Festive Seasonal Fun 2015

After a last minute invite by my workmate Carol, I ended up going to the Jameson Cult Film Club event  at the Round Room in the Mansion House who were hosting a Ghostbusters themed night Thursday November 5th. Myself, Carol and I think nearly everyone there, were acting like such big kids. Everyone got complimentary Jameson and ginger ale and burgers, even I got a veggie one or two. The whole event was quite well laid out and the turnout was bigger than I had imagined.

 

That weekend, I got the first train home at 7am on the Saturday to Clare to visit the family. It had been months since my last visit home with one thing and another. The train journey home itself was uneventful which was ideal with the bad weather and how early it was. The weekend home as is always the way, flew by way too quick. It ended with visiting my Gran which was the main purpose for the visit home as she celebrating her 93rd birthday that week and I wasn't able to be there for the day itself due to work. It was great to see her as always. The bus journey back seems to take forever but at least went by smoothly. Although I couldn't get down for the birthday, Niamh had a few days off and made the journey down to be there for it. I still can't believe that she is 93 years of age though.

 I met +Niamh after work on Sunday 15th for brunch before heading towards Grafton Street and the turning on of the Christmas lights ceremony. The ceremony was preceded by a minute silence as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the Paris attacks. The lineup consisted of Hallelujah Gospel Choir, +ZENA Donnelly, Gaiety Panto cast, and The High Kings. After the lights were turned on, Hallelujah Gospel Choir and Zena closed proceedings with 'All I want for Christmas'. There was a large crowd for the event from St Stephen Green area down Grafton Street. Once the event was over, both Niamh and myself finally made our way down Grafton, which finally gave Niamh a chance to have a look at the Brown Thomas Christmas window display. And low and behold, what did she notice in one of the windows but her name on Santa's good list. We both laughed as its such a rare thing to see her name anywhere.      

 The following week, I received an invite from Arnotts for their Christmas Shopping Night. We both went after a day shopping in town and checking out the decorations in the GPO and on Henry st, so it felt like a good way to finish off the day. The event had cooking demonstrations, discounts off across the store, entertainment with Hallelujah Gospel Choir and David Kennedy and the refreshments in the form of Presecco with me drinking for the both of us, the bubbles were going to my head. On the whole was a fun way to spend an evening.

 

After work on the following Thursday, I made my way towards the I Believe Tree Lighting Ceremony located down by CHQ Building. I thought I might miss it, but due to a technical glitch I was there in plenty of time in the end. The 50ft Irish Christmas Tree in the water, was donated by Coillte and as it was switched on Córus choir sung nearby. I checked out the various stalls on the water and Kilkenny and Bord Bia stores within the CHQ building itself. From here, I hopped on the LUAS towards Smithfield for the free open-air concert at Smithfield Square.

  

The crowd were entertained by bands such as The Geddes who even did a cover of Adele's 'Hello'

and The Original Rudeboys before the Lord Mayor switched on the tree in the square. The evening's entertainment concluded with a few songs from Paddy Casey who hasn't changed that much since I first saw him during my college days in Galway. I waited for Niamh to finish work and she met me in Oscars for a late dinner which finished a long but well worth it day and also a great way to destress.

 Finally we thought, great we have a night free so we can go to Oscars Christchurch, and see the Freddie Mercury Impersonator. We didn't mind too much how late it was beginning but found out quickly how unprofessional and drunk the act was. We decided possibly after 15/20 mins to just leave and go home as things were just that bad. We weren't even the first to just walk either. We were disappointed as we had been looking forward to it.

Despite the disaster that had been the tribute act, I met Niamh in town after work the next day for the switching on of the O'Connell street Christmas tree. Niamh bought herself a Christmas Jumper and she had brought in mine with her for me to change into, so we could take part, in the world record attempt in the number of people wearing a Christmas jumper. The downpour didn't seem to put off the crowds and especially when it started to clear up slightly. As the event really got going, the crowds really started to gather, we were lucky with our spot for it. The MCS for it were Comedian Al Porter and Dustin the Turkey. The first act on was Melanie McCabe who sang a mixture of Christmas and Pop songs which included an Ed Sheehan cover.

Other acts on to entertain the crowds were the Dublin Gospel Choir, Olympia Panto's cast from Freezin who really got everyone laughing and singing along with a medley of Christmas songs. Before all the teenage girls in the crowd went mental for the boy band Hometown, who all seemed to know every word and lyric of the bands songs, it was quite funny and entertaining to watch. When the switching on ceremony was taking place, and Lord Mayor was bringing on someone to turn it on, the crowds kept shouting for Hometown to do it, even though they were the planned guests to do it anyways, it was so hilarious to experience. 

Despite there been over 1000 people taking part in the world record, it was short on the record of 1271 which was set in Dublin at the same event last year which is organised by Debra Ireland. There was a generally great atmosphere and buzz around the place leading up to and during the switching on of the tree. Afterwards trying to get photos taken with the Christmassy Characters was an experience in itself and showed us both, how much of big kids we really are.

As we took part in the record attempt, we got a free LUAS journey home that evening for the effort, which we of course made use of, after a quick drink of course first to try and warm our toes that were wet and frozen. Despite been totally wet and frozen, the whole atmosphere made up for it. After we got home and warmed ourselves up, we kept going with the Christmas fun, by putting up our tree and decorations, always forgetting the hours it takes to do so. 

On our both next day off, which actually was the next Tuesday, we decided to try and see more Christmas based things. There seems to be so much more stuff to see and do this year, just never enough time, isn't that always the way sure. So we got on the bus, towards Parnell Square for the Moving Crib which located in the basement of St Martin Apostolate. The entry fee in was a token donation and we both felt after it was the best 3 euro we spent for anything in ages, as neither of us knew what to expect. The layout of the whole thing was very well arranged and thought out. 

 Before heading towards Custom House quarter, we made a detour towards Power Court to check out the decorations and do some shopping on Grafton st. Despite the walk down towards the I Believe Christmas Market, the weather wasn't too bad however after we exited out of the Lidl Deluxe Magical Christmas Cabin, it had become quite windy. The Lidl Cabin although geared towards children, it really had quite a magical feel to the whole thing. We both left the cabin with such raised spirits and the free chocolate didn't hurt either. After the cabin we checked out the Bord Bia store and several of the stalls on the water before giving into temptation and buying several of the deluxe Lidl products, Hot chocolate with free piece of Praline bread for Niamh and a hot Mulled Wine for myself of course, both of which went down a treat especially with the wind getting so bad . As we were still there at 6pm, we thought we checked out the Après Ski bar which was a Scandinavian themed bar. The hot whiskey was what the doctor ordered and helped warm the auld cockles, before braving the wind to get the LUAS home.  

 

As I was off the weekend of the 5th, we planned to enjoy it with as much Christmas based events as we could fit in. We were afraid that Storm Desmond would get in the way, as I learnt on the way home on the LUAS from work on Friday night, he had planned to, as the LUAS line broke down by Windy Arbor due to a fallen branch across the line. After waiting in the rain for over 30 mins for a bus which didn't turn up, ended up getting a taxi home as the wind and rain was getting nasty. As the weather wasn't as bad as we feared, we started on our fun packed day, beginning with a visit to the +Teeling Whiskey Distillery Craft Fair enjoying the free samples as you do of course. After a quick look and buying a brownie in the Farmer Market The Green Door, next door we got the bus towards Grafton for the LUAS Christmas Express activities and the Canon Snow globe experience. The LUAS stationed at St Stephen Green was all decorated inside with Christmas decorations, free faceprinting, music, photographs and mince pies with Starbucks hot chocolate. We kept on with the fun theme, with joining the queue for the Canon snow globe for our Christmas Photo which was good laugh and fun. We went shopping stocking up on few bits essential for the festive season ahead and finished up with our Christmas Presents shopping, which is all wrapped and put under the tree.

 On our route home, we stopped off at +Smock Alley Theatre for their Christmas Fayre and enjoyed the musical stylings of +Tonnta Music who sang Christmas Carols. We headed home for a while to rest before heading out again and reattempting the 12 Pubs after coming so close last year.

 We decided to start with the same pub as last year, the Brazen Head. Particular highlights of the pubs were such as Dice Bar Star Wars themed Christmas windows, Turk Head's use of old spirit bottles as candle holders and randomly meeting workmates and other friends out in several pubs. It was a random if some what drunken night. It was with relief, we managed to complete it this year, and when I had 12th drink in the No Name Bar, of course had to take the celebratory selfie.  

 

After a well earned lay in of sorts, and with the hangover not as bad as I feared luckily. We got ready for the day ahead at Farmleigh. Despite the mucky ground in the Farmleigh Estate, the weather on the whole was on our side. As soon as we arrived, we heard the Mellow Chords singing Barbershop Melodies outside next to the Festive Crib. We walked though the Victorian Christmas themed experience out in the Courtyard which was quite fun and very well arranged. As we had time to kill before the Puppet Show, we thought we check out the Food and Craft Market. We got a few bits to eat as we hadn't eaten yet that day, The veggie quiche was only 5 euro and  it was such huge slice. We queued for the puppet show but as soon as we got in, we realised how badly organised it was and how inconsiderate some people can be that we just had to leave and enjoy the rest of the Christmas Programme. We joined the queue  at the front of the house, hoping it was the one Carol Service, as no one in it was quite sure but we all were hoping it was. After about 10/15 mins we were informed that they'd be letting us in 2 mins which relieved most of us. Once inside the house, we were able to have a self tour of the bottom level of the house before taking our seats in the Ballroom for the Carol Service, we got luck getting seats in the front row. The Carol Service was provided by the Christmas Cracker Choir who were thoroughly entertaining and great fun and was worth waiting outside for. We thought to finish off our day at Farmleigh, we get a free Horse and Carriage ride around the estate which was the perfect way to finish our Christmas filled day and weekend.

During a stroll around town on my day off, I came across the IFA live animal crib outside the Mansion House. The entrance is free, but donations were being collected for the Mansion House Fuel Fund. The black goat was so funny and overly friendly which was adorable to see and experience. With the premiere of the new +Star Wars film, The Force Awakens at the Savoy, the Spire was turned into a blue Lightsaber which was pretty cool to see and of course had to get my photo with a storm trooper, sure any excuse.    

 To round off our festive Christmas activities in Dublin before the holidays, we were lucky enough to be allocated 2 tickets from a lottery draw for the Farmleigh Christmas Ballroom evening with The Velvettes. The Velvettes are a vocal group based  on the classic swing combos of the late 1940's and early 1950's. The setlist was packed full of great American songbook classics made famous by Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and of course the required Christmas songs from that era, to get everyone in the festive mood. We both enjoyed the swing evening more than we thought, as we weren't too sure what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised, how much we got into the music and the band. It was a great way to get into the festive mood.

 

Xmas 2012

Thursday 6th, we got a pleasant surprise, when Niamh received Xmas cards from our Granny and our folks and surprisingly got a Christmas Card from her agency. It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. I needn't have felt left out as my Christmas cards arrived the next day along with a heart felt letter from the folks wishing us a Merry Christmas.

I met Niamh in town after her shift and we went christmas shopping, so after some searching, we found our tree and decorations. We made the journey home to excitely put it up and make the house christmasy. As we rushed out the door to get a few necessary supplies from Coles before it closed, what did I spy lying on our porch step, but two parcels, one for me and one for Niamh. So after quickly putting them into the fridge and dashing to the shop. We came home and excitedly opened our parcels, to find inside all the goodies one would miss from Ireland, Irish Cadburys, Hunky Dorys, Nestle, few Christmas Chocolates and to our expectant delight in each parcel was a Christmas decoration with our name on it, was really so cute and meant so much.

On the Saturday, we decided to make the trek towards the River Stage in the Botanic Gardens, for the Lord Mayors Carols in the City Concert, starting at approx 5.30 pm with a pre-show and the Main evemt beginning about 7.30, with artists such as Marina Prior, Troy Cassar-Daley, Belladiva, Christopher Wayne, New Empire, amongst others performing that night. The venue was at Capacity from early on, with thousands in the venue and a queue outside still trying to get in. One of the highlights of the evening, was witnessing the Jingle Bells Aussie version, we were in stitches.

On the Sunday, We decided to continue this wave of celebration by going to Brisbane Square to the Chanukah in the city, for the celebration which was the lighting of the Menorah. It was an interesting experience to witness. To round off the night they had the International Mini - Bike Stunt Team perform, who came to prominence on Australian Got Talent reaching the Semi Finals. To round off this evening we had a skype call with our folks and Granny, who it was great to see and talk to.

After our routine coffee, at our local spot, Gloria Jeans, we decided to go shopping once the rain had ceased . We had to go jeans shopping for one of us, coughs Niamh, on the hunt for her annual Christmas outfit. After we found a nice cheap pair, some how we ended up in Pandora, where Niamh got her Aussie charm, a kangaroo one, for her bracelet. Later on in the week, we decided to go to cinema, we managed to get cheaper tickets online, and we saw Pitch Perfect, which was an hilarious comedy with a catchy soundtrack. Niamh through the cinema app and membership managed to get 4 dollar medium popcorn.

On Friday, I met Niamh at Central Station, after her shift, on our way up Queen Street, we stumbled upon Betty and the Bettys, who were performing on the specially constructed Xmas Stage. One of the highlights was their version of 12 Days of Christmas and Wishing you a Merry Christmas, which had us and the gathered crowd in stitches. Been one of the highlights so far of the festive season.

We went out for dinner, ended up in Wagamama in the Wintergarden, I tried my regular dish Yasai Katsu Curry which was I found even nice than home. We tried and shared sweet potato kubasi side after it was recommended by the waitress and agreed was yummy. From here we made our way out on the Mall, to get an observation spot for the Myer Christmas Parade, which was to followed by a Pantomime in  King George Square where also a twilight Indie Market was taking place. The Parade itself, actually had real live animals taking part such as camels for the 3 wise men, sheep, Donkey for the Virgin Mary and of course a few reindeer to pull Santa's Sleigh. Other acts included Little Drummer Boy, Dance Troupe, Brass Band, Marching Band, Carol Singers, Story telling, Aerobatics and of course no Aussie Christmas parade is complete without Jingle Bells Aussie Style. The Pantomime involved a story around the Little Drummer Boy. Once the panto was finished, Santa made his way in his sleigh towards the Myer Center, where people got a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer. I felt like such a kid, getting the opportunity to touch the reindeer and their antlers, which felt a bit like velvet.  

Procession of Christmas Animals

Cirque du Brisbane

Santa and his Sleigh

In the excitement for our return trip to Dreamworld and heading to Whitewater Theme Park Sunday 16th,  we ended up buying tickets to WB Movie World Theme Park (VIP Pass) and White Christmas for this Thursday to celebrate Christmas, food, show and all.

After a slight detour, we finally made it to Whitewater World, and Dreamworld. First thing we did was check out the Kung Fu Panda's Land of Awesomeness, newly opened ie the day before. First ride of the day was the Skadoosh Bumper Cars, lots of bumping and crashing into each other. Niamh was out for revenge. Ironically karma bit her in the ass, as she got rejected from Kung Fu Academy, oh well. After this, we queued to go on the new thrill ride, Pandanonium. Of course, when it was my turn, the ride was on the hard cycle, which sends you round and round, side to side and upside down at up to 3.8 G-forces. Soaring eight metres high under the watchful eyes of the mighty dragon, only martial masters will be able to outlast theses 150 seconds of kung furious pandemonium. Pandamonium is one of the Big 8 Thrill rides in Dreamworld.

                 Pandamonium

As I was on an adrenaline rush, I decided to go on the Big Claw right after. We decided to go to the water park after this, however we got sidetracked on route towards the Cyclone roller coaster ride, which actually goes through the water park. Once in the Water Park, we got a quick bite to eat and souvenir drink cups, which we got unlimited free refills as we are pass holders and can use the next time we go to Dreamworld/Whitewater World.

The afternoon in the water park, reached a temperature of 30 plus degress. Once we had ourselves organised, stuff in the locker and creamed up we went on the Green Room ride. The Green Room towered 20 m above the ground which accelerated us through a 75 m tunnel to a 15 m funnel before literally dropping out. Ye are thrown into the upper hemisphere off back to back vertical banks before a neddle nose splashdown. After a quick recover and ejecting from the 4 clover shaped raft, we made our way towards the Temple of Huey. Where we got our donut rings and went on both the 2 Broken Heads and Cut Snake. 2 Broken Heads was fast and a thrill. The Little Rippers was a cannon bowl of fun, I nearly got stuck duelling with the ride but was all go in the end. From here we strolled towards The Bro which consists of a race head first into a maze of twists and turns. We decided to chill and swim in the Cave of Waves when horn beep for the next onslaught of waves, which was class. Towards the end of the afternoon, we managed to get on to The RIP ride where again the tube was a clover shaped raft, and it was full on carnage, crazy fun. We just about managed to get on Super Tubes Hydrocoaster before the park closed at 5 pm, this was a pretty full on water coaster ride and was a highlight of the day.

On route home, we got off at central station to get a bite to eat in a restaurant on Queen st called Jo-Jo's restaurant, oh my, where do I begin, I ordered Tofu Thai Green Curry but it came with also pieces of chicken, lucky I noticed before I had any. The manager refunded me the cost with his apologies. So as a treat we got some Danish ice cream and got to see the Menorah fully lit, prior to getting the bus home.

An early but excited rise, to make our way to Park Road,to catch the Gold Coast train towards Helenvale Station, which is the nearest station to Movie World, where we got a bus. On route we passed Wet  n Wild and in awe we saw the crowds queuing to get in, which was something unreal. We were counting our lucky stars that we weren't going there then. Once we entered Movie World, we got started queuing for the rides. The first queue we joined was the Batwing Spaceshot, once I was strapped into the ride, there was no going back, it literally shoots 60 metres into the air at a 4.5 G of extreme power. It was an out of this world experience to say the least.

After I exited this ride, we both hopped on the Justice League ride which is an 3D interactive ride experience. We both quite enjoyed this ride. We were on route to queue for The Superman Escape ride however was closed due technical maintenance, so I queued for the Arkham Asylum, in the past was called Lethal Weapon. Once the queuing time finally came to an end, I got strapped into the train which has electfying on-board audio, and the rocket speeds up to 85km whilst experiencing 4.2 G stomach churning inversions. We trekked to the other end of the park completely to go on the Wild West Falls Adventure, which is a water thrill action ride that contains a 20 metres drop at the end. We got completed soaked but was such a laugh. Perfectly on queue, on our way towards Main Street, we came upon Batman and his Bat Mobile on parade. I finally managed to persuade Niamh onto a rollercoaster, Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster which was inspired by the movie, has top speeds of 45 km, laser lightning and sound effects, was a spooky funtastic ride.

From here we decided to go collect our VIP passes for Movie World and sister theme parks. I tried once again in vain to get onto the Superman ride. We made the 2.40 pm showing of the Ice Age Mammoth Christmas 4-D in the Roxy theater, it was a cute funny yet bumpy wet motion experience. Along Main street  we encountered, Harry Potter Store, The Flash, Green Lantern, Marilyn Monroe among others.

As I was determined to get on all the thrill rides, we made our way towards the Green Lantern Coaster. The ride contains the steepest drop in the southern hemisphere, reaches heights of 33 metres, speeds of 66 km and 488 metres in length. Once I recovered from the Green Lantern, we went to collect our wristbands for White Christmas later that evening. We decided to try to get on Superman once more, as they were finishing technical tests, I managed to be there at the right time by getting on the first available ride. It was worth the wait, where the rides comes from 0 to 100 km in 2 seconds which was such a thrill.

We decided to rest for a small while before White Christmas, so we joined the wristband area. The opening of White Christmas celebrations commenced at 5.30 pm by the Christmas Fairy Princess. We went for dinner at Ricks Cafe for a Christmas Buffet dinner with free refills, we were so stuffed afterwards. When we came out on to Main Street, it was a superb sight with Carol singers, Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, and Lola Bunny. The countdown to illumination of the Christmas lights, which was an unreal sight. We decided to try get on a ride as we had some free time before the parade at 8pm, so went onto Justice League 3D ride. We got our spot for the parade along Main street. Whilst waiting we both got some free drink refills. The parade itself was such a christmasy sight and experience, full of Looney Tunes goodness. Once the Parade had ceased, the rides re-commenced for a few mins, and I managed to get on Superman Escape again even been allowed to skip to get on quicker as it was just me. The ride itself was a totally different experience by night, was more thrilling, fun and out of this world experience. Doing this roller-coaster at night was one of my highlights of all the rides. The journey home was in itself an adventure.    

As there was an advance screening of Les Miserables showing at our local cinema, we decided to go see it early Saturday afternoon. We managed to get a deal on popcorn and soda, well done Niamh. The movie was unreal, such an emotional beautiful piece of film. We managed to get last few bits we needed for Christmas dinner, for Niamh turkey one and my veggie roast one. Before getting the bus home, we decided to call into Irish Murphys for a Christmas drink. We left a Facebook comment on our mother page to wish her a Happy Birthday once it became the 23rd. Later we had a phone call with our parents and our granny.

Christmas Eve, to get into the Christmas spirit, we  went firstly to the Pancake Manor on Charlotte St, and shared a long stack, was so tasty after we went to see the Rise of the Guardians in 3D, was such a cute and funny movie. As we gotta home we watched Christmas shows and movies and relaxed which was nice. As the bells rang for midnight we exchange pressies with each other and had some of the chocolate, our parents had shipped over to us. Christmas Morning we received calls from our parents, granny, cousins and friends from home. We got up and began preparations for Christmas Dinner, me making the stuffing and Niamh preparing her secret potato mash. We were both stuffed, we decided to go for walk to South Bank and the beach, where it was all happening, packed everywhere.

I meet Niamh after her night shift on Thursday Morning, we went for a morning coffee where we decided to go see The Hobbit in 3D. Now just gonna wait till next year to see part two.