Bloom, Clare & Pride with a touch of Fuerteventura

The following Wednesday, I had won tickets for a screening in Dundrum for Me Before You thanks to the RTE guide, Niamh and myself made most the of the weather and our day off before heading to the cinema for the movie. There was a pre-screening drinks reception which was fun to have a glass of bubbly before the movie. Before the movie I was skeptical if I would like it or not, to both our delight, we laughed and enjoyed the movie more than we thought we were gonna, which made the effort getting out to Dundrum worth it.  

The June Bank Holiday weekend, our mother came to visit that Friday for the weekend, as our mother, Niamh and Niamh's Bestie Clodagh were all doing the VHI Women Mini Marathon on the Monday. I happened to be off the Saturday and we decided we go to Bloom in the Park as our mother had got 2 tickets thanks to our cousin Louise winning them and the two girls bought their tickets at the gate. So after entering the complex, we soon realised how massive the place was. We firstly ended up somehow in the Red Zone where all the food exhibits were, before we knew it we all were eating our way around the place, before we decided that we should really check out the Show Gardens, the whole reason we went to Bloom. On route to them, Niamh got her claws around the Tarzan who was there at the garden, which was inspired by The Legend of Tarzan and to promote the new Tarzan movie and made sure she got a photo with him. At one of the show pieces, Bridge The Gap, our mother got chatting to an assistant of the designer who introduced her to Matthew Barrett, the designer of the piece which was designed at the Chicago Park District Conservatories. The concept of the design features 2 living sculptures that can be seen as 2 sides of a bridge, yet they do not connect. One sides features material known for its Irish heritage and history and the other side for plant material seen in Chicago. After seen all the various show gardens on display, we all discussed which we all liked the best and we each had a different favourite, sure the joys of personal opinion. Once we were done with the gardens, we ended back with all the food stalls and such, it was like we were drawn back. I ended up getting a Teeling Whiskey Red Leg Rebellion Cocktail as the sun and weather warranted one to help quench my thirst and any excuse to enjoy myself. It was while at the Teeling stand that Niamh got chatting to the owner's parents, who introduced us to Stephen.We all bought a few items before leaving Bloom after an interesting fun day. We topped off the day with dinner and drinks in a pub nearby to where we live and even Paddy joined us for a drink to. 

As I was working the following morning, my mother and the 2 girls had to collect their WMM numbers and details from the RDS, so I met them after work down by the 3 Arena where the Docklands Riverfest was on,  which had several tall ships on display but the whole event wasn't greatly run or organised which was a pity.  

 The morning of the Mini Marathon, there was a awful downpour of rain, which luckily enough cleared just before the marathon was due to begin. Talking to the 3 of them separately during the race, as all 3 were in different sections and they all said that it was harder to run in due to the dry humidity and lack of air and were all relieved and Niamh in particular who was getting her time engraved onto her medal, was happy and pleased that she managed to actually beat her time from last year despite finding it harder due to the changeable weather and dead dry heat. I was so proud of her for finishing yet another mini marathon. After we all had a few drinks in the pub, I was keeping seats for them in nearby to the finish line, Niamh and myself brought our mother and Clodagh towards the Green Bus for the long bus journey home back to Ennis. To finish off the bank holiday, Niamh and I ordered a Chinese takeaway to relax and chill; and for poor Niamh to try get over the aches and pains from the mini marathon. 

The night before Niamh's birthday, and somewhere she wanted to see and experience, after the time Paddy and I told her about the place, was the Open Gate Brewery at Guinness. Where for the 6€ entrance fee for the ticket which I had bought online earlier that morning, Paddy and myself had a tasting slab of 4 different beers each to try. We both agreed that the Strawberry porter brewed for the Taste of Dublin was our favourite, even though we picked  slightly different choices, we had both picked that one. Despite the weather, I met Niamh at Dublin Zoo after work on her birthday which is a standing birthday tradition we have for her birthday. Niamh was waiting for me at the zoo, when she arrived there it was sunny, but by the time I hopped on the bus to Phoenix Park it had started pouring. Luckily not long after I entered the zoo and met her, the weather started to clear up slightly. The new Orangutan Forest Habitat had finally opened that week, it was kinda awesome to see the family of Orangutans climb over your heads  from one island to the brand new island and back over. It was nice to see that the new habitat was so much bigger than the old ones and the animals actually looked happier in it too. Since our last trip, we noticed that they had moved some of the animals around, such as having all the Asian lions out in 2 separate habitats next to each other and moved the Sumatran tiger near to the Amur Tigers. We watched the Sea lion keeper talk and feeding which never disappoints. We strolled around enjoying the African Savanna, which was with a touch of sadness, when we got to the Gorilla Rainforest as it was our first trip since the passing of Harry the Male Silverback and leader of the pack. 

  The Meerkats in the restaurant, lifted our spirits from the sudden change in the weather again with another downpour, as the Meerkats were playfully messing about and fighting with each other which was so cute and funny to witness and watch. For Niamh's birthday I got her the Annual Pass to the zoo as she loves going to the zoo. The following morning, she went home for a few days as she had holidays from work. On the Monday, our Mother and Niamh went on a road trip down to Cork and Fota Wildlife where she  was able to use the Annual pass to get into the Wildlife park there for herself and our mother for free. Unlike the weather that Niamh and I experienced at the Zoo on Saturday, they were lucky with the weather they had during their visit to Fota. 

On the Tuesday, Paddy, Myself and his cousin Rob went to the 3Arena for the NXT Live! event, which funny enough was my 2nd wrestling event in 3 months, it seems Paddy is having an effect on me. We made use of the Neon Bar within the arena. We all enjoyed the event,  especially when Bayley and of course Finn Balor entered into the ring, both got a warm Irish welcome. Finn Balor entrance out got the whole crowd on their feet, shouting and chanting his name giving him a proper welcome home. 

 Niamh had won tickets to the Taste of Dublin for the Saturday afternoon slot, but with a last minute holiday booked to Fuerteventura  for our mother and Niamh and with my flight out to join them not until Monday morning. I made use of the tickets bringing a mate from work along for the ride. A particular highlight of the day was doing the Lynda Booth's masterclass where I made a Spinach and Chickpea Pattie, it was quite interesting, interactive and fun and the resulting product was tasty even if I say so myself. For taking part in the class, everyone got to keep the apron which was nice. The demonstration which Ross Lewis  did in the Main Tent was funny when he took the piss out of fellow chef Paul Kelly. There was a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere throughout the place which helped me to enjoy the Taste of Dublin even more and sure the food and drink helped too. 

                          

I got the Aircoach from the city centre at the middle of the night, I was at the airport so early even security hadn't opened as yet, which it did at 3.30am. After getting through security and as per my luck getting the usual pat down, I made my way towards duty free but nothing was open as yet until 4 am, which at that stage I got the mandatory Pint as for me it was still night time as I hadn't been asleep as yet. I made my way closer to my departure gate after relaxing over my pint and I was in time for a strong coffee before boarding. The flight itself was grand enough that I was able to nap for different periods during the flight except for a bit of turbulence towards the end. As soon as I was off the plane which was about 10 am I was hit straight away with blinding sun and heat of over 25 degrees which was a pleasant changed compared to the rain back home. As I just missed public bus towards Caleta de Fuste, I got the taxi to the apartments which our mother and Niamh were staying at. Soon after a quick brekkie and unpacking, I was soon joining the 2 women down by the pool in no time making most of the sun during my short getaway. My first night in Fuerteventura, after some food outside, we went to Piero's Cafe to see some of the nightly entertainment, which they had seen the previous night. The entertainment that night was a brother and sister duo, Katy and Paul Gillies who were doing Songs from the Movies, which was very funny, entertaining and great way to finish my first night. I was soon to realise the next morning and every morning after, it would be an early rise to make sure, we got the sunbeds the women wanted by the pool side and make use of me as I was there too. After sorting that out and food, it was time to go exploring around the marina, the beach and the castle, so see what the area had to offer. After which we chilled poolside to catch more of the sun and for me to catch up on the latest episode of Game of Thrones on my iPad which was a different way to watch the show, out in the sun, pool side and on my iPad but I needed my Game of Thrones fix. Socialising with some of the people we got information where to go eat and where to go which was helpful, as we all had to walk exploring when on holiday, to try the walk out to the Altantico Shopping Centre which was 2.5 km away, as the weather was perfect early Wednesday morning, we decided sure why not which was actually quite pleasant to do. On the return walk which went back via the beach and ended up playing a round of mini golf. As the game went on, and the course was more difficult then we figured partly due too to the strong breeze which had arrived from no where, any reason to start a fight over it was pointless as we ended up laughing about it instead. That evening we went to a local Irish bar, to get dinner but more importantly to watch the Ireland-Italy Match, and when Robbie Brady scored that goal many glasses were broken with everyone shouting and cerebrating the Irish win which amazing to watch and unbelievable. Thursday, my last full day there, My mother and me went on the hunt for Sangria which had become our holiday tradition, luckily we found a place that it was reasonable and surprisingly was quite nice. After enjoying the sun that afternoon, Niamh and myself went out for our dinner together which was properly the best of the week, before enjoying more of the entertainment at Piero's Cafe and the Beer garden which was hosted by the Best Disc Jock-ey in a Frock-ey DJ Diva who was so funny and got everyone laughing and up dancing. I of course got dragged up on the stage which had everyone and especially me laughing which was the main thing. It was a late enough night, so as I was up early the next morning, luckily enough I had packed the previous night. The 2 women dropped me off at the taxi rank on their route to the beach, I was at the airport and through security in no time. How Fuerteventura airport have laid out their smoking areas, I was able to enjoy a few last minute rays of sun before I had to board the plane back home. 

The flight was a lot smoother then the one out but the landing was a tad bumpy. As soon as I was off the plane I knew I was back as it was pouring out. I got the bus back into the city centre where I met Paddy and we went to the cinema to see the new Independence Day Resurgence movie, although both of us thought it wasn't a patch on the original, it was nice to spend some time just the two of us together. The following morning, which was Pride, we had a Champagne breakfast and made our way into town, where we met Paddy's sisters Clare and Fiona, Cousin Rob and Clare's GF Sheila, near to the Parade starting line, as we were marching with the Eir LGBT helpline float, who Clare helps out with and was particularly big this year as Eir had just commenced sponsoring the helpline which was major, and we helped give out free stuff to people watching along the parade. After the parade finished at Merrion Square, we stayed about for awhile for some of the post parade entertainment before making our way towards 37 Dawson st where Eir were holding a post parade Volunteer event which was very organised and lovely gesture as they supplied an open bar and free food for us all. After a few hours Paddy and myself got the bus home and left the rest of the gang to enjoy their night. We were very lucky with the weather and the general atmosphere of the parade and buzz about the place which was great to see and be a part of.

            

We all spent most of Sunday recovering from Pride and Niamh was still exhausted after landing back home about 3 am in the morning as the flight back home was delayed leaving Fuerteventura. After watching the Ireland France match, Paddy and myself got ready for our trip down to Cork and then our few days down home to Clare. We got the train down to Cork, where the highlight was our little visit to Fota Wildlife Park, where we both enjoyed how some of the animals such as the lemurs were roaming around the park freely which was cute and fun to watch. Before getting on the long bus journey to Clare, we got some Nandos as you do, which set us up nicely for the journey. 

When we finally arrived into Ennis, we were met at the station with a warm welcome from my parents. It was Paddy's first proper trip to Clare besides a day trip to Lahinch years ago, so we happened doing all the fun touristy trip around North Clare. We spent that first night just all chilling together. My Dad took the Tuesday, the next day off from work, to drive Paddy and myself around for the day, which I was really appreciated of him doing for us. Despite the weather not been the best and at periods the rain was coming down badly, this didn't dampen our moods or motivation to get this boys on tour started. First port of call after the breakfast my dad had prepared for us, of course was Father Ted's Parochial House which is located in the heart of the Burren itself. As we were within the Burren, we stopped off next at the Poulnabrone Portal Tomb, a famous megalithic tomb and see the famous Flora that are in the area. As we were near Doolin, we stopped for a pit stop and lunch before continuing with the drive down the coast on route towards the Cliffs of Moher. By the time we got to the Cliffs, the rain had stopped and the sky had cleared with even the sun making an appearance, which  gave us a perfect view of the Cliffs. Paddy's was delighted to finally get to the Cliffs which he always wanted to see, therefore I was relieved that the view was ideal for us. We decided sure why not to continue our coastal drive down through Liscannor, Lahinch, Spanish Point and Miltown Malbay, before showing Paddy the infamous Bog, that he has heard so much about, on the route back home. We were all wrecked by the time we got home, we all rested a bit, before the family dinner spread that my parents had laid out for us, for everyone except me, the awkward vegetarian who they had also catered for, was roast beef. The following morning after one last big feed before our departure into town, to catch the green bus back to Dublin and reality was via a very quick visit to my Auntie Siobhan. The perfect way to finish off my holidays was with the visit down to Clare and that I got to finally show Paddy, Clare and where I am from. He enjoyed his trip down so much, that he would love to make another one in the near future.  

Going the Extra Mile

After a last minute swap at work, I was able to support +Niamh, my mother and Clodagh, who were doing the VHI Women Mini Marathon. Before the start of the 10km, we went via the Mansion House, so Niamh was able to collect her t-shirt for Laura Lynn and also gave me a final chance to have a sneaky look inside. Of course the girls had to have a picture taken outside of the Mansion House before the race. Niamh and Clodagh had entered as joggers, so set off about 15 before my mother did, so I waited until she started and decided to walk with her to keep her company. However at UCD I saw Niamh and called her as she was about to pass the 6 km point mark. In the process of chatting with Niamh, I lost my mother and tried to find her again and finishing the chat with Niamh. so somewhere between the 5km and 7 km I lost both of them. I tried running to catch up with Niamh, with the calls I had with her, I just seemed to be about 0.5 km behind. At least at the finishing line, we  were able to find each other just about. All of them finished faster than last year and should be very proud of completing the 10 km especially this year in that horrible wet and windy weather. Well done girls!

As the weather was so nice on my day off on the 9th of June, decided to make the of most of it having a summer themed gin based cocktail over lunch at Yamamori, before going shooping to get some last few bits before Niamh's birthday. Somewhere between the Brother Hubbard, Panti and Oscars, I managed to lose my shopping, which would only happen me. As we were both off the next day, we decided to celebrate Niamh's Birthday a day early and go to the zoo and experience the brand new Sea Lion Cove.

Despite a slight queue at the entrance, once we were inside the zoo, it was off a flying start as the weather cleared up and the sun came out. We got to enjoy all the new habitats and baby animals dotted around the zoo. Between the sun, playfulness of the animals especially the penguins, sea lions and rough housing of the monkeys, Niamh seemed to be having a chilled out birthday day out. As the weather was so nice, we strolled back into town and stopped in Oscars Smithfield for a drinks and meal which was scrumptious especially the Maltster cheesecake which topped the day perfectly. When we got home, I gave Niamh her birthday card and her present, A necklace, bracelet and watch set.

I met Niamh after work on her birthday, for an early evening birthday meal at a place she wanted to try for ages, FX Buckley, where I was able to surprise her with a birthday desert which was nice to see the surprise on her face. For Saturday Niamh had won free finger food and private booth in Whelans which made a pleasant change.

After a busy weekend in work, was nice to chill and actually enjoy Bloomsday for once. We spent a lot of it, at Meeting House Square for songs, performances and reading from Ulysses which was hosted by Panti Bliss. Later in the week I was finally able to hear my friend Graham J Norton sing live at the Sugar Club. I was just blown away by his voice, his whole gig was captivating from start to finish, especially his debut single Life on Mars, his duet with Mary Coughlan Under Clery's Clock and an original I Miss You Most on Sundays. Graham is someone to watch.

 

 Our Parents arrived up on Friday the 19th for my father's birthday, luckily enough Niamh was able to meet them off the bus, as I was working late. I of course met them all for a quick after work drink before the walk home. I managed to have the apartment kitted out with banners, balloons and have a birthday cake waiting, which I was able to have lit before my dad got into the apartment. He was surprised and delighted as he wasn't expecting it. The following morning, as we waited for Niamh to finish work, my folks and myself decided to do the +Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour. My parents did the Small Batch tasting one and I did the Trinity small batch on. Our guide Maire, was very informative, funny and helpful. After our whiskey tour, we checked out the nearby food markets before heading to Christchurch for the Dublin Garden Festival, which had some impressive food carts and other various stalls. We meet Niamh for lunch near Temple Bar, although the musician was very good, the food on the whole was below par and over priced, so shocker really for the location. We made use of the sun by walking down Quays towards Sir John Rogerson's Quay which was hosting the Mexican Navy vessel, ARM Cuautémoc for the weekend with free entry. We ended up doing a pub crawl on the way back home, finishing it with a takeaway pizza and of course a night cap. The following morning being Father's Day, we gave our dad, his card and presents to celebrate, before eating and relaxin prior to our parents getting the return coach back to Ennis. We all agreed was such a lovely weekend, especially getting the opportunity for all of us to hang out together.

New Beginnings

With the excitement of Italy behind us, we came home to the joys of accommodation hunting which was proving difficult separately and +Niamh starting her new college course in Healthcare Informatics. When we started to look for a place together, although still hard was more promising. We still had time to enjoy ourselves, with a reception at Harvey Nichols and cinema tickets to see Before I Go To Sleep in Dundrum. My weekend off, was a quiet affair, just spent watching Clare U21 hurlers winning 3 in a row All Ireland titles, followed by a day spent at the zoo, as Niamh put it baby hunting, which was more fun than I thought it was gonna be.

 

After a few weeks with no luck, it all came together on Wednesday the 17th, when despite Niamh ringing a particular estate agent that morning with no luck, I chanced my arm ringing after work at 3. I got a call back just before 4, for a viewing 30 mins later, which couldn't have suited us any better. We nearly fell in love with the apartment as soon as we entered it. I couldn't have ran any quicker to the ATM and back with the holding deposit. On Friday lunchtime, after spending the previous two days packing up my life, we signed our lease for our place and got the keys, which was a great relief after a stressful few weeks. As I had time to kill after unpacking, I decided to make most of culture night, and finally go see the Freemasons buildings on Moleworth Street, a building which has eluded me over the years as their open days never suited me until now. Despite getting totally soaked to the bone, once inside, from the onset it didn't disappoint. Over the 3 levels, the history of the Grand Masonic Lodge was everywhere to see and the Freemasons themselves were on hand to answer any questions. I ended up spending longer here, then I had initially planned. On the route home, as Niamh had ordered thai takeaway, I made a slight detour into the city hall exhibition. An exhibition I was not willing previously to pay into, once inside my reservations were correct, as this exhibition is not worth any price of admission. 

Our parents made the journey up that evening for the weekend, which was nice that the whole moving in was quite the family affair. Whilst I was working all day Saturday, which itself was an ordeal with no delivery and the never ending queues. At least the parents and Niamh had a more enjoyable day, spending it at the zoo at the request of our mother, who not been there in 20 years. However it was poor Niamh's second trip in less than a week. After their eventful trip to the zoo, they strolled from the Phoenix Park towards Collins Barracks museum, which neither of our parents had been to before. Just before exiting the park, Niamh attempted to give 2 strangers directions and somehow they ended up inside the new criminal courts. By Saturday night, both Niamh and myself had moved out of our old places and unpacked and moved into our new one.
                            

After a few technical issues with our UPC order, over the weekend, through social media on Monday and early Tuesday morning, I received the horizon box and got everything sorted, now the place really feels like home. On Friday, our mother decided to visit for the weekend again, which was starting to turn into a habit, arriving just after 11.30pm. The following day, we got up and took her by her request on a hop on hop off tour, which I managed to get on Living Social for 7 euro each for all 3 of us. My mother and myself meet Niamh outside the Little Museum on St Stephen Green, who came after college that morning. The ticket to the museum was included as part of the hop on hop off tour one. Our mother really enjoyed the guided tour of this particular museum, we followed this by continuing on the bus tour, followed by the Docklands one, which Niamh and me hadn't done previously and was a pleasant surprise. Disembarking at the Grand Canal, we strolled over to George's Dock, where Oktoberfest was on. The crowds and the atmosphere was electric and the first time I've drank a Stein glass of beer. This was a nice way to finish a week off work and settling into the new place.

 Things were definitely on the way up, as on October 4th, it was time finally to see +Ed Sheeran in the +3Arena Dublin. Im not sure who was more excited myself or Niamh, and this after we both saw him, the May Bank Holiday Monday in +Vicar Street. Ed really knew how to get the crowd going, which made the whole experience electric. Just like the intimate gig at Vicar street, we left the gig singing all the way home. 

Getting used to our surroundings, we noticed the historical structures, churches and buildings nearby on James and Thomas St, such as Guinness' St James' Gate of course, St Patrick's Smock Tower, St Catherine Church site of Robert Emmet execution and John's Lane Church where there a relic of St. Nicholas and the twelve statues in the niches on the tower are the work of James Pearse, father of Padraig Pearse.

Christmas / NYE 2013

The season of giving seemed to begin early this year, when on Friday 22nd my mother rang to tell she just won tickets to see 30 Seconds to Mars, and then within minutes, managed to get Dublin Zoo tickets for just 5 euro each for myself and Niamh. I some how was onto a roll, as I got nearly all my Christmas Presents bought that afternoon too. So the following day, both Niamh and myself were excited as finally after months of waiting, the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, the Day of the Doctor was being aired. We decided, we wanted to experience, the atmosphere of the audience in a cinema. So we got our tickets for the Savoy, the buzz around the special was great even with the movie screen. We both agreed it was the right choice to have seen it at the cinema.
On Monday, with tickets in our hands, we made our way to the O2, to go see 30 Seconds to Mars via Harry's Bar. The support act You Me at Six were very entertaining and got the audience fired up for the band. 30 Seconds to Mars lead singer Jared Leto is a real showman, and knew how to entertain the crowd and made the concert very enjoyable. We were very glad, we were able to be there.

 As we were going to the Zoo the following day, I stayed the night at hers. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day even despite the winter breeze. We finished our day with dinner in town, and lucky we managed to get home before the rain got too bad.

Later on that week, I booked my train home for the following weekend and to my surprise, Niamh told me she was able to go home that weekend too, so booked the same train. It was turning into a Christmas filled weekend, with most of presents now wrapped, food ordered for the house Christmas dinner and finally hearing the An Post Walking in the Air advert. To top it off, December 1st, we as a house, all started to decorate the Christmas tree which was fun. 

The week started to fly, to my journey home, which was helped by receiving my first Christmas card which actually was from a customer in work, to me watching various different Christmas Movies. I meet Niamh at the train station, on Saturday morning 7th, for our trip home, which was special, as it was only opportunity for either of us to get home for Christmas, as we both working it. We were greeted at the station by our father, who brought us to see our mother. Hugs and kisses all around, so after a quick shop, off home to relax for a while before that evening's fun. To our pleasant surprise, they had already put up the Christmas decorations and tree for us, which we were both delighted with. 

Our parents had every little details arranged for us, even down to the kitchen table and our favourite Christmas foods. When everyone was home, and settled that evening, we all sat down for the dinner, with Christmas music even playing in the background. Like years gone by, I went up for seconds and maybe even thirds of the stuffing, I always did love my mother bread and potato stuffing. After dinner, we all chilled watching tv, catching up over wine, especially since, we all hadn't been home together since August.   

 

So before desert, Niamh and me, gave our presents to our parents, the highlight being, the double family crest we had made especially for them, to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. They were delighted with it, which made our night. We enjoyed the rest of the night, and we all agreed, possible one the best Christmas's we had in years.  

 The following day, as per traditional, we made our way out to our Granny's for the night. It was great to see her again, we gave her, her birthday and Christmas presents along with her Christmas dinner. She was over the moon, to see both Niamh and me, which was great. Doesn't she look fantastic for 91.

Like most things, things have to come to an end, so the following morning, we got the train back to Dublin and reality. As the week went on, and to my surprise, during one of usual searches online, I managed to grab tickets for the sold out, For the Love of Mrs Brown, that had become available that morning, thank you ticket master, was all I could think of. It was a great mid week pick me up, and also was great, as originally both Niamh and me had tried to get tickets previous but had no luck. So by the time Saturday 14th had come around, shock shock, our mother had won another competition. This time, this prize was unreal, as it involved a hotel in a 5 star hotel, 2 tickets to see André Rieu and then meet him afterwards. I lucky enough had enough time, to meet Niamh and for us to make our way to Mrs Brown Boys after I finished work. The show was absolutely hilarious, the whole audience were in stitches. At one point, I was crying with laughter. After the standing ovations and such, the audience were surprised when a member of audience proposed to his girlfriend. Niamh had me laughing when she reminded me about the instance in the Gold Coast. This is becoming something of a habit.

On Tuesday 17th, our mother got the train up to Dublin, where Niamh meet her at the station, and I met them near Mayors Docks. We wanted to get rid of our bags, so we decided to leave them at the hotel, The Marker. To our pleasant surprise, our room was ready, and it was only 11.30 am. So we went to the room, which was exquisite, got somethings ready before heading into town to go shopping.

 On our return, our goodie bag which included the tickets and various CDs and DVDs. We then prepared for our night ahead, beginning with a dinner in The Brasserie in the hotel. We had a glass of wine before making our way to the O2, whereas Niamh made use of the hotel spa and pool facilities, which she told us were amazing.

We arrived with time to spare, so we went into the priority blueroom bar, which I had pre booked online. Then made our way to our seats, we had brilliant view of the stage and show. The Concert itself was out of this world, the whole production was brilliant, right down to the encore. After the concert, we were ushered back stage, where we met some of the soloists and finally got to met the man himself, André Rieu. Although he had a severely bad cold, he was an absolute gent and signed my scarf and posed for photos. It was surreal meeting him and we both agreed that it was a totally amazing show. 

The following morning, just after check out, I bought some Cronuts, which we had all heard some much about from tv shows and reading online, that we just had to try some. A Cronut is a croissant-doughnut pastry which was only invented this May in New York. I can understand the hype, as this pastry is just gastro-heaven. After leaving the hotel, we made our way to the docklands Christmas festival, where we had a festive mulled wine and enjoyed samba music from a local school. When the phone goes off, and mother gets informed she won a prize in The Loop competition, which was a pleasant surprise. After  we had dinner in town later that afternoon, we all said our goodbyes, and Niamh dropped our mother off at the Station on route home. It was great to see our mother, we all had a ball and must do it again soon.

On a recommendation of my mother, I entered a competition for the ballet, The Nutcracker, on in the Convention Centre. I got informed then Thursday afternoon, to my shock, I actually won tickets to it. It was my first time being in the Convention Centre, which is quite and impressive building. I was in the Stalls bout 6 rows from the stage and an amazing view. Monica Loughman's The Nutcraker had an elaborate stage production and costumes. The Nutcraker is a two act ballet with a score by Tchaikovsky. The second act music and ballet was just pure magic and so festive. The principle dancers of the cast were just amazing. It was a great production and cast, and really got one into the festive mood.

On Christmas Eve, both Niamh and me, met in town for a spot of food shopping and lunch. We enjoyed a carvey lunch in O'Neills on Suffolk street, whilst swapping our Christmas presents. After lunch Niamh got a nice surprise from work, had received annual leave for Christmas Day. We rounded our day off in town by enjoying a Christmas drink in No. 37 Dawson st before heading back to Niamh's to enjoy a relaxing Christmas. Somehow we managed to stay up till 4 am watching movies on TV and doing puzzles, who knew it could be so much fun, brought us back to our childhood. After a slight sleep in, we finally got up to prepare and cook Christmas dinner. We had a delicious dinner whilst watching Christmas movies on tv. We both ended up with food comas on the two couches and couldn't move. We just about recovered in time to watch the  Christmas  specials of Call the Midwife and Doctor Who, which was full of emotion and drama with the departure of Matt Smith as the Doctor. To round off this relaxing day, we watched the Mrs Brown Boys special before I had to get a taxi home, as both Niamh and me, were working St. Stephens day. 

By the time we next met up, on the following Sunday to organise and book our Belfast trip, I had won a pair of tickets for the NYE Dublin Festival at College Green through one of the sponsors Facebook pages. We managed to get a fantastic deal on a hotel for our Belfast trip, thanks to Hotels.com. The deal included 2 nights B&B at the Park Inn for 112 € instead of 224. 

NYE we decided to meet up for lunch and to make a day and night of it. So before we met up, I made my way to collect the tickets for the concert. We had lunch at Wagamama where the drinking shenanigans commenced. From here we walked to No.37 Dawson to continue our NYE fun. Niamh realised she might be freezing later, so we had to make a detour to H&M to buy a cardigan. After we made the short stroll to Dandelion to get our spot, to watch the Procession of Light which consisted of fire-breathers, slit walkers, dancers and a variety of other street entertainers which made its way down Grafton Street. The theme of the procession of light this year, was 'The light is on, come on in.' Once the procession had concluded, we made our way towards College Green to make our way into the concert area. We managed to get a great spot, just in time to see Seo Linn come on stage. As the night processed, and the remaining acts came on before Madness such as The Strypes, Ryan Sherdian, and MKS. Madness took to the stage in time for the countdown to 2014. Although the countdown itself was great craic, the concert on the whole and especially Madness, left something to be desired and definitely wouldn't be worth the money, if we had to pay for it ourselves. What made the night for us, were meeting strangers in the crowd and chatting with them. As was to be expected with a night like NYE, taxis were impossible to come by, we finally managed to get back to Niamh's about 3.40 am. Depsite the let down of the concert itself, the night was a great blast.

It was nice to welcome 2014 in a different way.