Love Letter to Lisbon

I'm back to my Ireland life, settling into classes, have a more developed social life, and just got back from a trip to Portugal!

Greetings and Life Updates!

Hello everyone! I got back to Ireland about a month ago. My first couple of weeks here were a bit uneventful as I got back adjusted to Irish time, my school schedule, and all of those good things. This semester I am taking Theory of Human Rights, Person Centered Programme Development, Inclusive Education, and Public Health Practice and Policy (auditing). I only have class Mondays through Wednesdays, so I have plenty of time for adventures. Since being back, I’ve seen a symphony performance at the National Concert Hall, made Kraft Mac & Cheese for some non-American friends (we called it a “cultural exchange”), attended a Lake Street Dive concert (seriously so fun, the lead singer came and danced with us in the crowd), saw the play production of “War Horse,” danced the night away at a Taylor Swift themed club night with some of my friends, and started a Bridget Jones Diary marathon with some friends to prepare for the new movie.

I’ve really enjoyed returning to Dublin and coming back to somewhat of a social life. My programme got dinner together one night so I got a lot closer to my classmates. I am starting to feel like I have friends here and an actual life here—so that’s exciting. It’s also warmer than New York so that was a pleasant surprise. We had a red level weather warning one day so classes were cancelled. It was mostly just really windy so not much happened in the city (it was worse in more rural areas).

But life here is going well and I’m going to see some of my favorite people in about a month, so I’m sure those adventures will bring more Celtic Chronicle updates.

I LOVE LISBON

I just returned from a nice 4 day trip to Lisbon. Caroline and I met up to attend the Gracie Abrams concert there and then I stayed for a few days to explore (she had to go back to school). First and foremost, Pastel de Nata absolutely BANGS. Like I couldn’t stop eating them. They are a little custard filled tart/pastry situation and about 1 euro each—life changing!

While in Lisbon, I enjoyed the National Tile Museum, the Christ the King statue, Jeronimo’s Monestary, some monuments, lots of walking along the beach, and browsing cute jewelry stores. I saw the oldest bookstore ever (according to Guinness World Records), ate a few Bifanas (a Portuguese pork sandwich), and visited St. George’s Castle. There were plenty of peacocks roaming around the castle and the peacock’s in a tree was one of my favorite pictures I took.

I also took a day trip to Sintra where I visited Quinta de Regaleira (a beautiful garden built for Free Mason induction purposes), Pena Palace (a palace with Moorish and Portuguese influence), and Cascais (a beach town). In Cascais, I had some gelato that used sea water, it wasn’t bad but not my favorite.

The day before Valentines, I got an email that a paper I’d been working on with Phil was approved for publication, so I am now going to be officially published! I had a nice celebratory dinner. Valentine’s day in Lisbon was fun! Some shops decorated. I spent most of the day outside at monuments and with sweet treats (Lisbon is a Coke Zero city, not Diet Coke, so I made do with that and regular Coke). I made sure to listen to the deluxe edition of Sabrina’s album while in the Monastery, keeping in tradition with her music video lore from feather. I called my parents whom I love dearly, bought myself some cute handmade earrings, and proclaimed my Valentine to be Lisbon because it was so beautiful! Despite spending it without any other girlies, it was a Galentine’s for the books.

Overall, it was such a nice solo trip. I think the weather made solo traveling so much easier because I could just sit outside and photosynthesize whenever I felt like it. I’m very in love with my Europe era and grateful I get to see so much (and eat lots of yummy food).

CHAT TIME (my favorite part)

• Have you watched Apple Cider Vinegar yet? Such an easy binge and well done. I didn’t like the music in the last episode (vampire) so you’ll have to let me know your thoughts.

• How did you spend Galentine’s? Did you bake any fun treats or make some fun pink drinks? I need details! Send me the funniest Valentines you saw this year!

• Grammys and Super Bowl thoughts? I can’t get Kendrick’s performance out of my head! Also I am a Cowboy Carter stan so I’m very happy about that.

• Short ‘n Sweet Deluxe opinions? I enjoyed it but wasn’t blown away. I did think the good judgement & good taste call back was iconic though.

• Um literally anything, I want to hear how you are doing and whats going on in your life. I miss you dearly. Maybe if you text me I’ll spill some goofy tea to you.