You can quote me on that!

Those middle of the night cycles through Paris…

Having the run of the city, we cycle where we want. Suddenly the fatigue of the night shift gone, and the thrill of cycling through empty streets, the air fresh, the wind gentle in our hair. Making-up our route home as we whizz by, our bikes rattling loud over the cobblestones in front of Notre-Dame, which stands quiet, its gargoyles the cities night-watchers. 

We put on silly accents and shout across the road to each other, our playful voices echoing down composed Haussmannian rues. To find such freedom in this city electrifies the senses, a child let out of school for the holidays. 

Paris is ours, if only for a moment. 

Beer based cocktails

Spend an evening with friends and this very quirky, trés chic bar just beside my house. Think grandmas sitting room meets grunge, where they had the most interesting and exciting beer based cocktail list. Chris and I were feeling very adventurous so attempted to taste as many as we could afford during Happy Hour. Favourite is tied between the Hoegarden, cherry and vodka mix or the Stella, lemon and vodka (which was very refreshing until I knocked it with my elbow and smashed my still pretty full glass all over the table and floor, boo). We then happily ran out of money, so decided on the cheaper option of buying wine and continue the party back at mine. Unfortunetly I was working the next day, so it wasn’t a late one. Or maybe fortunetly? But life has been pretty quiet for the past while, and to be honest, pretty hard. I’ve come to the realisation that it’s time to go home. I cannot stay here working, being on my own for the summer. It’s just not possible. My family have been great trying to keep my spirits up, really pushing on the things that I have to look forward to when I return home in June. (Yes, i’ve somewhat chosen a date). Swimming in the sea, singing, my bike!, They’re always skyping me, I’ve had numerous lunches and dinners with them, the laptop on the table, is almost like being there,sitting and eating with them. 

I’ve found a lovely house to move into, where there is already a photography student living, in a very sweet part of Dublin. And suddenly, knowing that I’m going home, I’ve become more active again, trying to pass the days quicker. And you’re probably thinking, why would anyone want to leave Paris in a hurry, my answer is, I don’t know why, I don’t know if I’ll regret it, but right now,all I want is to be back with my folk! To finally get a good hug, and a little bit of TLC. 

But for now, to work! 

Internetless

for almost 5 days i’ve been living sans internet. I apologise for a serious lack of updates and other chose. I have been going to bed early, I’ve been distracting myself with the most random things, but mostly I have been at the bar, working, cleaning smelly toilets and pouring pints, chatting with strangers, and finding some Love on Easter Sunday in Strangers… it’s become a slightly strange existence . My mum says I sound like a ‘lost child’. Going home so soon. I wish i could just go home right now! I’ve had enough of you Paris, you’re wearing me thin and pale, please stop. 

A surprise parcel

My birthday was a few days ago, and I had not really been looking forward to it. On Sunday I was supposed to be having lunch with my old host family, but my parents informed me that they had a parcel being sent with a private courrier that would arrive on Sunday, just in time for the ole birthday. 

I waited all morning, and finally, a little after 13h my apartment phone rang. I didn’t understand what the man on the phone said so I asked him to repeat, a moments silence and then ‘would you just come down and open this freakin’ door??’, Conor.

My parents had sent Conor over to spend my birthday with me. I would be lying if I didn’t spend the rest of the afternoon in tears. Happiness came in the form of tears, haha! I don’t know how I am going to thank my parents. Nothing, but themselves, could have been a better birthday present.

And now, back on my own again, I am so ready to go home. Paris is tiring. I am so tired of it. I just want out for a while, to find myself again, go home and enjoy my family and my home, and my pets. Soon. 

Bisous

Zoo today, and the sun is out!

Work was slow and long last night, but am not on again until Sunday night. Was one of the girls last night there after 2 years, so she had friends at the bar… and kinda meant I had to clean the whole place .But it was her last night, sooo

Needless to say, tired today, but excited to get out of the house and see me some animals, with Tish already on her way to meet me. 

Dinner tonight with Anna, I’m thinking Carrot Salad as Anna is une petite gluten free fille! And Jenny has a little project up her sleeve and needs a ‘foreign correspondent’ . (There is another little hint Anna).

 Am dead excited!

Enjoy your Friday my beautifuls!

Bisous