London Gave Me Life

Four days in London was exactly what the doctor ordered. Immediately upon arrival at Heathrow Airport I was ready to soak in the city. First stop: Tate Britain (as well as a stroll past Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, of course). Unfortunately I couldn’t stay long because I had a hair appointment to get to. Let’s be real, a month and a half in a village in Ireland and you’d be desperate for a shape-up too.

So after braving the Tube on my own for the first time, I successfully made it to a trendy men’s salon that I had found online called Genco. They have five locations in London, but I chose to the Notting Hill location to channel my inner Julia Roberts. The senior stylist (I can’t remember his name!) gave me an excellent cut and I couldn’t be happier. Feeling rejuvenated, I was ready to take on the town.

After getting back from dinner, I realized I had to get back out into the city. It was only 9:30 and I couldn’t let time go to waste. We ended up taking a cab ($$$) to SOHO. If you’re looking for shopping or a fun night out, SOHO has everything you could ask for: from laid-back pubs to up-beat clubs. We had a fun, relaxing time at a small place called Club 49, where we got some pretty VIP treatment.

The next day commenced with a visit to Tate Modern and then continued into a day of shopping. This was a day to relax and conserve energy. By relax I mean I only walked six or seven miles…

Our third day began with a morning stroll to Hyde Park and a couple of gallery visits. We took it pretty slow because we knew what the night had in store. As it was our last night in the fabulous city of London, we had no intention of letting it go to waste. Dinner and shisha at Dar Marrakesh (pictured) was sublime. Walking through the neighborhood had me a little worried, but this place was amazing. After we’d had our fill, it was time to go back to the hotel to get dolled up. Heaven was our destination- literally. Heaven boasts four floors and multiple bars. The music and atmosphere was amazing and I was pleasantly surprised at the cover fee and drink prices. Absolutely zero complaints and highly recommend this place for a lively night of dancing.

After three hours of sleep it was time to check out of the hotel. Thankfully I had enough time to squeeze in a pedicure in South Kensington before taking the Tube to the airport. I may have left exhausted, but I wouldn’t trade those four days for anything.

Genco Male Grooming

Club 49

Dar Marrakesh

Nail Spa

24 Hours In Galway

7pm

After getting dropped off in Galway and checking into our hostel (Barnacles), dinner was at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Five of us ventured through the rain to a restaurant on Ellington Street (Cellar Bar) where we were blown away by the menu. We proceeded to enjoy an amazing dinner in amazing company. Then we headed back to the hostel…

9pm

Once everyone finished putting their faces on, it was time to pregame. Yeah, you heard me.

11pm

Good and tipsy, we made our way to Skeff Bar in Eyre Square and scored buy-one get-one free drinks. The atmosphere and decor was outstanding, though the whiskey sours were not.

12am

All eight of us walk through the doors to Karma (a relatively small 18+ night club) where we proceed to dance the night away.

4:30am

Sleep.

7:30am

Hangovers commence.

The day was spent walking around Galway with the occasional short lived sitting period.

Though it was a jam-packed 24 hours (only three of which were spent sleeping) I will definitely be looking forward to my next trip to Galway City. Now, its time to shower and get some sleep!

Party’s Over

I’ve had two weeks to explore the Emerald Isle and acclimate myself to the climate and time zone. Now that the jet lag is gone, it’s time to push on toward the reason I came: art.

As orientation week begins, possibilities emerge. I have met professors and gained an understanding of how the program is run. I have been assigned a studio space and toured the campus. So let’s get started already! I have a fountain of ideas just waiting to spring forth. But first, preliminary steps must be taken.

Orientation, registration, and immigration are the only things standing between me and creating. One week from today, the journey begins… And I couldn’t be more ready.

Let’s get started…

I have decided to start this blog in an effort to not make every single one of my FaceBook friends want to kill me. As my next journey begins, I will be posting photos and regular updates here, rather than flooding other social media outlets. It is my hope that through this blog, I will be able to share with you the wonderful memories that I am sure to create.

What is my next journey you ask? I will be spending four months on the emerald isle of my ancestors: Ireland. While here, Burren College of Art (Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare) will be my home and chief time-occupier.

So, welcome and forgive me my typos, and I’ll forgive you yours.