Well, Hello there, Bono: St. Patrick's Day in Dublin!

I have been sent home early almost every day this week. I think everyone is a little on edge with their money because the last two months have been the record slowest for the Conrad. I haven’t heard anything about Social Welfare, but I will find out what my bonus was tomorrow. However, I did receive a letter from work saying I would be getting a 2% raise, which means I now make twenty cents more per hour. I wasn’t expecting anything since I haven’t even been there a year yet.

Kilmainham Gaol cell

Kilmainham Gaol

Site of executions (including Connolly, who was tied
to a chair because he was injured, ultimately angering
 the Irish people further)

Dale and I spent one inexpensive day at Kilmainham Gaol, where we learned about the sixteen rebels, most of whom who were executed in the Victorian prison after the 1916 rebellion against the British. Afterwards we stopped in at the National Art Gallery, which was inside the same former hospital that I worked an event inside for Roisin. The art was far too weird for both of us. Then we wandered through the English Gardens before making our way into Phoenix Park, which was nice in the distance, but had a lot of garbage strewn around up close.

The English Gardens at the National Art Gallery

Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park

On Friday Levente and I decided to use our extra time off to go see “The Book Thief,” which I’ve been wanting to see for ages since reading the book. On the way we stopped for smoothies, then chocolate crepes with whipped cream, all of which Levente insisted on paying for in exchange for Booster Juice, Canadian pancakes, and a place to stay when he visits Canada some day. I was happy to agree, but I think it’s more likely that we’ll go see another movie sometime and it’ll be my turn to treat. Nevertheless,  the gesture was much appreciated! It was a decent temperature outside, so even the wandering from place to place in Dublin was enjoyable. The movie itself was both very tragic and heart-warming, and I think just about as good as the book, which is rare.

On Saturday Sydnee and her friend Dan arrived for St. Patrick’s Day from Wales via Belfast. I met up with them at the arch on St. Stephen’s Green after work, where they were lounging in the warm grass with their big backpacks. Despite their being hung-over, I took them into town for a wander. Dale met up with us for a pint in O’Neill’s, where we were watching the Wales versus Scotland rugby match. Then we made a short stop back home to drop off their belongings before walking to Coman’s, the pink and gold pub we went to with Orla and Michael last week. The final Six Nations match, Ireland versus France, had just begun. We cricked our necks under the TV for lack of a better spot, but it was worth it when the close game ended in a victory for Ireland and the pub erupted in fist pumps and hugs. We had dinner at AbraKebabra, then I had to go to bed since I worked early in the morning.

On Sunday I only worked three hours, which made me angry considering I had to walk to work, and then, because I had forgotten my phone, I had a hard time getting in touch with Dale, Sydnee, and Dan. It also turns out the buses weren’t running, so Nicc and I decided to go to MacDonald’s while I waited to meet up with them at O’Neill’s. The only good thing about my walk to work in the morning was that the sun was coming up, which makes it slightly less unpleasant to have to be up so early. Nicc and I had a great chat about ghosts and superstitions over lunch, then I went to O’Neill’s, where it turned out the others had already arrived via a different bus that actually was still running. We started to wander again, heading down Grafton where we bumped into Ally, Sammy, and Ally's guests, then going into the Temple Bar area and visiting a “Traditional Irish Candy Shop.” We crossed the Ha’Penny Bridge to walk along the Bachelor’s Walk, or the boardwalk by the River Liffey. We watched some buskers, went into a shopping centre where there was supposedly a free beer tasting that wasn’t free at all, then went to the fair on the R801 and enjoyed the “Dominator 360” in front of the Customs House. It was similar to the ride Dale and I enjoyed in Bray last summer, swinging us back and forth until it flipped over its own axis upside down. Now that was a view of Dublin I had never seen before!

A good-sport Guard!

Afterwards we went to Cassidy’s for a pint and a game of Jenga. We had our free candy and even signed the graffiti-scrawled wall: St. Patrick’s Day 2014, Nicole, Syd the Kid, Dale, and Dan. Then we crossed O’Connell Bridge again, grabbed some Hot Wok, and ate it on the statue of Daniel O’Connell. Dan made a friend with a small boy who kept attacking him while the rest of us finished our meals. As it started to get dark we made our way to the Turk’s Head for another pint, which was the last pub we had visited on our 12 Pubs of Christmas night. The live music ended a little early, so someone pocketed a Guinness glass and we went to a corner store to buy some less expensive wine for the night. It turns out just about everyone in Dublin had the same idea, but the Guarda didn’t care in the slightest! When Sydnee took a picture in Temple Bar of all the liquor bottles and cans strewn all over the cobbles, one of the Guards came over to join her photo, perching his hat on top of her head! I was glad I had taken Syd and Dan through the area a few times before the party started because the population difference was amazing!

Having a blast

The Temple Bar area itself was packed with random groups of people singing, dancing in front of buskers, and drinking. I have never seen it so full of people, and the atmosphere was very fun. Syd did a little jig with a stranger and taught Dale a dance that made them both look high. It turned out Syd was not allowed in St. John Gogarty’s because of her age, and we accidentally went in another entrance looking for a toilet, so quickly found ourselves kicked out. We went into Sweeney’s instead. After a quick video to Mum wishing her a happy birthday, a stop at MacDonald’s and a gifted wrap for the MacDonald’s bouncer from Dan, we headed towards O’Neill’s in search of more live music. On the way Dale thought it would be a good idea to set the alarm off on a BMW, so he gave it a good boot—while the owner was sitting behind the steering wheel (on the right-side, of course). The guy got out of the car, slammed the door, and started stalking after us, none of which Dale noticed. The rest of us immediately started telling Dale off, with Dan apologizing to the guy and probably saving the situation. Dale contentedly continued walking down the street, completely oblivious. Needless to say, he had a pretty bad headache the next day. O’Neill’s was the highlight of the night. Upstairs was packed with people jumping to the live Irish and mixed music, and we quickly joined in and stayed past last-call. On the way home, naturally, we stopped at Zaytoons for garlic cheese fries.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade by the Spire

Spontaneous dancing!

The beamer slayer couldn’t even get up for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade the next day, and we had to leave him in misery while we caught a bus that was absolutely packed with people. It stopped short of our usual destination because the roads were blocked and we had to make our way along the street to O’Connell Bridge in single file! By the time we decided to stop we had reached the Spire and still had no where to view the parade. We ended up climbing onto a green electrical box and standing over the sea of green heads. Other people were climbing trees, street lights, or waving flags out of department store windows. The floats in the parade were the creepiest I have ever seen, and I suspect some of them were from Irish fairytales that I know nothing about. The weather barely misted us even if it was cold, which I hear is very rare and we were very lucky! When the parade ended all the people starting moving at once, and we waited like we were trapped on a deserted island and ate our packed sandwiches. It was totally worth it to see the streets I’ve walked so many times teeming with excited people. Some spontaneous dancing even broke out right in front of us (encouraged by Syd, naturally!).

When the crowds had cleared a little we went to the Morrison, where Katie’s roommate Jessica works. Jessica pours generous shots for her friends, plus Katie and I get a 50% discount as Hilton card-holders, so the drinks cost us next to nothing. Sammy eventually joined us, as well as Dale, who seemed mostly recovered, and then we headed to the Hardrock Café to meet Tony and Isaac from work. As soon as Katie and I got inside, Isaac pointed us to Bono, who was standing a few tables from us. We immediately jumped up and got a photo with him, Isaac taking the shot. We all had a drink while he indulged his fans with more photos, then Dale and Syd got their photo. Bono said, "Have a good St. Patrick's Day," to which Dale cleverly replied, "U2." Because Dan couldn’t get inside with the wine we had purchased, we regrettably had to head out. Syd and Dan actually ended up heading to the same chippy as Bono, watching while girls started screaming at the sight of him, and then stood in line right after him as they all ordered and ate their chips. I’ve been looking into it and I can’t find any evidence for it being an impersonator yet (and Bono has been known to busk on Grafton Street at Christmas time, after all!).

Bono!

Syd, Dan, and I leprechaunin' it up

After all this excitement we went to the Porterhouse, where Olly turned up with his German friends, then Heather with her family, we made friends with some Dubliners (who I couldn’t believe would actually stay in Dublin for the mess), followed by Dale’s friend Greg meeting up with us. Syd and Dan ducked out now and then to enjoy the atmosphere on Fleet Street, and Sammy and I soon ran into them when we stopped in at Di Fontaine’s pizza. I should have known Sydnee was in there because the little square shop was bursting with dancers and the chef was DJing with enthusiasm. Syd and Dan took credit for starting this hilariously weird club; Sammy and I immediately joined in.

As the night wore on the crowds thinned before even midnight. Along with Greg, we returned to O’Neill’s, trusting that it would be a good time. We saw a few people we had met the night before, who obviously had the same idea. Syd and I danced up by the band, ending the night predictably, and happily, with “Galway Girl.” We walked home again to save the cost of the cab ride, Dale snagging a felt St. Patrick’s Day top hat along the way. Able to sleep-in until 11:00 the next day, we all came out of the experience thrilled and maybe a little dehydrated. Syd and Dan left for Galway, and Dale and I dove into a couple movies: "Michael Collins" (starring the Kilmainham Gaol we just visited), "Pulp Fiction," and then some "Modern Family."

Today, after another shortened shift, Dale and I went for a walk in Heather’s neighbourhood, where daffodils were in bloom and ducks splashed playfully. I had to leave my jacket open the day was so nice; it is such a relief to me after being so cold for so long. I’m really looking forward to the warmth of Canada, but more and more I can see that it rains in British Columbia more than it does in Ireland! Nevertheless, I can’t help being in a better mood now that spring is officially in the air.

Meetings and Partings

I had my Teacher Education Program interview on Wednesday. I was thinking the call would come at six, but was basically ready at 5:00 in case we had mixed up on the time difference or our clocks were not quite at the same standard, which was a good thing because when I opened Skype on the tablet (Sydnee’s bright idea instead of using the poor-sounding laptop) I saw I had a missed call. They called again, but there was no image, so the two women said they’d try again in five minutes, at the actual time we had agreed to start. I ran around putting the last of my touches in place, then sat down for the interview with the tablet on my knee. I thought I did well. I definitely rambled nonsensically for the first question, but the other four felt alright and so did the hour-long essay. Now to wait for the beginning of April to find out if I will be starting school on July 28th!

Thursday was Dale’s last day of work at Lenehan’s Hardware. Dale brought in chocolates for his boss and some for his coworkers as a parting gift. After work, we met some of the coworkers for an enjoyable night at Roddy Bolan’s, a huge, dark pub that I would never have guessed was its size from the outside. Tom, his boss, had even given his son money to pay for a round of drinks. He told Dale he’d call him if he ever needed some shifts covered, which could be a big help for us. I also found out I might be getting a small bonus from work because we achieved the set targets at Christmas time. I've got my fingers crossed for any added money we might be able to bring in.

The rest of the week I worked short shifts and didn’t have to take the bike. This week will be different on Sunday, but Dale agreed to walk to work with me instead. We were planning on running, but it only occurred to me later that the jogging motion might hurt. It doesn’t seem like there’s been much improvement to my cheekbone or jaw in a while. I doubt I’ll ride the bike again while we’re here.

After work on Saturday Dale and I made our way to Coman’s, a pink and gold pub just around the corner from us to finally meet Orla and her boyfriend, Michael. We had dinner together as the Irish rugby team flattened Italy in the background. We had been trying to meet up with them since we first arrived, but only just managed it. Orla and Michael even treated us, and it has gotten so nice outside that it ended up being quite a pleasant afternoon!

The intact candelabra in Merchant's Arch

Monday, naturally, was Fitz night. Heather brought her mom, her dad, and her brother and his girlfriend. I remember how cool it was to show Sydnee the place where, to be over-frilly, "the friendships flourish and the pints flow." So I know Heather must have enjoyed it too. When we’d all finished eating, Dale, myself, and Heather’s gang went to Merchant’s Arch, where the old band from O’Neill’s, Hot Whiskey, was playing. Merchant’s Arch was originally built as a tailor’s guild in the 1700s and looks directly out over the Liffey and Ha’Penny Bridge, with the side entrance down a stone-tunnelled alley. We sat on the indoor balcony, so we could clearly see the ornate candelabra and ceiling shaking with the stomps of the enthusiastic Irish dancers on the floor above. In the middle of Hot Whiskey’s performance one of the small light fixtures broke off and stared swinging by a thread over a girl’s head. One of the employees got up on a stool, then a ladder to fix it while the band played a Jaws-sounding tune, and then we all cheered when he managed to screw it back in place.

Most of my week was also taken up with binge-reading “The Shining,” and now Veronica Roth’s “Divergent.” What with the sunlight, decent temperatures, short work schedules, and proper sleep on my days off, I’ve been trying to embrace relaxation. I know the next few weeks are going to fly by with St. Patrick’s day, Syd’s visit, moving, and a lot more planning! Today Dale and I are planning to tour Kilmainham Gaol.

Foot-loose in Scotland

This week I received a helping hand from my mum, who sent me some money to keep us going, suggesting hopefully that we could take another holiday down the line. This was such a relief that I nearly cried. Dale has been expressing the desire to go home for a while now, particularly mindful of our money, but there’s still so much to do and see. We hadn’t been getting anywhere in our discussions and it was incredibly frustrating. The money from Mum was a great relief. She gifted it with the uncertainty that she might get that money back in this year’s tax return, and I’m more grateful than she can imagine that I have her for a mother.

On Monday I went with Fionnuala to the local nurse and had my stitches removed. It was virtually painless and looked much nicer without the black, blood-clotted thread hanging in my hair. Then we played with Sennan a bit at the house before Vincent drove Dale and I back to the doctor to pick up some forms and then head home to Dublin. We had to pack our bags and make our way to USIT to print off our tickets to Edinburgh, then catch our bus and flight! The flight was so short it was almost a blink, and only cost us 40 euros each. We took the express bus to Edinburgh for half an hour and 4 euros each, and arrived at Budget Backpackers Hostel after a stop at another hostel along the cobbled streets to ask for directions. We saw Sydnee as soon as we walked in, and she told us we could hop on the hostel’s free pub crawl if we were quick to check-in!

Camille, Fanny, Aniol, Kata, and Lena had all come from Syd’s school in Wales, so we had a pretty large and fun group of friends to enjoy the pub crawl with. The pubs were pretty empty since it was Monday night, but the drinks were cheap and we had such a large group that it didn’t really matter. We chatted in the first pub, were dancing by the second (after a cider that tasted like cheese and a free Bloody Mary shot), watched metal karaoke in the third, then joined the club scene at the fourth. The night took a negative turn in between the last two stops because one of our number stepped hard on my heel twice in row, managing to rip the sole of my boot off right up to my arch. All he gave me was a cursory, “Pardonne,” before walking away (because all Canadians speak French). On the absolutely packed dance floor I was terrified to have my cheekbone hit, so I was on edge already while literally every second person spilled the drinks I was holding. I felt like I was in the ocean with waves crashing left and right. This was followed up by Dale pouring his cold and smelly beer all over the top of my head. Someone else did the same to Sydnee. I was ready to call it a night when we heard there was another section of the club playing ’90s music. On the way over Dale stood on my flapping sole and it wrenched right off my foot. It still makes me mad to think about. But when we turned the corner, sole in hand, we were met by “Footloose.” Syd pointed at me and burst out laughing. And thus, the night was saved.

Edinburgh

Dale had a nice hangover to enjoy the next day. I had slept on the top bunk in a room of 30 (15 on our level and 15 on a balcony upstairs that looked down on me), but my sleep was pretty sound with earplugs. He and I stopped over at Auld Jock’s Pie Shoppe for soft crescents that the girl behind the counter figured I could eat pretty easily. Then we met Sydnee and her classmates at the hostel for a free walking tour. Our guide said she was too hungover to take us out, but gave us directions when we said we didn’t mind. I limped my way in broken boots to our first stop, Greyfriars Cemetary, where thousands were burried in mass graves during the Plague, and where JK Rowling found the names “Tom Riddle” and “McGonagall.” The graveyard was strange with booth-like sections for families along the stone walls, but the day was gorgeous and made it picturesque.

The Elephant House, where JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter

Edinburgh Castle from the hilltop

We took photos of Greyfriars Bobby nearby, a small terrier who is the most photographed statue in Scotland. Apparently the real Bobby sat by his owner’s grave for 14 years before he too died and was given a burial spot right beside him. Then Sydnee, Dale, and I stepped inside the Elephant House, a cute little red coffee shop where JK Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter books. There were pictures of the author hard at work in the shop, looking very young with long, wavy red hair. We continued to Edinburgh castle, which was in the centre of town and yet also perched on the edge of a cliff. We passed a kilt-clad bagpiper busking for money along the way. It was incredibly windy up there at the castle, but the views were stunning in the sunlight. I knew right away that Edinburgh was the most beautiful city I have ever visited. All the buildings looked so well preserved and cheerful! We went inside the courtyard for a closer look at the castle, but decided not to fork over the 16 pound student rate to go inside. From below the hill it really did look like Hogwarts.

Arthur's Seat

Sydnee and I overlooking Arthur's Seat

The gang

Next we stopped in the park below the castle to soak up the sun, followed by a visit to Penneys—well, Primark in Scotland and England—for a new pair of boots. Then we stopped for lunch in MacDonald’s, when it promptly turned cold and started snowing. It stopped as we left, and we journeyed up the nearby green hill to view the Nelson Monument and the Scotland Monument, not to mention the view of Arthur’s Seat. There was a great big rainbow as we looked out over the city and ocean. Sydnee and Dale even took my suggestion to roll down the hill like stupid logs, which was hilarious to watch.

Dale rolling

Syd rolling

Afterwards we visited a tourist information booth and sat in a nearby mall for hot chocolate while it poured and we tried to decide what ghost walking tour to do in the evening as well as what bus tour to take the next day. The rain stopped and the sun came out, so we bought our tours, then stopped at a Tesco Express to buy our meals for dinner and the next day. Dale also picked up "The Shining" from a nearby bookstore. Dale and I packed sandwich after sandwich back into the bread bag as Sydnee and the group made the pasta in the hostel’s kitchen. We ate and washed our dishes, then dressed as warmly as possible for the Mercat Ghosts and Ghouls tour, which cost us 12 pounds each. The tour gave us a demonstration of torture on poor Aniol and another guy, and then took us into the underground vaults below Edinburgh. The vaults were used to store such things as textiles and leather, and operated as work spaces until the water and human waste poured in and they were abandoned. For a while they housed the “seedy underworld,” but eventually were even abandoned by the poor. It was interesting to know we were so deep under the city considering the buildings used to rise 14 stories above ground! The ghost stories were fun to listen to, including; the one about the piper who soldiers sent into the secret passageway in the castle playing his way so that they could follow him above, only to disappear. The soldiers then hurried into the passage to help him only to find a brick wall, as if he never existed in the first place; another good story was the reason they only use candles in the vaults. The lights once went out while a troop of boy scouts were inside, all of whom were equipped with their own flashlights, none of which would work. The boys had to feel their way out, hearing stomping behind them all the way.

The Highlands in February

Afterwards we hurried back to the hostel because it was so cold and windy outside in the dark. We ended up going to bed because we had a tour to get to very early in the morning. Dale and I hung our blankets all around our beds so that I wouldn’t be stuck with the balcony people looking down on me while I slept. Even so, and I think this was because of my injury, I was unable to keep my eyes open on the bus. All I wanted to do was sleep. But then so did Sydnee. The driver took us into the Highlands, pointing out where they filmed “Skyfall” and a bit of “Harry Potter,” although we weren’t sure which movie exactly. We made it into the mountains after a stop at a gift shift where I found a silver necklace with a purple thistle on it that was really pretty. I saw it a few times that day in different gift shops, since that was what our bus tour mainly consisted of, but I resisted the urge to buy it. The mountains were stunning in snow, and it really felt like a breath of fresh air to see them. Neither Sydnee or myself realized how much mountains were missing from our lives. As we passed through snowy Glencoe, the driver also told us the sad story of the MacDonalds, a family who welcomed the Campbells into their home. Seven days later the Campbells received the order from the king to slaughter the entire family, and then did so.

Urquhart Castle

We stopped, and so did the rain, for a sunlit view of Urquhart Castle. The driver, who didn’t stop talking once on the twelve hour tour, except to play a song or two, came over to tell me a little about the history of the castle. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, albeit a little awkward at regular conversation. We were all very disappointed to find out it cost an extra 12 pounds to go on the boat tour, which we were under the impression was included in the 45 pound Timberbush tour. This meant we ended up at another gift/coffee shop with hot chocolates. There wasn’t even anywhere for us to walk along the lake, which was interestingly black as a pupil right from the shore. We amused ourselves throwing rocks into the lake to make it look like Nessie was emerging. On the drive home we passed Inverness, which looked very pretty and bright, and was described a surprising amount like home. In the dark we made a stop for dinner, in which Dale bought chips and gravy instead of eating our packed food, and led Sydnee to describe poutine to the server, which we then shared as well. If I have one thing to say about this bus tour and Scotland, it's that I have never seen so many brilliant rainbows in one day!

We spotted Nessie!

Edinburgh Castle at night

When we returned to the hostel and found Kata, who had stayed behind, we decided to find a pub with live music. There was one nearby, and the two singers inside were very enjoyable. I sipped some whiskey and ginger with lime, which I really enjoy, and Aniol joined the whiskey-train in a slightly more hard-core fashion. Lena, unfortunately, had to go back to the hostel for her ID, which the bar staff insisted on seeing even though she only wanted a tea. Apparently it’s the law in Scotland.

People's Palace and Winter Gardens

The next day we took the bus to Glasgow, where it rained almost all day. We found a mall to eat lunch in, Camille and Fanny (Camille's shoe broke!), and myself getting told off for having outside food. I had “take away” food from the café, while the other two girls were no longer laughing at our sandwich packing idea and were making their own. We didn’t leave until I was finished everything but my hot chocolate anyways, and that takes some time considering I can’t chew very well! The next step was to do some shopping. We split up, Sydnee, Dale, Camille, and I heading to Forever 21 and Primark. Dale and I didn’t buy anything. We later met up with the others across Glasgow Green inside the People’s Palace and Winter Gardens. The building was brick at the front and huge greenhouse at the back. We sat in the garden-section and watched hail start to pound down on the glass, then visited the free museum upstairs. Afterwards we headed back into the town and on a whim visited the art gallery. Inside was drywall with art hanging from it. In one segment we found the longest, circular movie about various soldiers coming home to their dysfunctional families (all of whom were the same people). It was the strangest thing to watch, and I wish the maker could have been there to explain it better. We walked out under lights strung across the buildings on either side like a ceiling. Sydnee, Dale, and I said goodbye to the Wales gang, and got on our bus to Manchester.

Playing scary dress-up!

Betsy sweeping

Betsy sleeping

We split a 20 pound cab ride to Stockport, where we stayed at Ged and Sue’s. Annie was home, but Gabrielle was in Leeds for college, so there was just enough room in the house for three more of us. Our first day visiting had a nice lazy start, and then Sue dropped the three of us off at Staircase House, a type of museum dating back to 1460. It was really cool because it is essentially a house that was added to every few hundred years and we were able to tour it for 2 pounds each, walking through rooms that demonstrated different eras with nothing roped off. We sat on the chairs, dressed up in the clothes in the bedroom, and took so long writing in fancy old letters with quills and ink that an employee came by three times to check on us and then tell us we only had 15 minutes left. Dale then bought some badly needed shoes nearby and almost a complete new wardrobe at Primark, including another pair of shoes, two sweatshirts, a Game of Thrones t-shirt, and two thick sweaters all for 50 pounds. We walked home for a delicious pasta dinner with garlic bread. The family had to work in the evening, but Dale, Sydnee, and I went around the corner to The Nursery, the English pub our family has been going to for generations.

Betsy Writing

The dining room

"Our" pub

The next day Ged took us for a pleasant walk through the suburbs of Heaton Moor. He waved and greeted people as we went, stopping to treat us to coffee at a local shop. We sat outside enjoying the spring weather and were joined by Dollar, who we chatted and caught up with until we all finished our drinks. In the evening we piled into the car and Annie drove us to a Thai place where we sat with elbows touching and enjoyed our own wine. I struggled with the salad I ordered as a starter, my face burning red because it was so spicy. The wine did not help. Luckily next up was pad-thai, which took me a while to eat but was delicious. Returning home we started enjoying some drinks—Baileys for me—until we were joined for the evening by Mary, Mum’s pen pal since she left England at nine years old, and Siobhan and Ged, along with his parents who Dale and I had met in Sligo in the summer. It was a really good get-together, and I also enjoyed the company of their two dogs, Holly and Bella. Curly-haired Bella was curled up on little Mrs. Drugan, which was adorable.

In The Nursery

Relaxing in Stockport

That was the end of our vacation, as Annie drove Syd to the bus in the morning, and Sue took Dale and I to the airport for another very short and cheap—50 euro—flight to Dublin. I was pretty exhausted. The next day was my first day back at work after three weeks off. I was still nervous about the flying kitchen doors, but luckily wasn’t hurt. I received many well wishes throughout the day, and it was nice to see the friendly, sympathetic faces again. Plus it was a quiet day at work. I am only scheduled for four short days this week, late enough on Saturday for the bus, and not at all on Sunday. I’m fairly sure that was done on purpose, and I’m really thankful.






After work Heather and I went to Dublin Castle because Heather knew of a view I hadn’t seen before, and vice versa. It was a beautiful day, so it was worth the walk. Then we went to O’Neill’s for coffee and a visit to Anne, who got a job there. We walked home, then met up again at Fitz, where I had a soft vegetarian curry and an enjoyable night. KT, who is leaving with Becca for a Europe-trip and then Canada, donated her clothes to Heather and I. I’m excited to go through them tonight.

Dublin Castle

I still have many insurance forms to fill out and fax, but most of the information they need has to come from the hospital, so it will have to wait for my six week’s follow-up appointment, which they won’t cover the cost of since it isn’t an emergency. In the meantime other options and ideas have been falling into place. I chatted with Danielle online, and she agreed with me that Dale and I should give our notice for the flat, try living with friends for April, then do helpx.net stay for a month somewhere warm, followed by a Europe-trip of our own, and maybe home a little early. Dale seemed happy about this idea, so when our landlord knocked on our door mid-conversation, I explained about my accident and Dale’s maternity leave-cover ending this week, and we gave our notice! On top of that, Heather suggested we take a look at her attic to see if it’s liveable, so we may not have to camp outside or in her living room. Even further, Danielle offered us her old studio apartment in Abbotsford when we get back, at 200 dollars cheaper than it should be! I have my Teacher Education Program interview tomorrow night, which means all these plans may soon be settled upon. I finally felt immeasurably relieved that we had come to a decision, but the next day we realized Dale had thought this all meant we were going home in May because Danielle mentioned he could re-join her soccer team when we got back. Now everything feels unsettled and stressful again as Dale worries about money. I’ll have to try to focus on my TEP interview tomorrow instead of everything else!

'Cole Hurt Her Face!

"Celtic Healthcare," of which I have plenty of experience now

I spent most of my time sleeping in, reading, and loading up on arnica tablets to speed the healing of my black eye. Senan became fascinated with my colourful look and if I walked away to so much as use the toilet he would come running out into the hallway asking, “Where ’Cole?” After my hospital visit on Wednesday, in which the doctor said everything was in order, we started going to the juice shop each day with Bff tied up outside. One day Senan thanked the ladies for his juice, then added, “’Cole hurt her face!” The nutritionist in the juice bar actually encouraged me to put pineapple on my bruise, which I did on Thursday. If the arnica was making the healing speed along at an incredible pace, it was nothing when compared to the pineapple. Within fifteen minutes there was an obvious difference! It did sting a bit, but it was unbelievable. Now, on Sunday, you would never know I had surgery just over a week ago.

Fionnuala’s birthday was last Sunday, but I was pretty tired for it. Senan got to blow out the candles on at least three different cakes. There were a few random days after the surgery where I had no energy whatsoever, and now that I have it back I can really tell the difference. For example, on one gorgeous day Fionnuala and I met up with Rosaleen and Senan at the Tram Yard for hot chocolate and cakes outside in the blinding sun, then the two of us took Bff for a walk overlooking Dalkey Island. It really is beautiful in Dalkey, even the village. Dale came out on Friday after an expensive check-up of 50 euros at the dentist and we did a similar walk the next day. It really felt like spring was coming when Fionnuala, Senan and I were watching Bff sitting on a bench across the road from the juice bar when it started hailing. Shortly afterwards there was a rainbow. Senan was a little traumatized by the hail, and I’ll admit that it hurt my cheek as well, but it was enjoyable weather despite being very cold!

Senan with invisible snow behind him (last week)

Tomorrow I will go in to a General Practitioner here in Dalkey to get the large black stitches out since they weren’t ready on Wednesday. The insurance company wants me to fax them a ton of documents, including evidence of when my “vacation” began. Hopefully the doctor will be able to help me sort it all out, even though they don’t have my medical chart. The insurance company also told me that they won’t pay for my follow-up appointment in six weeks since it’s not an “emergency.” I find that very weird considering this is all part and parcel of the emergency. Dale also stopped in at the Social Welfare office behind his work and found out that I should be eligible to get my wages back, so I’ll be on the “dole” before long. I need to get those forms from the doctor as well. Afterwards Dale and I will have to get home and get ready to fly to Scotland to see Sydnee, and then later in the week bus to Stockport for the English MacCarrons! Dale and I still can’t agree on whether we are staying in Ireland or going home, but we will at least get to check these visits off our list!

Fionnuala and I also went to Penneys in Dun Laoghaire, where I added to the collection of underwear she had picked up for me (50 cents!) and bought a pair of dark jeans and bright peach jeans for under 10 euros each. Even Roisin and Dameon bought me a Get Well scarf and a little stuffed fox because, “Everyone needs a teddy when they’re ill or healing.” Considering Fionnuala had also bought me pajamas and a few shirts, Dale and I thought it would be appropriate to get everyone here a Thank You, which included a white and red wine, and a big box of Ferrero Rocher.

Canadians everywhere!

Today the two of us took the DART into town to join our Canadian buddies at the Woolshed, a New Zealander’s pub that was airing the gold medal men’s hockey game. It was the first time I had officially been out since the accident, and I was really nervous about getting hit in the face, since a good hit would break my cheekbone again. Luckily there were only outbreaks of “Oh Canada” in the packed pub rather than uncontrolled elbows. It was great to see friends again, including Katie, who Heather brought out after they were done work. They brought with them a Get Well card signed by all our coworkers, which was really fun to read. The game obviously went well, and I’m really glad to have gone and experienced it with all those other Canadians! I had no idea there were that many of us here in Ireland!

Ocean's photo: Go Canada! Also I look normal (at least from this distance!)

Hospital Bed for One, Please

I spent the next two days at Rosaleen and Vincent’s trying to cram crumbs softened by soup into my mouth. Fionnuala kept bringing me fresh smoothies and Senan stared at my face for a bit, but was surprisingly not scared by all the colours. On Wednesday Fionnuala drove me back to the hospital for my appointment. We were very late because there was a rain storm that had everyone commuting to Dublin stuck on the freeway. We waited all morning for the appointment at the in-hospital clinic. My face was burning very mildly without any painkillers. Then, in one of the private rooms, the very tall woman doctor from Edmonton told me I wouldn’t be having the surgery today (even though I had been fasting). It took me a minute to realize she was trying to tell me I needed to be checked in to the hospital, and that I might have to stay for a few days. It was the only way to get me on the waiting list for the surgery. Luckily I had packed a backpack since I knew I would have to stay one night after the surgery, and Fionnuala had even bought me some new pajamas and shirts. She and I went up to the food places upstairs while I waited around for a bed.

Fionnuala had to go for an appointment around 2:00 so Rosaleen and her friend came to wait with me. I was given my own room and washroom shortly after this, which was a nice surprise. Doctors, nurses, and even a student nurse named Donna, who was the same age as me, kept coming in and out of the room to ask me questions. No one took my insurance information, but Rosaleen had called ahead when we were running late and mentioned it. We’re not sure if the knowledge that everything would be paid for helped the situation or not. But considering I had to stay overnight, I was glad to find my insurance papers in my sock drawer, where I had effectively forgotten all about them. It was the same insurance Dale had bought with SWAP, from Bon Voyage.

With a slightly collapsed cheek and crooked smile

Rosaleen and I talked all afternoon while I ate scrambled eggs and tea until Fionnuala showed up again with Dale. He told me that a postcard had arrived from Grandma just that morning. Unfortunately visiting hours were only until 8:30 so I delved into “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” JK Rowling’s new book under the pseudonym “Robert Galbraith.” I didn’t sleep well that night because of all the noise of nurses walking back and forth, and all the beeping of the computer right outside my room. I also couldn’t help but think about the accident, repeating in my head how I was just riding the bike, then how my face hit the ground, and then how I jumped back up again. It bothered me that I couldn’t remember taking off my gloves, my purse, or my hat. I’m pretty sure my over-the-shoulder purse must have flown off, but I still don’t remember any “tumbling.” It was very windy outside still, but I was most annoyed when I was woken up before eight in the morning by a few of them asking how I had slept. I had wanted to sleep for a long time since I had to fast for the surgery and didn’t know if it would even be that day, but clearly that wasn’t going to be an option.

The blonde doctor on the Max Fax Team—the Maxillo Facial team—eventually came in to set my IV. This was what I had been dreading more than anything because over time needles have become disgusting to me. She just wanted to make sure I wouldn’t get dehydrated, but it was repulsive to have something sticking out of my vein all day, and possibly for days on end. I knew this would be the worst part for me; I'd had surgery before. When she left I freaked out for a few minutes until someone else came in to take blood from my other arm and I had to pull myself together. I was disappointed to have to move out of my room and into a ward with six other women that afternoon. It smelled like lunch in the noisier room, and I felt pretty miserable. I tried listening to my iPod, but luckily one of the nurses came over at that point to say it was time to get ready for the surgery. I changed into the obligatory open-ended blue robe and compression socks, then hopped onto the big chair/stretcher to be wheeled to the theatre. One of the ladies with a bandage across her nose said, “Goodluck! You’ll be fine,” as we went and I felt bad that she had to repeat herself because I didn’t even notice the first time.

I had to wait ages in the next ward with another guy who had a broken arm. Eventually I couldn’t wait any longer and had to ask if I could use the toilet first. One of the surgeons showed me to the staff toilet and joked, ‘I bet you were like, “Should I say something, should I not….”’ When I got back to the waiting ward they were ready to wheel me to the theatre, but we made a stop in the anaesthetics room first. Everyone kept asking how I had hurt myself, and not a single person was surprised when I said, “the Luas Line.” It was shocking. They also almost all called me "Nicola," but I'm pretty used to that by now and don't mind! It's like my Irish name. The Irish doctor went to put another IV needle in my other hand, and I asked, “Can’t we use this one?” and raised my other arm. He laughed and nodded, then sent some saline into the IV to clean out the blood, followed by what he said would precede the anaesthetics. He said, “This will make you a little light-headed; that’s normal.” It took a minute for the ceiling to wobble a little. Next thing I knew I was in a room full of people laying on the green stretchers.

“Is it before or after?” I asked.

I think it took the nurse a minute to realize what I meant, “After, dear.”

So tired, but doing well!

I realized after a while of being woken from very solid sleeps that the doctor had tricked me so I wouldn’t know it was time to go under. They wheeled me back to the Anne Young ward and I slept on and off until I asked the nurse what time it was. My phone was locked up, and knowing that visiting hours were at “half seven” I convinced myself that no one was coming when she said it was quarter after seven. But Fionnuala, Dale, and Rosaleen all arrived shortly afterwards. Dale made me laugh so hard I actually snorted, and I don’t even remember what it was about. But I also had my hair piled on top of my head like Pebbles and tied with a surgical glove, which was not how I had left it. That night I was still woken up quite a bit for the nurses to check my pulse and my eyes. They also made me sleep upright. In the morning I got up to go to the washroom and went to clean some blood from my hair, where they had made the incision into my scalp without cutting a single hair, and ended up having a streak of warm blood come rolling down my face. I had to get a nurse to help me clean it up since it kept coming. After some antibiotics in the IV early that morning, they eventually took it out, served me some porridge for breakfast that I wasn’t interested in eating, and sent me downstairs by myself for an x-ray. I waited for ages, but then the x-ray took no time and I went back upstairs to collect my belongings.

A nurse collected myself, a guy in a wheelchair, and two guys with nose bandages to bring us to the discharge lounge. Another nurse joined us in the elevator and when he spotted us he joked, “Was it a two-for-one deal?”

Back in Dalkey with my cheek in place

I waited for a long time in the discharge lounge, where Dale and Fionnuala joined me while I waited for my papers from the blonde doctor. Fionnuala sorted out my bill for the ambulance, then we headed to Dalkey. Even right after the surgery my cheek looked better, but with the arnica I’ve been taking regularly for bruising it’s mostly yellow now with a slightly black eye. It’s a little more difficult to eat again, and I still don’t have much sensation on the left side of my face apart from tingling. The doctors said that in rare cases this is a permanent loss. Fingers crossed that that’s not the case. I couldn’t sleep at first on the night after the surgery, but it was nice to be thinking about the events of the day before instead of Sunday. I did have a solid nap in the middle of watching Friends for a good hour. So when I do sleep, it’s very sound. Yesterday I felt very weak, but today I feel much more normal. I Skyped with Mum as well, but the sound was working poorly so I had typed as she talked and it was a little amusing. 

I will be back to see the doctor on Wednesday for a check-up, and to fill out forms to send to the insurance company, but I’m off work until the 25th. Unfortunately Dale and I already missed our Galway weekend, and we were planning to go to Scotland with Sydnee on the 24th for a week. The insurance won’t cover lost wages, and I’m not sure how much work covers yet, but with Dale losing his maternity-cover job in March we may not be able to go to Scotland at all. Hopefully we won’t have to go home, but things are uncertain with finances at the moment.

I have had a number of check-ins and offers of help from work and friends, which has been very nice, and Rosaleen and Fionnuala in particular have been a huge help. Yesterday was Fionnuala’s birthday, and she still came home with a gift for me! Overall I’ve heard, “You poor t’ing” so many times I feel like I should be in more pain just to deserve it!

I Broke my Face

We went to Fitzgeralds on Monday and brought Camille along from work. She is one of the new interns, and since she is from France we thought she would fit right into our group of random nations (mostly Canadian). When I saw two girls ordering off the USIT menu I invited them to join us, and that’s when we found out students at Trinity go to Fitzgeralds and ask for the same menu in order to get better prices. Oh well, I can’t say I’m any different, apart from my connection to Dale.

I was happy to have two days off in a row on Wednesday and Thursday; I’d forgotten how great it was to actually have a weekend and do nothing with it. Everyone else was working so I watched some TV on the laptop and did some reorganizing of the house, and nothing else. After work on Friday Dale and I went to Anne’s to watch the Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremonies, and then it was pouring down rain and we had to work the next day so unfortunately we didn’t make it to Caillan’s birthday party. We made sure to go out Saturday to KT’s though, and I let Caillan know that I owe him a drink. KT’s party started at Fitzgeralds, where a rugby match had the bar filled with red and white clothing, and there was even live music. I had never seen Fitzgeralds so full! Becca and I cut off the hangar-straps from our dress and shirt to put together a necklace for KT’s birthday pin, which was resourceful and surprisingly successful! We stayed for a drink, and when our collection of people had all arrived we headed through the cobbles of Temple Bar and arrived at The Porter House. The Welsh inside The Porterhouse looked like a bunch of “Where’s Waldos,” and they were happy to sing KT some songs in Welsh for her birthday. Dale and I didn’t drink much, and we left around midnight to grab a cab because I had to be up at 5:30 the next day. I knew I was going to be tired, but was banking on my recent two days off to help me through it.

Sadly, I didn’t make it to work on Sunday. As usual, I had to take the bike in the dark because the bus doesn’t run early enough, and when I went to cross the Luas tracks just around the corner from the hotel, I found myself smashed face-first into the ground without any reaction time, not even fear. I staggered up immediately with a horribly loud alarm bell sounding in my own head. I grabbed my bike and focused on two things: just get off the tracks, and then sit down. But I couldn’t straighten the bike out because the wheel had turned completely around and I didn’t have the time or energy for it, so I dragged it to the side and sat on the sidewalk. By then a man who had been passing in the only vehicle around had run over. He asked if I was alright and I said, “I’m okay,” and then groaned, “Ohhh, my head,” which may have seemed contradictory. He made me sit farther back where it wasn’t wet, which I thought was pointless since my goal had been sit, not pick a spot for a picnic. He asked if it was the Luas tracks that did it, cursing them because apparently it happens all the time. I had no idea what had happened; I was minding my own business, and then I was down. He ran back to the car for water as his wife arrived and asked if I wanted an ambulance. I just kept panting, “I don’t know,” because I honestly didn’t know how all the medical stuff would work in Ireland and I was having a hard time breathing, not to mention hearing. I told her I could hear really loud ringing and she made up her mind for me. Her husband came back with the water, then snatched it from me after a sip when the operator said I couldn’t have anything.

The lady called work for me, then the ambulance arrived, the paramedics shone lights in my eye, and then I walked into the ambulance through steps mid-way along the side. I couldn’t see very well; one of the paramedics sat to my left facing me, but it was like my left eye was picking up bright shafts of light from right behind him. When we arrived at the Emergency Department in St. James’ Hospital, I sat down and both paramedics went to reception with my information. I put my head between my knees, feeling an intense need to vomit that centered around my stomach rather than the impulse in the throat. One of the men came back and told me I needed to go into Triage, and I just said, “I think I might throw up.” He grabbed me a bag, and after a minute they both walked me into the side-room, where they took my blood pressure and I sat until I started to feel more aware. The nurse in Triage asked about the Luas line tracks and said one of their doctors had once broken their hip doing the same thing.

Then I was sent back to the waiting room with my headache for five hours. Work called reception and asked for me. I spoke to John, who I’ve rarely talked to before, and he asked if he could get my bike for me, or do anything. I really appreciated the concern. I texted Heather, who had already heard and wanted to know if I was alright, and called Dale from the bathroom. Since his phone wouldn’t call out, I tried Niall and Leonie a few times too, and asked Niall to pick him up and come out. It was a rude awakening for seven am on a Sunday! Dale and Niall sat with me until twelve, Dale getting ice for me since no staff offered. Niall had to pop out for a minute eventually, and then someone finally realized I should have been seen by now.

Before the bruising really started

I went to a doctor who gave Dale a hard time for not having proposed to me yet, and then made plans for him to do it on Valentine’s day at the Whitefriar Street Church where Saint Valentine’s remains are. He also gently hinted at a lecture on helmets and being Catholic but already living together, which was very amusing in its stereotype-form. But one of the  first things he said was, “Luas line?” as if to say, “Yes, another?” The doctor said my jaw was fine, just that muscle and nerve damage was causing my teeth to feel numb and my jaw not to open. He was concerned that I may have broken my cheekbone, so he sent me for an x-ray, then cleaned up the scrape on my forehead. This was no big deal compared to when I passed out on my face three years ago and the doctor practically took an SOS-pad to my forehead to clean it up.

Dale and I both figured it would be fine, thinking it would hurt a lot worse if it were broken, but it turns out my cheekbone was, in fact, fractured in two places. The doctor said he was going to get someone to come in and see if I’d need surgery or plates once the swelling went down. Again, I thought that would be unnecessary. Again, it turns out I was wrong. They scheduled me for an appointment on Wednesday and said hopefully I’d be able to have the surgery then, and if not, then next week. They could have done it immediately, but because I was forced to wait so long in the Emergency Department, there was now too much swelling. Incidentally, it’s the swelling that apparently makes my cheeks look even, but my left one is actually caved in a little. It was hard to believe it was so bad, but when we headed outside to wait for Niall, I started laughing. I managed to break my face...

Niall came back to pick us up and take us to the people who had called the ambulance and kept my bike safe. They lived in a nice, sunny area nearby. The bike seemed fine by now, and the lady was very concerned. She said her husband had seen the whole thing, and she had just seen me tumbling. I don’t remember any tumbling at all. But she said they both thought I was a goner, and made a point to tell me how concerned work sounded when she had called them. I thanked her, and then we left to get my prescriptions. I have four different pills to take, and all of it only cost 16 euros.

I was getting a lot of text messages by then, from Rosaleen, Leonie, Fionnuala, Heather, and even work. As soon as we said goodbye and thank you to Niall, I called work to get it over with. I spoke to Gillian, who was hosting, as well as reception and Michael, the supervisor. He was not surprised to hear I would be out of work for one to two weeks. He said not to worry about this week for now, and we’d see what the doctor said from there. He told me everyone had been really worried because the lady who called said I was taking an ambulance, and there was no other clue as to how bad it was. Susie, the Food and Beverage manager, sent a few texts throughout the night telling me to just ask if I needed anything! Between work and my family and friends, there’s a lot of support going on right now.

The next thing I did was Skype with Sydnee, who was with my family in Manchester. She said they offered money if I needed it, and they want me to visit soon. Then Sydnee managed to get a hold of Mum in Canada, who I Skyped with next. She felt terrible that she couldn’t be here to help me, but immediately set out looking up whether or not BC Medical will have me covered. I sent messages to my other sisters, and Dad and Cecilia. I Skyped with Dom, who thought it sounded worse than it actually looked, which seems about right. I’m especially lucky considering my face is so numb that it doesn’t really hurt. Cecilia managed to get a hold of Dad, whose reaction was similar to Mum’s. He felt bad that he couldn’t be here, but started trying to find out if I was really covered for medical. But even though they aren’t here, I’ll be well taken care of at Rosaleen and Vincent’s, where I’ll be going to stay for a while. Fionnuala has already gone out to get me the ingredients for a juices-only diet. I’m not looking forward to a whole five to six weeks of that though!

That evening Heather and Anne came over and we relaxed and watched the sixth Harry Potter. I obviously started nodding at some point, but it was nice to do something ordinary after a day at the hospital. Today the only difference is the colour of my bruising, and that my right arm feels sore. Not too bad, considering! Even my notoriously bad back and neck feel fine. I think the lesson is that I need padding for everyday-wear.

Today: it's easier to smile to the right!

Breaking and Entering Ancient Burial Grounds?

Newgrange

The view looking away from the tomb

After the fifth Harry Potter movie on Thursday, Dale and I woke in the morning with plans to go to Newgrange with my relative who we shall call Gwen. She drove us out, which was a nice change from bussing everywhere. The day was looking gorgeous as we hopped on a shuttle from the Visitor’s Centre to the ancient burial grounds. I had wanted to see Newgrange since learning about it in Ancient Civilizations class back in high school, plus we had to keep postponing between the three of our schedules, so I was pretty excited. The tomb is older than the pyramids of Giza at over 5000 years old. It is water-proof and covered over with grass like some kind of hobbit-hole. Our guide kept suggesting all the purposes the tomb might have had, but reminded us that no answers are known.

Looking into the passageway

We entered to tomb through a passageway that had us ducking and turning to fit between the stones. Then the guide turned out the lights as we all stood in the middle of three tiny chambers where ashes had been found 200 years before. In the pitch black she slowly simulated how a beam of light would light the chamber on the summer and winter solstices and encouraged us to enter a draw to be one of the few people who get to experience the actual solstice from inside Newgrange. She drew our attention to a fern or wheat-like carving on the wall, and even pointed out some graffiti from the 1700s, including the name “Disney,” though there was no proof that it was Walt Disney's.

Dale and I in the hail

The house-like structure nearby

When I stepped back outside expecting the bright sunlight, I was shocked to find hail pelting down. We walked around the outside of the tomb and got soaked, noting a little house-like structure off to the side. Then we hurried back to the bus and spent some time looking through the exhibit at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre after a warm lunch of hot chocolate, soup, and a chocolate rice-krispie square.

What the Irish may have once worn

What the Irish may have lived in

Walking along the collapsed Dowth

Then, unplanned, we drove around looking for Knowth, one of about 40 burial mounds in the same area. Knowth and Dowth are the largest after Newgrange. We stopped to ask directions from a friendly Irishman in a truck, who cheerfully had us follow him on the way to drop off his kids somewhere. He absolutely flew down the narrow back country roads, but stopped to point out Knowth from a distance, then later pointed us in the direction of Dowth. Dowth was interesting because there was no Visitor’s Centre or fee, and therefore nothing to stop us from climbing all over it. Unfortunately, due to poor archaeological explorations, the entire top of the hill has caved in to form a large crater. We still were able to peer inside the entrances.

A locked entrance into Dowth

Knowth at night, surrounded by barbed-wire fences

Now I shall tell you a fictional story. By the time we arrived at Knowth it was getting dark. Dale, who had gotten soaked at Newgrange because he left the tomb before Gwen and I, decided to stay in the warm car and continue his nap. Knowth is not open to the public until April, so the two of us walked through a farmer’s field along the barbed-wire fence until we found a spot that looked like it had been tampered with. Gwen unwound the fence like a pro until there was a gap just big enough to squeeze through. Armed with a “torch,” we climbed the wooden steps that allow us to stand on top of the tomb. Then we headed back down and proceeded to explore all the smaller mounds that encircle the larger one. Most of the tomb entrances were blocked off with barred gates, but one was not. I took the torch and crawled along the tunnel at a very low crouch. When I reached a turn, I realized it went on quite a long way, so I called back for Gwen to explore it too. I had to hold the torch pointed at the corner because it was too creepy to light her crawl and not know what was down the passage on the right! However, we soon ended up back outside!

A creepy tomb passage? Or a set?

There was one point in the night where both Gwen and I were separately scared by a standing rock wrapped in a tarp that we thought for a second was a person. There was also the creepy addition that a spider's web in one tomb's entrance was magnetically attracted to the torch, which several tests proved. On the way back through the fence my glove was ripped right off by a link, and then Gwen's pants got caught. We had a great time shivering and laughing at it all, and even had an amazing view of the stars away from the city. It was hilarious to us that our big breaking and entering day was so nerdy as to involve an ancient tomb. I'll admit I thought of Indiana Jones a few times. All the while there were intermittent gunshots as hunters gamed for what we suspect must have been quail.

But back to the truth: we stopped at KFC on the way home, then had to drop Dale off before I went to Heather’s house party since he wasn’t feeling up to it. The house party was quite fun, despite the fact that most of us had to work the next day. Edvard, Dylan, Katie, Alison, and the two new interns, Camille and Alina came out to join some of the usual Fitz-ers. Dylan was eager to play drinking games, and he and Katie taught us all how to play Skadoosh, which turned out to be hilarious. I didn’t drink much, however, which meant I survived the next day at work.

I was more than a little surprised at work to receive a compliment from my most troublesome supervisor, who said she was impressed with how I had handled lunch the day before by staying very calm and dropping bills efficiently and quickly. She said she knew I had been nervous at the start but was clearly doing well. I was astounded. I knew I had been doing better, but to hear it from her was unheard of. To be honest, work has been a lot better ever since the one manager was fired for slapping a chef. I even had a good laugh the other day because someone put a creepy dummy in the corner of a ballroom so that when Edvard opened the door in the morning with no light on, it looked like someone was staring across at him from the other side of the room. I also had a short “job chat” with my favourite supervisor later, and he told me that I get good reviews from the customers, which I didn’t know, as well as planned to help me learn some of the jobs I haven’t been trained for, such as hosting and increasing my wine knowledge. I’m a little afraid for an ax to fall at the moment, because all I can really complain about is my lack of sleep!

Yesterday felt like a spring day as I walked my bike home beside Heather, although today poured so badly the roof leaked quite a bit at the back of the restaurant. But after all, we do still have several more weeks of winter according to the groundhog, who earned Heather and I a mocking from Dylan! I also chatted a bit on Skype with Dominique in India today, which is weird to think about. Apparently Danielle will be visiting her soon, while Mum will be off to Israel!