tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7540509470657167882024-02-18T19:03:17.151-08:00The Thompsons Excellent Adventure A couple and their minions recording the madness of life in the midst of an immigration to the emerald IsleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-75760329430718306912016-09-30T07:17:00.000-07:002016-09-30T07:52:16.513-07:00Parenting <br />
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I realize this thing is supposed to be about immigration but...deal with it <br />
<br />
This Parenting thing is a kak tough job let me tell you, and no less expensive
either, you need to be qualified in all sorts of things, from first aid to
hostage negotiation and everything in between, it’s exasperating at times. Its a never ending roller-coaster full of bodily
fluids and emotional trauma. It’s hiding your chocolate at the top of the
cupboard and stealthily eating it at weird times just so you don't have to
share and It’s knowing how to blackmail on a mafia level. But it’s also the
greatest gift I've ever received. They if trained correctly are really good at
pushing lawnmowers, vacuum cleaners and taking out the trash. <br />
<br />
Case in point, one night last week im desperately trying to dish up and so I
remove all the kids plates from the cupboard and ask her, her being the little
squidgy 3 year old bundle of terror, which plate she would prefer for dinner,
after about 17 minutes of I don't knows and im hungry she picks a pink one. I
dutifully place a pork banger on the plate and all hell breaks loose,
the said plate is now no longer good enough and she wants a bowl instead. Big
inhale, after a further 6 minutes of arguing about which bowl she would prefer she makes her choice and I
remove the banger from the pink plate and put it in the bowl. All hell
breaks loose again!! Apparently the banger is now dirty and she wants a new one <br />
<br />
It’s in those moments that while you are at the edge of your sanity staring
into the abyss that your adulting skills are tested to their very limits. I
need to physically restrain myself from pulling a Naas (South African Rugby Player),
and drop kicking my moaning child out the front door and into the path of an
approaching bus.<br />
<br />
And just when you are ready to call child services to report yourself it
swings completely in the opposite direction. <br />
<br />
A bit later C mentions to me that she has been told by my eldest daughter
that my son (there is a point trust me) has downloaded an app on her phone that
is basically a how to manual on how a boy should kiss a girl. I can see clear
as day by the look on C's face that my reaction which entailed almost choking
on my food, laughing out loud and high fiving him was wrong and that I will
probably pay for it later. But, I'm absolutely proud of the little man, he is doing
his homework, nothing better than being prepared. <br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong the missus and I aren't perfect and my 12 year old reminds
us of that every day. Just recently we overslept and were woken up by her
fully dressed in her school clothes saying that we are irresponsible for not
waking her on time and shaking her head and looking at us like she can’t
understand how we get through the day unassisted. I'm not entirely sure either
but I won’t be telling her that.<br />
<br />
I truly wouldn't have it any other way though, because lets be honest you'll eventually get tired
of the expensive clothes, overseas holidays and good wine, just be prepared to
take loads of deep breaths and know how to use handy wipes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-81544798757288073872016-08-02T10:57:00.001-07:002016-08-02T10:57:47.471-07:00August... <br />
<br />
This blog is normally about the day to day, the adventure, an insight into our small existence here in Ireland and has been an important way of communicating with family and friends. I will with this post be going completely of the subject for the most of it. The reason for that is I have two milestones that are happening this month, they are the two that have shaped my life in the last decade more than anything else, they come from the extremes of both happiness and sadness and are in integral part of who i am today as a person, husband, father and friend.<br />
<br />
Firstly on the 12th of august 2006 We will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. I am in utter disbelief that the time has passed so quickly, and
yet I can think back and see how full these ten years have been. We
have walked and sometimes stumbled, through so much together. We’ve laughed to the point of tears, we’ve cried in waves of sorrow and sadness, we’ve fought and we’ve forgiven hundreds of times. We found out that love isn't a given and that you must choose to love every day. Love is what
you do and what you feel. And luckily for us our love has only
deepened, matured and strengthened over the years.<br />
<br />
<br />
I never doubted we’d make it this far, but I’m pretty sure there were plenty of people who did. I can’t help but think maybe the longest lasting marriages, the ones that last forever, until death, are the imperfect ones,like ours, the ones where you learn each day, the ones where you have to constantly work at it. Ours is certainly not the prettiest picture of marriage but perhaps the most realistic and i wouldn't change it for anything.<br />
<br />
C isn’t perfect, I'm definitely not, but I know she is perfect for me. She is perfect because
she has seen me in my darkest moments and never given up on me. She has
seen me at my worst, and still held my hand again the very next day. She understands
and supports my dreams without fail, and manages to catch me every
time I’m close to giving up. And despite all the ups and downs of marriage, I know she loves me inside and out, for who I am, not for who I appear to be.<br />
<br />
Antoine de Saint-Exupery said "Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction"So I hope I am able to see what she sees for as long as i live.<br />
<br />
We never really had the chance to experience the "Honeymoon period" after getting married, we were thrust face first into the second of the milestones, the 22nd of august 2006 while still on honeymoon, I lost my younger brother in an automobile accident. In an instant my life and that of my young wife were changed forever. The Grief from such a loss is brutally painful, and never goes away, I've often been told that these things happen for a reason, They don't, that phrase is said by people who feel the need to say something but have nothing of real substance to say.<br />
<br />
Losing a sibling and for my parents losing a child is something that cannot be fixed they can only be carried, carried silently for the most part, carried in the depths of your soul, stored where we store the things that we will never have the tools to deal with.<br />
<br />
Over the years I have written many letters to my brother, some published for all to see, some not. I have shared things I felt needed sharing. I have spoken to him like he was with me in times of hardship, and laughed and cried with him when remembering things we experienced together as brothers. He was my first confidante, my very first best friend and my first partner in crime. He was a gentle but restless soul always trying to better himself always reaching for new levels of self-awareness and achievement, but gentle and patient all at the same time. Many people go through their entire lives not having truly lived and loved like he did in his short time with us.<br />
<br />
Both the death of my brother and my marriage to C will forever be intertwined, each have played an important role in the other, Marc with all the help and support he gave C, and what can only be described as the most heartfelt best man speech I've ever heard. And in all the love, support and patience C has shown me in dealing with his loss.<br />
<br />
In reality he may have died, but he lives on in all the people he touched along the way, he lives on in the memories we have, in the thoughts we have, in the ideals we pass on to others and in the adventures he has vicariously lived through us.The month of August will always be bitter sweet but a month that I love and loathe all the same. its these moments combined with some others that have guided us along the path we have walked. Guided us to where we are now. This adventure would would not have been possible without the strength We have drawn from these experiences.<br />
<br />
In the end it is said that its not about the amount of years in a life but by the amount of life in the years. I hope to be lucky enough one day that Im able to say I've truly lived.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-55472364343340617032016-07-04T06:46:00.000-07:002016-07-04T06:46:08.338-07:00All the good things <br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The last few weeks have shot past in a blur of activity, not all of it good
mind you, but mostly it’s been fun. As you know we were at a wedding on the big
island a few weeks ago, now that was a massive Jol. The English countryside
didn't stand a chance, we invaded the place like ants, temporarily of course,
and when I say we I mean around 20 or 30 Saffas. <span style="font-family: inherit;">A</span>ll expats, but Saffas nonetheless.
My mate whose wedding it was is of course a South African and therefore all the
Cousins, Aunties and Ooms that go along with it were too. I even took a bottle
of Klippies with for all to enjoy, although the groom decided to drink most of
it on his own in the space of 20 minutes the day before the wedding. One of the big highlights was the Dinner
done by a South African caterer, It was a braai with the standard fare of
potato salads a few greens and lots of cold beers. Now before you judge, don’t
worry it wasn't a BBQ with sausages etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a proper Saffa affair with lamb and pork chops and some chicken
for the vegetarians. Great fun was had by all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After it was all said and done we made our way back to our Pandok here on
the small island, the one that's still in the EU. As we pulled in the
drive we were mobbed by three screaming children and one very tired granny, not
babysitting for 5years and then taking my midget dictator, with her terrorist siblings for a few days will do that to even the heartiest of souls. Fortunately
my mom is made of tougher stock and managed to recover swiftly enough to enjoy
the last day we had together, before we sent her back home in time to
watch England exit the EU twice in one week.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last weekend we were lucky enough to be invited to another expat do, this
one started at Nandos on Mary street in Dublin, and it was epic<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> I know I keep
saying that but believe me if you were here you would agree without argument<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">N</span>ow I did not realize how much I missed Nandos until I sat down and ate my
first hot wing. The best part was being able to wash it all down with a
savanna, it’s the small things right!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway
once we had our fill we all made our way to the Woolshed for the Irish tour of
SA decider, It’s a massive sports pub with two story TV,s and is supposed to be
an Aussie pub of sorts but there wasn't one in sight. We did however pick up a
random Kiwi but that's another story entirely. After standing hand on heart to
sing our anthem along with more than 50 others scattered in little groups
throughout the pub, we began to shout for our team, <span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm</span> convinced they could
hear us from here. Fortunately we won the rugby because the beating I would
have taken at work on Monday would have been off the hook.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> After the rugby we said goodbye to a Customer and friend <span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>d lost this last week back
in SA like only we know how. A good few Klippies and <span style="font-family: inherit;">C</span>okes were consumed <span style="font-family: inherit;">with</span>
lightning speed <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">accompanied</span> by</span> some reminiscing and storytelling for good measure<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> I must
say thanks to those that indulged with me, you know who you are and should know
it meant a lot. Losing someone that's close to you is always very difficult, especially when they are young and have their whole lives ahead of them and you are several thousand km away and can’t do a thing to help<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">M</span>essages
and calls can in no way convey your feelings no matter how many little
emoticons you send. So just before 7pm C miraculously led us directly to our
bus and guided us safely home thus putting an end to a great day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The weird thing I realized on Sunday is that while we've been putting
ourselves out there like eager teenagers in an attempt to forge these<span id="goog_634929051"></span><span id="goog_634929052"></span>
new friendships and enjoy a bit of home comforts, we've in fact actually settled
and the feeling of familiarity is there now not because it reminds us of home
so much as because this is our home. And the people we've met along the way
have become good friend<span style="font-family: inherit;">s and an important part of our lives here<span style="font-family: inherit;">, whether they like it or not.</span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So as I said before, my dad will be joining us in a <span style="font-family: inherit;">few days</span>, much wanted
care package in hand, because I am literally dying for a piece of toast with
Melrose cheese spread on it<span style="font-family: inherit;">. B</span>ut in the meantime <span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>ll continue to watch England
eat itself alive, be<span style="font-family: inherit;">er in hand</span> from the comfort of my very soft armchair. <span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>hile replying to messages from family and friends asking us wh<span style="font-family: inherit;">ether <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">everyone in <span style="font-family: inherit;">E</span>urope has gone mad</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. <span style="font-family: inherit;">The only real effect <span style="font-family: inherit;">Brexit ha<span style="font-family: inherit;">s had on my life thus far has been a ton of very funny jokes and a front row seat to the mess its created<span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Till next time,Garreth </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Added below are just a few of the photo's we've taken along the way over the
last six months.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBHqyOqoALQDnWex1N0Ad12X7bJJaS1biGyx4KoW5YUja9CV2yIsplP-5x8J8KitmR__pdD_UMJx6FbyhZ2gwqy61FC1ymo41W_w0bXCBQWqp1_IJOgkXWypm02QiXbgN6JMOBaNwBYMF/s1600/rugby+%2540+woolshed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBHqyOqoALQDnWex1N0Ad12X7bJJaS1biGyx4KoW5YUja9CV2yIsplP-5x8J8KitmR__pdD_UMJx6FbyhZ2gwqy61FC1ymo41W_w0bXCBQWqp1_IJOgkXWypm02QiXbgN6JMOBaNwBYMF/s400/rugby+%2540+woolshed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself with our Very good Friends David, Haley and Greg, ( Julie and Candice were otherwise occupied)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnlkDs5rHSMnVcZp3Jqueh64DjoV0p2Vp9aaOCT-0pGwlwMgZ8V7GGuKa28_-RC0_mzhe8g7wbBqLGmORPAZi8RiVTs5nTWzL5rKCUMteBHOcWYEfvL5vniK4ZDqmKItxa_qtA-e2S632L/s1600/the+wedding+venue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrurNMNmjWTr0PzLBHg0fnA8HOh90uH2CF8y3gbVomy0H0dWScxnyb2IIiyQN5qA_HNHvQIRcuNgdC6G9n3yLTKtmePE0f4okgPF_BGzQxg7INswviQbeQQRv6gJfnGKz8ENo3izVNIQQ5/s1600/another+old+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrurNMNmjWTr0PzLBHg0fnA8HOh90uH2CF8y3gbVomy0H0dWScxnyb2IIiyQN5qA_HNHvQIRcuNgdC6G9n3yLTKtmePE0f4okgPF_BGzQxg7INswviQbeQQRv6gJfnGKz8ENo3izVNIQQ5/s320/another+old+tree.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lovely old tree </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXnja8wKfXnOIoCrTCi66KWGAdh2mvXVmg0qhuMsGxn_AzEOWfWbsIpCISS48oF9QRJDHqSnUoeaw_FXNhrKwErmVGgXyrEj1w2-8LqB7uMLWN-A9YZmnR_5nmHHbOjsifzS38LageDnz/s1600/malahide+castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXnja8wKfXnOIoCrTCi66KWGAdh2mvXVmg0qhuMsGxn_AzEOWfWbsIpCISS48oF9QRJDHqSnUoeaw_FXNhrKwErmVGgXyrEj1w2-8LqB7uMLWN-A9YZmnR_5nmHHbOjsifzS38LageDnz/s320/malahide+castle.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some exploring at Malahide Castle and Gardens </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wMZva_i4hP4_kZW85ucZlmL9fY3sbl2CNP0zWwkDDwG49HVHo9YcSiMs8iia8ScvsAPFTpGIbfSeGKW_o2uOGK6vwV9GkPCrg0csLK7VMzsnFAUMTBJyvAssyB3toKrs7kGNa1OISJ4X/s1600/me+and+chop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6wMZva_i4hP4_kZW85ucZlmL9fY3sbl2CNP0zWwkDDwG49HVHo9YcSiMs8iia8ScvsAPFTpGIbfSeGKW_o2uOGK6vwV9GkPCrg0csLK7VMzsnFAUMTBJyvAssyB3toKrs7kGNa1OISJ4X/s320/me+and+chop.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself and Tayla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnfPgCy72MyDR13A-3RGzLS5bgmuafbKR0P0HZE3A-SPtcNQOi3n3IO9u091DUeIOtPJMdrW5PHo-fCQZ8K8ImZWM2PJeiNEpi3AJ-x84hyphenhyphenRyKKVxybv7jhSzGCnkzZNM2iz5Pw-wAbnh/s1600/me+and+other+chop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnfPgCy72MyDR13A-3RGzLS5bgmuafbKR0P0HZE3A-SPtcNQOi3n3IO9u091DUeIOtPJMdrW5PHo-fCQZ8K8ImZWM2PJeiNEpi3AJ-x84hyphenhyphenRyKKVxybv7jhSzGCnkzZNM2iz5Pw-wAbnh/s320/me+and+other+chop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eryn and I</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7gQJ5sDxzpMh3wFe4LTNAEmhcjscU3us2mB_syAXTYew1iJhpLeGFO2BCa1v7syvk833WOwclmzEe9xKxW3T240JL2FeO_3u39K0zpDFcXfa6ju1PLUi4hR4DGuEqDSb0Zz24b4t2Xvj/s1600/my+girls+at+the+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7gQJ5sDxzpMh3wFe4LTNAEmhcjscU3us2mB_syAXTYew1iJhpLeGFO2BCa1v7syvk833WOwclmzEe9xKxW3T240JL2FeO_3u39K0zpDFcXfa6ju1PLUi4hR4DGuEqDSb0Zz24b4t2Xvj/s320/my+girls+at+the+zoo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Girls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISIkVEpHPEU0UNLolGvNP5e0eFK2jmMhWe63qQ-PIkoFm0C3GJUoTgBhz4EzDacw8JcBTsAhIQ3r2aJ9i5ZFgYrkHbLsFYQaOaxYMgBs6s7up5HQXSGyTtN5RMi3xTKDqV6aNP7w-0djG/s1600/powerscourt+fountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISIkVEpHPEU0UNLolGvNP5e0eFK2jmMhWe63qQ-PIkoFm0C3GJUoTgBhz4EzDacw8JcBTsAhIQ3r2aJ9i5ZFgYrkHbLsFYQaOaxYMgBs6s7up5HQXSGyTtN5RMi3xTKDqV6aNP7w-0djG/s400/powerscourt+fountain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Trants and The waterfall, </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOJgnpflHDw4G2Sh2a2kvwB0AqWsbV7DctL34X3JDh7pdk-gvAMmY0krFxY_2JhLA6ZzUSkcJ1y32YU8KA4aAvi51bEi20dnQZoyc0XlMErmxsXsLaQ72LBBBZP2UFbsdkHgsZyFhJYNq/s1600/my+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOJgnpflHDw4G2Sh2a2kvwB0AqWsbV7DctL34X3JDh7pdk-gvAMmY0krFxY_2JhLA6ZzUSkcJ1y32YU8KA4aAvi51bEi20dnQZoyc0XlMErmxsXsLaQ72LBBBZP2UFbsdkHgsZyFhJYNq/s320/my+people.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My People at Powerscourt Estate </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8Mk1Ry2b39FqRKU7KtbXCRn6lRNXlv8xfWhgKw0EWKc2f4nJAybu5RJcfi1S0ieoY6NyPl1Rbh89dONCUN78cTHTNktrG4FkQdkThyBf8-TKDaYysMnCIZZBFSG-tk2ysCYUOlPyPuMA/s1600/powerscourt+hike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8Mk1Ry2b39FqRKU7KtbXCRn6lRNXlv8xfWhgKw0EWKc2f4nJAybu5RJcfi1S0ieoY6NyPl1Rbh89dONCUN78cTHTNktrG4FkQdkThyBf8-TKDaYysMnCIZZBFSG-tk2ysCYUOlPyPuMA/s320/powerscourt+hike.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Family at Powerscourt </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RrozaHCE7qnDuZtLCuzKLrS-TtNIhZkrIzAkCCbbxEQa7BjclTGuWczQn24173mRi-1RzwQCVGV-cprWcSVHEdn5Dw76Rqotf7Hum0keXa4ZXorjJBixPXEGN8vm0KHJD4JiosF6N4zB/s1600/pub+crawls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RrozaHCE7qnDuZtLCuzKLrS-TtNIhZkrIzAkCCbbxEQa7BjclTGuWczQn24173mRi-1RzwQCVGV-cprWcSVHEdn5Dw76Rqotf7Hum0keXa4ZXorjJBixPXEGN8vm0KHJD4JiosF6N4zB/s320/pub+crawls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pub Crawling </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxtvhFA8XYwCVhKFYA3_WwDfRTpf2UTIFnWgP-KlvTIPpM0Gp0P-ql_1x0Ii35-dngp9mybyhC61ooIxnmFhFIh0WuernhTFHXJwFOWaoD2l3yeZ5GT48pTZKQAIi6nuHmSEDOdYgmVc1/s1600/tayla+madness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxtvhFA8XYwCVhKFYA3_WwDfRTpf2UTIFnWgP-KlvTIPpM0Gp0P-ql_1x0Ii35-dngp9mybyhC61ooIxnmFhFIh0WuernhTFHXJwFOWaoD2l3yeZ5GT48pTZKQAIi6nuHmSEDOdYgmVc1/s320/tayla+madness.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical madness caught on camera </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaPYf2ohY0Jgc_CdrZa-6zBTU84bUfsCcHJa9V9Q2NUoRkdyeuc0hlCsUlYQNLLvSJBzmkP6_Jn-bzYBcle-n6G5LsMR__A09QGcaIkcKREH5NwSCpxGmAgKU4Klf1BxdvV1XX5j3voiO/s1600/tayla+and+blake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioaPYf2ohY0Jgc_CdrZa-6zBTU84bUfsCcHJa9V9Q2NUoRkdyeuc0hlCsUlYQNLLvSJBzmkP6_Jn-bzYBcle-n6G5LsMR__A09QGcaIkcKREH5NwSCpxGmAgKU4Klf1BxdvV1XX5j3voiO/s320/tayla+and+blake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tayla and Blake </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-ZRc0l2hSWBWvOdfIucokbhONembqQwO2O5uC-k8jn6Gt4FUxEloMUzcEVr5W5-eYtGYujxT-gSdymLYGqIXfxGVjJQXLynVFXsm2xGj0Tb1rTWoaz_HltcqEnSnkgirpHMWQjDcLl5t/s1600/powerscourt+fountain+me+and+candice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-ZRc0l2hSWBWvOdfIucokbhONembqQwO2O5uC-k8jn6Gt4FUxEloMUzcEVr5W5-eYtGYujxT-gSdymLYGqIXfxGVjJQXLynVFXsm2xGj0Tb1rTWoaz_HltcqEnSnkgirpHMWQjDcLl5t/s320/powerscourt+fountain+me+and+candice.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candice and I at the Waterfall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bZxUHatM-pCnTLHwGrP9XLwie_-qqu1kcvFw38j44K-yHXdS77rDTAXtGjwXpt5ni8Xqz-9dWZowadFChKwWxqK36BG8BaPDK057FtSRMrAvDh4O2eXKpk1p9xDFWLR72wjHzzFqD3AM/s1600/the+wedding+venue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bZxUHatM-pCnTLHwGrP9XLwie_-qqu1kcvFw38j44K-yHXdS77rDTAXtGjwXpt5ni8Xqz-9dWZowadFChKwWxqK36BG8BaPDK057FtSRMrAvDh4O2eXKpk1p9xDFWLR72wjHzzFqD3AM/s320/the+wedding+venue.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather and Shauns Wedding Venue </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCTJoXrZHcbnwzRatHpKsV_8I_gKqWLsfJDEfSvSQzvEnN3YAT9IaGaREEABDUFAjJrI_B-5sOtMWLjZSO_ASoV0DnI-OH5TQ_9wX6VDAI0QVXjJ-o_QfehnaLuIC3MgX_kryKO3-5ZqM/s1600/braai+at+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCTJoXrZHcbnwzRatHpKsV_8I_gKqWLsfJDEfSvSQzvEnN3YAT9IaGaREEABDUFAjJrI_B-5sOtMWLjZSO_ASoV0DnI-OH5TQ_9wX6VDAI0QVXjJ-o_QfehnaLuIC3MgX_kryKO3-5ZqM/s320/braai+at+home.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braai at home </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnrAfk3Kj1DYNCH3QMrmXm3WRcR6pgcKS67oLU3CQdDR5EOrwpxfoLHYVWeuSZz0W5KBq45B30u6MhwumhB1dHdjvd-EzajwfrWeud9ujCvIOBuVSNu5BDn1hS9LYoJqvfDyY8LKqol93/s1600/wedding+madness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPnrAfk3Kj1DYNCH3QMrmXm3WRcR6pgcKS67oLU3CQdDR5EOrwpxfoLHYVWeuSZz0W5KBq45B30u6MhwumhB1dHdjvd-EzajwfrWeud9ujCvIOBuVSNu5BDn1hS9LYoJqvfDyY8LKqol93/s640/wedding+madness.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us at our Best </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-56368094233629076172016-06-10T00:55:00.000-07:002016-06-10T05:47:24.041-07:00Brace yourselves.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Brace yourselves Julle Blixems, the Thompson's have been
granted residence, Now I wont publicly admit that this is probably due to the
fact that C handled the applications and not me, because let’s be honest my
ability to hold a conversation in a pub after consuming a Guinness or five is
very well documented, but would not have been very helpful here, we would've
been denied residence to this fair place and deported faster than JZ emptied
the treasury if I had even glanced in the direction of those applications.</div>
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The problem you see is that I have an uncanny ability to
confuse these poor Irish kêrels to within an inch of their lives when I use my
very South African slang words. They get the same look on their faces Mr Bean
did when he snorted the lemon juice, and then attempt to lean in closer thinking there
might be a chance they would understand what I’d just said better, the second
time round, all that does is scare the Bejaysis out of me as you can well
imagine and cause C to spit whatever was in her mouth at the time all over our
table, this is all extremely funny to us, but just makes the people around us
think we are Broken.</div>
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One of the most wonderful things about being a Saffa is the
language we use almost every day, words like Boet, Blerrie, jislaaik and the
aforementioned Blixem are just some of the myriad names and expressions we
have, and we use them generously. I mean the look I got the other day when I
told my laaitie I was going to give him a klap, by the spectators at his Gaelic
football match, was hilarious, although in fairness me angrily telling a child I
was going to give him an STD probably wouldn't sit well in any civilized
society. I should probably try and be more careful when C lets me out in
public.</div>
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I have decided that it would be detrimental to my kids upbringing
if they didn't at least get taught some of the more important slang words that I
was brought up with so I’ll be doing some research in the coming weeks and come
up with a few must know words and phrases, so if any of you have any suggestions please let me
know. It’s really important to me that josh knows when I say Boet I'm not
calling him a shoe but rather my buddy. and that when I ask him to bring me a
dop ill actually get one and not get put in a home because he thinks I have
early onset Alzheimer's , but that's what you get for having 11 official
languages, and everybody trying to make it lekker easy to understand for everyone else.</div>
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I’ve mentioned the expat lunches that we have attended in
previous posts and it’s at these you will hear some of these words bandied
about without a care in the world, 30 odd rowdy Saffas together in a pub is
always going to be a jol and they never disappoint, and let me tell you, the look of utter
confusion on the barman's face when you shout down the length of the bar "
ooi boet how’s a klippies and coke " is worth its weight in gold. It always brings a smile to my face. What’s
been especially nice has been how nobody has lost their Africanism. All the
expats we've met no matter how long they have been here still sound like
Saffas and thats because as some clever person once said ‘Africa is not easily forsaken by her children.</div>
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So anyway like I said we have been granted residence which
is great, its one moerse big weight off of our shoulders, it comes with many
perks, one of which is visa free travel within the European Union. Our first
trip will be across the Irish Sea to my best mates wedding. where I will be the
best man, I know I know I can’t believe it either, it was while I was writing
my speech that I realized I would have to change a lot of the words I was using
because nobody in the UK would understand what i was saying, and they wouldnt be alone, I'm already convinced my spellcheck thinks I'm a madman and those error reports it
keeps wanting to send are secretly cries for help. So in the end I removed all
the slang, AKA africanisms, and inserted words that are more internationally understood, in other
words I had to dust of my dictionary and ask my 11 year old for help.</div>
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Soon after the wedding possibly in August over the bank
holiday weekend we will take a trip up to Scotland, Back to where C comes from,
or rather where her dad was born. But in the meantime I am preparing to host my
mother for a few days next week and then soon after my dad,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll have to be on my best behaviour, but it
also means I get to see my china's and there will be some good times on the
horizon, and a few more people to include into the madness that is
our home and daily existence.</div>
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Ciao for now</div>
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G</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-1920221470030369272016-06-03T01:35:00.000-07:002016-06-03T01:36:26.647-07:00A stranger in a strange land.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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My previous blog posts have been about our day to day lives,
like finding a house, unpacking our boxes and some of the traveling that we
have done. Other than a few small mentions here and there, we've almost
completely avoided the subject of what it feels like to live, like ordinary
people, here. The after effects of a intercontinental migration like this are long
lasting and too numerous to mention flippantly, they come in waves of
happiness, sadness and frustration. And show themselves at the oddest times. This
blog has been hugely responsible for dealing with these emotions as it helps
connect us with all of our family and friends; it’s a tenuous and abstract way
of connecting but it a connection nonetheless.</div>
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What a move like this does is not only force you to look at
your partner in a different way, it forces you to look inwardly at your own
self. This can be frightening at the best of times, because unlike taking a
picture with your smartphone you are unable to put a filter over it. You can’t
smooth over the bits you don’t like, what you see is unashamedly you.
Immigration forces you to look at yourself with all your bits laid bare, its
exceedingly difficult to evaluate ones inner self and to be critical of your
shortcomings, its counter intuitive<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but
that's exactly what I've had to do, it’s been life changing in many ways. You
almost instantly learn where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and learn to
adjust your way of thinking and your actions to suit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Many people have said to us over the last year that those
that leave to make a new life for themselves, are taking the easy way out, this
is an inaccuracy of epic proportions, in fact I will put fire to the next
person who has the audacity to say that to me. This is the hard way out and you
only find that out once you've made the move, never before. It takes an
inordinate amount of inner strength and pure iron will to leave everything you
know for what you think is a better life halfway across the world, almost from
the first moment, you begin second guessing yourself, simply because there is
no clearly defined path to getting settled.<br />
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Physically settling in is the easiest part,humans are very good at adjusting in the physical sense, especially the younger ones, but some
of the people I've chatted to have in fifteen and twenty years not emotionally
settled, this is where it gets tricky.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are born into a circle of family and friends and you grow with
them., you go to school and mature with them, so once you remove yourself from
it and move you need to create a new circle in a new place. Almost always you
have a culture that is vastly different to the one you are used to hence the
term culture shock, the easiest way to remedy this is to look for the familiar,
we have done that in spades, and the reason is that the familiarity is
comforting.<br />
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Modern technology allows us to find the comforts we need anywhere
in the world, things like Facebook, where we belong to a group called South
Africans In Dublin, has allowed us to meet people either in the same transition
phase as ourselves or people who have done it and can offer sound advice. Even the way we live stream our old radio station through a media center brings
certain amount of comfort, and Whackhead and sometimes Greg and Lucky into our
everyday lives. However the feeling that there is something missing is always there in the background, you know deep down that you are a stranger, and at the same time you know that the longer you are away from your birthplace the stranger it will become. It may sound odd but the idea of not belonging anywhere is very real. </div>
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It’s important to remember that all this thinking and
evaluating is in effect your psyches way of letting you know its adjusting to
the new environment, of changing you ever so slightly so that you might fit
into this new life, surrounded by new people, more easily. I’ve found myself
using words that I’ve never used before so that I'm better understood, I see
this in my kids too, all three of them have begun adjusting in their own ways
and words slightly and their interests bending to suit their friends. We all crave
acceptance and it’s to that end that we make those slight changes.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose it’s of
great importance here that we as their parents don’t let them forget where it
is that they come from, it’s in us, but that's because we left at an age where
its ingrained in everything that we do. We identify as Africans, and specifically as South
Africans. For the kids, they do not, they are too young to understand the significance
of their heritage and their place in this world<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">. </span>Unless we show them they will never identify as Africans. Tayla
especially, will never remember the time she spent there, and by the time
she is old enough to know any better her passport will be a red European Union
passport and not the dodgy Green Mamba we all have now. </div>
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In the end all this was explicitly introduced into our lives
by our own doing, and I know for a certainty that given the opportunity to do
it all again I would change not a single thing. We are all incredibly happy, it’s
an awesome adventure, and I know that in the years to come when our children
are settled in a stable country where there are jobs and there is a future we
will have accomplished what we had set out to do in the first place. My hope
for them is that when they have children they never need to consider taking the
same steps we did, to guarantee them a future. </div>
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<br />
Garreth <br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-82780504231775745432016-05-27T05:18:00.001-07:002016-05-27T05:18:36.017-07:00The Work Ethics Conundrum...I have always thought that being a South African was bottom of the barrel. Being from a third world country, I had the idea that somehow my education, or my work experience, or my life in general was less acceptable across the board than in first world countries. I forever put the likes of the Americas, and Europe and Australia on a pedestal believing them to be superior beings for the mere fact that they have had access to better services and systems than I had.<br />
<br />
Drawing on this belief I entered into my first job in Ireland a nervous wreck. I had this inflated title which oozed self-importance and thought to myself that these people are going to be sorry that they hired me because this African girl has more bark than bite. Was I ever wrong! The job was just that... an inflated title with very little substance behind it. It was fraught with ineptitude from the beginning. Every person involved in the project had been tossed in head first and made to swim. There were no life buoys in play, and the strongest swimmer would ultimately prevail in such conditions.There was no process or procedures in place from administrators to team leaders and each had to play by ear as systems and work processes changed on a day to day basis. It was a disaster. I have never in my life worked in such a disorganized state. I clearly survived the initial confusion as I was given more responsibilities after just 2 weeks in the job. However, such chaos taught me much about the South African and the work ethic of our people in general.<br />
<br />
Because of our natural survival instincts and our petrified state of loosing our jobs either due to economic hardships or BEE quotas, we are a very hard working nation. Workaholics we are. We have finely tuned our skills in such a way that we can optimize our performance in the least amount of time. We get things done. As a result we appear to work twice as fast as any one else. This is a mere illusion, but it is impressive to those who don't know the fear driving these actions. In stark contrast we have those who don't sit in perpetual fear of job insecurity and for these individuals, it is just another day at the office. Work is done slowly and with the attitude that tomorrow is another day and sometime work is done in complete dissaray. It is such individuals who drive these disorganized projects. It is such individuals who drive me mad. It is such individuals that are causing the graying of my once glossy black mane.<br />
<br />
Coming into my second job, I was less nervous, but still felt because it was another pumped up position, more money, more responsibility etc that they would likely question their hiring choice. Again, I am sitting completely in chaos trying to figure out systems and procedures because the last person left without even a how do you do!! I'm stuck with no mentor, in an Industry I have never worked in, and been thrown in head first to a bunch of disorganized files and not a single system or procedure to guide me. It is again a sink or swim situation. The boss tells me not to stress as next week I will have a more defined role. Geez!! Next week!! Do me a favour. The office label maker has been going crazy since yesterday with my obsessive compulsive self trying to create some sort of order, how does he think I will live for a whole week without a defined role.<br />
<br />
The point I am trying to make here is, we as South Africans need to forget our preconceived ideas that we have about first world countries. Clearly perception is evil. This was made blatantly clear by the the sweet little ignorami who actually asked me if I knew what a prawn was. South Africa has a massive seafood and fishing industry. He clearly was unaware of this believing I did not ever have the pleasure of experiencing shellfish. I had to actually hide my face in my jumper to prevent myself from laughing at the poor guy. People have dangerous preconceived notions about Africa and what Africans can and cant do and what Africans do and don't know and what is available to Africans from an infrastructural point of view. If I actually was what I was perceived to be I would be a pig skin wearing, deer hunting, rain dancing, gun and spear toting menace to society racist who has a lion on a leash, no access to electricity, running water, a working sewerage system, a functioning education system, shopping malls and trade produce. In fact If I were to be whom I was perceived to be, its a damn miracle I am even alive.<br />
<br />
First world, does not necessarily mean better in every aspect. What we believe as third worlders' does not necessarily translate to the reality of it all. I have met many a South African who is intelligent beyond belief and they would outwit, outsmart and outplay (yes, I'm quoting Survivor, yes we have television in South Africa that we can watch Survivor on, in case one wonders) some of the people I have met here. We also appear to be on par with regards to processes and procedures in the work place. The clear difference lies in the amount of money that is available to bandy about.<br />
<br />
In conclusion if you are coming into a first world market, I would not be too worried about how well you are going to fare. Your strong African work ethic and ability to multi task along with your multi-cultural background will lay a wonderful groundwork for you to prosper.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-8060621591427296182016-05-12T05:11:00.000-07:002016-05-12T05:11:55.138-07:00the madness continues...<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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So as has become the
norm lately I sit down on a Monday evening and write my post for the week, this
week was no different, except that I was suddenly chin slapped with an enormous case of writers block, I sat there for quite some time but came up with nothing,
so I decided to just ramble on about the last weekend and hope none of you
would notice.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Many times over the
last five months the weather has come up in conversations with various people,
one of the questions I always ask is whether or not they have a decent summer
and I’ve been assured that Ireland does in fact have a summer. It’s illusive
like the "tokoloshe", is illusive, but it does exist. Now For those
wondering, the tokoloshe is South Africa's very own version of the Yeti, but
more sexually deviant, and more like a midget zombie with a bad attitude. One
of the more witty chaps id asked said that last year’s summer was great; it was
on a Wednesday afternoon, in July.</div>
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<br /></div>
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All jokes aside we
have been told that when the sun does shine and it is warm all the people
suddenly come out of hibernation, eat ice-cream and go to the beach or barbecue
at home, I truly thought this was an overstatement, it wasn't, because low and
behold on Sunday the sun stopped being busy elsewhere and made an appearance in
Ireland, the population instantly doubled, our sleepy village became a city in
a matter of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>minutes, you'd think these
people have "go" bags ready for this type of thing. Several ice-cream
trucks with the accompanying throngs of beach-goers invaded the foreshore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was like Durban north beach on Boxing Day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It was such a big
thing, Mondays headlines read “Yellow object spotted in the sky"</div>
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The happiness was
infectious, people were out walking, cycling doing all sorts of normal outdoor
activities, one of our neighbors threw caution to the wind and had an
impromptu barbecue that carried on well into Sunday night, another neighbor
took it upon himself to single handedly mow all the grass in the estate, cowboy
hat and all. Utter madness I tell you.</div>
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We would have been
silly not to take the opportunity of a sunny day and squeeze every single thing
we could from it, and you would be right, we did and loved every minute of it.
fortunately for us our local is an award winning restaurant called the Lime
kiln,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s an eclectic mix of old Irish
cooking with modern techniques and flavors, they also stock a wide range of
ciders and craft beer, this ensures a few visits at the very least. it was only
once the sun had gone down that things started to calm down and the throng of
people returned home, So in preparation for the next warm days I’ve purchased a
proper Weber charcoal braai, I decided it would be criminal to go with gas it’s
just not South African,</div>
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What I found amazing
is how a bit of sun can be cathartic, it can wake up the soul from its winter
slumber, and takes the freeze out of the bones, it puts a jump in your step and
a smile on your face although I think that it might just be, because of me. I
was driving home on the motorway the other day and as I do on a nice afternoon,
plug in my iPod, open the sunroof and sing at full volume to the tunes that
come on, now on the aforementioned afternoon myself and Alanis Morissette were
full tilt into a duet of her song Ironic, what I hadn't noticed in my reverie
was the car load of young girls id sent into a state of absolute hysteria when
the traffic had come to a stop, fortunately REM came on next and that seemed to
recover a shred of my dignity, not my manliest moment I’ll admit, but at the
very least I had brought sunshine to someone else's <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>day</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>GT<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-69656106275593654482016-05-05T04:42:00.001-07:002016-05-05T04:42:42.761-07:00Its Beginning to Feel a Wee bit like Home away from Home<div style="text-align: center;">
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I have found that you get two types of people you encounter when you announce that you are immigrating. You get the nay-sayers who love to tell you that the grass is in no way greener on the other side. They prophesy how terrible life is going to be when you get there as a result of being so far away from your loved ones and the life you know and are used to. They bitch about the horrible weather abroad, the unfamiliar architecture and lack of modern design and about missing the creature comforts we have become accustomed to. They are the lot who believe you have taken the easy way out and that you are a coward for abandoning your country in its time of need. The type who beat their chest and sing Nkosi Sikeleli and wear the flag with pride on national holidays, then pray for the best when economic and political situations present themselves resulting in massive upheavel.
On the other hand you have those individuals who are more enthusiastic than you are about the prospects of a new life. They are the ones who would love to get out of their current situation, but unfortunately their circumstances are hindering or preventing them from doing so. They are the ones who believe life on the other side is going to be a magical adventure, a beautiful fairy tale involving world travel, glamorous jobs, eating foreign cuisine and drinking exotic liquors while stroking your pet unicorn in your secret garden on the yellow brick road. They wish you the best and constantly tell you how lucky and priveleged you are. </div>
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The reality in actuality is a good mixture of both.
At first the excitement and sense of adventure is intoxicating. I needed to pinch myself on a daily basis to remind myself that this is now my new reality. Mixed in with the excitement is the nauseating stress of ensuring all your ducks are in a row such as organizing bank accounts, social security numbers, tax credits, getting your employment contract signed and your lease in order. Getting the kids into school, licensing and taxing your car, furnishing your home and finding doctors, hairdressers, hospitals and the like are just a few of the mountain of tasks you are faced with and they take up hours and hours of time. It feels as though you will never get through the endless to do list. After you have sorted your life out to a manageable extent, an eerie calmness overcomes your situation and you are plunged back into the mundane routine of everyday life. The honeymoon period officially comes to an end. Once the party is over, you get to thinking , and you ultimately end up at the heart stopping“ now what” phase.</div>
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This "now what" is when the alternative reality really sets in and hits home hard. It is at this phase where you start to realize that you are indeed missing home and you need to constantly remind yourself why you have done what you have done. Amidst the sadness and depravity of it all it helps to hear that someone has been broken into, or that someone has been mugged in a park, because in a twisted sort of way it reaffirms your decision on a daily basis that you have done the right thing. (Don’t judge me… this is simply human nature). </div>
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For myself and the husband, we are mainly finding our issues to lie in the small things that we took for granted on a day to day basis. The fact that we cannot just call over to our friends house to have a cup of coffee and talk rubbish for hours on end, or go for a beer or glass of wine to the pub down the road while leaving the kids with the sitter when you have had a stressful day. Not being able to pop in and visit your mom, or your aunty, or your granny, or attend a funeral when a loved one dies, or a wedding when there’s a marriage celebration, or even go in and meet your friends baby who has just been born. It is these small things that add up and weigh on your mind. It dawns on you that as much as your friends or family miss you, life does not stop without you, it goes on regardless of your absence. It kind of takes your breath away.</div>
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Date night has also been completely thrown out of the window for the foreseeable future. The lack of close friends and family in your immediate vicinity as well as the impossibility of finding a babysitter you would trust with your dog let alone your kids kills any and all chances of a prospective social life. These are the troubles of which you are faced with daily, they sound trivial, but they are very real and can have a serious impact on your well being.</div>
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So, After four months of attending endless hours of work, expat lunches, childrens parties, communion do's, and various events with cousins, and neighbors and the likes thereof, I think we are finally getting into the swing of things and carving out a niche for ourselves. I have met a lovely group of ladies at work. The laughs and conversation I have shared with them on a day to day basis have actually kept me sane through this entire process. They will probably never know it, but they have really helped a foreign girl out by being such a welcome lot. They have made the arduous task of attending prison everyday quite an enjoyable experience and opened my eyes to many aspects of Ireland I would have been oblivious to had I never met them. I also have my Aunty and Cousins whom I have reconnected with. This has made me very happy indeed. I did not ever expect to have a real relationship with these woman again, circumstance would predict otherwise and they have been loving and kind, as if we had never lost contact over the years. I have spent hours in long conversations with my cousin on a weekly basis and even my children will get to know their Irish cousins as their cousins too. A true sense of family being forged with the unlikeliest of individuals.
We have also met a couple of South Africans (about 8 of them) who live down the road in the next town. Lunch last week with these hooligans resulted in an epic pub crawl ending in our whole family chasing the last train back to Bettystown in the dark of night. It felt just like home. What a wonderful bunch. They appear to be in the same social situation as ourselves and experiencing the same highs and lows. Because of this we can relate to each other on a level that not many would understand. Also a bunch we would never had come across had we not made our move. I am certain that this meeting has laid the ground for many late night get together's to come, and to this I look forward.</div>
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As Paolo Coehlo once said: </div>
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“Important encounters are planned by the soul long before the bodies see each other”. </div>
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Clearly my soul had mapped out this journey for me long before my consciousness had become aware. So thank you unconscious spirit. You have allowed me to encounter some magnificent individuals. I don't know where our relationships will be in the years to come, but for now, they have taught me lessons that no amount of money or privelege could buy. As Irish luck would go, the encountering a leprechaun on Saturday has sealed my fate. My luck should now be turning for the better.</div>
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Love and Light</div>
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C</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtRxDkn15XhDrJl5SMLsUMqdOWuUVnGdCRX77sWEQHOtlToabVYkBLofBj6TbYbaTugPVdsI4vNdgBmykGl515rvjRglUuinOV6YZ-ylHtHBTX3_jQynLhROEWb6LG2PMhSgQJ6_YlsxN/s1600/leprechaun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtRxDkn15XhDrJl5SMLsUMqdOWuUVnGdCRX77sWEQHOtlToabVYkBLofBj6TbYbaTugPVdsI4vNdgBmykGl515rvjRglUuinOV6YZ-ylHtHBTX3_jQynLhROEWb6LG2PMhSgQJ6_YlsxN/s320/leprechaun.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-83802596064385085542016-04-27T00:54:00.000-07:002016-04-27T00:55:40.316-07:00I've got a serious case of Itchy Brain.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So our stuff has arrived .........blah blah
bl<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">a</span>h</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">A few months ago, seven or eight actually,
the Mrs and I were having what some would call a "slightly heated" discussion...
the reason for <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">this</span> was that we had vastly
differing viewpoints on what should be packed. When the process of
getting quotes for the packing and shipping of our worldly possessions to
Ireland began, we were intent on sending the whole kit and caboodle which included
our two boisterous little pugs Jack and George. This would have been a
monstrously bad idea, thankfully sanity prevailed and we decided to downscale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The thought of down-scaling to a hoarder like
me is not easy, there is a valid reason <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">why i <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">hang onto each item and </span></span>I will keep most things I deem might in the next century come
in handy, from screws to used batteries<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">,</span> so it was life changing for me to start going through my things and
either sell, give away or simply throw away. I went through waves of panic and
anxiety, all for a few meaningless <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">items</span>, thankfully there was no shortage of
people who would gladly pay for our stuff and some even happier to get it for
free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">While we were going through our
things we had loads of little mini arguments because one of us was intent on
keeping some or other arbitrary item, I mean I know for sure I will at some
point use all seven thousand used batteries and all the random key rings that I
have . The reality though is very different. we don't need all these things we
have, we like to surround ourselves with stuff, things that we think will be
nice to have or will make us happy but they invariably will end up in the same
drawer as the batteries and key rings, we would be far better off spending that
energy on someone instead of something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In the end after the boxes, all 152 of them,
were marked, labelled and packed in the truck I signed the paperwork and our
stuff was on its way, I walked back inside to an empty house and looked over at
our wonderful domestic worker Jeneath who was standing in our kitchen, with
tears in her eyes, she said to me "it’s finished now",<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat down in the middle of the floor and
felt more overwhelmed right then, than I ever remember having felt before, for
us it was finished, it was the end of the road. I realized then and there how a decision made
with the best intentions can often have far reaching implications.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Three months and a criminally large amount of
money later the email I had been waiting for arrived in our inbox, our stuff
would be arriving in two days, and thankfully on a Friday morning. I took the
day off and started the arduous process of unpacking. I was really excited and i knew it would be a lot of hard work, but what I wasn't prepared for was the way I
felt about all these things, for most of the time we were waiting I imagined opening
the boxes and hugging my stuff, not able to decide what to play with first. (I
would have looked properly stupid hugging my bicycle), alas it wasn't the case.
Not one of them was worth the hours of thought and planning we put into getting
them here. It was all very anti climatic and if you ask me a complete and utter
waste of money.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The unpacking lasted for an entire weekend,
the kids and Mrs T worked like Trojans, and by Trojans I mean we bribed and
begged them the entire time, and by Sunday it was mostly sorted and packed
away. well except the 10 or so boxes labelled WTF were we thinking!!, these boxes
are filled to capacity with utter rubbish, then the 7 boxes of clothing we sent
to charity,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>things a mere three months
ago we valued and couldn't live without, it just shows how fickle human nature
is. although i do think it is the first time in history that someone from <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">Africa</span> has paid good money to ship things to a <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">charity in <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">Ireland. How the tables have turned!!<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">All this has made me realize that I place way
too much value on insignificant things, our lives are so short and we only get
one shot at it. The time goes by way too fast. And once we use it up, we can’t
ever get it back. Each and every second is valuable. Possessions steal our time
and energy. They require unending maintenance to be cleaned, fixed, replaced,
and in the end disposed of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They steal
our precious attention, our time, and energy and we don’t even notice it… not
until it’s too late anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Charles Darwin once said,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“A man who dares to waste one hour of time
has not discovered the value of life.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He couldn't have been more right, our lives
deserve better, we deserve better. Joy, happiness, and fulfillment are found in the invisible
things in life, like, love, hope, peace, and friendship. And they are not on
sale at your local <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">retail</span> store. People, who live their lives in pursuit of
possessions, and <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">I'</span>m definitely guilty of that, are never content. They always
desire newer, faster, or bigger because material possessions can never satisfy
us fully<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">. </span> <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">W</span>e need to be reminded that our life is far too valuable to waste
chasing <span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif";">them</span>. And we should find more joy by choosing to pursue
“better,” rather than “more.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So be crazy. Be stupid. Be silly. Be weird.
Be whatever you want to be. Because life is too short to be anything but happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Garreth </span></div>
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<![endif]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com4Meath, Co. Meath, Ireland53.698332583890362 -6.24160766601562553.623111083890365 -6.4029691660156249 53.77355408389036 -6.0802461660156251tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-57126404423536470922016-04-20T09:10:00.000-07:002016-04-20T09:12:16.967-07:00As Different as Night and...... Night<!--[if !mso]>
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<![endif]--><b><span lang="EN-IE"></span></b><span lang="EN-IE"> </span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">On March 27<sup>th </sup>Ireland turned
their clock forward one hour. This concept of daylight savings is completely
new and foreign to me, not to mention very unsettling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I really know of it is that it has thrown
life into complete and utter chaos. Just when you think you are starting to
figure things out, Eiranne throws something else at you as if to say “you CANT
HANDLE ME, you will NEVER HANDLE ME….” (Cue the Tom Cruise voice as in The
Firm). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">As I was sitting in my lounge at 8h30 in
the evening staring out into a bright sunlight I could foresee trouble for the
next couple of weeks. My future looked bleak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sure it’s every SAFFA moms dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are forever asking for more hours in a day to get things done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But sometimes you need to be careful what you
wish for as more daylight hours leads to less night time hours…. When you are
the mother of 3 rambunctious children this can only spell trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My toddler,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>who was in a wonderful routine of going up to bed at 8pm and sleeping soundly
until morning automatically turned into a nocturnal nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is very bright child by nature and has
grown to associate darkness with sleeping time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I inform her at 8pm that its bed time, I get the following from her:
“No wanna go toooo bedddd. It’s nooooot black outside. Want my Peppa pig
scooter, Wanna plaaaay”…. As a result this pink little bastard in the form of a
cuddly porcine creature has literally ruined my life for the past couple of
weeks. These are the perils of having intelligent children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for my other two kids, I barely see
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are out from the moment they
get home from school until 9pm when I actually physically need to drag them
inside to go to bed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">My internal clock is totally messed up. It
has been for nearly a month now and I’m starting to lose faith that it is going
to come right again without some drastic intervention on my behalf. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually sleepiness gradually comes on and by
10pm I’m asleep as my melatonin levels rise in accordance with the setting sun.
Now my melatonin levels are not rising sufficiently due to excess sunlight and
by 10pm I am still wide awake left wondering if I need to drink myself into a
coma for some sweet relief. My hormones are well and truly bolloxed! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course when I finally get to sleep I need
to be up at 4h50 in the morning to start my day. I am wired completely for the
rest of the day surviving on shots of caffeine and glimmers of hope of normalcy
while the vicious cycle repeats itself continuously.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">I have come up with a solution for the rug
rat in order to get her to sleep on time. It will not win me any mother of the
year awards, but quite frankly my desperation has outweighed my need for by the
book parenting in this case. I close the blinds and put her on the couch with a
blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually the mobile phones and
tabs are out of bounds but when your sanity is on the line, you may need to
waiver these rules a little. I let her browse you tube video’s on the tablet. For
about 20 minutes she is totally engrossed in the videos (Peppa Pig) and a few
minutes later she is asleep and dead to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No judgement please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the only thing that is working at the
moment. I have yet to find a solution for myself. Think I will need to develop
a superhuman constitution and learn to power on through very little sleep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">So with Eyes wide open and mind racing, I
started to compare this extended daylight to back home in Johannesburg where it
gets dark at a reasonable hour. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
occurs to me that we have on many occasions over the last posts described how
similar Ireland and South Africa are in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we have failed to mention how very
different the two places are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless
of the similarities, Ireland and South Africa are as different as night…..and
well in this instance night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">South Africa is very quiet at night in the
suburbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are locked in their
houses. The only disturbance of silence is the occasional car alarm or dog
barking or house alarm going off. Every sound puts your nerves on edge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ireland has a buzz until way past night fall.
There are people walking dogs, excited teens roaming the streets, couples
taking strolls, kids riding bikes and scooters up and down and always a game of
football carrying on somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
loud. But it’s a good loud. It’s a sign of life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a sign of the pure freedom that that individuals
enjoy that was lacking back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
does not matter how cold it is out, people look past the weather and enjoy
their lives to the full. They take this freedom for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I however,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>cannot remember being so free for over 20 years now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">People underestimate Johannesburg and South
Africa in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They imagine wild
life roaming streets and people living in mud huts and wearing loin cloths
while still hunting our dinner with a cross bow. There is also a strong belief
that we don’t have access to basic services like water, sewerage, phone and
internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even those who don’t have
such an outdated view are also usually very surprised upon visiting South
Africa at how modern and upscale the buildings and town plans are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our cities are populated by high rises and
beautifully designed modern marvels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With such high tech buildings you would expect the high tech services
that a modern hub has to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although
it is attempting to head that way, there are still services that are lacking
and several stumbling blocks in the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The infrastructure cannot support the amount of people streaming into
the cities to work, nor have they been maintained correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result there have been power cuts, water
shortages and a public transport service that is about as reliable as an Irish
weatherman. So the potential is there for growth and for South Africans to
enjoy first world amenities along with modern architecture and state of the art
technology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, there is an
inability to effectively use the resources at ones disposal to move SA forward
in such a direction. I am dreaming of the day my mother land achieves such a
feat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ireland on the other hand is
completely opposite. However,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there
appears to be one modern hub only. That is Dublin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although modern and state of art in its own
right, there are no high rise buildings and there is still a stark preservation
of what is old. If you fancy your modern architecture and demand the best in
modern design, Ireland is not the place for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You will be bitterly disappointed. Outside Dublin
to the North, South, East and West, you are transported into a completely
different world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is country side
for miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lushest, greenest country
side you have ever seen. These country sides are interspersed with villages and
small to medium and large sized towns and your occasional city. There are
apparently only 5 cities in Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These villages, towns and cities are pristine, yet old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are preserved in such a manner that they
look old and feel old. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are old
churches, old bridges, old town walls, flowing rivers, historical statues and cobbled
paths line streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like the Irish
shy away from modern architecture as they feel it goes against their countries authenticity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t get me wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is definitely a first world country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have one of the fastest internet speeds
in Europe. It literally takes 10 seconds to download an episode of Game of
Thrones. The transport system is efficient and reliable. There are many mobile
providers to choose from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Television channel
variety is out of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The choice
of stores for clothing and food shopping is wide and varied. Because of the
multicultural dynamics you can find any kind of food you want from Polish,
Lithuanian, Italian, and I even found a Nigerian shop!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many international financial corporations and
insurance houses have branches established here and more are moving in on a
daily basis. The social welfare system, child benefit system and health care
systems are top class (many Irish would disagree), and they are also ranked 5<sup>th</sup>
in the world in terms of education. Ireland is a first world country, but it is
first world set in quirky and unusual surroundings and would be more than what
modern day South Africans would be used to. It is like you have been
transported from the now into medieval times and instead of a horse, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>carriage and a fog horn you have an iPhone and
beamer. It’s totally bizarre and something you will really need to get used to
if ever you decide to make the move. They remain true to their roots. All the
modern amenities mixed together with the traditional. Its classic Europe and I
love it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand it won’t be everyone’s
cup of tea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">As for the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well….. What can I say? In some respects it
lives up to its reputation. But in other respects it does not. People fail to
realise that Ireland is an island and that the weather on an island is totally
unpredictable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at Mauritius.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful and sunny one minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stormy and windy the next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well that’s the exact same as our beautiful
emerald isle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the only place on
earth apparently where you can get sunburn and frostbite on the same day. With
such variance in the weather patterns, the Irish are still not at all prepared
for the extreme weather conditions. If it gets above 22 degrees, they fall into
a hot mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the shops sell out of
ice cream and people are dropping off from heat exhaustion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand when it is snowing, Ireland
shuts down completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
absolutely nothing in place to deal with snow and it is like the end of the
world has come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But one thing I will say
is, there is a giant misconception with regards to rainfall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is assumed that it never stops
raining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is inherently untrue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because it is an island, obviously a large
amount of rainfall is expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
we do enjoy beautiful sunny days too and we can go for days without seeing any
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I can pinpoint several places
(that people choose to immigrate to because apparently the weather is great) that
experience more rain than what we do here. But the weather is unpredictable and
no degree in meteorology will help you in this case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the blind leading the blind I’m afraid.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-IE">You don’t come to Ireland for the modern
architecture and design and to enjoy high rise city scapes in a fast paced
technological hub.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You don’t come to
Ireland for the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You come here
because you are the kind of person who wants to enjoy a quieter existence in
beautiful surroundings. You come to Ireland if you appreciate the stark
difference between modern and ancient cultures and the mutual respect shown for
both first world and old world contributions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You come to Ireland if you want to live amongst a government and in a
social welfare system that actually looks after their fellow countrymen and
immigrants alike (those of the legal variety of course). You come here for an
education system that is world class. You come here to be part of an economy
that been one of the fastest recovering economies in the recession and because
the Irish are a hardy bunch of individuals, they crash hard but they get up
stronger and more determined. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You come
to Ireland for the importance they place on their children and the balance between
work and family life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>25 working days ‘vacation
is a lot of leave! You come here because the rest of Europe is at your doorstep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and Malta with
their beautiful Mediterranean beaches are close by and cheap to visit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have skiing in Austria and Switzerland, the
beer fest in Germany, tulips and bicycles in the Netherlands. We have the
northern lights in Norway and Iceland and the cultural marvels of the Czech
Republic, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia just to touch the surface.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You name it; we have it at our disposal. You
will actually have the opportunity to travel and experience the world. The
unattainable cost of travel is hopefully a thing of the
past. In essence, you come here for what you intended leaving South Africa for...
A better life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE_N47pihuzyGRA_gv88ekZdlJZbslUx9cTIjWHnDxVOOjawyNEcW6DX9NuI0mCoQvri25K-Gin4Xs26M9fEl4gpIW37gDfBAA0FVSrmuZsZemQrZEnwDPJOKSDlZ-y23RTxikTHX3v_T/s1600/ballina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE_N47pihuzyGRA_gv88ekZdlJZbslUx9cTIjWHnDxVOOjawyNEcW6DX9NuI0mCoQvri25K-Gin4Xs26M9fEl4gpIW37gDfBAA0FVSrmuZsZemQrZEnwDPJOKSDlZ-y23RTxikTHX3v_T/s1600/ballina.jpg" /></a></div>
Above: Limerick<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI4RXqnCj-K_A3W3mgqtL5E64NoLLbAUWEC7i_t6AHk5Ix5oU8xN8jo8EESrWWgEdiiJZaNbG2YsvdK8yGBNlI0nebqj-ONXAUZwvxaCmjSwhOP2rs1RLN8sbIOxp20Y8ngksuCP3ND5I/s1600/Cork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPI4RXqnCj-K_A3W3mgqtL5E64NoLLbAUWEC7i_t6AHk5Ix5oU8xN8jo8EESrWWgEdiiJZaNbG2YsvdK8yGBNlI0nebqj-ONXAUZwvxaCmjSwhOP2rs1RLN8sbIOxp20Y8ngksuCP3ND5I/s320/Cork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Above: Cork City<br />
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Above: Drogheda<br />
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Above: Dundalk <br />
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Above: Galway<br />
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<span lang="EN-IE"> Above: Kilkenny</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-IE">Love and Light</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-39416338892811183352016-04-13T04:29:00.000-07:002016-04-13T04:29:05.575-07:00Getting my Groove back <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">Baz
Luhrmann once said, </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";"> "Be
careful whose advice you buy but be patient with those who supply it, Advice is
a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past From the
disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts And recycling it for more
than it's worth"</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">The
only part of that song that's ever had any real meaning in my life are those few
lines, I’ve for the most part completely ignored the rest of it, especially the
sunscreen bit. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">I
have been really very fortunate to have had some great role models in my life
they have come from all walks of life and have gladly dispensed advice as fast
as I could take it, and trust me; I’ve made sure to take it as often as
possible. I am who I am today because I aligned myself with the thoughts,
actions and ideas I got from them. They have ranged from my mom and dad to aunts,
uncles and older friends each one having left a Profound and unique footprint
in my life story. This advice has made me confident in my abilities,
confident to the point of arrogance sometimes but nonetheless confident
that I can overcome whatever comes my way.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">However
No amount of confidence, (or googling ability); can prepare you for packing up
your life and moving to a new country, leaving everything you know behind. I would
go as far as to say that I don't think there are many harder things a person
can do. You will think you have prepared and that you know what to
expect, you will think it will be hard, that you have planned and thought of
everything, every possible contingency, you haven't not even close. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">When
we were saying our goodbyes everyone gave us their own ideas of what we were
sure to battle with, cleaning our own home, was right on top, simply because South
Africans have never really had to worry about it back home, it’s a supreme
luxury we all take for granted, another was the weather, I can safely say
that those are the very least of our worries, they are worries though believe
me three kids are not tidy by any stretch of the imagination, but it is those
very same things we thought were going to be the hardest to adjust to that
turned out to be the easiest so far ( touch wood). It’s the little things that
everyone has grown up doing from a child that as an immigrant you've neither
experienced nor understand, these things, mundane little day to day things that
pop up and utterly confound you. I have never in my life felt so stupid, (and
trust me I’ve done some really stupid things). </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">I
dare anyone to move from a warm climate like South Africa to a country where
central heating is of paramount importance to your day to day life and not feel
like you know nothing. I cannot for the life of me get this heating thing
worked out. We either freeze to death covered in layers, steam coming from our mouths,
or are so hot we sit virtually unclothed drenched in sweat and need to open the
doors because I’ve set something up wrong. There is no happy medium here, well
at the very least, (and most likely reason) I’ve not found it. My long
suffering wife has not been able to have a warm bath in months. I suppose
I could ask for help but that would be terribly un-manly and so ill rather just
subject myself and my family to ice age temperature fluctuations, it keeps us
awake, on our toes and I'd probably not understand the instructions
anyway. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">Being
fresh of the boat it’s a real challenge remembering to take an umbrella and a
jumper, with you wherever you go, regardless of what the weather looks like
outside, and especially what the weather report says,(I'm convinced they use a
magic eight ball to predict weather here), its truly something none of us have
mastered yet, there can be sunshine in Dublin and snow in Bettystown, they
being a mere thirty km from one another, so invariably josh will have forgotten
something at home so I hand over mine, all this means is that I'm very rapidly acclimatizing
to the cold weather. I really wish I’d paid more attention at boy scouts,
it would be far easier to just be prepared.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">A
big part of a civilized society is the social customs and traditions we adhere
to, the majority are similar across the globe, this is especially the case in
English speaking countries. Some of the first ones we learn as toddlers is how
to say hello and goodbye, here in Ireland they like to describe themselves as
the land of Cead Míle Fáilte (“a hundred thousand welcomes”) well I’ll tell you
it’s a land of a hundred thousand goodbyes too. When ending a phone call in
Ireland it is very rude to just say bye and put the phone down, you will need
to say bye at least five or six times to not be considered abrupt or rude,
nobody tells you this, its assumed you know, so as newcomers its very strange
when you hear it for the first time. For future reference this is the
correct way to end a phone call in Ireland “<i>Yeah? I’ll see ya then, so.
Okay. Bye. Bye. Bye, bye. Bye. Bye-bye-bye. Bye. Bye-bye. Bye.”.</i></span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">Another
one of the quirkiest sayings we've come across and one you will undoubtedly hear
when visiting is the phrase “ya man” it basically means “that guy” in the third
person, and don't be surprised to hear it more than once in a sentence. A great
example of this happened to me this last week. I was having a phone
conversation with a potential customer and asked him three times what his name
was, I still don't know, (just because you live in an English speaking country
doesn't mean it’s an English you will understand), after I had completed the
call, the lads in the office asked me who it was. I responded with, “Ya man”
and that folks was a completely acceptable answer! I got this!, shew!!!</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";"> It’s
taken a long time for me to realize, and I think because I wasn't prepared to
and partly because I was being selfish, that my poor wife was extremely unhappy
living in SA, being held up in an armed robbery fundamentally changed who she is,
it’s had a long term impact on everything she has done since that day, once you
have kids your focus changes to them and their safety too, and so in the end her
decision to move was based on our family as a unit and what is best for us.
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">It’s
been very difficult to take a back seat with this because I normally handle
everything, I make the decisions, (or at least Candice lets me think I do), but
I have had to rely solely on her to lead this emigration because of her
passport and citizenship status. she single handedly engineered our move,
from the initial discussions, or arguments because I'm stubborn and wouldn't
listen to reason, right through the application process, she spent many a night
compiling packs of documents for each application, and if you know her at all
you can see why the lady receiving them said she had never before seen such a
well put together application. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">It
takes a strong women to take the responsibility for this, to keep everything
and everyone on track, she is always inquiring whether I'm OK and how I feel. I
think she is worried I will hold a grudge if it doesn't pan out or if I hate it,
but the only reason I’ll get through this and get my so called groove
back is because of her unwavering strength and support, a strength that isn't
physical, but is an inherent part of her being. She is a wonderful albeit loud
example to my kids, it all becomes a lot easier when you have strong people in
your life </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">Now
as has been custom I’ll leave you with another well-known Irish saying.</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">"What’s
for you, won’t pass you by" </span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">So
for those wanting to make a move like this, I can offer some advice, be
patient and believe that time will bring understanding, it will bring
confidence and peace. There really is no point trying to figure it all out in
the first few weeks, so knuckle down and work hard, get involved in your local community,
and in time you will get your groove back</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Constantia","serif";">(Oh
and don't forget the sunscreen)</span></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<![endif]--><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-21448160871785762442016-04-06T11:44:00.000-07:002016-04-06T11:44:10.270-07:00Mounds and Marshmallows<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">Since my arrival in Ireland on 14
January,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been lucky enough to
have had the opportunity to visit some of Irelands many famous and not so
famous (yet equally charming)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“off the
beaten track” sights and landmarks. In our attempts to familiarize ourselves
with our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>new environment and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the history of our host country, the hubby
and I have stood out like sore thumbs moving from one area to another<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>recording each moment through the eye of some
form of lens<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>like over eager
tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much for our intentions to
blend in and assimilate!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, as it
was pointed out to me this weekend, the first time I have actually seen Ireland
with my own two eyes was on Easter Sunday when my mobile phone died and I had
nothing to take pictures with. The horror of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was missing a limb. But
ultimately the untimely death of my cell battery was for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caught in such a situation forced me to
familiarize myself with the famous words of Albert Einstein: “'Few are those
who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This thought provoking quotation has bought
me to the realization that some things are best experienced not behind the
camera but in the moment. In lieu of a camera I comfort myself with the notion
that the memory will capture the image and it shall remain forever imprinted on
my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">I recall a day very early in
February when the kids had just started school at the local National. I had not
yet begun to work at my new job and my mom was still staying with us for the
initial “settling in phase” of our move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hubby had just arrived from Johannesburg a few days prior to this and
Mom was getting rather restless in the newly acquired rental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Settling in was far too boring for her. She
was on vacation and she wished to see some of the sights. She was tired of
being cooped up inside the house dealing with the mundane tasks of cleaning and
child rearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we gave in and
determined we would go venture the unknown. I like to blame my mother for this
decision, but the truth is, it was a wonderful excuse to escape the stark
reality of setting up house and the endless list of things to do that seemed so
very overwhelming at the time. Also, my toddler had turned from the cherubic
little angel she was in Africa, to a screaming, tantrum throwing, fist beating
monster child in Ireland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe the turnaround
in her personality was because the move was terribly unsettling for her and
this was her way of telling us that right at that moment she really did not
like us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think my mom was hoping
beyond all else that one of us was not going to die of a coronary from the
stress of it all. According to my Mom, a day out in the fresh air would do the
child a world of good. So off we went.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">The closest tourist attractions to
where we stay in County Meath are the sights of the Boyne Valley. These include
Bru Na Boinne, Monasterboice, Melifont Abbey, The Hills of Tara, The Hills of
Rath, Battle of the Boyne and the world renowned UNESCO heritage site of
Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth. We decided that the best day trip would most
likely be the one that had the UNESCO stamp of approval on it. For the sake of
clarity and unbridled honesty, I need to inform you upfront that at that time I
was about as interested in history as I was in watching paint dry or a pot
boil. Garreth loves his history, and of course Ireland is his playground as the
rich history surrounding the country is endless. I had envisioned being dragged
around all 84,431 square kilometres of the Emerald Isle suffering through
several historical manifesto’s and tours of doom as we worked our way through “our”
Irish bucket list of things to do and see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Newgrange successfully changed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It awakened a historian in me I never knew existed. Such was my interest
level in the subject matter surrounding the history and cultural phenomena of
the mounds that I now look forward to these journeys with my hubby and
children. I continuously need to chastise myself for not paying more attention
in history class as my eldest daughter waxes lyrical about historical facts I
simply have no knowledge of. I am now in the process of competing with my 11
year old in learning about the history of Ireland and who will know more when
we visit these different places. All I can say is well done Newgrange, this was
an unforeseeable and unlikely possibility that you miraculously pulled off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">Just a bit of background on
Newgrange for those who are not familiar with the site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all the available information on the
topic (none of which I had any knowledge of prior to my departure from South
Africa) I could have written a doctorate thesis on the subject, however,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had to significantly reduced the
explanation as to the sheer size and historical significance of it as I am sure
you did not come here for a history lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Briefly,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Newgrange is a
prehistoric monument that was built during the Neolithic period around
3000BC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The time period in which it was
constructed officially makes it older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of
Giza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The site consists of a large
circular mound with a stone passageway and interior chambers. The mound has a
retaining wall at the front and is ringed by engraved kerbstones. There have
been various debates as to its original purpose. Many archaeologists believed
that the monument had religious significance of some sort or another, either as
a place of worship for a "cult of the dead" or for an
astronomically-based faith. Please resist the urge to yawn as I continue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">I don’t think we could possibly have
chosen a windier nor wetter day to do this tour. On the way to the site, my car
was being beaten from side to side on the road by the wind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In all fairness, my car is a tinier version
of what I imagine Noddy and his cronies get around in on The Toyland
Adventures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hubby looks like the
Hunchback of Notre Dame cramped up red-faced under the roof of my mini Citroen
and I need to resist the urge to laugh out loud each time he takes the
wheel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking up to the visitors centre
I was immediately impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The walkway
was elegantly draped in a vine leaf overtop and the floors cladded in a lovely
slate. We were greeted by a very chirpy Irish Lass identified by her name tag
as Laura. UNESCO apparently also comes with a hefty price tag as we forked out
several hundred Rands to dear Laura for the tour. For such a bad weather day,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the bus was relatively full as we
embarked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little one was in high spirits
as she pointed out various forms of livestock she was recognizing on the
field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have known this merriment was too good to be
true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter inherited from her
grandfather what can only be described as a stomach that can rival the
best<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of a 21 gun salute when it gets
started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you could bottle her gas
emmissions,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you would be able to sell
them to foreign countries as nuclear weapons of mass destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While cheerily chanting “cheep, cheep, cheep”
(sheep) she happened to let off one of these paint peeling tooters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the smell started wafting through the well
occupied vehicle I had to hide my head in shame while trying to avoid the
unhappy glares from the other travellers who had paid equally good money to see
this attraction. After this incident the short bus trip felt like a life time
and the end point could not come soon enough. As we eventually approached the
mounds via the bus service, I could not help thinking that the apparent
monument looked more like an anthill than a mound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we drew nearer, the great size of the
mound became clear. The mound is 76 metres (249 ft) across and 12 metres (39
ft) high, and covers 4,500 square metres (1.1 acres) of ground. So it is a
pretty large bump in the landscape!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">As large as it was it still looked
to me a bit like a flattened kidney shaped grain silo covered in a grass
top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The oddest looking building I have
ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted, the strange silo did
happen to be situated on a lovely<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>emerald field, grass swaying and dancing in the wind. To the left of us,
stood a valley where a crisp stream flowed through it and devil birds plunged
to find their food, and to the right was another open field with several red
arsed sheep and blanketed horses grazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In front of us stretched miles
and miles of open green country side dotted only by the occasional wooden
fence, lonely cottage or orchard of trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As pretty as the scene was before me, the actual monument itself seemed
weird and rather unimpressive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
writing this description, my hubbys “don’t judge a book by its cover” post
comes to the fore in my mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">The tour guide was a “Ginger” fella.
He talked with such enthusiasm about the mounds and their importance in Irish
history that he failed to hold on to his hat which was subsequently blown away
by the high winds. He also failed to take breaths through his soliloquies and
at one point I thought he was going to pass out from the sheer excitement of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will give it to him, he was rather
amusing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His story telling ability and
the actual history behind the grass-covered silo were enough to make me forget
about the now niggley toddler crying at my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if only for a little while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">Inside the mound awaits a
claustrophobic nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thin
passage way leading into the chambers and the low lying ceilings are not for
the weak in kiln.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it was even
suggested by the tour guide that if you suffer from a heart condition he would
not suggest you venture into the structure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I made my way inside along with my very uncertain ankle biter, I did
kind of feel the urge to turn around and run screaming back outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This urge had to be stifled however as behind
me were toddler- lugging Italians (of course, theirs happened to be on their
best behaviour) and in front of me….. God love him… a geezer who must have been
one hundred and one and a day crawling on his hands and knees through the
passage as his old back could not carry him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I credit him for getting me through to the chambers on the other side as
his heavy breathing became quite musical when focused on intently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I passed the narrow passages into the
open chamber I was not to be sorry. At the end of the passage lay three small
chambers off a larger central chamber, with a high stone-capped roof. Each of
the smaller chambers has a large flat "basin stone", which was where
the bones of the dead were originally deposited. The walls of this passage are
made up of large stone slabs and several are decorated with symbolic art works.
Although the exterior has been subject to extensive preservation measures, the
structure on the inside is perfectly preserved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is as it was in the Myolithic period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a very rare event to see such an ancient structure that has barely
been touched by preservation efforts over the years. The only difference from
its original existence is the obvious removal of the remains of the buried.
However, the tour guide is so effective in his descriptions you can actually
imagine the skeletons as they were found by archaeologists all the years later.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">The mound appears large on the
outside, but is very small on the inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Such architecture and the subsequent covering of grass were the Myoliths
way to ensure a waterproof final resting place for their loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very clever indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All along the inside stone walls are
impressive hieroglyph like pictures that have been carved into the stone by the
builders of the tomb. Each carving has some form of hidden meaning and was intricately
chiselled out by the artisan of the day. So much time and effort went into
creating perfection for the after-life of their dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It kind of makes me ashamed that with all our
modern technology the best we can do is put our loved ones in a box in the
ground or burn them and keep them in a jar on our mantle pieces and in turn
promising the urn and interior ash content that one day when we are ready to
let them go we will scatter them in a place they dearly loved. This seems very
inefficient in comparison.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">The main event and the actual allure
of the monument is the way that the sun casts its rays during the winter
solstice. Once a year at the winter solstice the rising sun shines directly
along the long passage, illuminating the inner chamber and revealing the
carvings inside, notably the triple spiral on the front wall of the
chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Current-day visitors to
Newgrange are treated to a re-enactment of this event through the use of
electric lights situated within the tomb. The finale of a Newgrange tour
results in every tour member standing inside the tomb where the tour guide then
turns off the lights, and lights the light bulb simulating the sun as it would
appear on the winter solstice. A lottery is held annually for
"tickets" to allow the holder into the tomb to view the actual event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">While the guide was trying to
demonstrate what the winter solstice is supposed to look like via the light of
a torch shining down the passage in the pitch black, my toddler proceeded to
cause chaos within the tomb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
successfully managed to bury the feet of 3 Chinese tourists<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>without them knowing while the lights were
off, and climb onto a preserved grave,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and then into the ancient burial basin type thing,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>all the while being told to shush by her very
embarrassed parents,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(me of
course).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Word to the wise, toddlers and
small cramped spaces do not mix. They are like microwaves and
marshmallows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems like a great idea
at the time; however in the end all you get is a sticky mess you have to
physically extract off the inside walls while being looked at disapprovingly by
bystanders who are likely wondering what the hell you were thinking conducting
such an experiment in the first place. I think I was not the only relieved
party to be exiting the building after said demo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All tourists in attendance scattered like
wild fire away from my mischievous minion thereafter. Even my mother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">The conclusion of the tour involved
walking the perimeter of the whole mound and discovering the markings and
drawings on the exterior walls of the building.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My mother walked in the complete opposite direction to us, and upon
encountering us again mid -way along the circumference of the structure, she
turned swiftly on her heel and hoofed it in the opposite direction pretending
she did not even know us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh the
shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t blame her in the least.
Anyway, we entered our tickets into the winter solstice lottery to try our luck
at winning a space to view the light, however I do believe that the tour guide
inadvertently “lost” our tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
forbid we should win a space on the coveted winter solstice event, they really
don’t want our kind at this exclusive do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Needless to say we did not win. For now the light demonstration will
need to suffice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe one day when I
have gently nudged my fledglings from the nest, I will have the privilege of
witnessing this personally. Until then I have my imagination and a 6 inch
torch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">Back at the visitor’s centre, as we
made our way to the canteen, a state of total confusion came over me. It was
Mid February and the restaurant was decked to the nines in Christmas décor.
There was a Christmas tree, mistletoe, tinsel and red christmas crackers on the
table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ensemble was finished off by
a table full of festively covered presents of different shapes and sizes. A few
minutes later as we were drinking our coffee, in waltzed several well dressed
and spritely elderly folk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few
minutes of watching these dear old couples take several selfies and pose for
countless professionally captured photographs, curiosity got the best of
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a brief explanation from the
Canteen Manageress, I learned that the Newgrange Visitors Centre sponsors a
Christmas party for the local old age nursing home and because of December
commitments, they only get around to hosting the Christmas party in February.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ok then…. Mystery solved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the party shenanigans, it dawned on me
that old men can be just as perverted as their younger counterparts, if not
more. These elderly men openly gazed at all the younger woman’s breasts and
cheekily nodded their heads in approval while thinking nobody was watching
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed this by chance as one of
the old men started to flirt shamelessly with my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother was quit a hit with the Irish
men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t know if that is because of
their friendly nature in general or if it is because she is a fresh piece of
foreign meat splayed on the buffet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
jokingly told her that this may very well be her last chance at happiness
sitting in this room right here and best she makes her move. Needless to say
she was less than amused.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">On the way out of the visitors
centre, there is a beautifully put together exhibit that showcases the
highlights of the Newgrange, Howth and Dowth history. My mother was not
interested in attending this at all having had her fair share on the tour of
the grounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She preferred in this
instance to go shopping for leprechaun momentos and luck of the Irish bric-a
-brac in the gift shop down stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told her to meet me at the car when done with her peculiar shopping list. Upon
entering the exhibit it is hard to know where to begin. Everything draws you to
it. So I just stood there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst
standing in the middle of this exhibit and closing your eyes, you can actually
hear the crackling fire and picture what it was like to live 5000 years ago
amongst the Neanderthals in their stone huts, with their stone tools, their
sheepskin boots and hide covered bodies. The essence of their lifestyles is
captured so perfectly you feel that you are as one with them. It was all I
could do to restrain myself from climbing into one of the exhibit huts and
taking a nap on the sheep skin covered stretcher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">After taking the vine covered path
back to the car, I realized my mother was still not back yet .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very odd, as I was at least 30 minutes in the
exhibit. Surely the leprechaun and Irish charm goodies could not be that
fascinating.? So I hot footed it back to the visitor centre to find the missing
old duck .I searched all three floors of the visitor centre, the canteen and
several bathrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no sign of
my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I briefly considered that she
may have snuck off for a secret tryst with that elderly resident of the nursing
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God forbid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the way back to the car I notice her brown
and orange head of hair bopping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>up and
down above the bushes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out she had
taken the wrong exit out of the centre and had to walk a few miles around the
outskirts of the grounds through wild brush and muddy fields. In the rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I silently laughed at her dilemma as I knew
she was never in any real danger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
would rate the elderly gentleman caller down in the canteen as more dangerous
than being out in the Irish woods by herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we all piled back into the Noddy car I realized that there is never
truly a dull moment on a Thompson adventure. And would never want it any other
way.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">In conclusion, if visiting Ireland
and you happen to find yourself in the Meath vicinity around the Bru Na Boinne.
I would highly recommend a visit to Newgrange. It does not appear spectacular
from the outside and you may wonder why you have potentially bankrupt yourself
to see this strange looking lump,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but
the inside holds a wonder you will love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The tour guides are driven by their passion for the historical aspects
of the structures, and convey this in an interesting and engaging manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The visitor centre is top class and the
museum exhibit out of this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
this nestled in endless fields of lush greenery and a bus trip to boot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can’t go wrong.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">Love and Light</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif";">C</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-53199818672060028802016-03-30T02:17:00.000-07:002016-03-30T02:17:44.784-07:00ASSumptions, judgements and a slice of culture !!<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Over the last thirty years there have
been many moments where I’ve been told and sometimes screamed at between gritted teeth not to judge a book by its cover. These
little lessons have come in many forms, some of the earliest I remember are on
the playground when my mom and dad would tell me not to judge the other kids just
because they were different, different came in many forms. The rich kids, the
poor kids, there were the kids of Indian decent and of course the black kids
all of whom we were taught to treat the same and respect the same. As I
remember, I was told a good few times. It seems I was a judgemental bloke right
from my early days. (I see Candice nodding profusely in agreement at this
sentiment).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A bit later on at school, when I was
around the age of ten, I misjudged a new kid that came to our school in the
middle of the school year. I was at a small school in a small town and my view
of city kids was that they were all gangsters, wore leather jackets and had
many girlfriends. I couldn't have been more wrong. This Kid and I ended up
being great friends and to this day we still keep in touch.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A few years later these lessons all
came in very handy when I was working at my first job as a young truck sales
apprentice. I had been sitting at my desk with my feet up staring into the sky,
planning my weekend, and I suppose waiting for something to happen when I
noticed a middle aged man walking down the road toward my office. The alley way
was long so I had a few minutes to thoroughly judge this man quite severely. He
was wearing a white shirt that was dirty and full of holes. His pants were
threadbare and he had old leather sandals on his feet. An old round fishing hat
finished off the ensemble</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now for those that aren't familiar
with any form of automotive retail, we get these people we like to call tyre
kickers, these are the people that have nothing better to do with their days
than to completely waste some hapless sales persons' time, they don't want to
buy anything they are just bored and looking for a bit of time away from the
wives. Now this man seemed to fit into that category so I automatically assumed
he was going to waste my valuable daydreaming time. When I walked out to greet
him those little playground lessons came to the forefront of my mind, so I made
the decision to not judge him solely on what I had seen,but to give him the chance he deserved ,In the end that turned
out to be a great decision. He was in fact a very wealthy local business man
who owned an up an coming football side, it was for that very same football team that he ended up purchasing the bus for. Brian and I are still in touch and see each other at least once or
twice a year.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fast forward a good few years and a
few thousand kilometres, and I'm sitting as the odd man out at a dinner table
in England. Completely out of my depth for a good many reasons, chief amongst
these, a glaringly obvious difference in my cultural background, and the fact
that I have what I've only just realised (I'm just realising a lot lately) is
literally the worst of all the English accents that there are.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The South African accent is without
contest the the worst English accent in the world. I googled it to see if I was
the only one who thought so, well, I wasn't. According to an unmentioned
website</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">( because im a cheapskate and refuse to pay for content), the reason the South African accent wasn't, and for the foreseeable
future wont, be included in any list of great accents is because its and I
quote verbatim<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>" The most
diabolical accent known to man." and " People cringe at the sound of
a South African accent." But enough of that, there is enough material for me to do an
entire post about that later.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After spending the better part of ten
exasperating minutes trying to explain to the young Thai waitress, who can’t
speak a word of English, that I have a rather large allergy to shellfish and
that my food should in no way, shape or form be prepared anywhere near the
stuff I eventually give up and decide that a few glasses of wine should improve
my chances of survival if I somehow didn't manage to get my point across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carry on chatting to the young black chap
next to me , and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> after a few minutes </span>get told by one of the
other guys at our table that "I must feel utterly uncomfortable sat
between two blacks". Now this was funny because well it was meant to be, everyone laughed, and I
mean everyone. What stuck with me was the next comment made by the other chap I
was sitting next to. He said, and I quote “I’m surprised that comment didn't
come from the South African!!" Now, I find it completely ridiculous that
you could accuse someone of being a racist, by being racist initially. The fact
that I'm a white South African does not make me a racist. You assuming and then judging me as a
racist just because I am a white </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">South African makes, you, a racist!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now Candice suffered, and I use that
word very lightly, because it's more of an annoyance than hurtful, a similar
incident. She was at a Sainsbury’s, again in England, in the checkout line when
a woman asked her if she was South African, I assume she had heard her greeting
the cashier when Candice said yes she in fact was, the old wrinkly bird
responded with </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well you're an inherently racist
bunch, aren’t you?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now I suppose the last fifty years of
news coming from the Dark Continent has not been great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has to a large extent been very one sided
and wildly exaggerated by whichever faction has held the majority or not. But
need I remind the Brits how they and theirs suppressed and oppressed the boers,
scots, Irish, Indians, and Americans, for centuries or has that been conveniently
forgotten about?</span></div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I stated above these two occurrences
happened in England, fortunately the Irish are a lot less judgemental and don’t
assume unnecessarily and incorrectly that you are what the news and your
history has claimed you to be That’s why assumptions can be so
dangerous hence the saying</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Assume</b> makes an <b>ass</b> out of <b>u</b> and <b>me</b>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I think mostly the Irish understand
what it’s like to be judged and persecuted for who you are and what you believe
in. On Easter Sunday we took a train ride to Dublin to take part in the 1916
uprising centenary celebrations. This was the uprising that led to the
abolishment of more than 100 years of British rule and religious persecution
against the Catholics. A celebration that showcased the strength of their will to be governed by people of their choosing, of their
culture and the joy they have in life. It was truly a wonderful experience for
the whole family.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can’t leave out the moment
where </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">after some epic subway sandwiches eaten on the Famous Connely street station concourse we boarded the train for home. It was packed </span>full of folks on their way home
from the day’s activities so Candice and Tayla went to the only available seat
about ten rows back from the standing only area we were in. About fifteen
minutes and a few stops later after the crowd had thinned out, I notice the guy Candice is sitting next to shaking his head, and is quite clearly agitated. So I make my way over to see
what’s wrong and I notice that the day’s exertions have clearly taken their
toll on my two girls. Tayla is fast asleep in wifeys lap and she in turn is
asleep, mouth wide open, with her head on the poor guys shoulder. I was almost apoplectic with laughter after waking Candice up and seeing the look on her face once id
told her what she was doing. That poor chap will have a lifelong story to tell
about the very dodgy South Africans he had to share a train with, one that I’m sure
will be told every Easter for the next hundred years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In closing there have been many world renowned authors’
poets and scholars that have come from Ireland one of which was William buttler
Yeats and his saying</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“There are no strangers here; only
friends you haven't yet met"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shows the human values of decency,
generosity and trust which underpin Irish life something they are consistently
defined by.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">GT </span><br />
Below you will see a small selection of the photos we took that day.<br />
We welcome all comments it can only help to improve the content,<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Below: Front View of the Custom House </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a Neoclassical building used as a government office, designed by James Gandon and completed in 1791</span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPZK2qpX8pdyREtcnEOImUyfVmQ0oJu_QoZc8JryowtRgycowZLyTSpjY7yksw-EYsbv2U14Pwv8KSYi3Znd8JNMa4CaMfbY5LmnhUzpqCf6zZKdQ051NKW5yzETwLPkOn7IbOGPWxhwk/s1600/20160327_111227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPZK2qpX8pdyREtcnEOImUyfVmQ0oJu_QoZc8JryowtRgycowZLyTSpjY7yksw-EYsbv2U14Pwv8KSYi3Znd8JNMa4CaMfbY5LmnhUzpqCf6zZKdQ051NKW5yzETwLPkOn7IbOGPWxhwk/s640/20160327_111227.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below: A View of the SIPTU tower covered in Uprising History </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLokYR427__xUYppzTxJ7QJcpb6E2WKRc0G25niKbNv0dvUEV1RK1jKeQjb22ZwX4_UFN31SEBmUBtDuHudbFMGc-LWei-D3xxhmyMZq_YKn7VFO_bLclqgyjzTGabwAcU3fMatZIpapx/s1600/20160327_111323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLokYR427__xUYppzTxJ7QJcpb6E2WKRc0G25niKbNv0dvUEV1RK1jKeQjb22ZwX4_UFN31SEBmUBtDuHudbFMGc-LWei-D3xxhmyMZq_YKn7VFO_bLclqgyjzTGabwAcU3fMatZIpapx/s640/20160327_111323.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below: Irish Airforce Flyover with the planes trailing smoke <span style="font-family: inherit;">co<span style="font-family: inherit;">loured like the flag</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>. (700 feet off the ground) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORdWjQQRpEORSDQpYQC4JX4TaQ2ST_iX_9RdS9VgAd94JUQAHxdfxm84pP5PRjEAsYArlF4cdgbewQK4yfus8S2PVVrIqcwRgnv-Of-0TgFyo05Cfi13dirmDY3abQUJPwZXaP2_gIp9H/s1600/20160327_125707%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORdWjQQRpEORSDQpYQC4JX4TaQ2ST_iX_9RdS9VgAd94JUQAHxdfxm84pP5PRjEAsYArlF4cdgbewQK4yfus8S2PVVrIqcwRgnv-Of-0TgFyo05Cfi13dirmDY3abQUJPwZXaP2_gIp9H/s640/20160327_125707%25280%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Below: The view toward the GPO and grandstands</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">including the Spire </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YXH7MDN-kNUs3W6Y1dKIWsqA38RwToSiHaRjQkMAF4Cykq3ZTAWnOEnIo69imX_aMgxhUft-Z_w_1utdVJXC7Mj_yXgzDDjcydFupLJDUmQ88uXn_NTNLqZq6UmYwoPlpay7ZcxStRBf/s1600/20160327_125808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_YXH7MDN-kNUs3W6Y1dKIWsqA38RwToSiHaRjQkMAF4Cykq3ZTAWnOEnIo69imX_aMgxhUft-Z_w_1utdVJXC7Mj_yXgzDDjcydFupLJDUmQ88uXn_NTNLqZq6UmYwoPlpay7ZcxStRBf/s640/20160327_125808.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below: View South over the heads of the crowd </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYrthu-1qe-DrUI2eCg7dKu5YioPmP3bfPef06Il27BxjG240pLm_W7tGWYWIto9JlhKBWgqqui9Rcs1XW3lWMfN4ERVD1bI-NjE-fMtgGRz1ElqHrHcQIXPsFX2R4WXTVTTOC4pit4-L/s1600/20160327_125909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYrthu-1qe-DrUI2eCg7dKu5YioPmP3bfPef06Il27BxjG240pLm_W7tGWYWIto9JlhKBWgqqui9Rcs1XW3lWMfN4ERVD1bI-NjE-fMtgGRz1ElqHrHcQIXPsFX2R4WXTVTTOC4pit4-L/s640/20160327_125909.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below: View ofThe Spire of Dublin, AKA the Monument of Light located on the site of the former <span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="Nelson's Pillar">Nelson's Pillar</a> on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="O'Connell Street">O'Connell Street</a> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ib6f4QOLRskniTj_lGyy-siM2tIvrSlH9wkTdLHpouABdgqwB4E2eYJWCTFvGk7QQOmNsJZBHCgmlDkOfab8zCAX2TCjiIRPJ_q5Mwp6PBON4X12uDUbtV1Ozaj4JRQIOqEHCfMJ78ph/s1600/20160327_125949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ib6f4QOLRskniTj_lGyy-siM2tIvrSlH9wkTdLHpouABdgqwB4E2eYJWCTFvGk7QQOmNsJZBHCgmlDkOfab8zCAX2TCjiIRPJ_q5Mwp6PBON4X12uDUbtV1Ozaj4JRQIOqEHCfMJ78ph/s640/20160327_125949.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below: A view of the streets outside the international centre. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5NFXw3AYWfwwo12HVhjomy-bFfBw1WGxs9NOsQMlT9kDHbZqZQb2201yZKxCXja8b99ft3vp1NuXcwpoGzUINqsOcFeL0ztSk5h1TLdHH1j0NAUFhMKDlocZp-MUwYOlh1d7nKAnEnf-/s1600/20160327_131823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5NFXw3AYWfwwo12HVhjomy-bFfBw1WGxs9NOsQMlT9kDHbZqZQb2201yZKxCXja8b99ft3vp1NuXcwpoGzUINqsOcFeL0ztSk5h1TLdHH1j0NAUFhMKDlocZp-MUwYOlh1d7nKAnEnf-/s640/20160327_131823.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Below: view of the rear side of the Custom House a Neoclassical building used as a government office, designed by James Gandon and completed in 1791</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ5ySFYKNckcLMrZ2UdufSKvDKzwtw0NjsrfBeWP3c39qxzf0O2_AML4egv9cV1QgI8GK9teYIYrw3fQkdFHf3VerxQZeUetdfk_4rQ1sFl6YbEarobN-SUjv7la9ZqTuhMxtfFX_IeSS/s1600/20160327_131834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ5ySFYKNckcLMrZ2UdufSKvDKzwtw0NjsrfBeWP3c39qxzf0O2_AML4egv9cV1QgI8GK9teYIYrw3fQkdFHf3VerxQZeUetdfk_4rQ1sFl6YbEarobN-SUjv7la9ZqTuhMxtfFX_IeSS/s640/20160327_131834.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-37612474897736773532016-03-27T10:19:00.000-07:002016-03-27T10:19:48.421-07:00The Prequel to the Sequel...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod_GmgZB1dZNQYApMP60l7M5CWN5BxigJpjA_RlxqPCBhyMpd7bLYBotixEDPMCbmpHRuWoDKiTPgo2HqjN58upUubxDKIjtuu_CyJUJM8RJhFZqWQdJt7-t0IXs7KdfCbTatUo1csEQg/s1600/20151010_163736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod_GmgZB1dZNQYApMP60l7M5CWN5BxigJpjA_RlxqPCBhyMpd7bLYBotixEDPMCbmpHRuWoDKiTPgo2HqjN58upUubxDKIjtuu_CyJUJM8RJhFZqWQdJt7-t0IXs7KdfCbTatUo1csEQg/s320/20151010_163736.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> The Prequel to the Sequel...</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The inspiration for this experimental session we are loosely referring to as blog writing, has stemmed from the kind word of friends and family who have read my Facebook updates about my personal experiences and have coaxed me to put my thoughts and ideas into some form of neatly formatted media content. Now this could be because they love me and have not an objective bone in their body or quite possibly the opposite.... hopefully the former will apply. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The aim is to give an uplifting, witty, yet brutally honest account of the pros and cons of immigration, what it is like to be an outsider in a new country, the laughs, the cries, the happy moments, the sad moments, the times where you wonder what the hell you have done to yourself and your family... and mostly lessons learned regarding my host country, whether it be cultural lessons or history lessons and how these may compare to my African heritage. It all plays an integral part of the assimilation process and herein lies the premise of the posts...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Below is just recap of my updates on Facebook dated between 21 January 2016 and 21 March 2016. Any further updates will be posted in our blog spot. If you have already read these posts, I invite you to stop right here as there is nothing you have not already seen. To those that have not... Happy reading loved ones!!</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>21 January 2016</b></u></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I have been in Ireland a week today. In one week I have learned the following with regards to my host country:</span></span><br />
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1. Ireland is God's Country. It is absolutely beautiful here. I think
it will be hard to find a place with a more lovely and inviting country side countryside.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 2. There are at least 34 shades of green that I have
identified in the landscaping... never knew so many shades of the colour
actually existed! I have just recently discovered that this is why Ireland is called the Emerald Isle.. Why this was not blatantly obvious to me from word go is a mystery.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 3. I can compare England to Johannesburg with regards to the speed and efficiency at which things are done.<span class="text_exposed_show">
Ireland in this respect is more like Cape Town. They are far too laid
back for my liking and everything happens in Irish Time which is about
10 x slower than African time. God help us!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 4. Given the slowness, service is always done with a smile. You wont find friendlier people. <br /> 5. The population of Roodepoort matches the population of the entire Ireland! In the grand scheme of things, Eire is a wee little thing.</span></span></span><br />
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6. Rent is beyond expensive, and finding a place to rent in such a
booming rental market is near impossible. I have seen several houses and
they are either crap, too expensive or taken!! Give me strength.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 7.
Apparently local experience is not at all important in the job market.
In fact, if you are foreign you have quite an edge as they admire your
international exposure... Made evident by the fact that this dumb ass got
employment on day one.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 8. Regardless of how much money I earn, I
am still entitled to my child allowance, which is a very generous
amount considering our shoddy exchange rate.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 9. The roads have a very South Africaneqsque
feel to them. Sometimes I forget where I am and think I am back in Africa
again, until I get out and get blasted by the cold air of course, this brings me back to reality at a rapid pace.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 10. Childcare is f***ing expensive... holy crap... my advice is just DO NOT procreate if you want to live here..</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Hold thumbs that I find a dam house before I need to start working in February!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>22 January 2016</b></u> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 8 and there were a few little Irish Lessons learned that I failed to share with you yesterday:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 1. Leprechaun hunting is a real thing!! Oh yes... As are fairy caves, green beer and viscious hurling.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 2. Irish people are hermuncules ( perfectly formed tiny human beings) they are miniature people. Cant believe their size!! You could mistake the President for an extra in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 3. People here love fake tan.... Lots of orange skins and bleach blonde heads. I'm trying to find the natural beauty among the pomp and splendour.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 4. Soooooooo many flaming redheads!!! Apparently they are called Gingers ( p<span class="text_exposed_show">ronounced Giengerz) and that word is as offensive as the "k" word in South Africa. Gingers... Gingers everywhere.</span></span></span><br />
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5. It is near impossible to divorce over here. You need to be
separated for five years before you can even consider filing a divorce petition. Being a
Catholic country, divorce is taboo.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 6. I have not seen so many churches any where in the world. So many churches... the majority being Catholic... Hail Mary!</span></span></span><br />
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7. Apparently parking is a very rare commodity and people will park
their cars in the strangest of places to avoid a walk in the cold. Pay and display is quite an expensive exercise unless you engage in creative motoring.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 8. Sheep...... So many sheep, mostly with red rings around their arses. Yet hardly a lamb chop in sight.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I will keep up to date with the life lessons learned. Apparently I am being schooled.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>26 January 2016 </b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So today marks day 15 in Ireland and I do believe we are doing swimmingly well. A list of accomplishments to date include:<br /> 1. Employment secured </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 2. PPS numbers for all family members </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 3. Rental contract secured and moving in tomorrow.</span></span><br />
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4. Kids booked into school... to start on Monday. Eryn will be
attending an all girls Catholic convent school and Josh a boy's catholic
school. HAHAHAHA. In an ironic twist, a priest called Father Noel will
be baptizing all 3 kids before May when Josh and Eryn will,<span class="text_exposed_show"> take their first holy communion.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 5. Uniforms bought</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 6. Appointment set for bank accounts as you can't get one without an address in this place. Its a horrible circle of constant disappointment.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In summary, So far so good. Still got so much to do though. Immigration is not for
the faint of heart that's for sure. To end on a lighter note, a few more Irish
titbits for you...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 1. I have figured out why sheep have red rings on their
arses. ...unfortunately it is too x- rated for this page... naughty
naughty sheep</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 2. The grass literally is greener on the other side. Holy crap the grass is green.</span></span><br />
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3. The houses are much larger than expected. I was expecting England
size and have been very surprised. Also far more modernized building
structures than England.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 4. Even being from Scottish decent and
growing up around a thick accent did not prepare me for understanding
this accent. Forget what you know about the beautiful lilt of the Corrs
or the soulful sounds of Bono...this is rough and I want to cry thinking
I may not be able to understand my children in a few short months. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> 5. Ravens (Black Birds) and seagulls are the black and white birds from hell. They
will randomly fly at you like they're vultures attacking a deer carcus.
Its both amusing and terrifying at the same time.<br /><br /> 6. Gaelic is Strange. My poor kids who have to learn this language. On a positive note
they can curse at me and I will be none the wiser.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 7. The notion that
Niall Horan from One Direction lives an hour from us has turned my 10
year old into a crazy stalker who is convinced we need to find him NOW.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>29 January 2016</b></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b> </b></u> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Day 2 in our new house and we have been well accepted as the curious foreigners. This morning Hubby -opened the blind to find a group of about 10 children staring into our
window to try get a look at the African children who have moved in. It
was like witnessing a group of monkeys in the zoo...except we were the
main attraction.! Our next door neighbor has 4 kids of 12 10 8 and 6...
My daughter is already BFF's with the girl as they giggle over who is
the cutest member of One Direction. Josh and the boy played soccer
furiously for ages. I did not see my kids for hours today as they played
merrily with the other children in the estate. This is what the move
has been about...My kids freedom and today I got to witness first hand
how beautiful it actually is to see children playing freely about. Today
is a good day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>14 February 2014</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today marks one month since my arrival in Ireland. I think for being
here one month we have been incredibly lucky. Either it is luck or we are
highly favoured. Maybe both? <br /> Both me and hubby are gainfully
employed, we got a beautiful home at a steal, our kids have settled at
school and they have made friends. I have also reconnected with family I
didn't at one point know if I would ever see again. It has been quite a
journey so far albeit a short one. Now just a chance to a<span class="text_exposed_show">djust to a complete change in lifestyle..<br /> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">A few more interesting things you should know..<br />
1. Don't buy into this free education kak. Yes, there are no school fees
but the compulsory sports are not funded and you fork out a small
fortune for Gaelic football...swimming (yes they have that
here)..tennis...and gymnastics...its the equivalent of paying a Crawford
college education with our shifty exchange rate. ffs!! And then there
is still rugby and athletics and drama clubs and school fundraisers...ALL
OVER THE WORLD kids are pricey...you simply can't escape it.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 2. This country
takes Catholicism very very seriously! Abortion is taboo, contraception
is frowned upon ( judging by the number of children these people have)
and hymns are almost non existent in the community church. Have you ever
heard a hymn being spoken? Its painful and its very difficult to stay
awake during the service. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 3. following on from point 2, it is vital
when you see a funeral procession to do the sign of the cross and
proclaim may their soul rest in peace.... do not however watch it...
this too is not done (very hard for me as I am bloody nosy) <br /> 3. The
Irish mafia are real...Ganglands are shooting each other out about
drug war territory in Dublin. It's scary yet it feels slightly like a
Hollywood film. I'm patiently waiting on the next installment.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 4. The post is delivered old school like we
remember growing up. with a bike or van and a postman. It is so dam
cute! You even have post flaps built into your doors where your mail is
delivered. On the negative side the flapping of this flap in the wind
makes me shit myself at least 10 times a day thinking that someone is
trying to break into the house!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 5. My office overlooks the sea... need I say more?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />
6. My South African education is not as bad as I thought. I appear to
be a lot more clued up in the work environment than I imagined. We
South Africans are hard workers. Even when I'm slacking off I'm working
harder than the locals. I get through 3 x the amount of work in the
same time. These folk work only to live...they don't live to
work...that is why they live so flipping long. We have literally
hundreds of clients who are late nineties to early hundreds still fit
and going strong...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> 7. In conclusion it appears that a long happy life is
boiling down to lots of unprotected sex.. minimal working
hours....boring church services...lots of Guinness... and staying far
away from the gang's of Dublin..Party on (says the woman an with no
life)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><u><b>24 February 2016 </b></u></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span>Well I am officially 6 weeks in and continue to be amazed on a daily
basis by how strikingly different yet the same Ireland is...<br /> 1. I
am still battling with the language aspect of things. This was made
clear by my attempt at school uniform shopping. I was looking to by a
t-shirt of the polo variety for school athletics when the man behind the
counter proceeds to tell me that the "shorts" are out of stock. The
shorts I thought, oh well that's grand as I am looking for a T-shirt and
what the bloody hell would anyone want with a pair of shorts in this
weather? He looks at me with an exasperated stare that I can only
imagine meant he thought I was a monumental muppet. Plucking furiously
at his chest he repeats "Short, Short, Short". I then grasp the
notion that in fact he is telling me that the shirts are out of stock!!
In a supreme role reversal, I am the one who now talks funny.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 2.
The amount of singing talent we have missed out on in South Africa is
crazy. Within a couple of months we will have the likes of Rihanna,
Beyonce, The Weekend, Macklemore, Adele, Kendrik Lemar, Ronan Keating,
Jess Glynne, Faithless, The X Factor and Justin Beiber to name a few.
This is all wonderful, except for the fact that the 3 arena is directly
on my route home from work and I get caught up in the screaming frenzy
of crazed fans blocking the road... this leads me to miss the reduced
toll fee and I wind up paying 10 euro to get out of the city!! Not a
happy camper.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 3. I am seriously considering sawing out one of my
kidneys and selling it on the black market in order to afford child
care. It is ridiculous.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 4. It is voting time her in Ireland. It
seems that Parliamentary carry ons are not exclusive to South Africa. I
feel nostalgic as I listen to various government hopefuls rip
each other a new one in an attempt to win over their constituents.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 5.
I was asked if I had access to running water, sewerage and electricity
back in Africa. Seriously?? Are you kidding me?? Appears no one actually knows about
South Africa, its infrastructure (or lack thereof) nor the quality of life
Africans have grown accustomed to. In response I shook my head woefully
and stated "Nope, we did not have running water or electricity. In the
evenings we would walk down to the river, gather water up with our
reed baskets and cook on an open fire. Thereafter we would dance naked
around the fire and beg some first world god to bring us power. " All
this was looked on in awe and amazement. "Wow, you have been through so
much!" So much for my sarcastic undertones. They went completely
unnoticed.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 6. I don't know how I have lived without 300 meg internet
connection!!! It is like technology nirvana even though I don't have a
clue what 300 meg means.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 7. It has not rained in 3 days. I am
moerrrrrrrrr impressed. When you stand outside you can actually feel
the sun warming your skin. This has somewhat allayed my fears of
developing a bad case of trench foot.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> 8. The housework does NOT end.
Friends, I urge you to appreciate your domestic because as my darling
hubby says: " Nothing brings you crashing down to earth with the a bone
crushing velocity faster than having to clean your own toilet"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>21 March 2016</b></u> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As
it marks 9 weeks in my new country today, and the initial excitement
has worn off and we resume day to day life, Today's post will not be
about witty antidotes and life lessons learned but about the stark
reality that is immigration. Today is a difficult day. Its one of the bad days that so few talk about.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those that have made the move, or those
those who will shortly be making the move I am positive will relate. It
is HARD. It is likely the hardest thing you will ever do in your life.
People perpetually tell you that you have taken the easy w<span class="text_exposed_show">ay
out...you have left South Africa, you have no place to say a word about how bad Africa is nor how bad your host country is. This is your choice, deal with it. This leaves you with precious little support in the way of venting your emotions to whom you thought were your confidantes.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">Clearly these arses (used respectfully of course...) have no idea what they are talking about. On the
contrary anyone who has taken on the task should be commended as they
are brave souls. I doth by hat to each and everyone who has successfully assimilated into their host country. They are my new heroes. It is not easy to leave your family or your friends or
the lifestyle you are used to and replace it with something unfamiliar and totally different.
It is not easy to work in an environment where the laws are different
and the business culture is different. It is not easy to hear about your
friends and family getting on with their day to day existence as if you
were never apart of it. It's not easy to try make new friends and
connections. It is not easy to work like a slave labourer both day and night as you try to maintain the slightest bit of hygiene in your home so your kids don't die of salmonella or some other God forsaken bacteria. Nothing is easy.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">Life is HARD. But we are safe and our children are safe and
happy and guaranteed a better future. It is the ultimate sacrifice we
have had to make. This decision was not made lightly. We have had to give up our lives and replace them with
something else for the sake of our children. This is not the easy way
out. It is a path that has been carved for us through sheer determination to give our little ones a better life. Unfortunately....and also fortunately...this is what we have had to do.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">So here's to my fellow people going through the same thing. If you find yourself wondering what you have done and if you will ever climb out of this pit of dispai</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">r back into the bright future you have envisioned for your family, take note of the following..... You have
not made the wrong decision because it is HARD....it is HARD because
you have made the right choice and anything good in life does not come
easy. Consider where you are an adventure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">So there we have it. My laments to date. It is a difficult time, yet a wonderful adventure non the less. Through this blog I would love to connect with like minded individuals going through the same experiences, or in fact anyone who can appreciate life's journey, where it has taken them either good or bad, where they long to be in the future, and the stark reality of now.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show">Love and Light</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">C</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-754050947065716788.post-45805219750102510622016-03-23T01:43:00.000-07:002016-03-23T01:43:18.732-07:00Our Irish Story <br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This blog <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>which I just literally found out was short for web-log</u></span>)</span> will be the story off our experience. </span></h2>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many of our friends and family have made comments lately on my dearest wife's Facebook posts that she should start writing some sort of book or blog, I agree so I have decided to take control of this and get something started so that we can tell our story and share this adventure with you. I will leave most of the writing up to her because well lets face it she's probably far more gifted at writing than I am but someone needs to start this thing off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So here goes....... <span lang="ga">fáilte roimh ár scéal (welcome to our story )</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think I must start where Candice left off. Her last post on Facebook as she self described was going to be neither witty nor clever. .....Well it wasn't , In fact she made this all sound rather terrible. Its not. Its just very different, different like the sun and the moon are different from each other but at the same time its so much of the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">South Africans have a very unique love hate relationship with each other and their country. They literally spend their days complaining about how bad things are ( admittedly they are ... a lot of the time) but let a non-saffa say a single derogatory word and the whole nation stands as one to defend themselves. Its all a bit weird!! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Looking in from the outside, as all of us that have left tend to do, maybe more critically than we either should or have the right to, you can see that things clearly aren't great, but at its worst it still shows signs of what we all wish so deeply it would and could be... a land of plenty. Enough for each and every national to live to their full potential. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Irish are fiercely proud of their heritage and their culture and promote it at all costs, and it is for that reason that they remind me of me .They are on Level 99 when it comes to self-promotion. Mostly all the products you buy at the grocer are Irish grown or Irish made. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My wife has moments of unhappiness where she wonders what the hell she has done, but then she comes back to the light. Her emotions are mixed. Apparent settling in syndrome. A good friend once told me that it takes 1000 days to become fully assimilated into your host country. My wife is at beginning stage assimilation. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I do however differ from wife in my feelings of our host country. The island of Ireland is so much like a small Africa its scary. Its a wonderful place interspersed with a natural beauty that only Africa can claim to rival and the horrible scars of a global financial crisis that wreaked havoc on its people. There are thousands of commercial buildings and private homes that stand empty as a stark reminder of what my boss says Ireland is like " Either all or Nothing , Boom Or Bust"( Sounds like Africa no?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now I've heard some people say and I include myself here that its not cold , we are all terrible liars. it is Very Cold <strong>but,</strong> we have Jumpers ( I'm still not entirely sure what that is) and central heating, so we manage. The summers apparently are long and warm, not hot but warm so we have something to look forward to (apparently we will know its summer when the rain gets warmer) . So we might venture out for a cycle or a run or even go to the beach when those days arrive and I've prepared by getting a barbecue grill ( To you plebs that means a braai) so I'm organised and you are all invited!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can never replace your friends and family but the world is small nowadays you have Skype and Whatsapp and passports. Other than that you get a big house and hope like all hell they love you enough to visit Don't forget your jumpers!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hard I'm not so sure. different yes. The accent can be an enormous challenge I've been working for four weeks and still don't understand a word. I might have been fired already and don't even know it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the end of the day its never going to be Africa and I think that's the point but its a great adventure and in time it will be home... our home... and a safe place for our little ones to grow and not be scarred by dangers that they could never hope to understand. I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">t will be different and we will have bad days, many I am sure, but they with time will get less and less and the decision to embark on this Great adventure will seem small and insignificant. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">.....................<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">........Now excuse me while I go wet the tea !!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cccccc;"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914179649106703987noreply@blogger.com1