Tip #5 - Embrace Change

My first day in Dublin was not exactly how I thought it would be, even though I had no idea what to expect. What I mean is that a whirlwind of change hit me straight in the face when I landed and it hit me hard. It didn't help that I was overtired, worn out from the craziness of flying and Heathrow airport, here on my own and in a country I knew almost nothing about. I knew doing the one thing I was most scared about doing this trip was not being familiar with where I was going, who I was meeting, etc. I was so used to my comfy life back home that when I got here - I didn't know what to do with myself, what to think, where to go, how to meet people. I knew that being tired didn't help so I just looked forward to the next day with orientation and getting out and seeing the city.

Orientation was good - information overload but I needed to hear it. The girl who presented was actually a fellow Torontonian and she had lots of her own stories to share. It made me think that maybe I don't need to put so much pressure on myself to find a place and settle down (although lugging my heavy suitcase and pack around is not appealing) so I'm just going to take it day by day and embrace the change. :)
After orientation I went and had my first Irish meal and pub experience. People start drinking a lot earlier in this town vs Ontario (for the most part) and everyone is super friendly. From there I went back to the hostel and then did some walking around as I was told to take advantage of the sunny and mild weather as it's very rare...so I did. I stumbled upon Dublin Oktoberfest and it was pretty packed in the early afternoon. I stopped at a familiar place, Starbucks, and spent some time using their free Wi-Fi and then wandered back to the hostel.
My flatmates - Doris, Sabina and Anya, invited me out for their last night in Dublin and I was ready to get my first taste of the nightlife. Temple Bar is the popular bar district. Yes, that's the name of the area and, naturally, there is an actually bar in the village called Temple Bar. We went to a basement club as we got sucked into a free drink promo but any bar named Madonna is never a good idea as it was pretty stingy and well - 80's.

After one drink we headed over to another pub which I forget the name and it was fun. Very crowded like many pubs but we stayed for a pint and then went to Temple Bar (the bar). We made some friends and I went and witnessed the live band in the front row. Everyone is always happy, no negativity, no fights (don't miss that in Stratford), and everyone just wants to have fun and make new friends. The nightlife has a very late curfew so it was a late night. Like we do in Ontario, always ending the night with a snack is a good deal. Luckily there is a walk up pizza stand right beside the entrance to my hostel.

My friend - Gerald (Gearóid Ó Duigneáin) is giving me a pub tour tonight and taking to me to a poetry reading. Since my flatmates went back to Germany today, I thought I would accept the invitation to meet more new people and get a tour from a real Irishman. He's not from Dublin originally rather a small town on the west coast. Thanks to my fellow German friends for a good time and we will see who my new roommates are soon.


Everyone I met last night was shocked that I was doing this trip on my own and kept cheers-ing my pint of Kilkenny because apparently these days - most travel in groups in Ireland. So - my tip today is to embrace change because it may be scary at first but it can only go uphill from here (or let's hope). I have to decide if I want to stay longer in Dublin or venture off to Cork or Galway. I have a feeling I may stay a few more days but we will see.


To my family and friends back home - I miss you lots and don't worry, I am being very safe and cautious. xo

Arrived Alive in wee Irishland

Well I got to Dublin safely. Naturally - cuz it's my life - the flights weren't entirely easy breezy. The flight was pretty good - minus saying goodbye to my loved ones at the airport. I sat beside an older couple who didn't say too much so I didn't have to worry about someone talking my ear off for 7 hours. I purposely picked an aisle seat so I didn't have to bother others about getting up and down with my small bladder.

The lady infront of me switched seats from up front to sit with her friends and she didn't sit still a lot. I think she was a tour operator as she kept pestering the flight attendants about certain things - headsets, blankets, etc. When dinner came around and I got the last chicken meal, she was not happy and I tried not to laugh when the male flight attendant said in his snooty British accent - "well, if you didn't switch seats like you weren't supposed to then you would've had a chicken meal." Gotta love the Brits crass attitude sometimes.

The other male flight attendant made a comment as I took a pic of my plane dinner as I told him it was for documentation purposes. He said "It's not that good to take a picture of it". It was pretty good considering plane food. Menu - balsamic chicken breast, risotto, green beans, multigrain bun/butter, garden salad, caramel cheesecake, and a small piece of Lindt chocolate served with tea and a mini DC - I'm sure Rimi would have kept the can for a momento. :)

One thing I've noticed about Europeans - specifically Brits is that they do enjoy their alcoholic beverages and the airlines know that. Alcohol was complimentary during the entire flight and when you asked for wine with your dinner (I believe I heard 99% of everyone around me ask) they gave you TWO bottles, not just one. I guess us North Americans are stingy. All in all, the flight was pretty good minus the turbulence - it was a pretty bumpy ride and my ears plugged severely on descending...they still don't feel entirely unplugged.

My adventure began when we landed as we were stuck on the tarmat for 30 min, then a bus came and picked us up (eventually) from the plane directly and took us to the Terminal. Then I had to connect to another Terminal so I had to take another bus that took another 10 min ride or so. Then I had to walk all over and get into a large line and fill out some paperwork about UK Borders, get my picture taken and then keep running. Then I had to go through security again and empty my liquids even though I was connecting to another flight this whole time and didn't leave the airport or security. After I had to literally run to my gate which was a 10 min RUN and the airport is so confusing. They were literally closing the gate while I ran up...talk about a close call.

So I arrived in Dublin, took a breather to find a Wi-Fi area so I could let people know I arrived ok and then made my way to the bus to get a ride downtown to my hostel. The bus was nice (Coach), the weather was clear and sunny and pretty warm. It was also neat to see what Dublin looks like on the way. It's much like Toronto with lots of green near the highways and such. The downtown area of Dublin from what I've seen thus far is a mix between Stratford and Toronto. Big city but older buildings, rivers and bridges. Unfortunately my hostel was a good jaunt from the bus stop and with my heavy luggage, it was quite a trek. The streets are not really labeled so I had to ask for a few directions here and there but I found it. Everyone is pretty nice so that helps for sure.

The biggest battle today was carrying my heavy suitcase and backpack up 3 flights of stairs. Lucky me...but the stairs will keep me in shape along with all the walking. I had it pretty good back home with my car (miss you Trix), homecooking and being familiar with everything. The next year or so will be quite different that's for sure. I was so frustrated with my rolley suitcase that I considered sending it home but I have to deal with it now and hope that the next time I move it, it will be onto a train and then into a new apartment. NOTE to visitors - bring a backpack if you plan on doing trips cuz rolley devices are not travel friendly.

All in all it was an ok venture over here. It didn't really hit me, as usual, that this was all real till I got to my hostel and I didn't know anyone and had all this luggage and didn't know what to do next. I have my orientation tomorrow morning so I'm hoping that I can find a city, apartment and job to settle in quickly with so I can meet new people and keep myself busy. I've heard Galway is a great place so maybe I'll take a stab at that place first. I'll likely do some tours and museum visits tomorrow afternoon and then go from there. I'm sharing a flat with 3 other German girls but I just introduced myself while passing them in the hallway. I think they are here with another large group of students as there are many of them and there are some chaperones too.

I guess that's it for now. I should get some sleep. I had a 4-hr nap this afternoon as I was about to pass out on my laptop but hopefully I can fall back asleep now as it's 1am.

Will try to take some pictures tomorrow and post them soon. Feel free to email me or fbook me anytime. I will try to pick up an International SIM card tomorrow to do some calls back home.

Miss you all...xo

Goodbye Canada...

Just a quick last post in my home country before I depart. I should be really sleeping as I'm trying to fight a bad cold and I want to get up early tomorrow to finish off any last minute packing and running around but oh well, I'll make this quick. Today I said goodbye to my first car - Trix - and it was rough. I didn't think I was that attached to my car till I was on the highway driving to the dealership and then all the memories I've had in the car came rushing into my head...crazy and cheesy but whatever. It was emotional and I'm not really an emotional person. I told the sales manager once I signed all the papers that if I could have driven my car to Ireland I totally would have rather did that than give my car back...but thus is life.
Typical me, I did all my packing this afternoon and I think I did a pretty good job...as I pretty much have everything checked off my to-pack list. I had to pack, then re-pack, then re-pack again because I didn't want to bring a ton of stuff but I think I got it down to the bare minimum...I even cut my shoe selection down to two pairs of boots and flats...maybe I'll just have to see what type of shoe selection they have over there. :)
Lastly, tonight I had a great few family visits and went for a good Canadian (beef, obvs) dinner in town with my parents, sister and bro-in-law. My sis scored me some great Canadian apparel (THANKS JOC!) and other little special items. Thank you to all my friends and family that gave me gifts as it was completely unnecessary but I appreciate everything from the bottom of my heart. I will put all of it to good use, I'm sure. Last stop in town was to say goodbye to my crew (minus Coop, but you were there in spirit) and even though our time was short tonight I was glad I could give you all one last hug goodbye...until I see you soon!
Tomorrow is going to be a whirlwind of emotions and such with getting last-minute things done, visiting Grandma L and the long-awaited goodbye scene at the airport. Not looking forward to it as I know it's going to be really tough. This will be my last blog post till I land in Dublin likely but I promise to update you all as soon as I can find a wi-fi area!

Until then....farewell O Canada and thank you for all the well wishes from all my friends and family. I am truly, truly blessed to have you all in my life. xo

Update

Hi all,
So...just an update that I just received word this morning that my passport is safe and sound and I can pick it up on Monday from my travel agent. phhhhhewwww! So - no need to move my flight and I'll be departing my lovely country on Wednesday of next week just after 6pm. It's been a rollercoaster for sure throughout this entire process but I knew I would get to the end of it eventually. I just have to pack, get all my documents and book a hostel in Dublin for my arrival. I also have to drop off my beloved Trix (my awesome white VW Rabbit) and say my goodbyes to her. It's been a great ride (3+ years) with her - literally and she will always hold a special place in my heart and life as she was my official first car. So many memories with her - laughs, tears, breakups, roadtrips, etc. I think of her as a friend and yes, Rim - I now understand how your car can feel like your own child but I still won't caress and talk to my car like you do. :)
What else? Ah yes...my crew from Stratty (circa 2010) blindfolded me and took me out for a fun-filled girls' night in London the other night. Britt and JBurns took me to London to see little Coopaloop and we got all gussied up - Irish style - and hit the University town. The night ended with a potential for Coop, 4 medium pizzas and sleeping toe-to-toe with JBurns in the room of couches and the musical styling of Jess' grinding teeth (cringe).

My emotions have been all over the place lately - anxiety, excitement, stress, worried, nervous, more excitement, sadness, and most recent - super freaked out. Now that I KNOW I will be leaving on Wednesday, the feeling of being freaked out has settled in. Moving to a foreign place where I know no one, don't understand the geography of how to get around, no job, no place to live is a tad scary. I was the same way when I moved from Ottawa to Toronto and I figured it out...and I know I will figure out what is to come in my life in the upcoming 2 years....but it's a tad scary.

So - I am just going to keep myself busy with packing and visiting and getting stuff done and deal with my freakout when I land in Dublin. Just gotta take it one moment or day at a time and calm the nerves with a nice tall mug of Irish beer. :)

Until then my friends - keep fit and have fun. xo

Tip #4 - Keep in Touch

This past weekend my beautiful and loving best friend threw me a wonderful going away party - Toronto style. Throughout my 7 years living in Toronto I have accumulated many awesome friends and it was great to say goodbye to them last Saturday. (pics below) For those who could not make it, I apologize but try to stay in touch!!

I've learned in life that keeping in touch with the friends that count is important. Many people come in and out of your life and not to say I haven't had great times with those who I'm not close with anymore but I've always been the type of person to maintain relationships with those who understand that no matter the distance and the length of time between visits and emails we will always pick up where we last left off. I've never been the type of have one solid group of friends because I've never really stayed long enough in one place to have that. Instead, I have a collection of many different types of friends and I would never change that. I may not have a huge group of friends like others but I like it that way. Instead, I have friends through sports association, friends through work, friends from my childhood/school and friends through random moments in life...and it's amazing.
I'm looking forward to increasing my list of friends in my upcoming travels and I'm sure I have many great memories ahead of me but I know that the one thing I promise myself is to keep in touch with my friends back home while I'm abroad. This blog is one channel but I - Shannon Landreth vow to stay in touch as much as possible with all you - my friends and family - so that when we meet again, it's like I just saw you yesterday...but maybe I'll have an Irish or British accent instead. (yes, that would be amazing) It's so easy these days to keep in touch with the ones you love because technology allows us to. I embrace it everyday whether it be through text, email, fbook, phone, etc. So - Tip #4 - KEEP IN TOUCH because going through life with no friends, family and a lifetime of good memories can be depressing!! And always remember - any type of relationship (family, friendship, romantic) is a TWO-WAY street. SO - yes - my friends and family - I expect to hear from you too!!

On a side note - I just got word that my passport is now at the Irish Embassy getting stamped. My departure date is 7 days away - fingers crossed I won't have to move it but at least I'm steps away from having my documents back in MY hands!

Until then - Family thanksgiving/going away party this wknd (including special guest - my bff and new Baby Pearl), my Stratford going away party (can't wait) and PACKING. :)

xo

Tip #3 - Faith can be underrated

These last couple months have been trying that's for sure. My usual Irish Landreth luck is at full force or so it seems these days with the passport issues that resulted in canceling my best friend wknd in NYC (sorry Rim), the Jonny+me Boston trip (sorry Jonnyboy) and now the possibility of me delaying my departure flight by who knows how long. It seems like I'm never going to get to this goal I have been dreaming about for the last 5+ years but I know I will get there eventually. Maybe my flight will have to be delayed (fingers and toes crossed that it won't) but I KNOW I will get there even if I have to walk or swim! Listening to all the advice all my friends and family have been giving me throughout this whole ordeal has been keeping me somewhat sane but the one thing that keeps me going is FAITH. I know everything happens for a reason, I know that you just gotta roll with the punches but as I deal with this constant string of bad luck in my life (which seems to follow me around quite a bit I think), I know having faith in people, and myself and what is to happen in the future is what I have to lean on to keep me going.
Currently, my passport is sitting with the British High Commission and then is to be traveling to the Irish Embassy to also be stamped. They say after the Irish Embassy receives my passport it could take up to three weeks (yikes) till I get it back from them...did I mention my flight is less than 3 weeks away? So - I just have to sit and wait and pray and hope and just have faith that EVENTUALLY everything will work out...eventually....sigh...it seems like that word pops up a lot in my vocabulary these days.

Till then...I would greatly appreciate you sending positive thoughts and keeping your fingers/toes crossed for me. I hope to have a positive update soon. :)

Tip #2 - Life CAN be inevitable

If there is anything I learned from this past weekend (other than that I love my bff), I learned that no matter how much you prepare for things, some thing in life can be inevitable. For example - I booked a bff weekend for myself and my best friend (shout out to Rimi) to New York city and the day before we were to leave I had my VAC appointment (Visa Application Centre) to get my biometrics taken (fingerprints/facial recognition) in order to finalize the process for my UK visa application. Well - knowing my luck (I don't have a ton it seems), they had to keep my passport for 10 business days while it gets stamped by the British High Consulate in Ottawa for my visa. That being said - we had to cancel our trip and opt for a road trip to Montreal instead as I couldn't leave the country obviously without my passport.
So - how did I feel? Hm....well, pretty much like someone hit me with the bad luck stick, a bad best friend because NYC is awesome and very angry because I read all of my visa application documents from front to back (twice) to ensure I didn't miss any information about this so-called hijacking of my passport for 2 weeks. Yes - I was relieved that it wasn't lost (as I thought so at first) but then disappointment, anger and sadness set it in right away. The weekend still ended up being great because Rimi and I know that wherever we go, it's always a fun time...and it was. I've enclosed a few pics from the trip. :)
But now - panic is starting to set in because I have another trip booked to Boston with Jonny Boy next Thursday that potentially will also have to be canceled which is also very devestating. It's all hanging on the good luck fairies - IF they really do exist as it doesn't seem that I have one. Just makes me a tad nervous with this bad luck gene when I'll be traveling the world and living in some foreign place for the next two years...sigh.

So - the lesson learned? Not sure if it's a lesson or not because all I really learned was that, unfortunately, no matter how well prepared you are for life, sometimes you get thrown curveballs at you unexpectantly and you just have to opt for plan B and make the most of it.

Here's hoping I don't have to opt for plan B for the Boston trip....fingers, toes and everything else crossed. :s

Rimi waiting in the lobby for her condo offer!      Tribute to my team - vive le Canadiens!

                                           our hotel lobby - chi chi fou fou :)

  this is how the quebecers roll - keg in tow.

great way to end the wknd - takeout in bed :)

driving past my homeland. trix got some km's this wknd. :)