Similar to my previous post, I will add the last few days’ highlights below. A summary of sorts, this method seems the best way of lumping things together without worrying too much about the exact dates. No doubt this format will change again in time, but works for now!

The Quiet Man

Last night in the kitchen, I said to the American that I felt full of life. More so than for a long while. Great to hear the words come from my own mouth. I was also at that moment full of burger, so we both sat down in the lounge to watch a film on my laptop called The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne. The film was shot at locations very close to the Airbnb property I’m staying at, so thought it would be fun to try and identify Connemara scenery as Mr Wayne strutted his stuff.

Before the film started, my American friend decided to spill his freshly poured beer all over the sofa and floor, so our screening was delayed. While we were mopping up, two other Airbnb guests (newly wed Russians on their honeymoon) walked through the lounge and asked if they could participate in the viewing.

Audience review: The film was good. Dated, but entertaining. We didn’t recognise much of the scenery, but I think that was because a lot of is was actually a studio backdrop! I thought I had the film sussed out within the first ten minutes, but it took a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting. Conclusion: A fun flick for idling in Ireland 🙂

The American and one of the Russians went back to their rooms. Which left the other Russian and myself to descend into a whiskey fuelled debate about how art and engineering are interlocked and forever inseparable. At around 4am we then drifted onto the topic of the dominance of Information Technology (I.T.) job vacancies in Ireland. The Russian knocked us both out with a brilliant summary, distilling the night’s conversation into one sentence and bringing the debate to a close:

He stood up and thrust his glass into the air to declare “but you can’t eat I.T. You can’t sit on I.T”.

Both nodding solemnly and happy with solving at least one of world’s most impenetrable conundrums that evening (although the precise conundrum escapes me), we went our separate ways to bed. I also took great delight in knowing it wasn’t me who had a 6 hour drive to look forward to in 3 hours time.

Disclaimer: I would like to blame this marathon evening on the Russian’s inability to pour sensible measures of Irish whiskey.

We have a breakthrough!

Today, I was told by my Airbnb host that he moves to California on the 31st August (only a few days away). The house needs looking after while he is gone. The house is on the market. As I am looking to stay in the area and am yet to find a job, “would I consider the offer of staying at his house for a very small, rolling, weekly fee?”

I said I would consider the offer, although, in all honesty, it is quite possibly the best opportunity for a step forward thus far and had to restrain myself from jumping to an instant conclusion without the due consideration.

I eventually told him he would have a deal if he would write a note on a utility bill to say that I was staying at his address (this is one of the three requirements for me obtaining a PPS number). He agreed. So I am “moving in” tomorrow, which is likely to take all of 5 minutes as I have very few personal items in my van, some of which will be staying exactly where they are (bike, for example!).

So tomorrow I sleep in a real bed after nearly 4 weeks of lying on a van floor every night. Surprisingly mixed feelings about this.

A real BED!

Tonight is the first night (29th August) of sleeping in an actual bed for a long while.
I brought my things in to the room earlier today, which took all of 10 mins due to having virtually no stuff to transfer from the van to the room, only some shoes, clothes and my rucksack.

I can’t help but feel sad that my van is alone on the drive when I see it through the kitchen window, on the drive and it’s raining. Quite an odd feeling, but completely genuine when I say I have an emotional connection with it after spending the last four weeks in it. The majority of my personal, thoughtful moments have been within that delightful metal container! In the bedroom I’m in right now, I’m ill at ease because I’ve trained my mind to be content within that small metallic space. Now I’m outside of it, my personal items are a little adrift and not all neatly in one safe, familiar place, but it’s the right decision.

My new room is bright and airy and has two windows, both overlooking the mountains. One for each eyeball I presume. I will sleep well tonight without the sound of rain landing on the roof – but will also somewhat miss that too!

Saturday 30th August

For the first time in a long while it didn’t rain during the night. I can successfully vouch for this because I was awake at least once every hour in my new bed. A real mattress and four brick walls was more of a shock to the system than I’d suspected.

I deliberately left the blinds on my windows up, because I wanted to be woken by the sun rising over the mountains, but this only accounts for an hour or so of the sleeplessness.

I got out of bed to the smell of waffles and french toast cooking. Waiting for me in the kitchen was the American, the Airbnb host and the two German girls. They gave me a round of applause at having surfaced finally at 9.30am (skillfully avoiding the breakfast preparation period) and I joined in with the massive spread on offer. Blueberry waffles and french toast with icing sugar, fresh coffee, tea, granola, yoghurt mixed with fruit, watermelon.

The American and I then went to play golf at Renvyle House Hotel. Payed €10 instead of €15 because 2 holes have been washed away in the sea. Would have happily payed the full €15 for the amazing, uninterrupted, 360 degree view of mountains and sea. Nobody else on the course, but us.

We kept playing until we lost our golf balls……. all 8 of them in the water and reeds. Amateurs.

Birthday imminent

I’m 30 years old tomorrow. I have no idea how to celebrate, as I’ll be knocking around in this big house on my own it seems, but whatever happens, I’m happy with where I am and everything I have achieved in my life up to this point. The question is really “what next”. I achieved what I set out to previously with my photography work and now feel this could be one part of possibly a bigger plan. Is a person allowed to realise more than one dream in a lifetime? Only one way to find out!

Anyway, being here is a celebration in itself, even if it is just me and a log fire!

Music on the iPhone:

Take me back by Ray Montford
You know you like it by AlunaGeorge (Dj snake remix)
Under the pressure by The War On Drugs

That will do for the blogging today. Any suggestions for pictures or stuff you’d like me to write about?

When this text turns red, I have added a link here to the next post!