Another day, Another Adventure

The road trip from our hometown to our new town is some trek (3 hours) and we pass some beautiful sights along the way. We've done the trip quite a few times now and every time we say 'gosh we have to go there some time' but every time we're just aiming at getting home... until recently. We specifically left home early to spend time stopping at all the places on our route. I mean yes we could have done them on separate days and we could have waited until Summer and not during an orange weather warning in the middle of winter in Ireland, but Yano yolo.

First stop was Mullaghmore in Sligo. I remember passing through here years ago on holidays but the main reason we went here was because from the main road you can see this incredible castle on top of a hill looking out to sea and we wanted to see it up close. Unfortunately, we couldn't go to the castle as its actually still in use with some people living there but we pulled up by the pier to take a walk and nosey around the village. Now I don't know if this is due to the weather warning, it being so windy we got blown over or if this village is always like this but it was DESERTED, like completely no one else around, all business closed no other moving people as we pulled up it felt pre-apocalypse. As we piled on all our layers (while fighting the wind) this beautiful collie came out of nowhere and sat beside us then proceeded to follow us around our whole walk, it was emotional leaving him. We took a walk down to the pier very briefly as the second we rounded the sea walls we were getting blown away but we had enough time to take some photos (which I don't have many as they didn't save for some reason) and spot a cat very randomly chilling on the rocks down by the water (he was okay I checked, just enjoying his trip to the seaside). We then went up the road a bit to take a quick walk along the beach before the clouds got even darker and our hands froze.

After this very cold adventure, we then went back on the road heading for Ballyshannon. Now no offense to the people of BS but gosh this is another deserted town. We took the quickest walk around looking for somewhere to eat (and pee) but everything was shut down and old so went back on the road heading out of town but came across a massive bridge that Richard just had to cross over (with me hanging on to him terrified of all lorries that went over us). On the bridge, we looked out on a massive dam which we had seen from the road and always wanted to check out so it was one thing ticked off in this place. 

We then went on to Donegal town, which was again a little bit of a let down as we expected it to be the heart of Donegal but it was more like the fingernail. We did find a lovely little cafe down an alley (not dodgey) and had lovely soup and sandwhiches before getting back on the road and heading home this time. 

This is what lifes all about isnt it? getting out their when ever you can and exploring, seeing and doing as much as you can. And we hope to do alot more of this. 

Christmas Community

I don't ever remember going to turning on of Christmas lights (due to either being a baby or being asleep, or both), so when I heard there was a big celebration here in our new town I knew we had to go. I'm a total Buddy the Elf when it comes to Christmas I'm excited soon as the clock hits 00.01 on the 1st of December and for the whole of the next month until after New Years, so its fair to say I was bouncing around all day.

We actually spent the day doing some of our Christmas shopping and going around the shopping centers with huge crowds and Chrimbo songs playing while we set off all the wind up singing snowmen, really had us in the spirit.
As it got dark, it got cold and we actually had the teeniest bit of snow so I mean it was a total Christmas miracle as we dawned our wooly hats, scarfs and big jackets and headed off with the crowds to the town square (very Miracle on 34th Street).

This was what amazed me, the huge amount of people in this quite smallish town, all gathering together to celebrate. The sense of community was really everywhere as all the local businesses had mini stalls set up outside their stores handing out mince pies, mulled wine, hot choco, soup & bread and cakes and so much more it was amazing. We've only lived here two months and it has felt like home from the first week, but this really made us feel like we belonged here as we awkwardly stood looking on at the stalls, people would invite us over to warm up with yummy spiced wine and wished us a Merry Christmas it was so lovely.

As we walked down the street to the market square with our cups of warm soup, passing all the kids playing and Jingle Bells blasting this was when things got really exciting. The crowd started to build and under the wooden gazebo, the most adorable and super talented kids performed amazing hip-hop routines. I mean they were teeny tiny about 5 or 6 years old and popping and locking like JasDeruloulo.

After all the performances, it was time for the big moment and we were actually very lucky to be standing in just the right place as, when the lights did come on, they were stretching above us like a blanket. After getting all the photos of the streets lit up, we watched Santa arrive in an old vintage truck then before the crowds got too hectic we made our way home (via the kebab shop).

It really was a Christmas community and we felt a huge part of it. 

Home 'Warming' Gifts

My Mum takes things literally. 

I recently came home from town to find this gift bag (not actual Gosh products) in my room (clearly from my mum). Inside was exactly what I have been looking for, large long lasting candles and scented melts, along with some incense.  Nothing feels more like home for me than relaxing with the lights off and scented candles or incense lit. Scented melts are a new thing I found after been giving a candle diffuser and finding out that these little-scented wax melts on top and fills the room with aroma.... Not just putting some essential oil on top and it burning. 

 The scented candles I was given are lavender and apple (very different), the melts are Tropical Retreat (kinda like soap) and incense are Sandalwood scented (warmly scented).

When we actually moved into our new apartment my mum hid a parcel and texted me later where to find it, and this is what I found. 

Again some more candles but again what I needed as I've loads of tea light holders but no candles to put in them at the minute. She also gave me another candle holder but this one is quite large so can possible fit some of the pillar candles from above in them. On it the quote says ' I love my home'. She also made these little name plaques which I hung in our bedroom... because Rich wouldn't let me hang them on the front door because 'its embarrassing'. 

Richards mum also gave us a gift of a huge mint plant which I asked her for as since meeting him I learned how they use fresh mint leaves in tea and its divine (and so healthy).  Also, she gave us a new jar of her delicious homemade jam which she wrapped up so nicely in this gorgeous jar. I love homemade and natural foods and that's one thing I really love about Rich's culture, they home grow a lot of products and then make them into many things.  

Lastly, but not least, From a good friend of my mums are this beautiful gifts. This kind lady had only met me once and gifted these amazing little pieces. A gorgeous elephant (my favourite animal how did she know) necklace, a beautiful Buddha with amazingly vibrant colours for good luck in our new home and some warmly scented incense. 

I can't wait to find more melts in different scents, lit up my candles and sit back and relax with some mint tea and jammy toast... before the pressure of college begins.