Viva Espana!

I've been meaning to write this post about my trip to Spain for the last two weeks, but true to form, I've just not had the time. But my day today has worked out quieter than planned so I thought I'd take the time to regale you all about the wonderfulness of my holiday, whilst I sit here watching The Jungle Book; a film I'd forgotten how much I loved. Might watch Dumbo next..but, I digress. 

Sometime last year my best friend Jo and I decided we'd like to do a roadtrip of Europe in 2013. We looked at the places we'd like to go and did a bit of planning. But, a few things changed and we realised that it wasn't feasible. Jo's parents have a villa on the Costa Blanca with relatively easy access to Valencia and Granada, both places Jo and I wanted to see. So, back in January we decided that we'd take ten days, hire a car, and do a mini road trip around the south west of Spain. We sorted flights etc and an itinerary of where we'd go, Granada and The Alhambra being an absolute must see. Admittedly more on Jo's part than mine but I was happy enough to go, having heard a little about it. But I'll get to that later. 

Jo and I have been best friends since a fateful night at college when we worked a shift together at the Presidents Ball in our first year (May 2001). I won't go into details but we bonded over something and have pretty much been inseparable since. Having said that, we don't see each other too often. I live in Dublin, she lives in Dubai, and has lived in Bermuda previously. We talk over email or text almost every day though, so even though we might not have seen each other since Aug last year, when we met up in Alicante airport it was as if we'd only seen each other 2 days previously. 

I was looking forward to the holiday for a number of reasons;
1: I love spending time with Jo. It's always hilarious and we're so alike that spending lengths of time together is very easy. 
2: We both desperately needed a break from various things. 
3: I'd never been to any of the places we were going to so it was all new and exciting.
4: I love sunshine (who doesn't!), and although I don't deal well with heat I needed some top up on my freckles!
5: Jo and I going on holiday together has become a bit of a tradition ever since our trip to Egypt in 2007. 

After meeting in the airport, we collected the car and with a bit of a slight detour (no sat nav with the car, thank god for Google Maps on my phone!) we made it to the villa, just outside Torrevieja and so started our ten days of awesomeness. I'm not going to tell you every little detail, but I will run down the highlights of our visits. 

Valencia:
Valencia is about 2 hours north of where we were staying, but again, we took a bit of a detour and ended up driving up the coast, past Benidorm. No biggie, it was a lovely drive and we were in no rush. We found our hotel and headed out to explore after checking in. We were staying right in the centre, close to the Silk Exchange and the Cathedral. I'd not read much about Valencia, and Jo knew more than I did. But, we did the touristy thing and bought a hop on hop off bus ticket. We were both significantly more interested in the older history of the city rather than the newer stuff (a theme with us!), and had picked out some museums we wanted to see. We had a wander round the Silk Exchange, a lovely building, and then headed for the tourist bus. 

Valencia Silk Exchange

What Jo and I didn't factor in was that we'd arrived on a Sunday, and the museum we wanted to see was closed on a Sunday. But, we didn't realise this until we'd gotten off the bus. So we had a 20 min wait for the next bus, before we headed back to the centre and took a wander round the Cathedral. I'm not a religious person, but I quite like visiting churches etc in different parts of the world. Coupled with the fact that The Holy Grail is reportedly housed in Valencia we were eager to take a look. We failed to locate it in the Cathedral, although Jo did find a severed arm! Later that night we headed to one of the big squares to see the Super Moon, but were thwarted by clouds; what are the chances?!
As we headed for the bus the next morning we took a different route and pretty much fell across this little chapel behind the main cathedral. We decided to take a peek inside and discovered it was the Chapel of the Holy Grail! There was a service going on though so we didn't feel comfortable being all touristy with cameras. Decided to head off on the bus and come back later. Bus tour continued...but, we couldn't find one of the museums we wanted and with the same museum we'd tried to visit on Sunday also being closed on Monday, we were losing patience! Topping this off was our return to the Chapel of the Holy Grail only to discover it was also closed. Valencia it seemed, was against us. 
There was nothing else we wanted to do so we collected the car and drove back to the villa. 
Valencia is a beautiful city, with some stunning architecture and some real character. I was slightly disappointed we didn't get to see all the stuff we wanted to. But, it was enjoyable nonetheless. 
We had one day back in the villa before heading to Granada on Tuesday. 

Granada:
Granada was the biggest thing we were doing on the trip and we'd planned it well. We'd booked the tickets for the Alhambra for the Weds morning and wanted to explore the city on the Tues afternoon/evening.  It was a fair drive from the villa, 3.5 hours so we knew we'd have to leave earlyish to make sure we had enough time to do what we wanted. The drive was a long one but it was stunning, genuinely stunning. Driving through 2 national parks, one being Sierra Nevada, I was continually aghast at the scenery and taking lots of pics from the car as Jo drove. 

Sierra Nevada mountains (excuse the bug spatters on the windscreen!)

Arriving in Granada we tracked down our hotel (which I'd highly recommend by the way! http://www.hotelzaguan.com/indexingles.html), and went a-wandering. We'd booked a walking tour in the evening at 8pm and figured we'd do the bus tour and have a wander round the Cathedral. 

I came to Granada knowing very very little about the history, so when Jo  and I entered a little chapel and she let out a little squeal of excitement on reading the pamplet, I wondered what was going on. In very hushed and excited tones she told me that the chapel we were in was the final resting place of Ferdinand and Isabella. I admit I looked at her blankly but she explained who they were and I realised her excitement. Although not as excited myself I could understand why she was excited and there was a certain atmosphere in the chapel which I found rather emotive. The chapel itself is simple enough but quite beautiful at the same time. We weren't allowed to take pics so I have none to show you. 

After doing the bus tour we realised we only had 40 minutes before we had to be on the walking tour. It was a free tour and would have been 3 hours. But, we didn't fancy rushing dinner and decided to forego the walking tour and continue to wander at our own leisure before finding food. Directly opposite the royal chapel was a small entrance to something, we didn't know what, but we paid €2 each and wandered in. We were pleasantly surprised to find two utterly beautiful rooms in a stately home, shown to us by a local guide. The first room was very Arabian in its decoration and I was amazed at the intricacies of the decoration. The second room was now a lecture room used by the University but it had the most spectacular wooden ceiling. The photos of both these rooms do not do them justice. Jo and I both said that the viewing of that house alone made missing the walking tour worthwhile. 

Arabian decoration

Amazing wooden ceiling, it smelt incredible!

After sourcing some food and some utterly delicious churros, we headed to bed, knowing we'd have to be up bright and early for our trip up the Alhambra. We were leaving at 7.15am so needed rest. 

Churros!

I knew very little about the Alhambra, apart from the fact it was a Moorish fortress and had Catholic parts to it. I'd never even seen pictures of it, Jo had offered to show me some but I wanted to see it first hand. We collected our tickets and after waiting a bit were allowed into the complex. It was 8.15am when we walked through the gate and the temperature was just starting to rise. Although most of the complex is free for you to roam around, one part, the most restored part, the Nasrid Palaces, only allows a certain number of people so you have to go at your allocated time. Our time was 9am, so we strolled down and hung around before we entered the palaces. 

It's difficult to describe the utter beauty of the Nasrid palaces. Arabian in their decoration, the intricacy really has to be seen to be believed. Water is a common theme throughout, having been Muslim places of worship. I took a multitude of photographs and although you get the general gist from them, I recommend a visit. It's simply breathtaking. 

The rest of the Alhambra complex consists of the Alcazabar, the top of which offers gorgeous panoramic views of Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. And the Generalife Gardens and Palace. The Generalife palace is beautiful but in a very different way to the Nasrid palaces. It's Catholic in origin so very differently decorated but offers stunning views across to the Nasrid palaces and over the valley. 

Generalife Palace

View from the top of the Alcazabar

After 3 hours of wandering we headed back to the city centre on the bus. We'd been told to go up to Mirador San Nicolas by the lady in our hotel, as it offered amazing views of The Alhambra from the other side of the valley. So we got on another bus and headed up the other side of the valley. At the risk of sounding repetitive, oh my word, the views were stunning!! Standing in this little square, looking across the valley and seeing the entire Alhambra, where we'd been only 30mins before was rather emotive, helped also by the snow capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. Truly fabulous and a wonderful way to finish off our Granadian visit. 

The Alhambra from Mirador San Nicolas. Pic does not do it justice.

Because the trip back to the villa was a fair way, we'd arranged a stop off about half way, in a little coastal town called Almeria. Not much to see, it's a little off the beaten track and isn't known for tourists, but it allowed us to get a well needed rest after a fabulous but exhausting morning in Granada. I think we were both in bed by 9pm that night, and we slept until 9am the next morning. 

We took a trip up the Almeria Alcazabar, which offered lovely views over the town and was a mix of the restored gardens, the existing fortress and an archaeological site for the yet to be uncovered stuff. 

Almeria Alcazabar

Arriving back at the villa we had planned to take a trip to nearby Cartagena on the Friday for a trip to the Roman ruins but we were both so exhausted from the trip to Granada, and the knock on tiredness from Valencia that we sacked Cartagena off and spent 3 days resting by the pool and drinking in the local pub in the evening. A great way to end of the holiday, allowing us both to wind down and enjoy some quality relaxation time before we went our separate ways and traveled home. 

I loved every second of the holiday. It was great to see Jo and spend some time together and the sights we saw together just topped it off. 

I'd highly recommend Granada to anyone, it's full of character and the Alhambra really is breathtaking. 

As for upcoming plans, I'm home next weekend for a family dinner for Sarah's 40th, then I'm with college friends in Romford, then I'm seeing another very good friend, her baby, another close friend and my godson...then I have a friends wedding in Co Wicklow. 

All super exciting events coming up. Although I sometimes despair at the busyness of my social life, I love that I have it at the same time. 

So, until next time folks, stay happy, enjoy the summer, don't forget the suncream and don't do anything I wouldn't. 

Much love. 

Sandra. 

xx

A wedding, some epic babysitting and a 'quiet' weekend..

Hello again!

So much has happened since I last wrote, so I'll do my best to condense it into nice bite sized pieces, let's start at the beginning. (Ok, so not as bite sized as I'd hoped, but you'll cope!)

Paula & Ray's wedding:
One word, truly epic. OK, well that's two. I'll set the scene, Kilronan Castle in Co. Roscommon, Sat 1st June-Monday 3rd June. A group of 5 close girls heading up to see their mate get married. One self catering house, 1 amazeballs castle for the wedding and a fuck loads of fun and randomness.
I've known Paula for just over 5 years. She's one of the close group of friends I have here in Dublin and she's fabulous. As crazy as the rest of that friend circle and after a fabulous hen weekend, I knew (as did the others) that the wedding would be an event to remember. 
We knew it was going to be a big wedding, the bride is one of 8, the groom one of 10, you do the math re family numbers alone. Plus, this was an Irish country wedding, and for those of you that don't understand the intricacies of that, it essentially means more people. Irish country villages/towns are very close knit and I don't mean that to sound patronising or disrespectful, but it's true. A Dublin city wedding might not deem it necessary to invite your mother's next door neighbour's aunts cousins wife. And although that wasn't the case here, it was a big wedding!
The venue itself was amazing, set in the middle of nowhere, very close to the Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo border, on the edge of Lough Meelagh (lough pronounced loch, as in the Scottish lochs). Close to a 3 hour drive for us girls from Dublin on the Saturday morning, arriving in time to check in to our self catering house within the castle grounds, crack open the Bucks Fizz, get our glad rags on and head to the church in the nearby village for the ceremony. In true Irish style it was raining as we entered the church but the sun shone as the ceremony ended and we headed back to the castle for drinks and canapes in the sunshine, overlooking the lough. 
As we were called for dinner, we looked through the list of 26 tables and headed to ours, table 21. There's always a slight worry at weddings as to who you'll be sat with, will they be nice, will you get on etc. Us 5 girls were on the one table, obviously, but we didn't recognise any of the names on our table as people from the hen do, so it was anybody's guess as to who our dinner companions would be. Add to the fact that us as a group of 5 aren't exactly quiet. We make our own fun, and although we're friendly as hell to anyone we meet we can be quite intimidating as a group because we just don't give a damn and will do what we want in the name of having a laugh. 
But, any worries we had were dispelled within minutes of sitting down. We were sat with 5 lovely people, who'd known the groom for years. They were from a family who'd run a pub in his village so were old friends. We had Sandra, Damien and his girlfriend Danielle, Karol (pronounced Karl) and his wife Melanie. Sandra, Melanie and Danielle were sisters. We started chatting immediately amongst ourselves and it soon became clear that we were going to have fun with them. I think it was Melanie who warned us quite early on that Karol was a bit of a mad 'un, and I'm fairly sure our reaction was to laugh and comment that he'd fit in well with us. The drink flowed, the laughs ensued and we had a great time. Add to that some lovely, and moving speeches (I always cry at wedding speeches!), fabulous food, a great band (The Bentley Boys), the bride and bridesmaids doing a Christina Aquilera Candyman dance for the groom and the grooms brothers doing a Riverdance routine and you have one hell of a wedding. Got to sleep around 6.30am!

The bride and her Dublin girlies!

Day 2 of the celebrations started with me awake at 9.30am and going for a swim before coming back and making the girls breakfast, because I'm awesome like that and most of them were still too drunk to function correctly!
We headed up the castle about 4.30pm to find inflatable games in progress (sumo wrestling, football and a bouncy castle). But, unfortunately the rain arrived and we had to go inside, cutting the games short. It's fair to say we were all a little worse for wear that afternoon and after eating we all hit a wall. We'd met up with Karol and Mel again and were having a laugh, and as the drink flowed our energy returned, buoyed by the arrival of the trad band, The Blaggards, from The Stags Head pub in Dublin, a wedding present from the groom's workmates.
A fair few of us migrated outside and the randomness really started. There was a 'Haka Off', between the lads and the lasses, the lasses led by the bride. As trusty photographer I was watching this from the lads perspective, and they all admitted the lasses won...partly to do with a breast stroking action half way through!
There were some superbly random videos taken chronicling the perils of 'wetchin' and 'moist thigh'...you had to be there. And, in the wee hours of the morning there was an incident with a statue, a pineapple and some climbing, swiftly followed by a crawling race back across the dew soaked lawn, before being ejected from the residents bar at 4am. Last ones standing!!
Bank Holiday Monday saw a drive back to Dublin for us, before taking root on the sofa and contemplating how we were all going to get through work the next day. Over the course of the weekend I was down a nights sleep, but it was sure as hell worth it. 

One of the statue incidents...

Epic babysitting
I mentioned previously that it was my eldest sisters 40th in June and I'd agreed to look after her 3 whilst she went away with her partner. I should actually say that I volunteered for this, I know how difficult it is for Sarah and N to get time away alone and I've looked after the kids before so was more than happy to do it again. It was her 40th and she deserved the time away. However, it was bad planning on my part in the fact that I was wrecked tired after Paula's wedding and had 2 days recovery before heading to be the best aunt ever. I'd spoken to Sarah a good few times before heading over as I wouldn't see her until she returned from her trip. She'd given me a run down of the routine for the 4 days I'd have the kids, and it really was a routine. The kids were at school for 2 of the days, and they all had various extra curricular activities to be factored in. I think Sarah was a bit worried as to how I'd react/cope with the sheer amount of stuff to be done, despite my efforts to reassure her I'd be fine. I arrived late on the Weds night after the kids were in bed. Sarah and N had already flown to Spain and N's sister had looked after the kids in the evening until I arrived. I was tired from the flight but took time to sit down and read the 3 page routine that Sarah had left for me. It sounds laughable but these 3 pages of A4 were my bible for those 4 days. Every activity and time for things was chronicled and it made my life so much easier. I wasn't particularly worried about the next 4 days, the kids are great kids, I'm close to them all and they're all self sufficient enough to know what's done when so could help me out in some ways. 
I'd set an alarm on the Thurs morning anyway, but the eldest (12) came into my room just after 7am to check I was awake, bless him! I woke the younger two up (6 and 8) at just before 7.30am, took some doing believe me, but when they woke up fully they first thing they did was give me a big smile, a hug and a kiss. From that point on I knew it'd all be ok. And it was. They were brilliant for me and we had loads of fun. I'd arranged with N that I'd get the kids to make cards and a banner for Sarah's birthday, and that we'd bake a cake. 

The banner made by the kids

I was a bit worried we wouldn't have time to do it all, with school, various bits, and my other sister and her two kids coming for 2 nights. But, with careful planning and eagerness of the kids to do arts and crafts stuff we managed it just fine. I had a ball too, it was great to spend quality time with the kids, because I don't get to see them often the time I do get with them is precious. Don't get me wrong, I was freaking exhausted after it but I loved every second. It was great to spend time with Sarah on her birthday too...partly because we went engagement ring shopping as N proposed to her on their weekend away. YEY!! That'll be a great wedding to plan! Absolutely delighted for them both. 

The kids and I

The best quiet weekend I've ever had...
So the above two events happened on sequential weekends. And after a mad week at work I was looking forward to doing naff all this weekend. No going out, just a trip to the gym, catching up on washing, and thinking about what to pack for my trip to Spain next week. Yeah, well, that didn't quite work out as planned. 
Back in February Robbie Williams announced that he was kicking off his Take The Crown tour in Dublin on June 14th. I'm a huge Robbie fan and have seen him 4 times previously. However, none of my mates here are really fans, so this, combined with the fact that the time they went on sale I didn't know whether my epic babysitting weekend would be the weekend of the 8th or 15th June, I didn't book tickets. As time went on I made my peace with this. I won't be missing anything I told myself, I don't know the new album well anyway. Until a few weeks ago when I really got into the new album and had the whole back catalogue playing on my iPod constantly. People kept mentioning the concert and I felt more and more gutted I wasn't going. But, I had no one to go with, so it wasn't an option. Until midday Friday when my mate Shane texted to say he had a spare standing ticket if I was interested. The text came at a particularly shit point in my working day and what he was offering me didn't quite sink in. But, I knew I'd be mad to turn it down, so responded to say I'd take it and that I'd see him later. Excitement built, but so did the rain outside. I'd left home that morning with no plans to go out after work, and wasn't dressed for a rainy concert. Luckily I had flat shoes at work that I could stick in my bag if my heels annoyed me, and my waterproof option came in the form of a giant plastic bag. At about 3pm we got a mail in work reminding us that the 'Desk cleanup' exercise was ongoing and the plastic bags for recycling were available. These bags were on a desk beside me, were bright yellow, the size of bin liners and made of thick durable plastic. So, under the guidance of Tim, I cut a hole for my head and arms and hey presto, a home made waterproof that would fold up easily into my bag and cover 90% of my body from the rain. 
I left work and headed to meet Shane, his sister Lorna and their cousin Gillian in the pub. Instantly gelled with the girls and we were laughing together in minutes. I'd been with them less than an hour when Gillian said she had a spare ticket for the Bon Jovi convert in Slane Castle for the following day if I was interested, I could head back to Drogheda with them that night and go to the Bon Jovi concert the next evening. For those of you whose Irish geography isn't up to scratch, Drogheda is in Co. Louth, north of Dublin, about an hours drive. Slane is about another 15km beyond Drogheda, in Co. Meath. As someone who doesn't drive, I had no option to get to Slane on my own so if I was to take the ticket, the only option I had was to head back to Drogheda after Robbie with the guys and somehow get home from Slane after the concert on Sat night. Managed to get hold of a mate who was also going to Bon Jovi who said she'd be more than happy to give me a lift home after the concert. Bingo. I accepted the ticket offer from Gillian and knew my quiet weekend had just gone out of the window. I only had the clothes I was stood in, with a spare pair of shows in my bag and a can of deodorant. But, i figured "Fuck it, I can get a shower, I don't care about make up, i'd be mad not to do this"

Before Robbie..in the nice dry pub!

Robbie was awesome, although we got soaked by the rain! Poncho held up well but my arms were sodden! Great concert, spoiled slightly by the wankers next to us acting the maggot and disturbing my dance space. Robbie still entertains massively and there was a good mix of old and new material.

Rocking my homemade poncho!

After the concert I was smuggled back to Drogheda on the bus, I'd no ticket and not paid so it was a bit tense as your man did a head count. But I made it over the border and I had my first experience of Storm nightclub. I'd heard about it a fair bit and the Shane & Co had warned me of its randomness...but it was brill. Yes it was random and at first I was a bit taken aback, but I soon embraced it and danced like a loon with the guys and anyone who came near. 
The next day saw us all convening at Shane's dads house for a lift to Slane, me kitted out in Gillian's wellies ready for what promised to be a great day. The sun was shining and well, it was Bon Jovi for crying out loud! Now, it has to be said that I've not been to a proper outdoor concert since Knebworth in 2005, and I'd forgotten the intricacies of parking et all, and sheer numbers. Which led to me panicking slightly that there was no way I'd be able to find Darren and Aisling after the concert for my lift home. I had visions of me being lost in a sea of 80,000 people and wandering the streets alone as I missed my lift home! But we arranged a meeting place in the village and I calmed down. 
As we weren't allowed to bring any alcohol into the village itself we stopped for a drink in a beer garden and had a mini pre concert party. Dancing in the rain, and subsequent sunshine was great fun. Including some random girls wanting a pic with me because I was still wearing a t-shirt with the caption "Boys are eejits" emblazoned across my chest! For that minute, I felt like a celebrity...yes, I'm easily pleased! 

The concert itself was truly amazing. I've never seen Bon Jovi live before but oh my word, he was fantastic! The sun shone for the most part, he played for just over 3 hours, and we had a great view and space to dance...which we did, lots of. I sang my heart out and am genuinely surprised I have a voice today! Hearing Living on a Prayer live has to be one of the best experiences I've ever had. Nigh on 80,000 people singing in unison, bouncing like mad things and Bon Jovi grinning at us as we carry the song to the end. A number of times during the concert I stopped to look around and take in where I was. People as far as the eye could see, there for one person, pretty much slaves to his every word and command. And he deserved it, he rocked Slane and it goes up there as one of the best concerts I've ever been to. I didn't know all the songs but it didn't matter, I could still dance and have fun. 
Afterwards we trudged out and I parted company with Shane, Lorna and Gillian, thanking them all for a truly wonderful weekend. Met Aisling and Dar and we drove back to Dublin with random conversations ensuing as is our norm! Arriving home at just gone 1am I literally fell into bed and slept solidly for 9 hours. 
So,  my quiet weekend resulted in my seeing what may potentially be the two biggest gigs in Ireland this summer!

There you have it boys and girls, if you're still with me, thank you. Although you probably understand why I'm so knackered at this point in time. But, I can't complain too much. I'm flying to Spain on Friday morning for ten days...BRING. IT. ON!

So, again, thank you for staying with me through this, the longest post I've ever written, but you can appreciate its length given its content (fnar fnar!)

Until next time lovely people, much love and take care. 

S
xx

Bit of a catch up!

Hello! Remember me?! Yes, I know….I’ve been utterly rubbish recently re my ramblings. I had such a great run of things, then it all went pear shaped. I’ve always maintained that writing my posts isn’t that time consuming, and they really aren’t….but I genuinely haven’t had the time recently.  Work has been manic recently, a run of late nights and long weeks seem to be the norm at the moment. Few other bits going on too have meant my focus has been elsewhere recently, but we’re motoring on forward as is our norm! (how many 'recently's' in that paragraph??!!)

Little update for you from Sandra Land (Beware of low flying Sandras) since we last spoke on May 1^st.

Work…..work….oh and more work.

I enjoy my job, I genuinely do. And I much more enjoy being busy than quiet. But things have been an unprecedented level of busy recently, and not just for myself. It’s across the board, so at least I’m not on my own! I realise a few of you may have absolutely no idea what I do as a job and I’m not going to get into a lengthy explanation as you’ll be bored to tears. In a nutshell, I work in IT for a Life, Pensions and Investments company. I support Project Managers in their delivery and tracking of projects, so helping out with budgets, planning, governance and other such super sexy stuff. I also work closely with the Account Manager for our German Portfolio. The company made a big acquisition announcement in Feb of this year (read more here) which, as I’m sure you can understand, means that things are a bit mad work wise at the moment. For obvious reasons I can’t go into detail, but it’s a very busy time for us all for the foreseeable future.  It’s all good though, and just means I enjoy my ‘me’ time more than I would normally!

Exciting friend things

A very close friend of mine, L, is due her first baby very soon. Super excited about this, although I won’t get to see her and the little one until the beginning of August.  It’s worked out quite well really as I usually have a trip to see her and another very good friend, K, in the summer hols. L & I are both godmother to K’s son, whose birthday is August 7^th. It’s become tradition for us to all spend NY together over the last few years, although L was away last year so I haven’t seen her since last summer. I love our weekends together, fun and adventures with my godson, and fun and wine with the adults. The addition of the baby this year will be lovely, can’t wait to see everyone again and play Auntie Zsa Zsa (Godson couldn’t say Sandra when he was younger, it’s stuck!)

I’m off to Spain at the end of June with another very good friend, most excited about that! We’ve both had a lot going on recently so the chill out will be needed for us both. 10 days in the sun, but, we have a little road trip to Granada planned to stop us going stir crazy by the pool. Neither of us are able to do nothing for any length of time so we’re a good match for hols!

Nephews and niece galore.

I have 4 nephews and 1 niece. A good range of ages; Joe is 12, Josh is 8 (or will be in a week), Archie and Jess are 5 and Ed is 3. They’re all awesome, and crazy in their own little ways. I love spending time with them and because I live away, I tend to book weekends with my sisters so I have blocks of time with them. Last weekend was one such time. I went over to Tadcaster to spend 3 days with Sophie, Paul, Archie and Ed. Much fun was had, the boys are growing up so fast and make me laugh constantly.

On the Saturday we went to the Royal Armouries in Leeds. I’ve not been since I was 13, and when I went then I had absolutely zero interest in the place. It was different this time and I found it fascinating. I especially loved the War Elephant armour. It’s the most complete War Elephant armour of any collection in the world and is magnificent. 

The museum is free, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone.  The boys loved it too even though they’re both quite young. They both found things that piqued their interest, even if it was a VT of The Hobbit…..

On the way back to the car to head home Archie was tiring and lagging behind. Ed was on Paul’s shoulders, so I complained to Archie that my legs were tired and could I have a piggy back. He laughed and said “No!! You’re too big!”. So I said that didn’t matter, pretended to climb on his back, grabbed his shoulders and said “Giddy up horsey!”. He galloped off giggling like mad and I galloped behind him down the road. I looked like an absolute eejit, but I didn’t care. The game served its purpose, he cheered up and had a spring in his step for the final bit of the walk.  

On the way home in the car Sophie asked the boys if they’d enjoyed the museum. They both said yes, and upon being asked which bit they liked most, Ed said “the crisps”, referring to the crisps we’d had in the canteen half way round. Ah, the simplistic mind of a 3yr old!

It’s my eldest sister’s 40^th birthday in a few weeks and I’m looking after her 3 whilst she and her other half go to Spain for 4 days. I’m looking forward to it, no, genuinely I am! It’ll be hard work and I’ll be wrecked by the end of it but it’s for a bloody good cause, and at the end of it I get to see her on her actual birthday. Plus, Sophie is coming over for one of the days to help out, the 5 kids love it when they’re together so it’ll be good fun! Plus, I have a raft of stuff to keep them occupied so I’m confident they won’t be bored. And, I’ll reward myself with wine each evening. It has to be done.

Other random news:

I’m massively honoured to be asked to be Godmother to a close friends little one. I’m always incredibly touched to know that someone thinks I could be a good influence on their child.

Having a nightmare with a tooth at the minute, good job I don’t hate the dentist.

Paula & Ray’s wedding is in 10 days. Can. Not. Wait.

That’s all my news and up to date ramblings!

Until next time, much love!

Sandra

xx

I got Liebstered!

I’m a very grateful receiver of a Liebster award, thanks massively to Sara in Le Petit Village for the lovely handover.


For those of you that don’t know, the Liebster is an award passed between the blog community; bloggers nominate blogs they follow. It’s a bit of a shout out to your fellow bloggers, shows appreciation for their posts, and encourages their readers to follow new blogs. I’m honoured to receive one from Sara. I blog because I like it, I find it very cathartic. But, I love that other people enjoy it too.

There are rules around receiving a Liebster:

1. Thank and link back to the blogger who presented you with the award (Done, above! Follow her, she’s awesome. I actually know Sara too and used to work with her, so I love following her life in France.)

2. List 11 random facts about yourself.

3. Answer the 11 questions you were asked.

4. Write 11 questions for your nominees.

5. Present/nominate a Liebster blog award to 3-5 other bloggers.

So here goes!

11 random facts about me (going to have to pick things I’ve not already divulged in previous posts!)

1. I had straight hair until I was 12. Poker straight. It turned curly in the space of about 2 weeks, no joke. Puberty happened and so did my curls! (for those that don't know me, see pic on my Twitter, that's how curly my hair is now!)

2. I’m currently learning German. I’ve not learned a language since I was at school. (I’m not counting my dabbling in Latin at college!). But, I work on German based projects so am learning German through work. Loving it so far, but I’m only 6 months in. Meine name ist Sandra, ich komme aus England aber wohne in Dublin. Ich arbeite in Blackrock, und ich habe keine kinder. (That’s about the extent of it, unless you want to know about the contents of my kitchen!)

3. I bit my nails until I was 24. I tried so many times to stop before, but it was the prospect of my sisters wedding and the imminent bridesmaidness that finally made me stop!

4. I didn’t see Star Wars, The Goonies or Labryinth until I was 20. I didn’t watch a lot of what people my age would term ‘normal’ kids films when I was a child, for various reasons. I’ve learned to appreciate these films but they don’t hold the same ‘Oh my god!’ factor that they do for most.

5. I’ll try anything once food wise. How do I know whether I like it or not? This freaks a few friends out but means I’ve tried some super yummy stuff (and some minging stuff too!)

6. I broke and dislocated my wrist when I was 10 falling off some monkey bars. My nan was with me and whisked me off to the hospital. I remember her being calm, but she was a worrier so she must have been super panicked!

7. I’ve not lived with my mother since I was 6. I occasionally refer to things re my mum, but have never divulged much on the blog. I may do one day...

8. I can’t drive. Well, this is kind of true. I can actually operate a car, but I don’t hold a licence. I’ve never needed to, but I must learn at some point soon. It’s a bloody scary prospect though...!

9. I was nearly called Sonia.

10. I sleep with a Stuffed moose. He doesn’t have a name, but he’s uber cuddly and I love him.

11. My favourite boys name is Conor.

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Answer the 11 questions I was asked:

What movie or TV show do you hate that everyone else loves? Gavin and Stacey. I’ve seen one episode. It’s not funny, I don’t like James Corden. I just don’t understand the appeal of the show.

Where were you when you ate your first Chicken McNugget? Oh good lord, erm, I don’t honestly know! I can’t remember the first time I ate a McDonalds...although it was likely in Leeds.

Who are you five dream dinner guests (alive or dead) and what would you cook them? Oscar Wilde, David Attenborough, Daniel Craig, Stephen Hawking & Billy Connolly.
Starter: Chicken Liver Pate (my absolute fave!) Main: Roast dinner with all the trimmings, and proper gravy, none of this Bisto rubbish. And home made Yorkshire Puds. Dessert: Self saucing Chocolate pudding and Crunchie infused ice cream. (Damn I’m hungry now!)

What is your favourite book or author? Oh wow. Favourite book would probably be The Wind in the Willows. I have fabulous memories of my dad reading this to me in bed on a Saturday morning when I was younger. Favourite author, Oscar Wilde.

What is your favourite tipple? Amaretto. I don’t drink it often because I love it so much. (sounds mad, but I’d hate to get bored of it!)

What's your middle name? Fiona (don’t think there’s a family connection, never actually asked!)

If you were given €4000 for a holiday, where would you go and what would you do? I’d take a trip to Yellowstone National Park, then onto northern Norway for the Northern Lights, then finally to Antarctica.

What song do you hear, that when you hear it, takes you right back to your childhood/ teenage years? This question makes me laugh because there isn’t a simple answer to this. This post will give you a better insight! But, if I had to pick one, I’d say Eve of the War from Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds. Reminds me of being in the car and driving up to Scotland to go on holiday as a kid.

What's your favorite sport and favourite team? Rugby Union, Leinster (Irish Province). My family isn’t a sporty one, so I wasn’t brought up to follow a local team or appreciate a sport. As such, my love of Rugby is a late addition and is fully attributed to my flatmate Claire. She’s a Leinster supporter and by association I’ve become a follower too. I must add that liking Union is tantamount to sacrilege. I’m from Northern England, that’s League territory!

McDonald's or Burger King? Burger King. Chilli Cheese Bites....mmmm nom nom nom. I’ve had many a fun post drinking meal in Burger King in Dublin!

What is your favourite city in the world? Hmm, this is a tough one. I think it’d have to be Barcelona. I’ve only been once, and it was only for 4 days but I adore it. But of course, I love Dublin too, hence why I live here!

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I’m passing the Liebster onto these 4 blogs. I enjoy them all, so thank you! 1. Little E and Bean 2. My Little Acorns 3. Shadow Scribe 4. The Life of Stuff

And here are your 11 questions to answer (with thanks to Sara for one of the questions!):

1. What’s the one place you must visit before you die?

2. If you could live without music or books, what would it be?

3. Why did you start blogging and what do you love about it most?

4. What’s your best childhood memory?

5. Where’s your favourite holiday destination?

6. What do you love most about your husband/wife/fiancée?

7. What’s your shoe size?

8. Pepsi or Coke?

9. Who are your five dream dinner guests (alive or dead) and what would you cook them?

10. Where was your honeymoon, or where is it going to be?

11. What’s your favourite season?



I enjoyed that! Thanks for reading, as always!

Much love, and until next time!

Sandra.

x