Vancouver Island-Vancouver-Dublin

This seems like a l.o.n.g time ago already!

I'm back in Kuwait and back at work. All that green hurts my eyes now.  

The day was mostly spent hugging friends and talking about holidays. Occasionally showing lost newbies around and, for rather too long, listening to loud animated voices trying to motivate teachers by showing them photos of Mr. Bean and sporadically shouting out names to check that everyone was listening. All that was missing was the red nose and clown shoes, but it was all rather (I've spent a long time thinking about the next word- fun/good/nice/inspiring...) easy.

Rock 'n' Roll

On my return leg from Vancouver, I stopped in Dublin for a few days to catch-up with my brother and his wife, and to run the Rock 'n' Roll half marathon.

At the time of registration this seemed like a great idea, but as I lined up for my bib number at the expo after a 14 hour journey, I was rather unenthusiastic about the event!

The day before the run I put on my trainers and went for a 15 min jog (more of a slog really...) to try and determine if I would be able to finish the 21km. I decided that I would be able to finish (note-being able to jog for 15 minutes is not an accurate gauge to see if you are ready for a half marathon!). It would be no personal best, but I would be able to get a medal at the end of it then have a guilt-free, indulgent celebration afterwards.

So, after rubbing a lucky lamp, I lined up for the inaugural race. As the music blared out of the speakers the adrenaline started pumping around my body, and in a style similar to the wise tortoise, I was off!

The majority of the run took place in Phoenix Park and for a while I actually was enjoying myself! The event was very well organised, apart from one of the few water stations running out of liquids and I was glad I hadn't feigned that illness (which was rather like bird flu or malaria...I hadn't quite thought out the details!) I would run it again and hope that next time I could encourage some running buddies to join me (Stuaaart!?)

Phoenix Park

 2 hours 19 minutes later I crossed the finish line, collected my medal and promptly had a banana and beer!

Big love to my brother, Stuart, who came to cheer and was the official photographer of the day!


I'm back home in Scotland now, still a bit jaded but happy to be in my own bed for more than a few nights and excited to share stories of adventures had. But first I have some washing to do!

Eating out in Dublin

My brother kept asking me what I wanted to do during my wee trip to Dublin, but I was just happy to wander around the city and stop for coffee and then wine breaks at street cafes and bars.

My favourite place was Porthouse on South William Street. We had the best table in the wee restaurant, tucked away in a nook of the room, with a suspended table full (although not for long!) with amazing tapas.

We were sooo full, too full to really enjoy the churro (a Spanish doughnut) with chocolate dipping sauce, but they were delish!

The Queenstown Story

By the time Dad and I left Ireland, we knew the CU Hospital very well...but not much else. We did take a wee drive to Cobh (said Cove) to have a wander round. Cobh (then Queenstown) was one of the last port of calls for the Titanic where 123 people embarked. It is also where the survivors of the Lusitania were brought in 1925 and were taken in to people's homes when hospitals were full. What a place!

All the colour buildings were very cute, however if you got close all the shops were closed or charity shops- a sign of the times in Ireland. Still, a pretty port town and gave us a wee break from fluorescent lighting

More from the wedding

me and my bro-the groom

When the favours are Jagermeisters, you know you are in for a party! The hats soon came off and the dance floor was flooded.

You can tell by the socks that things got a bit mad. I edited the photos - you miss me wiping the tears through my reading at the church and the arrival of the ambulance (all is OK-so don't worry). Sure signs of a great day!

Wedding Bells

My brother got married on Thursday in Ireland. It was such a happy day!

Congratulations Stuart and Emer Purdie!