Tag Archives: Rain

December, Oh December!

9 Dec

It just hit me that it is December already! Oh, my goodness. 2022 is coming to an end soon. With less than a month left, there is still much to do to fill up the days with memories.

December is a constant battle with the weather when it comes to doing the laundry. Will the sun peek out for a bit? Will it rain non-stop? The laundry does not have that sun-soaked smell during this time of the year.

December is also a month to get my Christmas shopping going! And so far, I’m on track. Yay. And yes, the home Christmas decorations are out, and it’s just the finishing touches here and there.

Being the last month of the year, December is also a time to wrap up things that started at the beginning of the year. Specifically, my DIY miniature, sitting at my station, collecting dust. I have not crafted so many this year, and it would be nice to finish up this last one.

December is a time for reflection on the year that passed. I am thankful for the good times and have stored away the good memories. I hope the remainder of the month will give me several more last hurrahs to cherish.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Struggle Continues

5 Dec

By now, I have played three rounds of golf, and the struggle continues. The golf mojo is hard to get back, especially when the weather plays a role. The wet and soggy grounds have not helped, causing lost distance with unnecessary forced shots to overcome the conditions.

When it rained, all the rain gears were out, and it became a handful to manage. Also, the momentum gets lost if we wait out the rain. It’s not enjoyable being out there.

The short game has improved, but only slightly. Putting was much better because I was using the Peanut Putter. I hope this struggle will not be prolonged. Perhaps another game or two before everything clicks again. I cross my fingers and hope for good weather as well.

Tags: , , , , , , ,

End of the Adventure

16 Nov

It has been a whirlwind trip for us, with the big city lights, attractions, crowds, sights, cold, smells, food, wind, graduation, colder temperatures, sceneries, and smells.

We took it all in stride. When we see what the other side of the world faces daily, I think it makes us appreciate our home more.

The cold weather and the wind were a challenge. And wearing four to five layers is not something we enjoy doing, but we have to do it to stay warm. The wind is the killer factor, and that makes it unbearable at times.

The graduation ceremony was the highlight of the trip. It is hard to describe our pride and joy in seeing our baby receive her degree. A new exciting chapter awaits her life.

As much as we enjoy going on an extended holiday, I’m glad our adventure is coming to an end. We now have to prepare for hot and humid conditions back home. It will be uncomfortable to readjust, but we have had enough of the cold and wind.

Goodbye Ireland, we leave with good memories.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Almost a Washout

15 Nov

It was a cold and windy morning. The winds howled at 38km, rattling the roof and canopy. It was more comfortable staying warm in bed than going out. But we should not be doing this and waited out the weather a little.

Wet morning and after the rain, visibility was low

When it let up a little, we ran to our car and drove out. Cork feels like Dublin, slow and chilled. We spent the afternoon in the city center, in and out of shops and shopping centers, the city center art gallery, and eateries, to avoid the chill and rain.

Lunch at Fellini’s

Sometimes being out in the cold too long can be tiring. After dinner, we were done being tourists and headed back to the apartment to call it a day.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Moving Around

12 Nov

Car rental in Dublin is so easy, unlike in the US. There is less paperwork required. Our spanking Ironman red hybrid SUV is comfortable, spacious, and easy to handle. With a built-in navigation system, finding our way out of the city was easy. The weather was good, and hubby drove along the non-toll roads toward Galway.

I am Ironman (hahaha) with this car!

When it drizzled, we stopped at a pub for lunch. I think we ordered too much. But then again, with the cold, we were famished. The portions always have a lot of chips (or mash) that we cannot finish, unfortunately, famish or not.

Lunch at this pub

We arrived at Galway by 3.30 pm, and just nice to check into our hotel. After a short rest, we headed into the town center. We were delighted to discover a Christmas fair at Eyre Square with things to see, buy, and food to savor.

Heading towards the Christmas fair

We had a good time browsing despite the large crowd and weather. For a change, dinner was at a tapas bar, with drinks, of course, to celebrate M2’s graduation.

The streets of Galway
We tried the Chimney Cake
Christmas atmosphere at the fair
Satisfying dinner

It was a long day, and we decided to call it a night earlier than usual.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hello Dublin!

8 Nov

It was gloomy when we arrived in Dublin. Our RyanAir flight was delayed a bit due to the weather. But no further delay in clearing immigration and getting the bags. Our prearranged transport was right there waiting for us.

The chatty, friendly driver kept us entertained with his Irish hospitality during the ride. Before we knew it, we were at the doorsteps of our hotel!

This city center hotel is much more comfortable than the one in London. More spacious and thoughtful in terms of essentials like USB ports and plug points at each bedside!

Thoughtful touch at each bedside

After settling down, we went out in search for food and ended up at a pub. I am not a Guinness drinker, so I opted for an Irish lager. I have never had a beer that had such a big beerhead. My Rockshore lager was divine! Our pub grub was very satisfying. Lots of potatoes, which should not be a surprise as Ireland is the land of potatoes!

Our pub grub: seafood chowder, cottage beef pie, braised beef and Galic chicken

It was drizzling but windy, with gusts up to 34km/hour! Our driver had advised us earlier not to bring out the umbrella because I would end up fighting for the umbrella’s life. It was certainly good advice to follow.

Both hubby and I also changed our berets to beanies because the berets will fly off in the wind! So different from London. With rainy, windy, and chilly conditions ahead, our plans may change to suit the weather. We shall see.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bye London!

8 Nov

Time passes when one is having fun, despite the rain and cold! We could not get to see all and do all. We left London this morning for Dublin, Ireland. And it will be colder. Shudder.

Well, got to take it in stride and bundle up to keep warm!

Tags: , , , , , ,

A Wet Sunday

7 Nov

The weather ramped up the wet condition on Sunday. Rain was more frequent and heavier! Ugh. So we had to improvise our plans.

We started the day a little later than usual, as the toasty warmth of the bed over the wet conditions outside was much better. But we had to get going; we are not in London to stay in bed!

Royal Borough of Kensington
Breakfast

We walked over to the Royal Borough of Kensington for brunch before making our way to the Diana Memorial. Then it rained.

The Diana Memorial

So we took cover in Fortnum & Mason. And since we were there, we bought tea and more tea! Hehe, why not? When the rain let up a little, we trodded on to Buckingham Palace to do some touristy picture shots.

At the Buckingham Palace

Although the rain derailed our plans, it did not upset us. We walked, we saw, and we discovered new things. My only regret is we missed out on The National Art Gallery. Oh well.

Hyde Park
The Apple Store and around the city

Tags: , , , , ,

Unfazed by the Weather, Part 2

7 Nov
Borough Market

The Borough Market was a pleasant discovery! The myriad of fresh produce colors was a delight to the eyes, a nice change from the dull gray skies. I was amazed that a simple staple like cheese had so many vendors showcasing their variety of cheeses. The fresh vegetables were very colorful and made great photography.

All kinds of cheese!

By then, we were tired because of the weather. However, by five, we decided to head back to our hotel to freshen up because, at nine, we had a Candle Performance, Tribute to Hans Zimmer, to attend in Central Hall Westminster.

Candlelight Performance

We had great Kodak moments, taking pictures of landmarks nearby before going for the live music performance. The soothing string quartet lulled me to nap and have a good rest, I have to admit because I was so tired then.

After the performance, there was worry that the Tube service may be disrupted because of some impending strike. So we hurried as best as we could in the rain and cold. When we reached our hotel, I wished I could swap my overused legs for new ones! Even my Blundstones could not help me with the 22,071 steps and 14.44km adventure!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Unfazed by the Weather

6 Nov

Sometimes weather plays a role in determining the outcome of a holiday outing is a success or not. It drizzled yesterday morning, but we were unfazed by it. I was clever enough to pack an umbrella, and it came in handy!

Tempting displays caught our eye!

We had another pastry breakfast to start our day. Luckily, the rain was light, and I did not need to open the umbrella. But when I had to, it was cold. Brr. I had to wear my gloves.

Pastries and sandwich for breakfast

We passed St Paul’s Cathedral and headed towards the Millennium Bridge to check out Tate Museum. The timing was perfect as we spent two hours indoors, staying warm and out of the drizzling conditions.

St. Paul’s Cathedral
Uber Boat anyone?

There were many interesting art pieces on display. However, two works caught our eye, not so much for their visual impact but for the lack of it instead. What qualifies these two non-visuals as art, displayed at Tate Modern? The concept? The process? They were blank canvases, for goodness sake! It baffled us to no end.

This is art? Or is this art?
Two embossed circles and dots make this art?

After Tate, we headed to Starbucks for a quick bite and cold coffee to refuel our energy. We passed Amazon Fresh and trodded on toward the Shard for a picture opportunity and discovered the Borough Market in that area. What a pleasant discovery!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →