“Where are you from?” “Here.” “Where?” “Here. Dublin.” “No, but where are you really from?” “Dublin. I’m Irish.” “But where were you born?” “The Coombe. In Dublin.” “Okay but where are your parents from?” “My father’s Irish and my mother’s Spanish.” “I KNEW it!” I’ve had this conversation a truly astonishing number of times. Most…… Continue reading Being a Bit of Both
I love being able to express myself in writing. It feels more accurate somehow than speaking words. Talking for me can sometimes feel like playing tennis with a colander; I mean, it’s possible, I can do it, but it’s not ideal. The ball goes over the net, but just about. It goes where I want it…… Continue reading Falling Half in Love with Strangers
“Understand that friends come and go, But a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, For as the older you get, the more you need the people You knew when you were young.” My best friend turned thirty yesterday. She’s become something of a human…… Continue reading Thoughts On… Friendship
I had been in Japan only a few days when my brother suggested visiting Chichibu. “It’s beautiful,” he said. “You’ll love it!” I was happy to go along with his suggestion, seeing as he 1.) is my brother and b.) was living in Japan at the time, so I cheerfully agreed, and the following morning…… Continue reading Chasing UFOs at Chichibu National Park, Japan
There’s something about the term ‘settling down’ that makes me panic. What kind of a term is that? “Settle down.” It’s the kind of thing you say to people when they’re acting hysterically and won’t listen to reason. It’s what you say to a spooked horse, or a hyperactive child. Even on their own, neither…… Continue reading Settling Down
Once more from the top. St. Patrick’s Day is either referred to as St. Patrick’s Day or Paddy’s Day. Those are the only acceptable terms. St. Pat’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, any and all of the other variations… they make Irish people feel so unclean they need to scour with wire brushes just to scrape…… Continue reading St. Patrick’s Day from an Irish Perspective
If you ask anyone abroad what the national beverage of Ireland is, I would wager that they’re likely to say Guinness. After all, Guinness has been successfully plying their trade for years now – 258 years, to be exact – with Irishness as a large part of its brand persona. It has the harp, and…… Continue reading Spilling The Tea
I am going to say something today that you might dismiss as ridiculous hyperbole, but I promise you that I say it with utmost sincerity: There are few events in life as entertaining for a European as the Florida State Fair. Six years ago, on a whim, Scrubs and I parked our rental car in front…… Continue reading Freaks and Fried Butter in Florida, USA
Before I get to today’s more light-hearted post, I would just like to say thank you to everyone who read and/or commented on my last post. I was worried about people’s reactions, but everyone was thoughtful and kind. I was really touched by how people took the time and read and comment, even if they didn’t…… Continue reading Tangled
It’s the 8th of March. This day is important. This month is also important; after all, March brings with it St. Patrick’s Day. Or Paddy’s Day, if you prefer. Not Patty. Never Patty. Patty is a girl’s name, or what you call burger meat, or, apparently, an item of food covered in dough or batter. I…… Continue reading Ireland, I Love You But…
When Do I Get The Manual? 