I landed 10 minutes early into Dublin airport. I passed through airport security with ease; the Garda saw my passport Irish cover and waved me on. My bag was one of the first ones to come through so I fixed my jacket, smooth down my hair and headed to arrivals. The doors flooded open and I wheeled my bag into the arrivals hall. I looked left and right, waiting for the shout of my parents welcoming me back. I stood around for a few minutes until I saw my dad casually walking over with mum following holding a coffee. Their youngest comes home after being away for 3 months and they have time to stop for a hot drink.
I was scooted into the car, after I stopped shivering and munched on Tayto crisps while bringing my parents up to speed on how I was doing. We got back to the house and I was so glad just to lounge on the sofa with proper chipper chips watching some lame movie.
Back at home
Sunday, I got to catch up with a lot of people; went out to lunch with my family, went to a fete in Leopards town hospital (even buying an 'unedited proof' edition of a book), then got ready to see Dara O'Briain in Vicar St. I met up with Jess and Lorri for a pre-show dinner. For dessert, I ordered a battered mars bar. A delicacy which I had not attempted to eat before. The batter was soft and the chocolate had completely melted, making the filling a liquid mess of caramel and happiness.
Battered mars bar... :)
Unfortunately, Dara was not at his best. After reading his book, I was expecting a whirlwind of audience participation to put all of his English shows the shame. Alas, some drunken idiot decides to heckle almost every sentence and in some cases, ruining punchlines completely. The second half was a lot funnier, however, the initial impression was set and Dara found it difficult to regain the crowd.
Dara O'Briain... No honestly it is!
Monday, I took time to do the things that I wanted to do. I booked a hair appointment, popped into my old work to say hi, met the college girls for lunch, went on a shopping spree in Dunnes Stores and finished the night with chilling at Eavan's house like we've done for years.
Tuesday, I set my Sat Nav and set off for Cork. Due to the opening of the new motorway since I've been gone, it took me under 3 hours to get to the most Southern part of the country. 5 CD's, 2 toll roads and a bottle of red lemonade later, I arrived at Amy and Andrew's house, where I was greeted by the cutest little puppy.
Me and Holly, Amy and Andrew's puppy
I caught up with Amy and even took the little missus, Holly, out for a walk. The saying is true, if you can drive in Cork, you can drive anywhere. I made it over to Alex and Linda's house on Wednesday evening right before Alastair and Joseph turned up. We all caught up and doted over little Liana (their daughter, not another puppy). The next day, Alex made us brunch and then I hit the road back to Dublin.
Gluten free pancakes with matured maple syrup, mmmmh
I went out with the college girls on Thursday night. We decided it would be easier to meet in a bar in Dublin city. I arrived with Ciara to find Ali sitting next to a guy from her work and his friend, who I knew! I was real close to Debs when I was a teenager and there she was, sitting next to her friend who worked with my old college friend. Dublin is small!!
Friday I got my hair cut, went home and packed and then got read to meet the girls for dinner. We went to Pachinos for Jess's birthday, classic italian venue which holds many memories for us.
On Saturday, I met Naomi in Dun Laoghaire for brekkie in our favourite place. I then picked up my parents and drove to Dun Drum to do a bit of shopping and have lunch. Mum went to work, so me and Dad went to the cinema to see 'The Other Guys'. I then finished off packing and watched some TV with my brother who came over right before my Aunt and Uncle popped over.
On Sunday, before heading to the airport, we decided to go to Ikea to check out some classic swedish designs before I left. Dublin airport: I checked in, dropped my bag off and had lunch with my parents. Security was very easy and got to my gate with plenty of time. I've been on so many planes lately, that they have all merged into one big flight, nothing exciting happens. Got my train on time, didn't get a seat as usual and the bus came really quickly. Got back into the house and started to unpack.
I had such a great week at home, but seeing that nothing has changed, makes me realise that I'm meant to be over here for the time being. I have a purpose here, I have my dream job and really like discovering different aspects of my new life here. I loved getting to spend time with my friends and seeing my parents, but I'm excited to see what happens here.
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