Ireland – Flying Visit – Matt & Helene’s new place – pub

Matt & Helene managed to escape buying a house during the boom times – no mean accomplishment actually. They did buy, a few months ago, and are getting it all refitted. It’s quite cool the way they insulate these old brick houses. Effectively put a massive lagging jacket around the whole thing. Very cool. Well, very warm. Kiwi’s take note.

There’s a pile of work to be done inside…

But it’s going to be lovely once it’s finished – that’s for sure.

Also managed to sneak in an evening catching up with college friends. Mick took me out for dinner (lovely to see him again – last time was at Domhnall’s wedding.. where we went walking on the Tasman Peninsula ).. and then on to my favourite pub (The Cobblestone).. where pints were had and music was played.

I also managed a couple of home visits, to friends who’ve just had babies… Maeve who has produced the lovely Clíodhna (and Viv who also turned up for lunch)

We also had yummy snickers ice-cream bars. Some things NZ just doesn’t have (doesn’t have shreddies either)

Also dropped in to see Stella and see Ailbhe..

Also had a nice lunch with my friend Katie who is now doing a PhD in TCD. The old perks still apply, so I scabbed free entry in to see the book of kells, and spend a few precious minutes in the most … awesome in the real sense of the word – long room. Just standing in that room – smelling the books and the history… I love it. As a student we were allowed free access whenever we liked,

I used to skip in, maybe 3 or 4 times a year and just zip up and hang out for a few minutes. :)

And all too soon it was time to head back to New Zealand. I really need to solve the work-money issue. I could have stayed longer. I do have a heart, I do miss friends, I do miss family, I do miss a decent pint of Guinness…. but I do love NZ too.. tricky old thing being part of the Diaspora.