright purple or red, and most have an antique feeling to them, as if they have been there for hundreds of years. and in some cases they have, such as the 4* Imerial Hotel in the business district of the city. It has been there for almost 200 years! That's crazy when you really think about it! That building is older than Canada itself! Amazing!
My favourite part of the city is probably on 2 streets, Grand Parade and Patrick street which have all the nice shops and restaurants. But my favourite shop goes from Patrick street to Oliver Plunkett (think Ouellette street with all the bars). Penney's. What a great shop! Friends coming to visit, please bring an empty suitcase, because Penney's is super cheap! I bought a pair of dress pants there for, like, $8-$9! It's ace.
I haven't really tried many restaurants yet as I am still unemployed (but I'm hoping that all changes this week) and we are trying to cut back on spending until I've got some steady pay checks coming in! So I'll write a separate update in a couple weeks when I've had some more money to go exploring in the town.
The walk into town is really lovely as you have to cross a bridge to reach the city centre and it's always just nice to look at! I do enjoy living near the water! Especially because there doesn't seem to be any mosquitoes yet, which is fabulous!
I hope everyone gets a chance to come see this beautiful place where I live one day!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Top Of The Morning!
Well, it's official! I've arrived in the land of Fairies and Leprechauns, and have yet to run into either! I must say I'm slightly disappointed. But let me start at the beginning..........
My friend Renee and I picked up Crystal in London and made our way to Toronto with my 2 giant suitcases, where we checked them into their hotel room (as my flight was supposed to leave at 11:40pm) and myself into the airport. We went for my last meal at the Swiss Chalet in the Toronto airport where I had the most Canadian of meals. Poutine of course. I was going to have Arby's as they don't have that here in the Leprechaun land, but I had had it BOTH Wednesday and Thursday, so I was a little Arby's out. The poutine was good, but the company was better.
I could tell something was a little off but I figured that it had been a long day for everyone. Crystal had makeup school in London from 10am, and Renee and I had the long drive ahead of us. I would never have thought that it was because they were sad. Well, maybe Crystal, but not Renee. She was fine until we went for goodbye hugs and I felt her start to shake. I was kind of shocked. When I went to Japan, I got a "See you in a year!" and this time I got her to cry! I know I shouldn't really be proud of that, but I can't say it didn't make me happy. (We all know I'm a terrible person, this is really nothing new) She's one of my best friends and always will be so I'm not gonna lie, it was nice to see. But then those tears started everyone else off. Me, Crystal, and Renee, all one big sobbing mess! What a sight we were. But time was moving quickly and the line for security wasn't slowing down AT ALL. So goodbyes were said and we parted.
Security was a nightmare. Not that it was difficult to get through or anything, but that the line was SUPER long! The good thing was that they were really pushing people through and it was maybe about a half hour wait, which really seems like forever when you have 2 super heavy bags on your arms. The lady at the front of the line was Irish and when I told her where I was going, she joked saying she didn't like me anymore. How nice....
While walking to my gate, I hear an announcement go up about "Flight 332 to Dublin via Air Transat. There has been a gate change. Your new gate will be C32." Which is kind of weird because my original gate was C34.....Airports are a strange place. The wait was uneventful, which I suppose is good in most cases. But then my flight was delayed by almost an hour. I was exhausted by this point as we didn't even start boarding until midnight, when we supposed to have left at 11:40. Super exciting, NOT!
The plane, once everyone was boarded, wasn't full and people were offered to move to empty seats all around the cabin. Except the first class cabin I think. But the other two people in my row left, leaving me alone. Not that I could get comfortable in any kind of position, because let's be serious, air plane seats were not designed to be super comfy. They were designed to fit a million people into a sardine tin.
Once we landed, I made my way down through immigration, grabbed my bags, and headed out towards the exit. I saw Cesca almost right away where the doll was waiting to take a snapchat and send it to my mom right away so she wouldn't worry. I had arrived in Ireland. Lord help them.
My friend Renee and I picked up Crystal in London and made our way to Toronto with my 2 giant suitcases, where we checked them into their hotel room (as my flight was supposed to leave at 11:40pm) and myself into the airport. We went for my last meal at the Swiss Chalet in the Toronto airport where I had the most Canadian of meals. Poutine of course. I was going to have Arby's as they don't have that here in the Leprechaun land, but I had had it BOTH Wednesday and Thursday, so I was a little Arby's out. The poutine was good, but the company was better.
I could tell something was a little off but I figured that it had been a long day for everyone. Crystal had makeup school in London from 10am, and Renee and I had the long drive ahead of us. I would never have thought that it was because they were sad. Well, maybe Crystal, but not Renee. She was fine until we went for goodbye hugs and I felt her start to shake. I was kind of shocked. When I went to Japan, I got a "See you in a year!" and this time I got her to cry! I know I shouldn't really be proud of that, but I can't say it didn't make me happy. (We all know I'm a terrible person, this is really nothing new) She's one of my best friends and always will be so I'm not gonna lie, it was nice to see. But then those tears started everyone else off. Me, Crystal, and Renee, all one big sobbing mess! What a sight we were. But time was moving quickly and the line for security wasn't slowing down AT ALL. So goodbyes were said and we parted.
Security was a nightmare. Not that it was difficult to get through or anything, but that the line was SUPER long! The good thing was that they were really pushing people through and it was maybe about a half hour wait, which really seems like forever when you have 2 super heavy bags on your arms. The lady at the front of the line was Irish and when I told her where I was going, she joked saying she didn't like me anymore. How nice....
While walking to my gate, I hear an announcement go up about "Flight 332 to Dublin via Air Transat. There has been a gate change. Your new gate will be C32." Which is kind of weird because my original gate was C34.....Airports are a strange place. The wait was uneventful, which I suppose is good in most cases. But then my flight was delayed by almost an hour. I was exhausted by this point as we didn't even start boarding until midnight, when we supposed to have left at 11:40. Super exciting, NOT!
The plane, once everyone was boarded, wasn't full and people were offered to move to empty seats all around the cabin. Except the first class cabin I think. But the other two people in my row left, leaving me alone. Not that I could get comfortable in any kind of position, because let's be serious, air plane seats were not designed to be super comfy. They were designed to fit a million people into a sardine tin.
Once we landed, I made my way down through immigration, grabbed my bags, and headed out towards the exit. I saw Cesca almost right away where the doll was waiting to take a snapchat and send it to my mom right away so she wouldn't worry. I had arrived in Ireland. Lord help them.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Adventure Is Out There!
Are you between the ages of 18 and 30/35? Are you bored with your life? Dreamed of travelling to a foreign land and falling in love? Want to go on the adventure of a lifetime? Try an exotic dish in it's home country? Then pay attention fellow roamers! Travelling to that dream destination to live and work has never been this easy!
Today I want to tell everyone about this program we have in Canada. It's called SWAP (Student Work Abroad Program) and it is a program operated through TravelCuts student travel agency. Don't let the name of the program fool you! Not a student? That's not even a problem! Even though it's called the STUDENT Work Abroad Program, as long as you are between the ages of 18-30/35, you can get a visa!
What is Swap?
SWAP is a program that will help you through every step of your visa application process. I've used it once before (I travelled to Japan in 2009-2010) and I would never do it by myself! Especially applying to Japan, since they are VERY picky about their visas, and one silly mistake on your application could have resulted in a denied visa. I'm glad I went through them, because knowing me, I would have missed something and been denied!
Destinations
SWAP has a TON of places you can go! Dreamed of sitting in a traditional Irish pub, sipping Guinness? Want to drink tea in the afternoon in England? Shop in the famed Takeshita street in Harajuku? Why not all of these and more? Through SWAP, you can go to 11 different destinations!
Today I want to tell everyone about this program we have in Canada. It's called SWAP (Student Work Abroad Program) and it is a program operated through TravelCuts student travel agency. Don't let the name of the program fool you! Not a student? That's not even a problem! Even though it's called the STUDENT Work Abroad Program, as long as you are between the ages of 18-30/35, you can get a visa!
According the SWAP website (swap.ca) there are only 6 easy steps in travelling with SWAP!
1) Pick a destination
2) Register
3) Apply for a visa
4) Get ready to go
5) Receive overseas support
6) Live, Work, Play
SWAP is a program that will help you through every step of your visa application process. I've used it once before (I travelled to Japan in 2009-2010) and I would never do it by myself! Especially applying to Japan, since they are VERY picky about their visas, and one silly mistake on your application could have resulted in a denied visa. I'm glad I went through them, because knowing me, I would have missed something and been denied!
Destinations
SWAP has a TON of places you can go! Dreamed of sitting in a traditional Irish pub, sipping Guinness? Want to drink tea in the afternoon in England? Shop in the famed Takeshita street in Harajuku? Why not all of these and more? Through SWAP, you can go to 11 different destinations!
- UK
- Ireland
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Austria (must be proficient in German)
- Germany (must be proficient in German)
- Japan
- South Africa*
- USA*
- Thailand*
USA has 2 strands: PCT & Intern and Summer (summer available to students/2014 graduates only)
SOUTH AFRICA has a volunteer OR work visa (work visa for students or recent graduates)
THAILAND is a teaching visa open to Canadians aged 20-65! BUT applicants must posses a Bachelor's degree in order to qualify.
Support Funds
What are support funds? This is a specific amount of money (different depending on the country) you must have saved before they will grant visas. This is not a fee, simply a bank statement saying that you have the specified amount in your bank account. Essentially, they want to make sure you are not homeless or that if you have difficulties with anything, you have enough money to come home.
Fees
There is a registration fee (which includes the actual visa fee). This can change depending on if the country you're applying for has an accommodation/ no accommodation application. Japan has this, while Ireland does not. CAUTION: some countries (such as Ireland) require extra fees once in the country. Be sure to check this under the country's specific visa requirements page!
It's really this easy guys! Whenever I tell people that I am moving to a foreign country, I always hear, "That's amazing" and "I've always wanted to travel!" Now, there's no more excuses! You want to do it? Then do it! It does take work, but it pays off tenfold in the end!
I've just applied for an Ireland visa, and I hope to leave mid April for the land of green and shamrocks! I'm currently in the visa application process, and hope to send away for my visa in the next 2 weeks. As much as I love Canada, I can't wait to begin a new adventure!
Happy Roaming!
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