Crimson & Clover

Happy new year everyone! Have you given up on your resolutions yet? I’m clinging to the last bits of mine and I’m still under the illusion that I can bring them back. I’ll let you know how it goes…

Are you aware of how stunning Belgium is? Well, it’s really stunning. I spent four days there in December to check out the Christmas markets and had so much fun! I think it’s probably one of those countries that you either love or hate, but I loved it. It’s not much like France or Italy where the culture is really blatant. I think most things about Belgium are nuanced, aside from the smell of waffles which makes itself known wherever you go. I think in order to appreciate Belgium you probably just need to sit back and wait for it to show its beauty to you.

I went on the trip with my friend Erika, a fellow American living in Dublin. We joked that there must be only 5 people living in Brussels and we just kept seeing them over and over again. The streets were literally empty by 8pm. That’s a far cry from the busy Dublin streets we’re used to.
We also took day trips to Bruges and Gent which are both amazingly beautiful, but Gent stole my heart. Don’t pass it up if you get the chance.

One of the things that we found really interesting about Belgium is that the people are SO NICE. They’re so nice you feel like you need to ask them why. Like, the kind of nice you are to people you’ve known a long time (and sometimes not even then) only they’ve just met you. It was sort of alarming, actually! From our waiter who shared some of his cough and cold tablets with me, to the ticket man at the train station who gave us a discount AND free tickets to an ice sculpture show. Or the waffle-stand guy that made sure we had “the most fresh and very best waffles in Brussels” and the hotel waiter who gave us a silver platter with cup and saucer when we just asked for a glass and some hot water to take to our room. AND the kicker is… it’s all with a genuine smile. Sooo strange!

While in Gent, Erika and I met up with the Every Nation church of Gent. They blessed us so much and some of the lads showed us around the city in the afternoon. You can see us with the guys in the last photo. They were great fun and one of them even came to Dublin for New Years!

So all in all Belgium was a total winner of a trip and I would go back in a heartbeat. Erika and I drank our fill of all the finest beers Belgium has to offer, jammed our suitcases full of chocolate and waded our way through all the nice-ness back to the airport and back to the real world of nominally nice people.

Enjoy the photos!

Krista xx

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Doug and Chantel nearly the entire time I’ve been in Dublin and Chantel has grown to become a very close friend. I was thrilled when they got engaged and even more when they asked me to help them with engagement portraits.
Chantel spotted this Canola field near Celbridge so we hopped the fence politely asked for permission and got cracking. Unfortunately, I don’t get to shoot much anymore but I’m really pleased with how these turned out.
Wish them the best as they travel to South Africa shortly for a January wedding. We can’t wait to have them back in Dublin as a new Mr. and Mrs.!!!

Oh my, it’s been too long…

Hello everyone! I’m still here. I hope you all had a wonderful summer. I definitely did.

I my family came to visit, I went to the West with my mom and to Kerry for my birthday. If there ever was a summer to remember, it was that one.

Autumn is finally here and have to say that I’m thrilled! It is by far my favorite season although Irish summer and autumn aren’t that much different. It’s the principle of the season change that matters, I suppose.. and the leaves. Leaves changing is the best part.

The other day I took a short cut through Trinity College on my way to work and all of the sudden I was reminded… I live in Dublin! I freaking live in Dublin! I got really excited about it and practically skipped the rest of the way. It’s too easy to forget what an amazing experience I’ve been blessed with. I get distracted by the traffic or drunk people on the bus and I stop noticing how amazing this all is. I wake up in a country that is becoming more a part of me by the day, and I love that.

I’m set to get my visa renewed for the third time which will put me in Ireland until 2014 and most likely longer! I’ve accepted a position as administrator for a small homeless ministry in inner-city Dublin called The Compassion Centre. I’ve always been interested in working with the homeless but never realised how extremely difficult it is. It’s SERIOUSLY hard work people. Please pray for us. Please pray for ME! I definitely could use the prayers.

I’m finding myself thinking about our regulars all the time. I think sometimes I talk about them like their my children, even though most of them are at least 20 years older than me. ha! Nolan quite often gives me gardening advice and Patricia and I talk about what she’s been reading at the library. Mark always tries to sneak in a hug that lasts too long and Colm will always ask me to run away with him. It’s gas, really.

Last Thursday one of our guys was in whose pinky finger makes a 90 degree turn at his second knuckle. Like literally someone just snapped his finger and he never got it set back. One of our staff noticed it for the first time and asked, “Oh! What’s wrong with your finger?! The guy just looked straight back at him and said, “It’s a party trick.” and then when back to his business. Hilarious.

It’s sad for me to hear about the horrible lives most of them have had. When you get a chance to really talk to them, you can see how they struggle to make right decisions. So many of them live in chaos because really, it’s all they’ve ever known.  Of course, we have just as many who relish in bad decisions and choose to be on the streets. They rob, cheat and lie and love every minute of it…

I’m off to Beljium in a few weeks to rumage around in the Brussels Christmas Market and gorge myself on chocolate waffles. I’m really looking forward to it! I’m hoping for snow. There MUST be snow while we’re there! Please God, let there be snow.

I’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday since I have to work on Thursday. I hope everyone has a great time with family! If there is one thing I’m thankful for it’s to see the backside of all the “days of thankfulness” posts on facebook. Jeyzz people enough is enough. I’m sure you’re thankful for your kids but it’s kind of cheating to post that everyday. FYI

I’ll leave you with some pictures from the last few months.
Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

The other day my friends were making a joke about the “Call me Maybe” song and I had no clue what they were talking about.  Now I just wish I could un-hear that song. Really.

I’m not a big pop music fan. I like the little known indy bands that have ridiculous and slightly pretentious names like Cat Power, Yellow Ostrich and War Paint. I’m also not a very frequent radio listener, so I tend to miss out of a lot of the trends. Sometimes that makes me feel old, but I mostly feel like I’m protecting the health of my brain.

A few months ago a friend on facebook invited me to the Snow Patrol and Florence + the Machine concert. I was thrilled to go, I love Florence and I’ve been a Snow Patrol fan for ages.

The concert was this past Sunday and it was brilliant despite all the drunks spilling beer in my hair and splattering me with mud. Florence is a great performer and Snow Patrol had a BRILLIANT video set-up on stage. Killer lasers too. If you have the chance to go to a show for either of these guys definitely do.

We left the snow about 30 minutes early because with about 50,000 people standing behind us we knew that it would take a while to get out of the venue. And it ended up taking us about 30 minutes to get out of the venue and another 30 just to walk out of Phoenix Park. Then I walked another 30 minutes to get to O’Connell Street so I could catch the last bus home, which I missed and had to take a taxi home.

Getting home was a mission and you should have seen me walk into city centre. I was a SIGHT! Head to toe hiking gear, covered in mud with beer in my hair and flushed from practically running to O’Connell street from Heuston Station. I got quite a few double takes from passers by. I’m sure I looked absolutely insane. haha!

The concert was an education for me. I’ve not been to a lot of concerts and never to an outdoor concert.

I thought I’d share the things I learned:

Dress Appropriately. It’s ok if you look stupid.
We heard rumors of the mud on the field and we weren’t surprised considering it had been raining most days leading up to the concert. I was just planning on wearing my boots and rain coat but was convinced to wear weatherproof trousers too. I looked so stupid, but it was worth it.
We arrived just as Temper Trap were finishing their set and were greeted with 7 acres of ankle deep, smelly mud loosly mixed with straw and vodka bottles. In true form, most the girls at the concert were were barely clothed, but had their wellies on. They must have been freezing. I looked like I was going hiking, but at the end of the night I was warm!

They’ll say they love you but it’s all a lie.
As it turns out I didn’t need to dress up to get noticed. Despite my hilarious attire, I managed to score a declaration of deep love from a complete stranger and my friend was proposed to by a man covered in mud from head to toe. He used me as a crutch while he proposed marriage (and a few other things) because he couldn’t stand up on his own.
However, if you are looking for a fling with a muddy drunkard then definitely disregard any advice I’ve given you so far. And chances are, you know what to do.

Arrive at the peak of everyone’s drunkenness and hope they sober up enough to remember the main acts.
I think most people didn’t want to leave their spot to go get more drinks so by the time Snow Patrol was on people were sober-ish. Esspecially the plump and pimply teenage boy next to me. He loudly proclaimed his undying love for Florence (and other passers-by) while she was on. He’d sobered up by the time Snow Patrol came on and was a little less enthusiastic about his love for people.

Push Back
If they push you, you push them. But, just a little to remind them that you’re there. Too much and you might start a mosh pit.

I spent last weekend in Paris. It was really lovely, and a much better experience than the last time I was in Paris. Last time I was in Paris, I was with travelling with a girl whom I barely knew… and who apparently hated my guts. NEVER travel with someone that hates your guts. I’m lovely!… so I’m not quite sure what her problem was, but that story is for another time. This time, my friend Bronwyn came along. Bronwyn is great with maps. ALWAYS travel with someone that’s great with maps.

It was a short trip, but we saw loads and stuffed ourselves with crepes at every turn. Our major reason for going to Paris was to go to a regional conference that was being held for three different French churches. It was a chance for everyone to get together from all over France (and it turned out, all over Europe) to network, fellowship, and be encouraged. We had a lovely time at the conference and it was nice to meet new people.

In our off times (which was most the day) we *read Bronwyn* became an expert at navigating the Metro and exploring Parisian streets.

The Food

Once we had found our hotel we went in search of a quick meal and decided to stop at the corner cafe to check out the menu. As we walked in the door the man behind the counter shouted something at us in French. Upon seeing our confused faces he yelled, “Sit Down!”. So we did, mostly out of fear. They brought menus over and the loud man behind the counter came over to explain it to us. In true form he tried selling us the biggest and most expensive thing on the menu. We opted for chicken instead. Clearly disappointed he said,

“Oh…  You like couscous?”
“Sure…”
“GOOD!! I make BEST couscous in de WORLD!!”
haha!
To be fair, it was great couscous.

The Sights

I love architecture and Paris does not disappoint. The Sacre Coeur was definitely my favorite this time around. Straight of the scene from Amelie complete with the carousel and lovely views.

For some unknown reason, two different Nigerian men called me Lady Gaga. I guess I should leave my bubble suit at home next time. Sad, because I love that thing.

Fun Fact: 10% of the time, my sense of direction is brilliant. 90% of the time, it’s crap and you should probably go the opposite direction that I tell you.
The last time I was in Paris, we stumbled upon this adorable little outdoor market near our hostile. It was amazing and one of favorite memories of Paris. I was trying to remember where it was so I could show Bronwyn, so on our way to the Sacre Coeur, we wandered a bit trying to find it.

Needless to say, we never found the market because we were in the completely wrong part of Paris and we were thoroughly glad to get out of there.

The Men

Gorgeous. Full stop.
We saw some paramedics in the metro assisting an older man who was puking in a waste bin. Let’s just say that we considered throwing ourselves down the stairs, just for a little bit of their attention.

The Metro

The Paris Metro makes Dublin Bus look like heaven. I mentioned that to my friend Rachel who was gearing up for her time in Paris and she asked if she should avoid the Metro. Definitely DON’T avoid the Metro, it’s amazing for getting around. You just need to prepare yourself to be jammed up into some sweaty French guys armpit in a poorly ventilated metro car. If you’re lucky, he’ll be gorgeous. If you’re not, he’ll be missing teeth and making kissy noises at you.
I’ll never complain about Dublin Bus again.

On our last full day in Paris we did a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. I’ll recommend this to anyone that goes to Paris. It’s lots of walking, but It’s really worth it and we had brilliant weather.  We passed a group of proper hippies (like steel drum and all) who were giving out free massages on the street. Bronwyn spent a few minutes trying to convince me to get a free massage but I declined.

“There is NO WAY I’m going to get felt up by a French hippie on the sidewalk.” , I said.
“I can’t believe you’re giving up the opportunity to get a massage from someone who has clearly given up on life!”
I could not contain the laughter!!

It was SUCH a short time to spend in the loveliest city. But we definitely made the most of it. I’m still recovering… a week later. haha

About two hours after we arrived back home on Monday morning, I had to run off to shoot the July cover for VOX Magazine. My third consecutive cover!! The photos turned out grand considering I was delierious and the shots were quite technical. I’ll make sure to post it once its published.

Until then, enjoy the photos from Pairs.
I challenged myself to only use my iPhone. So all the pictures you’ll see below are taken on my iPhone and edited only using Instagram.

Au Revoir!

The sun is finally shining in Dublin and I have the awkward sun burn lines to prove it. The parks have been packed with people in various states of undress and almost everyone is sunburned to some degree. It’s only in the mid 70′s, but it feels much warmer considering last week I was still in a coat and scarf. Some have complained that it’s too hot, but I just chalk that up to Irish people insisting on complaining about the weather no matter what the temperature.

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that apparently I take in sun less gracefully than most Irish. When I was in Texas, my excuse was, “I’m from Oregon! I’m not used to the sun.” But that excuse does work here and I find myself, once again, with a deluxe farmers tan. It’s probably a combination of my lack of suncream and my unwillingness to bear all. One day I’ll learn… One day… Until then I’ll blame it on my blue eyes and red hair.

I’m still impressed by the fact that you can sit in the grass here without threat of death. Sit in the grass in Texas and every hellish insect within a 500ft radius with be headed your way. I love this place, it’s heaven. Especially when the weather is like this. I love it when it’s lashing rain and freezing wind too… but just a little less.

I was lucky enough to have four days off last week which gave me plenty of time to soak up reflect the sun. Bekki and I headed down to Dun Laoghaire on Friday, walked the pier and got some ice cream. Sunday a few of us went to Brittas Bay for a bon fire.  I hope you had an amazing weekend too!

After months of trying and about 8 trips to Vodafone I FINALLY got an iPhone. Yay!!!  So expect a lot more photos from me in the coming weeks and months.

A lot is happening. God is doing a lot in my heart lately and I’m not quite sure how to describe it yet so I’ll just keep it all to myself for now. But enjoy the photos! I’ve had a great weekend full of all my lovely friends.

My friend Debbie was in town from Ecuador! So we met up at Foam like old times.

…and we vandalized one of the decorations as a memento.

Heart of Prayer nite at Dublin Central Misson…

and dinner and drinks with the band after

…a man called me a “scallywag” for almost accidentally going into the mens room.

Tapas with Kehne and few others after church

I hope you had a lovely weekend!

Krista xx

This past weekend was amazing.

I don’t think I’ve laughed as much…ever.

A lot of it was over this.

Magnus has a new nickname… Marshmallow.  LOL!

My friends are awesome.

Special thanks to Daniel for posting!

Tonight I went to a show at Trinity College called Trinitones.
That’s right, I said Trinitones.
My dear friend Chloe described it as “Ireland’s answer to the Warblers” (from Glee).

The group of 14 guys were fabulous and they did an amazing job for a packed house. They did songs like “Shake it Out” by Florence and the Machine and “Teenage Dirtbag”. It was hilarious and such a fun change of pace for the evening. If you’re in Dublin and get a chance to see them, you should. Plus, it’s free!

The weather here has been FANTASTIC. It’s been in the mid sixties every day this week so far. The city is buzzing and ice cream is flying off the shelves. I’ve managed to make it to Stephen’s Green twice this week so far and hopefully again before the weather changes back to cloud and gloom. I don’t mind the cloud and gloom, but Dubliners are nicer when the weather is like this for example, my co-worker bought me an ice cream today. Most the time I’m not even sure he notices that I’m sitting next to him. haha!

In other news, I’m going to Paris in June!!! Yay! More details on that later. I just cannot wait to get back to Paris. I love that city.

Happy Days!

Krista

This is my post about St. Patricks Day…almost 2 weeks late. Sorry about that!

Patricks Day was brilliant! I had a great time. For those of you who’ve not been in Ireland during Patricks Day, picture Mardi Gras only covered in green and everyone is wearing funny hats. That’s about it.

In the days leading up to Paddy’s Day I had tried to score sweet roof-top seats on an O’Connell St building but was denied access. Something about safety and “what-if-we-fall-to-our-death”. Meh…  Anyways, since that fell through we had to go with Plan B. Everyone had told me that in order to get a good spot I needed to arrive hours early. I was ok with that because we Americans are used to showing up early to to claim our spot (ie Black Friday, Any movie premier, Walmart openings, etc…).  The parade was set to start at noon so I told my friends to meet me in town at 9 am so we could get a spot in the front. I thought that we still may need to elbow our way to the front, but hey… it’s all in the name of St. Patrick.

So I arrive in town with my friend Bekki at 8:30am and the whole of Dublin is deserted aside from the drunks that never made it home from the night before. Literally there was no one out. I actually felt quite silly walking around the street with my giant green hat a bright green coat at 8:30 in the morning. Like someone who is invited to a costume party but shows up ready to party when they’re still setting up. Awkward.

I slowly peeled the enormous hat from my head and tried to regain some of my dignity whilst  figuring out what we were going to do with ourselves for the hours until the parade. Luckily, we found a coffee shop and set up camp there for a while, picked our spot for the parade, went back to the coffee shop, and then eventually back to our spot to claim our territory right at the barricade and around 11:30 everyone seemed to show up.

The parade didn’t reach us until around 1pm because we were toward the end of the route but when it did it was AMAZING and definitely worth the wait. Being from a small town, I’ve never experienced a large-scale parade. The biggest parade they have in Riddle Oregon is the one where all the log truckers hang lights on their semi trucks for christmas and drive them through the main street. They’re usually beer themed and at least one has a toilet on it. No lie.

The parade was beautifully done and the creativity with the costumes and the floats was astounding! Here’s a quick look.

And the Rangerettes were there! Oh no yay! That’s exactly what I wanted to see!

This is right after a kid asked this guy if he was Santa Claus.haha!

These guys weren’t in the parade, but decided that a captive audience this large was too good to pass by.

These guys were in a hostel across the way from us. That’s not his real butt. It’s a plastic butt that says Póg mo Thóin which is Irish for Kiss My Ass. After this they came to the window with a few bottles of liquor and dumped them onto the crowd below.  They were Americans…  lol

This is Rachel, Bekki, and Carla

Bekki, Myself, and Carla

I was planning on staying in the city after the parade to get a pint of Guinness somewhere but as soon as the parade was over the street flooded with the green covered masses, most of whom were half way to drunk town. The city was crowded and crazy and I couldn’t feel much of my feet from standing in the same position for about 3 hours. So I decided to go home and I’m glad I did. I heard that on Sunday morning the city was covered in piss and puke and I’m sure much more.

All in all it was a great St. Patricks Day! I love this city and I loved celebrating such a fun day with the Irish.

Cheers!

Photo credit goes to Rachel. She took most of the photos above since my camera battery died just as the parade started. haha

Rachel is an American in Dublin as well! Check out her blog here