Life in Dublin...the past week

We're finally getting settled into a routine, our place feels like home.

We finally joined a gym; it feels so good to be back into a fitness routine; our energy levels are higher, we feel healthier, and now that we have our own kitchen, we're eating a lot healthier too. The gym is literally 2 doors down from our apartment; there are days that we've gone in to work out, head home for dinner, and then head back to the gym to use their sauna. It's a nice fitness centre; the usual amenities are there--weights, cardio, a wide variety of classes, boxing studio, yoga studio, and a nice sized pool, sauna, steam room, and jacuzzi. There's a class that Brian and I are looking forward to taking; it's the hydrorider class--aqua cycling. It's literally a spinning class in the pool. We are still learning the conversions and in the gym the metric conversions are a pain to figure out. For example, the weights are in kilograms and the miles on the treadmill are in kilometres.

The weather has been holding up lately and we've actually had nice days where a jacket was not needed; we've also learned how to convert celsius to fahrenheit. The 17 degree celsius days are converted to (9/5)xCelsius+32 which equals about 66 degrees. In my book any day that is 17 degrees celsius or higher is a good day; anything lower requires some form of jacket.

Upcoming events in Dublin:

6th-19th, September is The Fringe Festival: Dublin Streets will vibrate with the weird and wonderful. There will be sightings of strange choreographed creatures on the streets. As described, it's a festival that celebrates the art dance culture and the utterly strange. http://www.fringefest.com/

19th, September is Culture Night: As described, for one night only Dublin city's museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists' studios, and cultural centre will swing open their doors late into the night to bring a night of entertainment and discovery.

For those of you who don't know, Brian and I do not have a TV...(yet), so it's made for an interesting way of learning to adapt without one. We rely on the internet, newspaper, radio, each other, and for me, the library. I have read a number of books upon arrival and look forward to the opportunity to read more. Most of my reads thus far has been crime books (it's like watching a movie or CSI!), but I'm switching gears now and reading some memoirs. Please send me your reading recommendations. You may be surprised to learn that in order to have a TV here, you need to have a TV license. The cost is about 130 euros for a license; for those that have more than 1 tv, there is a cost per tv. Brian is struggling with missing out on football season and is currently working and devising ways to get the NFL televised here; believe it or not, there are things you can buy that allows you to watch the programs you want from another country. For now, he's coping with being able to watch highlights on the internet. It's been interesting following the presidential campaign from here...Obama adourned the front pages with his acceptance speech; the title in red, white, and blue summed it up in one word RAZZMATAZZ!

30th, September, Saturday

Brian and I went out on our first 'date night' since we moved into our place; hand in hand we strolled over to the Temple Bar area, ate delicious food at a restaurant called "Mexico to Rome", I drank delicious wine from France, afterwards we soaked up the scene, people watched, listened to live music in the alleys, and treated ourselves to ice cream from Hagen Daz. Every now and then we still look at each other and say, "we're living in Ireland."

Posted are pictures from our date night...

Now, what's the crack with you (the Irish way of saying what's going on with you)?? We love hearing from you all....

A runner's perspective...

24, August, 2008

Waking up to the sun shining was a beautiful sight, not a grey cloud in the sky. I knew...today would be the day for a solitary run, to soak in all that Dublin's rare warm and sunny weather had to offer.

With shades on, Nikes freshly tied, layered outfit incase the wind picks up, I was ready to go. It's amazing what one can see and absorb when running versus walking or commuting via public transportation. The air was fresh despite the European trend of smoking outside (Ireland has a no smoking indoors law); the city was alive with people, tourists and non-tourists alike, all enjoying the weather. Today, I forgot, before heading out was the big Gaelic football finals at Croke Stadium (the 4th largest stadium in Europe), so I definitely wasn't alone in my quest to take advantage of the day. I ran through masses of green/yellow and red/white, the colors of the two teams, but was quickly able to break through the crowds and enjoy a peaceful run along the Liffey (the river) to the Dublin Port, which was an amazing sight in itself. The port was full of boats of all sizes; a vast cruise ship dominated the port's presence.

Running, for me, is a cleansing way of sorting thoughts, figure out my agenda for the day, dream, and solve the world's problems, but today, one thought was pervasive throughout..."I'm living in Dublin!!!" I'm not sure if I ran with a smile broadcasting to the world that something silly or happy was on mind, but nonetheless, I'm living in Dublin.

The pictures posted on this post is of:

1) Dubliners favorite beer--Budwieser (no joke); Dan B-G, this photo is for you!

2) St. Patrick's Cathedral

3) An area in the City Centre

17, August, 2008

We met an American couple who have been here for 2 years, live in town, and are about our age. We went out to lunch; it was a nice treat to be able to interact with other people similar to us. We learned about how to get involved with club soccer and rugby. We can't wait to get active again and belong to a gym!

For all our soccer friends, guess what, we actually have to try out to be a part of club soccer! I'm looking into the women's winter soccer league, but am a little nervous about the try-outs. I haven't had to try out for anything in so long...the try outs are merely to place you in the right division. I miss our co-rec league in Seattle! Brian is going to look into soccer and rugby, but his heart still lies in football and he's planning on pursuing the American football league here as well as Gaelic football. Gaelic football is hugely popular and all the rage here...it's a combination of soccer, football, and rugby. Surprisingly, many people here call soccer here soccer in addition to calling it football. The American football league starts in January...Brian has high hopes of being able to play for them and lead his team to the Shamrock Bowl!!

18, August, 2008

We saw a 1-bedroom apartment that we loved in Smithfield!! Pending that our references go through, it's ours!

19, August, 2008

The apartment is ours!! We move in on the 21st of August; we're so excited and elated to finally have our own space. We're located in a great area of Smithfield; right next to farmers markets, the gym, fresh food market, and are within minutes of public transportation. The heart of the city is within 10-15 minutes walking distance. We are also next to a nice Comfort Inn for those that visit and would prefer not to sleep on our couch. Visitors, we have a great L-shaped couch that could sleep 2 and we plan on getting an air mattress as well.

22, August, 2008

We are home...it's such a luxury to have our own space and start somewhat of a routine again. The apartment is lovely; modern, newish, and has all the amenities that we need for now. Our bank account is finally open and we have mobile phones and internet connection.

Here's our contact information:

Rosanne and Brian Carter
Apartment #79,
Block A,
Smithfield Market,
Smithfield,
Dublin 7

Rosanne's mobile:
0872639855 (if you're texting or calling from the States, you type in 011353872639855)
Brian's mobile:
0872637114 (if you're texting or calling from the States, you type in 0113530872637114)

We want to use our webcam as much as possible to communicate with family and friends; as of now, we are using Camfrog (free download) and our IM name is Dublin08. Another site we are looking into is Skype (also free download), but we haven't set that up yet.

Please let us know if you have a webcam and are set up on either of those sites.

We miss you all and welcome updates, emails, texts, whatever suits your fancy...

Pictures will be posted SOON!!

Love you,
rosanne and brian

15, August, 2008

We received our PPS number in the mail!!! Now, we can open a bank account with ease, we hoped.

Opening the account with AIB was simple, but we learned that it's not actually really 'opened' until it goes to headquarters, which could take 5-7 business days. Another step forward, but we still can't get cell phones.

By now, we've seen 3 apartments, 2 in the Phoenix Park and Royal Canal Park area and 1 in Smithfield. Phoenix Park and Royal Canal Park is about a 20-30 minute bus ride out of town (which is the city) and Smithfield is in town, about 10-15 minute walk from the heart of town and close to all the amenities, public transportation, etc. 1-bedroom apartments are hard to come by as many people are grabbing those due to the lower price range. We're still looking for the right place at the right price...

Today, we had a nice treat of being driven to Bray, Co. Wicklow, a beautiful, small city overlooking the water (see picture). Afterwards, Brendan took us to the Millhouse, a local pub, and showed us how the Irish drink in good fashion. 6 pints of Guinness later, he walked us home and we ordered take away (what we call take-out) food and managed 3 more pints of Guinness at home. The Magic Chef, take away and delivery...they delivered to us, gyros, chips, chicken strips, and fish sticks...a delicious and nutritious meal!

11, August, 2008

With our cousin's letter and utility bill in hand, we were ready to get our PPS number today! It worked, we are officially registered, but won't get our letter with PPS number and proof of address until the end of the week. One step forward...we're on our way.

The rest of this week is spent absorbing the culture, doing as the Dubliners do, learning the city, using all methods of public transportation, looking for apartments and learning the lingo.

Surprises and things learned:

Dublin is a very diverse city; it's a mecca for tourists and immigrants from all over the world. It's rare to see a true Irishman/woman in the City Centre. Many people are from Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. Chinese is the 2nd most spoken language in Dublin.

Chips (what we call french fries) are served with everything! They love their potatoes and they love it with curry, Chinese food, pizza, you name it. Even when you don't order chips, they somehow arrive with your food.

Restaurants are everywhere; there is not a shortage of pubs and coffee shops. European cuisine is found throughout as well as many American fast food restaurants. The big American restaurant here is TGIFridays; Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and KFC is here as well. We found an amazing little restaurant, called Gruel, that packs itself elbow to elbow with people, but the food is delicious. we'll definitely be taking visitors here.

Hair styles are very interesting here...seems like it would be called modernized 80s look. The young teenage boys love the spike up your hair in the middle with straight bangs look. The girls love the rocker chic look with short hair on one side and long on the other or they wear what Brian calls the girl comb-over look; their side part literally looks like a comb-over. I haven't seen very many curly-haired people...I'm always on the look out as I want to be able to find a good stylist. There was a gal on the bus that I chased down with beautiful curls only to find that she's from Italy and had her last haircut there. Brian is on the look-out for a good barber shop...his criteria is that it needs to be old-school (with the red and white trim), the barber needs to be over 60y, and needs to know how to do a 3-2-1.

Skinny jeans and more skinny jeans. They are all the rave here...no matter what body shape you are. I contemplated trying a pair on, but decided, I can't conform to it. Perhaps, I'll try on a pair, only to wear with my boots. Shoes for women come in so many different colors and styles...I can't wait to get my hands on a pair or pairs. Flats or HIGH heels are popular here. Our rule is if we buy anything new (shoes or clothes) we have to get rid of something we brought. I've already been sorting clothes and shoes in my head for what's to go soon). :)

We've already adapted and adjusted to looking right first, then left before crossing the street. Fortunately, there is a reminder printed on the street before crossing.

Some words we've learned:

telly--television
boot--trunk of a car
refuse (pronounced ref-use)--waste/garbage
Voucher--coupon/certificate
to let--to rent
laser card--debit card
mobile phone--cell phone
tout--scalper

The Irish typically don't pronounce the h in words, so thanks and thinks sounds like 'tanks' or 'tinks.'

The weather so far has been okay; the first week it seemed like A LOT of rain, which we've heard has been unusual for the summer. Temperature-wise, it's been in the 60's, some days in the upper 60s. We've had bouts of beautiful sunshine and have taken advantage of it! We miss summer weather but have already made a list of warm places to visit within Europe. :)

Patience...

08, August, 2008

One of the first things that needed to happen upon our arrival is for me to either register my Green Card for 100 Euros or to register myself as a spouse of a citizen, which would allow me to work and live in Ireland, for free. We opted for the latter...

Our first stop was to the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) to register myself; 3 hours later, a photo, registration card, and passport stamp was issued. I'm now legally allowed to live and work in Ireland!

Next stop, we need a PPS number (an identification number like our social security number) to be used for income, tax, and other purposes. This is done at the Department of Social and Family Welfare. In order to obtain a PPS number, one needs to have proof of address which can be done through an electricity, cable, or gas bill. Without our own permanent address we were not able to accomplish this today, but they recommended that we have our cousins write a letter confirming that we are residing with them and attach their utility bill with it. Added to our to-do list for Monday.

After checking with several banks, we decided we wanted to bank with AIB (Allied Irish Banks) and spoke with customer service about opening up a checking account. Guess what, we need a PPS number and/or a utility bill for proof of address. Without a PPS number indicating our address, this wasn't going to happen today.

Obtaining cell phones (or mobile phones as they call them here) should be much easier, or so we thought. We checked with 4 different cell phone companies and decided on Vodaphone for its service and plans...for Brian, it was about the coolest phone out there. :) Once we decided on a company, we were ready to purchase phones immediately to help us communicate with each other, family and friends, and with anyone that we would need to talk with regarding renting, jobs, etc.. We learned that we can't get cell phones until we have a bank statement or letter from the bank confirming our proof of address. Wow, this was proving to be a little more challenging than we thought.

Patience is key to getting started...

Dublin, Here We Come...

07, August, 2008


We arrived at 8:30am (see picture); an easy 6.5 hours flight from Chicago to Dublin. The entrance into and out of Customs was a breeze and all our luggage arrived one after the other which left us with a lot of time on our hands to absorb the fact that we're really in Dublin! We started the morning at the airport with a smoothie (nothing like Jamba Juice by the way) and figured out our game plan for arriving to our cousins' house. We opted to take a taxi instead of taking the air coach, which is a bus that would have taken us within blocks of their house. We figured with all our luggage, the easiest and conveinent thing to do would be a taxi.

Within minutes of our arrival to the house, Brendan arrived, and first and foremost, we were offered tea. This was our introduction to how culturally important tea is in Ireland. Before and after every meal, tea is offered as well as all the times in between meals. Many drink their tea hot with milk and with/without sugar. The first several days Brian and I were not able to fall asleep before 2am without the help of Tylenol PM; we initially attributed that to our bodies adjusting to the time zone, but after a while, it dawned on us that the tea was keeping us awake.