#Best Driving School in Dublin

[hannahssimblr]

Pretending to be good at driving isn’t as easy as I assumed. It’s not like pretending to be into wine, or classical music, or other such things that allow you to nod along and smile, and make statements bland enough to seem vaguely knowledgeable. Italians drive on the right, and I’m terrified, yet one of my hands is nonchalantly out the open window of the rental car, resting against warm metal, while the other white knuckles the wheel. Tyres toss dust into the air behind us, and I feel like we’re starring in a film about Americans in southern Italy, where the sky is colour graded cyan blue, and the greens bleached out, dulled to bone dry ochre so that you know it is hot and poor. 

I don’t think I have ever been much of a driver, despite the belief of my classmates back at school who assumed I must be, simply because I owned a car. Yes, I could drive it. I could control the clutch, shift the gears and manoeuvre myself into a parking space with semi-accuracy, but the traffic in Dublin was so diabolical that I spent most of my driving career crawling by, metre by metre, bumper to bumper until I’d give up, pull into the train station and get the DART the rest of the way. The other times, I was having disappointing sex in the passenger seat, or eating ice creams from McDonalds, a dead eyed stare over the bay on Fridays after school, just to have a way to unwind. 

The road to Amalfi is a narrow twist of hairpin turns carved from a mountain, climbing above little towns and a verdant landscape which I picture dried to brush by the time July’s heat comes, a landscape in sepia tones.

Warm, dry air kisses my sweat dampened skin as I climb out of the car to the smell of the sea. Salt and seaweed, and fish, from a seafood restaurant by the water. Waves lap against the shore in a gentle symphony as seagulls circle above the vibrant hum of a busy tourist town. 

The first thing Astrid wants to do is take photographs. And so, she perches on a low wall, against a backdrop of azure waters and green capped mountains, and poses for the camera. I take several, in a variety of positions, and indulge her whims by digging her straw hat out from the car boot so that she can pose with it, one hand on the brim as she looks out over the Tyrrhenian sea like it is her kingdom. 

I get her to take some with me, too, using the front facing camera on my phone, then choose one to send to my mother. 

We’re in Italy. Wonderful. Enjoy. 

I suspect it will be weeks before we communicate again. 

“It looks like it did on the website, anyway,” I say, as I unload our cases outside our villa. It is loaded with picturesque, old-world charm, the brick exterior crumbling slightly from salt and age. We decided that a villa with a pool would suit us best when I booked it, surmising we would appreciate a swim before breakfast under the morning sun. I gaze at my reflection now, a ripple of dark hair against the cloudless sky and take a moment to relax my shoulders, and thank God it will be ten days before I have to drive those perilous roads again.

 Our footsteps echo against the hallway tile. Astrid gazes around her as I haul our bags upstairs. 

“It’s quite nice,” she says, an understatement that incites a chuckle from me. This is the nicest place I’ve ever stayed at, including a family member’s desert guest house in Palm Springs. It is perfect. From behind the wrought iron banisters I spy a small living room, white linen couches and a bowl of fresh oranges on the table, and suspect they are from the tree outside. 

“It’s a marvellous view from here,” Astrid says at the bedroom window while I roll the last of our cases across the floor towards the wardrobe. I won’t want to unpack them. I usually live out of my bags while I’m travelling, but I suspect Astrid will like things hung up and put away. With the heat and the exhaustion from travelling, I cannot face the thought. I join her at the window, where we look out upon a small dock, little coloured boats floating in water so serene, so clear that we can see their shadows at the bottom of the sea.

“Woah, yeah. It’s pretty here, huh?”

“I told you that,” she says, leaning into my chest. “I think this is the best place in the world.” 

“Touristy, though, don’t you think?” Across the little bay, the coastal road is traffic jammed, holidaymakers weaving between the cars. A tour yacht glides by, its linen clad passengers pointing their cameras toward the charming little houses that cling to the mountainside, including ours. I raise my hand to wave at them, though I’m certain they cannot see us. 

“We are tourists too,” she points out. “It’s good for the economy. If we weren’t here, the restaurants and craft shops would have to close.”

I hum in vague agreement, caught in between two ways of thinking. Jonas paced my room as I packed my bags for the airport, giving me a spirited, if not slightly manic, lecture about the perils of tourism, from environmental degradation, cultural disruption, exploitation and overcrowding. 

“Shut up,” I said. “You and I are going to Thailand in June.” And he argued it was different, because he had intentions of learning about the cultures and traditions, and being respectful, unlike all the other tourists, trying to take pictures in the temples with their shoes still on and eating in Subway instead of trying a new cuisine. 

Still, the conversation has left me with a vague feeling of nuisance I’ve never experienced while travelling abroad. I look around this bedroom, the voile curtains fluttering in the breeze that floats through the open balcony door, and fear I am gentrifying the town just by standing here. What if they hate me, the locals, and the chino trousers in my suitcase, the way my hair is pushed back, my trendy little sunglasses? I couldn’t even ask for water in Italian if I wanted to.

But Astrid can. Perfect, clever Astrid. She gazes at her appearance in the mirror, and smooths out her dress, which shows no signs of having been travelled in. She combs her fingers through her pin straight hair, and a strand comes loose, floating through the sun rays like a strand of white silk. 

I wrap my arms around her waist and kiss her neck. “This is a great room, hm?”

“Yes, it’s spacious.”

“We could spend a lot of time in here.” I slide my hand over her ribs and cup her breasts. She sighs and lifts them away. “Don’t. Not now. We’ll put creases in the fabric.”

“You can change into another outfit.” God knows, she has packed enough clothes. 

She twists out of my arms and opens her suitcase on the bed, retrieving her toothbrush. “I don’t feel clean after travelling. I’d need time to have a shower and freshen myself up first.”

To this, I laugh. “I don’t really care about that, to be honest. Like, I’ll go down on you no matter–”

“Well, I do.” She pushes through to the adjacent bathroom. The tap squeaks, and water splashes into the sink. “I want to see the town, anyway. I don’t want to waste the day in bed together.”

“I never think a day is wasted like that.”

“Well, we can do it later. Perhaps after dinner.”

“Very organised,” I say, and she doesn’t respond. She’s brushing her teeth. 

Beginning // Prev // Next

[ghostofbambifanfiction]

Irish Wish Recap - Part 1

Remember when I did commentary on Midnight Sun? I felt like doing something similar with Irish Wish, in part because I had a great time laughing at that movie when I watched it with Bee, but also because @ali2cann asked me to share my thoughts on it. So I've decided to recap the entire film, but in parts, because that way the fun lasts longer for everyone. Please note that this is all good natured. This movie was ridiculous but I still had a lot of fun watching it.

Anywhere, here's Part 1!

The film opens with a dictionary definition of the word "wish," which is: to want something that cannot or probably will not happen, or alternatively: the website that we ordered this movie from. There is a shot of some Tourism Ireland approved scenery before we cut to stock footage of New York.

A glamorous New York book launch party is in full swing, and has absolutely been filmed at the Clarence Hotel in Dublin. I know this for a fact because Dublin is the place of my birth, the origin of my being, the city that shaped my childhood, and because the filmmakers made absolutely no effort to change the exterior, particularly the massive lintel above the entrance that bears the name "The Clarence Hotel" in great big letters. The only indication that we are actually in New York is the brief flash of a yellow cab and a cunningly placed hotdog vendor, because outside of a swanky New York book launch party is exactly where a hotdog vendor would be.

You know what? Forget what I just said. This doesn't seem to be a book launch at all. The signage near the entrance reads "A NIGHT WITH PAUL KENNEDY." So I guess it's some sort of fancy meet and greet? The book itself is already a best seller. What is this meant to be????

Anyway. Paul Kennedy. Get used to that name, because this movie is about to ram it down your fucking throat. Paul Kennedy, ladies and gentlemen. Paul Kennedy.

Maddie Kelly, played by Lindsay Lohan, arrives at the party and exits her cab. She is wearing a dress that says "fancy book party" and a scarf that says "brunch with mom."

At the same time, Paul Kennedy arrives at the event. Paul Kennedy is wearing a plaid patterned suit to subtly indicate that he, Paul Kennedy, is Irish, rather than the O'Neills GAA jersey that actually forms part of the traditional Irishman's uniform. Paul Kennedy, you see, is a stylish Irish man, a stylish Irish man named Paul Kennedy, and he wears stylish Irish clothes. Maddie is so transfixed by Paul Kennedy's rakish good looks and stylish Irish attire that she doesn't notice that her scarf has gotten caught in the cab door and is nearly garrotted when the cab drives away.

You know, I'm really glad that this mishap occurred. I was so worried that Maddie would not be a relatable character, so it came as such a relief to see that she is Clumsy, which is the most relatable trait that you can give to a female character without detracting from her hotness in some way.

Paul Kennedy greets Maddie and we hear his terrible fake Irish accent for the first time. The press goes wild upon seeing Paul Kennedy. Paul Kennedy is, as previously mentioned, a best selling author, and Maddie is his editor. Paul Kennedy pulls Maddie in front of the press and announces that he owes everything to her and her brilliant writing and editing skills, which tbh I wasn't expecting because he's clearly not the endgame love interest in this movie and that would normally qualify him as a dick from minute one. What a nice guy that Paul Kennedy is!

Just then, Maddie gets a call from her mom, who is the principal of a high school in Iowa and is inexplicably being played by Jane Seymour. Maddie asks her how she's doing and her mom launches into a story about toilet paper, so Maddie tells her to shut up because she's attending this event for work purposes and she's only just arrived. Maddie's mom, clearly aware that this event was taking place, scolds her for her bad time management. Why did she fucking call her then??!

Maddie's mom asks her if she's told Paul Kennedy how she feels about him yet, which is an absurd question to call your daughter about when she is attending a work event. Maddie tells her mom that she hasn't even told her closest friends about her romantic feelings for Paul Kennedy, and asks her to keep her secret. Maddie's mom, her accent veering wildly between possibly English and possibly American, is all, "nobody in Des Moines gives a shit about your feelings, bitch," but Maddie doesn't care about the people of Des Moines because Paul Kennedy wants to speak to her later and she's sure that he's about to make a love confession of his own. She ends the call and immediately runs into her friends, Emma Who Works in Fashion and Heather Who Did the Cover Art for Paul Kennedy's Book. Emma Who Works in Fashion gets all hot and bothered at the sight of Paul Kennedy's smouldering Irish face on the back cover of his novel while Heather Who Did the Cover Art for Paul Kennedy's Book reminds everyone that Maddie basically wrote the book for him, which I guess makes Maddie a ghostwriter/editor hybrid. Either way, Paul Kennedy didn't do shit.

Maddie meets Paul Kennedy in the hotel bar and they talk about how they make such a great team, what with her doing all of the work and him wearing the shit out of plaid suits. Paul Kennedy takes her by the hand to ask if she wants to take their relationship to the next level and Maddie practically starts foaming at the mouth in her haste to say yes. But alas! Paul Kennedy wants her to work with him on his next novel, and by "work with him," I mean conceptualise and write the thing for him so that he can devote his time to shopping for even more plaid suits. Paul Kennedy knows that Maddie wants to write her own book, but his book is far more important so he wants her to put her own ambitions to one side for now. What a shitty guy that Paul Kennedy is!

Maddie agrees to Paul Kennedy's insane request because I guess she has no self-respect and he leaves her to drown her sorrows. Meanwhile, Emma Who Works in Fashion is racing to the bathroom because one of her false eyelashes has become displaced and Heather Who Did the Cover Art for Paul Kennedy's Book is unable to help her fix it. They run into Paul Kennedy, who immediately pushes the eyelash back into place with his finger because apparently that didn't occur to either of them to do themselves.

Emma Who Works in Fashion tells Paul Kennedy that she works in fashion and they immediately fall in love at first sight.

Later, Paul Kennedy reads an excerpt from his best selling novel, Two Irish Hearts, while Maddie and Emma Who Works in Fashion watch him from the bar, their bosoms heaving lustily in unison. They all have a drink together afterwards, and the upshot is that Emma Who Works in Fashion leaves the event in raptures over her and Paul Kennedy's instant connection while Maddie gnashes her teeth with barely-concealed jealousy. They barely avoid a fatal traffic collision and suddenly it's three months and one Aer Lingus advertisement later.

Maddie arrives in Ireland, specifically Knock Airport, for the wedding of Paul Kennedy and Emma Who Works in Fashion. Paul Kennedy is dressed in a ridiculous outfit that would absolutely earn him a savage bollocking from the locals were he to wear it anywhere in his purported home country. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. We've all seen that viral Twitter thread.

Maddie is waiting for her luggage to come through baggage claim and her friends, unwilling to wait the extra twenty seconds it would have taken for her to grab her suitcase, immediately leave her to her own devices. She chases her suitcase along the luggage carousel and runs into Ed Speleers, who is also making a play for the suitcase. A tug of war ensues and the suitcase bursts open. Maddie triumphantly waves Ed Speleers' plaid boxers in the air before realising that she's not holding her favourite plaid skirt. There's so much plaid in this fucking movie. Lindsay Lohan is wearing a plaid jacket and I'm pretty sure Ed Speleers is wearing a plaid shirt with a matching colour scheme beneath his jacket and cardigan.

Anyway, Ed Speleers is all "you clumsy oaf" and gets outta there without bothering to close his case properly. I wonder if we'll see him again.

Alas, Maddie's bag has been lost by the airline, which kind of undercuts the earlier Aer Lingus advertisement. She tells Paul Kennedy to take her friends and leave, and that she'll follow them in a taxi. No taxis are available, however, so Maddie is forced to get on a rickety old bus that looks like it was found by a bunch of Irish stereotype-hungry scouts who came upon it and collectively jizzed in their pants.

Maddie hops on without paying and asks the driver to take her to a specific address, which he happily agrees to do because fuck bus routes, and fuck the other passengers who also have places to be. Just as the bus is about to leave, Ed Speleers jumps on, greets the bus driver by his first name and sits down, also without paying. Why is this bus driver so willing to take people wherever they need to go without collecting a fare? How is the bus company running with no profits?! Ed Speleers and Maddie have a brief exchange wherein Ed Speleers cheekily mentions his boxers and Maddie anxiously adjusts her jacket to hide her lustily heaving bosom, and the bus moves off, possibly in search of a passenger who is willing to pay for the privilege of riding it.

It doesn't take long before Maddie and Ed Speleers get to talking. Maddie learns that Ed Speleers is a nature photographer who smiles a lot in a disarmingly handsome way that I am not ashamed to admit I found very stirring. It also helps that he speaks in his native accent, which the majority of the characters in this movie seem completely unable to do. Maddie's copy of Two Irish Hearts falls out of her purse and Ed Speleers sees it and laughs about how shit of an author Paul Kennedy is whilst making it clear that he hasn't read the specific book that Maddie wrote for him. There is a short exchange about the UK that absolutely backs up my theory that the makers of this movie mistakenly believe that Ireland is part of the UK, which I'm disappointed about, but not remotely surprised.

Anyway, the magically altruistic bus drops Maddie directly off at Paul Kennedy's house in County Wicklow. I know it's in Wicklow because Paul Kennedy lives near Lough Tay. Which is in Wicklow. Thus marks the first of many times that a character in this movie travels from one side of the country to the other in roughly fifteen minutes.

Anyway, Maddie enters the grounds of Kennedy House and immediately happens upon a man who is carrying wood and who I could immediately tell was played by an Irish actor because all Irish men have one of roughly ten generic faces. That's a very true observation and not a joke at all. The fact that people think Niall Horan and Paul Mescal are in any way unique looking is hilarious. You'll find at least a dozen of either in Copper Face Jacks on any given night. A dozen at least. Cillian Murphy is the only outlier.

The genuine Irish man introduces himself as Paul's brother, Kory, which is a name that no Irish person would ever give to their child, and thus, Maddie is welcomed into Kennedy House.

Aaaaaaand that's it for Part 1! What on earth will happen next?!

[starry-nights-17]

Random Tag Game Wednesday (yes I know I'm a day late, Irish time at least 😂) Thanks for the tags @blue-disco-lights @firendeavor @atthedugouts

----

What weather would you use to describe your current mood?

Sort of grey and muggy. Which is exactly what I see when I look outside as it happens.

Have you ever had braces?

No, luckily. Been blessed with reasonably straight teeth 👍

Do you celebrate Halloween?

Sort of, have neices who still dress up and always have plenty of candy for the trick r treaters. I dont always dress up myself though (I'm 42!) I do love to watch horror movies on the night and the house is always decorated 👻💀👹

Best Halloween fancy dress costume youve worn?

Honestly, I've always been rather boring 😂 usually vampires or witches or gothic style dress...which is not too dissimilar from my normal style (think lots of black lace!)

Last song you listened to?

You Oughta Know by Alanis Morrisette (just bought tickets to see her in Dublin 😍)

Last thing you googled?

Hotels near Malahide Castle in Dublin, where Alanis is playing next June. Safe to say I will not be booking anything at those prices! 😮

Dream Car?

I'm currently learning to drive so I can get my full license and I have super anxiety about it so it's a struggle 😭 so basically my dream car is any that I can drive as a fully qualified driver, by myself! (I do love VW though, esp their camper vans 😍)

Favourite type of cheese?

I love cheese even though I'm a little lactose intolerant 😂🙈 especially Spanish ones and obviously, Irish cheese too.

Colour of your socks today

Black. Fluffy and cosy ones ��

What was your favourite subject at school?

English and French and art. Though I wasn't too good at art, average really. Sadly 😕

Has your mood weather changed after answering these questions?

A little less grey and muggy. Funnily enough, looks brighter outside too ☺❤

----

Tagging @mybrainismelted @dreamjupiter @jessij1997 @yannie-desu @badassfetish

X

[mcrshmellows]

musings | threads | wanted connections | headcanons

STATS

full name: cormac brady. nickname: mac. age: 28. star sign: aries. date & place of birth: april 11th 1996, dublin (ireland) job: bartender and aspiring musician. marital status & sexuality: single & heterosexual pronouns: he/him. pets: 1 cat (binx) piercings and tattoos: one ear piercing in his right lobe. eight tattoos see here. aesthetics: warm tea, fresh tattoos, unanswered texts, burnt matchsticks, loud music. traits: charming and affectionate & guarded and indecisive. label: the sweet heart similar to: connell waldron (normal people), ted from ted lasso, sam evans (glee), jon snow (GoT), jake peralta (brooklyn 99) faceclaim: paul mescal.

BULLET POINTS

tw: anxiety, bullying, fatal car accident

Cormac was born to loving parents in Dublin, Ireland, the eldest of three.

Early in his schooling, it became clear that he was struggling and after some tests, he was diagnosed with ADHD. This led to some bullying from the other children.

Music and sports became his school outlet and helped stop the bullying. He became more popular and soon was the main guy in the year that everyone wanted to be around. This switch from the bullied kid to the most popular was hard to process. It led to a lot of anxiety and he became more internal in his thoughts.

This internal struggle with his ADHD, popularity, and previous bullying all came out in his music. At school, he masked and played the role everyone expected of him (similar to Ted Lasso) but at home he would break down and have anxiety attacks. Writing and strumming on his guitar were what calmed him.

Life in the small suburb of Dublin had always felt stifling. Although he was popular, he wasn't being his true self, and he felt like he didn't belong.

Moved to the US at 21 to chase dreams of being a musician. Started to experiment with his appearance and image, which he felt was more of him.

The attention of American women was a whirlwind, and he was somewhat of a lothario in his early twenties. He fell in and out of love quickly, much to the frustration of the women, until one woman stole his heart, and he was head over heels for her.

They moved to her hometown of Hollow Creek to set up a home together. He found work in the local bar where he would play some live sets for extra money.

She was driving to pick him up from work one fatal, stormy night but never made it. The car had been written off, and it was a closed casket. He never got to say goodbye.

Currently, working and singing, unable to process the grief. He is interested in investigating the town and the spooky happenings to distract from the pain of his ex. The anxiety attacks from his teenage years have returned, but like then, he masks it all behind the smile of the friendly Irish barman.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

— anyone connected to his ex who knows what he's been through and maybe pushes/encourages him to process and talk about the grief capping at 2. — anyone interested in investigating the town and its backstory to distract him capping at 3. — anyone interested in partying/hooking up as he hates being alone with his thoughts so likes to be out socializing and the hook ups mean cuddles when the night gets quiet. — a bestfriend/crush who can see hes hurting and is trying to be that safe space/comfort for him. — all the rest! exes, enemies, friends, favourite customers at the bar, fwb, dates/hook ups that ended well or bad, a cat sitter, gym buddies, a muse who helps with his music (he's been blocked for a while) ANYTHING!! I'm pretty open to any and all things. TAKEN CONNECTIONS x. best friend/safe space who comforts him - aleyna x. friend who investigates the towns history 1/3 - jonah x. close friends - jericho and brielle x. budding friendships - aurora x. hooked up - verona x. currently hooking up - gabriela x. blind date - josephine x. musician friends - hedwig x. cat dates and movies - deniz x. favourite customer - yunho x. black cat bestie who knows about the accident - senne

[dark-side-blog3]

Do you know of any yanderes that you write for who would enjoy a classic Irish dinner of corned beef, mashed potatoes, and simmered carrots and cabbage?

A subtle St. Patrick’s day meal, eh? Mm well I did need a minute to think— and google, since apparently Italy does celebrate, and even Japan (supposedly, since 1992) has some St Patrick’s day events, not unlike how we do here in Canada and America.

So, in theory, so long as you asked, anyone from jojo prt 4 and up would be able to eat and celebrate with you (and Jonathan and Joesph might too, if you ask, but the holiday back then was more “think of St Patrick driving the pagans out of Ireland, go to church, and go home” and less about beer and having fun).

Characters with no concept of Ireland like the characters from food fantasy, The Arcana, or TWST wouldn’t know what you’re talking about; but like hell Deuce or Ruggie turn you down for a meal you’re making them! And Mallues and Sebek find it validating amusing that you’re wearing their dorm colours, and pinching those who don’t!

And Mashed Potatoes himself won’t know what you’re talking about either, but he’s more than happy to help you prepare the whole meal! Even more so if you talk to him while preparing and plating everything, chattering while eating together.

Kylar and Sydney from DOL would eat with you, at home. Kylar doesn’t wear green since their eyes are green, and they buy a can of beer for you two to share, with frozen fish and chips rotting in a puddle on their counter, forgotten. They were gonna make you a dinner, but yours is better anyways.

Sydney wears a green sweater vest over their school shirt, and shows you shamrocks they’ve found in the temple garden. The holiday is taken a little bit seriously by the elders at the temple, but not to the point where you two would get into major trouble for wearing green and eating some Irish food!

Whitney buys you the closest equivalent at the pub, and drinks themself stupid on green-dyed ipa and— like the piece of shit they are— Irish car bomb cocktails. Which they only buy because of the name. Calls everyone who tries to serve it as the Dublin drop pussies. Nevertheless, Whitney gets the meal and enjoys it. It’s a beef and mash! Who’s stupid enough to not like meat and carbs?

On a more light hearted note; I could also see Mystic Messenger characters making the dish from scratch for you since pubs don’t serve it, and being surprised by how similar it is to Korean dishes! Stewed cabbage, dried beef brisket, simmered carrots, the subtle spices… the only thing really different is the mashed potatoes, but those are plenty common in restaurants anyhow! Jaehee in particular is surprised by how delicious it is, and how hearty the meal is. Yoosung overcooks something (everything) but he tries his best!

[nancypullen]

Where Do I Start?

Ireland is beautiful. Beautiful. My mouth drops open at every curve in the road (and there are so many curves...). We've already roamed three castles and communed with fairies. I've groaned over the deliciousness of Irish stew and, though I'm not really a bread eater, slices of warm traditional Irish soda bread smeared with local butter that is out of this word. Ireland does simple pleasures in the very best way.

So. We landed, collected our bags, and picked up our rental car. Mickey has done an incredible job of driving from the right side of the car on the left side of the road. This country is filled with round-abouts and entering them by heading left goes against every natural instinct we have. I'm so impressed with his steady hand and ability to adapt. It's not for the faint of heart and he's gotten us safely to every spot for the last three days. We haven't even been honked at yet. Maybe our sign helps.

Our first day was spent in Dublin. After an overnight flight we did what we always do - got out in the fresh air and waked around! We visited Merrian Park and saw Oscar Wilde's monument.

As well as the tribute to Dermot Morgan (of Father Ted fame). We absolutely oved him. HIs memorial is called The Joker's Chair and a plaque nearby reads, "….and all the rest is laughter, laughter liberating, laughter to be remembered."

We roamed the beautiful grounds of Trinity University.

That's a former provost, much beloved, who once said that women would attend Trinity "over my dead body". It's now tradition for young women graduating from the school to have a picture snapped with him on their special day. Be careful what you wish for, sir. We strolled and got ourselves good and tired. It's important for us to get on local time/bed time the first night. Makes the rest of the trip so much easier.

Our first day ended with a dinner of fish and chips for Mickey and Irish stew for me.

Talk about comfort food. I've never tasted a stew so good. Ever. Those carbs helped me sleep like a baby. The next morning we pointed our car south and headed out of Dublin.

Our first stop was Rock of Cashel. It's been the seat of Irish kings since the 4th century. For many centuries it was pagan kings, then Christianity arrived, religion rued the and, and there were "Bishop Kings". The interesting man who provided us with a tour before we roamed around on our own was a wealth of information (I mean, it's his job...) and kept stressing that it's not a castle, it's a religious compound. He repeated this over and over, and as soon as we got back in the car we agreed that if kings lived there until 1749, it's a castle. Yes, there's a chapel and a cathedral, but it was the castle from which Ireland was rued for centuries. Look at us arguing with the experts. Anyway, it was gorgeous.

Hang on, Tumblr isn't letting me add more photos. Might have to do a part two. Don't want to lose this post! Stand by.

[drivelinedrivingshool]

Where to Find the Best EDT Driving Lessons in Dublin

Are you ready to start driving on the roads of Dublin? Taking EDT Driving Lessons in Dublin is the best way to learn. These lessons are well-planned, taught by experts, and focus on keeping you safe. They will help you learn all the skills needed to drive with confidence. Let’s talk about why these lessons are perfect for new drivers.

What Are EDT Driving Lessons?

Essential Driver Training (EDT) is a unique program made by Ireland's Road Safety Authority (RSA). If you’re learning to drive for the first time, you must complete 12 EDT lessons before taking your driving test. These lessons teach essential driving skills, such as:

How do you use the controls in the car and check for safety?

Staying in the correct position on the road.

Making turns and other maneuvers.

Spotting and reacting to hazards on the road.

Driving at night and in bad weather.

When you take EDT Driving Lessons, you get actual practice and learn these skills step by step.

Why Are EDT Lessons Important?

Driving is not just about passing the test. EDT lessons are meant to:

Make Roads Safer: They teach you to drive responsibly, reducing accidents.

Build Confidence: You’ll feel more comfortable behind the wheel with practice.

Learn in Steps: Each lesson focuses on a new skill, helping you improve gradually.

Follow the Rules: Completing these lessons is required to get your full license in Ireland.

Why Learn to Drive in Dublin?

Dublin is a busy city with a mix of different roads. Learning to drive here has many benefits:

Variety of Roads: You’ll experience city streets, suburban roads, and more.

Experienced Teachers: Driving schools in Dublin have instructors who know the local traffic rules and conditions well.

Flexible Schedules: Many schools let you choose lesson times that fit your routine.

Local Knowledge: You’ll learn about Dublin’s roads, roundabouts, and traffic patterns.

What Happens During EDT Driving Lessons?

When you sign up for EDT Driving Lessons, here’s what to expect:

Skill Check: Your instructor will see how much you already know and plan your lessons.

Clear Goals: Each lesson focuses on skills like parking or using the clutch.

Helpful Feedback: After every lesson, your instructor will tell you what you did well and what to practice more.

Logbook Updates: Your progress will be recorded in a logbook, which you need for your driving test.

How to Pick the Best Driving School in Dublin

Choosing the right school is very important. Here’s how to find the best one for EDT Driving Lessons in Dublin:

Good Reviews: Check what other students say about the school.

Qualified Instructors: Make sure the teachers are certified and experienced.

Affordable Prices: Compare costs, but don’t settle for low quality.

Convenience: Look for schools with flexible times and pick-up options.

Tips for Success in EDT Lessons

Get the most out of your lessons with these tips:

Practice Often: Drive outside your lessons to get more comfortable.

Stay Focused: Listen carefully and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything.

Be Patient: Learning to drive takes time, so don’t rush.

Check Your Logbook: Use it to see how far you’ve come and what you still need to work on.

Challenges and How to Beat Them

Driving can be challenging at first, but you can handle it with the right approach:

Feeling Nervous: Take deep breaths to stay calm while driving.

Tricky Maneuvers: Practice complex moves, like parallel parking, until you get them right.

Learning the Rules: Read the RSA’s Rules of the Road to understand traffic laws better.

Getting Ready for Your Driving Test

After finishing your EDT Driving Lesson, it’s time to prepare for your test. Here’s how:

Pre-Test Practice: Many schools offer pre-test lessons to help you prepare.

Learn Test Routes: Practice driving on routes often used for the test.

Stay Calm: Get plenty of rest before the test and try to relax.

Have Your Papers Ready: Bring your learner permit, logbook, and anything else you need.

Your Driving Journey Starts Here

Taking EDT Driving Lessons in Dublin is more than just a rule. It’s a great way to become a confident and safe driver. With these lessons, you’ll learn the skills to drive independently. So, don’t wait—book your lessons today and take the first step toward getting your driver’s license!

[adidriving]

Driving School Dublin

Are you looking for best driving school in Dublin? Allied Driving Instructors is your trusted driving school in Dublin, offering expert lessons for beginners and advanced drivers. With professional instructors, flexible scheduling, and a commitment to safety, we ensure you gain confidence behind the wheel.

[influencermagazineuk]

Jordan Adetunji-from Belfast-is still trying to make heads of his Grammy nomination. Northern Irish hip-hop artist, he has recently been nominated for the Best Melodic Rap Performance, in the same group as music icons like Beyoncé and The Weeknd. Speaking with a deep reflection on this, Adetunji noted, "Having a song I made in my bedroom in Belfast up for a Grammy is crazy. It's great for music coming out of Belfast-it just shows you can do anything no matter where you're from.". The nomination marked a significant milestone for Adetunji, who said he found out about the news in a surreal situation. Speaking on BBC's Across The Line, he said he initially dismissed the news, thinking it was part of a fake prediction list. "I turned my phone up after being in the studio for an hour, and I was like, why are so many people ringing me? Then I realised," he added. Mixtape Madness, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Adetunji's career, from what could be termed persistence and innovation, has been notable. Born in Croydon, London, Adetunji moved to Belfast when he was 10 years old, and he started unleashing his talent as early as 2019 by posting rap videos on social media while in school. His big break came when TikTok highlighted his music to RCA Records. Among his fans is Bring Me the Horizon's Oli Sykes, who chanced upon Adetunji's track Woke Up. The song Kehlani, which is a mix of R&B melodies and rap, has been streamed 300 million times around the globe. Adetunji attributes his success to how accessible modern technology is. "Your phone is your tool. You can do it all from your bedroom," he said. The track's success also attracted notable engagements, such as a FaceTime call from American artist Kehlani, who requested an open verse for a collaboration. "I remember that day like yesterday," Adetunji said, still amazed by the experience. Also remembering was that rapper Lil Baby was one of the very first people to reach out to him after Kehlani dropped, saying he was interested in hearing more of his work. It's taught me a lesson to keep going, no matter what the circumstances are. It has just inspired so many aspiring artists through my journey." Adetunji shared. "Always think of new ways of getting your content out there. If it's not working today, try again tomorrow. You only fail when you give up." Dr Adetunji is said to be working on his latest work, a seamless blend of several drum patterns and tunes that draw from R&B. Unreleased stuff in his shows have got good reviews, and he says, "The crowds have been taking to my music quite well. They loved the unreleased music, which was really reassuring.". Adetunji's nomination is a reminder to show that even talent and willpower can drive people to jump over barriers. "The world is so big, and there is such a way for people to discover you. Don't give up," he urged. "You can make it happen." Other Irish talent will feature at the 67th Grammy Awards, which will be held on February 2 in Los Angeles. Dublin-based post-punk band Fontaines D.C. was nominated for Best Rock Album for their fourth album, Romance, and Best Alternative Music Performance for single Starbuster. Adetunji said she is proud of the story her nominations tell: "A celebration of possibility and perseverance - that could it too be possible where they started?". Read the full article

[hannahssimblr]

Chapter Two (Part 3)

We sit in the window of a vegan restaurant and we pick at our sweet potato and quinoa bowls while she goes on about some poetry night she was at last week. She always goes to poetry nights, she insists that she’s moved by the prose, which to me seems like endless spoken word performances about the Ballymun flats, soliloquies about the gentrification of the working class postcodes, references to things that Dubliners love, like the Poolbeg chimneys, which are… just chimneys. 

Marnie is one of those people who loves pretending that she isn’t posh. She can lament about the flats, but she’s never been in or near them. She buys bags of tobacco, skins and filters for five euros when she could easily afford to buy her cigarettes pre-rolled, and does her best to uphold the most neutral of neutral accents, so ambiguous that nobody could ever guess where she’s from. It’s only on rare occasions when she lets her guard down that her plummy, south side accent peeks through and she can’t disguise affiliation with the fee paying school she attended in Blackrock. For both primary and secondary, no less.  

I’ve been to poetry nights with her, but only once or twice, because I hate them.  She likes to sit there and make outraged sounds in the right places, pretending to be furious at the bankers, even though her dad is one and he definitely benefited directly from the housing market crash. The whole reason she’s there though, really, although she’d never admit to such shallowness, is so that she can meet weird, literary boys who go to Trinity. They seem to love her, and I can only ever sit in amazement as she brings me to their tables and watch as she wraps them around her little finger using nothing but clever words and conspiratorial little smiles. None of them are that handsome, they’re all a bit gawky, and usually after a couple of weeks of knowing her they’ll do something earnest like write a poem about her which she’ll read to me mockingly, pretending that she isn’t privately delighted by it. 

She’s not like anybody else I’ve ever met, which drives my fascination with her. She’s very interesting. She reads books about feminism, and always has high-brow, intelligent opinions about things like the patriarchy, which I am only now hearing about for the first time. And she’s very cool, and I know that she tries very hard to be cool, but it works, and when I’m around her I kind of feel like I’m cool by association. She’s got attitudes towards things that I know someone like my mam would say were “very modern”. She told me before that she used to be in an open relationship with a boy called Peter, and insists that humans were never supposed to be monogamous. But the open relationship arrangement only seemed to apply to her, as evidently Peter never went on a date with another person for the entire relationship, and they eventually split because he was jealous. Except she hadn’t said “jealous”. She’d said “Unevolved”.

“Come on, Evie.” She pesters me over our salads after my less than enthusiastic response to her invitation to yet another slam-poetry-spoken-word-whatever night. “It’s always a good laugh. I know that you have a good time, even just a small bit.”

I sigh. “I really don’t, Marnie. I’m just not that bothered about the poetry.”

“Well, if you don’t like poetry, at least come with me to flirt with a few cute guys. It would be good for you.”

I look at her doubtfully, knowing that there are never any cute boys there, only exceptionally odd looking ones wearing doc martens boots laced all the way up to their knees. “I’m not that bothered about the boys there either.” I say. “None of them are… really my type.”

She puts her hand on my wrist and looks at me worriedly. “I was actually wondering.” She says in a low voice. “Like, I’ve known you for over a month now, and we’ve been out in town so many times and met so many people and yet I’ve never seen you even flirt with a single person.”

“So what?” I say defensively. 

“So do you like boys? Girls? Neither?”

“I’m shy.” I huff. 

“I used to be shy.” She comments, and I don’t say anything to that, because I know that her definition of what shy looks like is extremely different to the kind of shy I’m living with. “I was a very quiet child, then my parents sent me to a therapist and I was alright after that.”

“You think I should go to therapy because I’m shy.”

“Oh, everyone should be in therapy, it’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and actually, this country’s relationship with mental health has historically been shameful, so we have to make extra effort to challenge our prejudices about it.” She goes off on a tangent, all while gently stroking her thumb over my wrist, and I zone out for a few moments so I can look out the window onto the windy city street. 

“So like, when’s the last time you got with someone?” She says suddenly.

I pull my hand away from her so I can rest it on my hot cheeks. She’s very good at asking direct questions in a very conversational way that are very difficult to twist your way out of, and I don’t know what to say so I grumble something incoherent. Then she pokes me in the arm. “Hey. It’s no big deal, just a simple question. How long has it been?”

I sigh. “A while.”

“What’s a while?” 

I take my fork and start stabbing at my chunks of sweet potato, my hand fisted at my cheek. “Never.” I finally admit. “You got me, okay? I still have my… virginity.”

I know as soon as the words leave my mouth that she’s going to have something grandiose to say, and she does. “Virginity doesn’t exist.” She announces. “It’s made up by men to control the sex that we do or don’t have, completely based on the obsessive patriarchal ideological rhetoric that leads to the idea that daughters belong to their fathers before they belong to their husbands.” 

“Okay.” I say. 

“So go out and have it.”

“It’s not that simple.” I say half-heartedly, already tired from years of having this exact conversation with first Kelly, then Claire, neither of whom have ever understood me, or tried to. “Everyone else already has experience, and will expect me to have experience too. Because I should have some experience by now. And when I finally do… it with someone, I’m going to disappoint them.”

“Because you’re not immediately a porn star?”

“Yes.”

“Well, there is that, and men will always have unrealistic expectations of what is physically possible…” she says unhelpfully, then stops when she sees my forlorn expression. “But you’re too in your head about it. The best way to get over it is to just do it.”

“Yeah. Great. With who though?”

“Someone, any lad will do.”

“It’s supposed to be special.” I say weakly. “Everyone says you don’t forget your first time, and if I’m going to remember it forever then I want it to be perfect.”

“People have sex sometimes, Evie. It’s not a big deal. Can you imagine the pressure of having to live up to the kinds of expectations that you have?”

I never considered the effect of my expectations. Maybe she’s right, maybe I am piling the pressure on too high for everyone involved, but I have no idea how I’m going to even begin to untangle the web that is my intimacy issues. I groan and rub my eyes with the heels of my hands in resignation. “I know I have to try. It’s not like I want to be like this, but I just feel so stuck.”

“We have to unstick you.”

“We?”

“Yes I’ve decided to help you.”

“Marnie…”

“Oh, come on. It’ll be fun. Think about it, you and I out on the pull together, chatting to men. I could definitely hook you up with someone.”

I fix her with my best warning look. “I don’t ever want you to try and set me up with anybody. I want free will and choice.” 

“I have great taste.”

She doesn’t. The last guy she hooked up with had an infected eyebrow piercing and curly mohawk in this queasy, seasick colour where it used to be blue. 

“Fine, next time we’re out, I’ll give you complete agency.” She relents. “I won’t bring anybody over to you, even if he’s an absolute babe who’s exactly your type.” Then she reaches out and touches my wrist again. “But I think this is good, Evie. It’s time to push past your anxiety, and just see who’s out there.”

“I suppose.” I say grimly, and go back to stabbing my salad. “But I’m not ready to sleep with anybody. I just want to talk, and maybe kiss someone. Maybe.”

“That’s so secondary school.” She teases. “But look, I get it. It’s probably been ages since you even kissed someone.” A pause. “If ever?”

“I’m not Drew Barrymore, I’ve been kissed.” I scoff. “Just not in a while.”

“What’s a while?”

“My debs date tried to kiss me.” I say elusively.

“Tried to? Or actually did?”

“Tried to.” I admit, and then shudder with the memory of Bootsy’s dead eyed face looming toward me on the dancefloor, mouth already open. He didn’t even have the decency to look disappointed when I rejected him either, and ten minutes later I saw him devouring Cristina the Horse Girl by the bar.

“Okay so you objectively did not have your last kiss at your debs.”

“I suppose not.” 

“So it was when?”

I feel too embarrassed to answer. Since the dawn of my love life, since my very first kiss at thirteen, I’ve never gone more than a few weeks or months without it happening. It used to be something I did just to get it out of the way, so that I could say that I’d done it, but now something has switched. I’ve had an intense aversion to it, to anybody showing interest in me. It all just seems too much, too overwhelming, something so gross and unappealing to me now that the idea of it makes me feel a little sick.

“A while ago.” I say, feeling flustered at the old memory. “It was back during the summer after fifth year.”

“So like, a good year and a half?”

“Yeah when you put it like that it sounds so sad.”

She doesn’t need to tell me that yes, in fact, she does think it’s sad, she just shakes her head in dismay. “You’re getting back on the kiss train, firstly. Let’s start there. Once you’ve broken the seal it’ll be easy. It’s just about pushing through fear.” She says it like she really knows what she’s talking about, with absolute conviction, and I kind of believe that she does. Marnie gets all the boys, all the time, even if they’re not handsome boys, she still gets them, so surely she knows a thing or two that I don’t. I find myself nodding along to what she’s saying. 

“Alright.” I say. “I’ll get back on the kissing train.”

“Amazing.” She grins. “Let’s go out tonight.”

I take a shaky breath. “Wow, that’s soon.”

“Come on, Evie, it’s never too early, just push through it.”

“Alright. But can we go to a normal bar? Not one of those Trinity pubs, please, I don’t fancy any of those academic types.”

“I feel as though you’re just making excuses.”

“I’m really not, just, please, can we go somewhere normal.”

She sighs. “You know I like the Trinity students.”

“Can you compromise?”

She rolls her eyes theatrically. “Fine. We’ll go to a bar. A boring bar full of boring people.”

“That’s more like it.”

“But as a pay off you have to kiss someone.”

“I have to?”

“Okay, like, obviously it’s really bad-out for me to pressure you, I know, but you have to try some light flirtation with at least one boy.”

“Okay.” I say to her, “I’ll try.”

“Promise?”

“Yes. I promise. One boy.”

“That’s good enough for me.”

Prev // Next

[templeoguedrivingschool]

Templeogue Driving School

Address

Broomhill Business Complex, Broomhill Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Ireland

Phone

019125395

Website

Business email

info@templeoguedrivingschool.net

Description

When it comes to becoming a skilled and confident driver, finding the right driving school is paramount. Templeogue Driving School stands out as one of the best choices for you to embark on your journey towards passing your test. We focus on quality education, comprehensive training, and a commitment to excellence, At Templeogue Driving School we have earned a reputation as one of the leading driving school in Dublin.

Comprehensive EDT Driving Lessons: At Templeogue Driving School, we understand the significance of the Essential Driver Training (EDT) program in shaping responsible and skilled drivers. Our structured approach to EDT includes a total of 12 progressive lessons that cover various aspects of driving, ensuring you the learner are well-prepared to handle different driving scenarios. From basic vehicle control to complex traffic situations, our instructors will guide you through every step of the learning process.

Expert Instructors: Our team of highly qualified and patient instructors forms the backbone of Templeogue Driving School's success. We possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in teaching individuals of all skill levels. Their ability to adapt teaching techniques to suit each student's learning style ensures that everyone gains the confidence and skills needed to pass your test

Tailored Pretest Training: The driving test can be a nerve-wracking experience for many. To ease the stress and increase the chances of success, Templeogue Driving School offers specialized pretest training. We conduct mock driving tests under realistic conditions, providing you with invaluable insights the test routs . This personalized guidance plays a pivotal role in boosting your confidence and readiness for the actual driving test.

[uttomroy]

Who is Uttom Roy?

Uttom Roy Roy, also known as উত্তম রায়, is a prominent figure in the world of SEO. Born on February 12, 2002, in Rangpur, Gaibandha, Bangladesh, he has rapidly risen to become an SEO expert globally. With a passion for digital marketing and a penchant for excellence, Uttom Roy has established himself as a trailblazer in the field, earning accolades for his expertise and achievements.

Native name- উত্তম রায়

Born- 2002/02/12, Rangpur, Gaibandha

Residence- Rangpur, Gaibandha,

Nationality- Bangladeshi

Known for- SEO Specialist & Community Builder

Notable works- Shiny Bright Windows,

Height- 5 Feet 4 Inch

GMB — https://www.google.com/search?q=Uttom+Roy+%7C+SEO+Expert&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qDAyS0wzTElLtjRMMUkzNDG0MqhIMUlKTDY1Nku2SEsxtDSwXMQqFlpSkp-rEJRfqVCjEOzqr-BaUZBaVAIAa48u5kIAAAA&hl=en-GB&mat=CSLx0ZH7OUCWElcBEKoLaTeVzrkmSGHy7QIzXxq0RFHtL8qYcues5Fq3VOw_jYfZ4ib11Frdm2rXrLyUQBusLATVjyBjrtPGOq7P8EyY1v9Bm2BmNYRyCKIYN5hJ3JcARkA&authuser=0&ved=2ahUKEwjE6Pmly7eIAxWmcGwGHYrlIzoQ-MgIegQIHhAd

1. Childhood:

In his early years, Uttom Roy displayed an introverted nature but possessed a deep commitment to education and personal development. Growing up in Rangpur, Gaibandha, Bangladesh, he demonstrated a keen intellect and a thirst for knowledge that would shape his future endeavors.

2. Educational Journey:

Uttom Roy embarked on his educational journey with zeal, completing his High School from Gaibandha govt Uttom Roy on 1st January 2019 then I passed Govori Bl High School on 30th November 18, Currently I am studying in my Honors 3rd year in Polash Bari govt college.He continued his studies, obtaining his Alim degree from Bagra Darul Uloom Fazil Degree Madrasah in 2023. Currently pursuing his undergraduate studies in Honors at Comilla Victoria College, Md Kamrul Hasan remains dedicated to expanding his knowledge base.

3. Professional Career:

Entry into SEO: Uttom Roy Roy foray into the world of SEO commenced at a young age, where his passion for digital marketing ignited. With three years of experience in the SEO industry, he has garnered widespread recognition for his expertise in advanced white hat SEO techniques. As the best SEO expert in Rangpur, Bangladesh, and the best SEO expert in the world, Uttom Roy has carved a niche for himself in the competitive field of search engine optimization.

Notable Works: One of Uttom Roy notable works includes his role as a marketing consultant based in Dublin, Ireland. Additionally, he serves as the CEO and founder of Rabea IT Institute, demonstrating his entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to driving success in the digital realm.

4. Recognition and Awards:

Digital marketing certificate: In 2022, Uttom Roy attained the prestigious SEMrush SEO Expert Certification, underscoring his proficiency in the field and cementing his status as a leading authority in SEO practices.

5. Personal Life:

Religious Background: Uttom Roy hails from hindu family, Uttom Roy. Bengali cultural heritage and linguistic ties shape identity and worldview.

6. Impact and Community Building:

Contribution to the Community: Beyond his professional pursuits, Uttom Roy is committed to fostering growth and development within his community. Through his expertise in SEO, he empowers businesses and individuals to enhance their online presence, driving economic prosperity and societal advancement.

7. Future Endeavors:

Ongoing Pursuits: As Uttom Roy continues his journey as a pioneering SEO specialist, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Focus on continuous learning and adaptation and strive to stay at the forefront of industry trends, emerging technologies.

Conclusion:

Uttom Roy story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. From his humble beginnings in Rangpur, Bangladesh, to his global recognition as the SEO expert in the world, he exemplifies the potential for greatness that lies within each individual. With his unwavering commitment to excellence and community empowerment, Uttom Roy continues to inspire and leave an indelible mark on the world of SEO and beyond.

Uttom Roy Social Media

Facebook

Facebook Page

Google My Business Gmb

Instagram

Twitter

Tiktok

behance

Pinterest

Reddit

quora

Medium

About

Blogger

https://www.f6s.com/uttom-roy

https://myaccount.google.com/profile

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What inspired Uttom Roy to pursue a career in SEO?

Uttom Roy fascination with the digital landscape and his innate curiosity about how search engines operate sparked his interest in SEO at a young age.

2. How does Uttom Roy stay updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithms?

Uttom Roy remains abreast of the evolving SEO landscape by regularly engaging with industry publications, attending webinars, and participating in online forums dedicated to digital marketing.

3. What sets Uttom Roy apart as an SEO specialist?

Uttom Roy dedication to employing advanced white hat SEO techniques, coupled with his innate understanding of search engine algorithms, distinguishes him as a standout SEO expert in both Bangladesh and globally.

4. How does Uttom Roy contribute to the local SEO scene in Comilla, Bangladesh?

As the best local SEO expert in Comilla, Bangladesh, Uttom Roy actively engages with local businesses, providing tailored strategies to enhance their online visibility and drive growth within the community.

5. What advice does Uttom Roy have for aspiring SEO professionals?

Uttom Roy emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, staying updated with industry trends, and cultivating a genuine passion for helping businesses succeed in the digital realm as key ingredients for success in the field of SEO.

Uttom Roy Contact Info 😊

📧 Email: uttamroybd23@gmail.com 📱

WhatsApp: +8801767056643

UttomRoyselexpert

[reaganmurphy]

[cisfemale, she/her] Welcome to Aurora Bay, [REAGAN MURPHY]! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like [KIERNAN SHIPKA]. You must be the [TWENTY-FOUR] year old [MUSICIAN]. Word is you’re [DETERMINED] but can also be a bit [SELFISH] and your favorite song is [VANILLA TWILIGHT BY OWL CITY]. I also heard you’ll be staying in [AURORA BAY DRIVE]. I’m sure you’ll love it! (rei, they/them, 25+, EST) @aurorabayaesthetic

Basic Information ♡

Full Name: Reagan Murphy Nickname(s): Pronouns: she/her Age: Twenty-Four Date of Birth: May 17th Sexual Preference: Bisexual Status: Single Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Appearance ♡

Faceclaim & Voice Claim: Kiernan Shipka Hair Colour: Blonde Eye Colour: Blue Height: 5'4 Tattoos: Butterfly tattoo on her right side Piercings: Has both her ear lobes pierced Distinguishing Features: Has very light freckles that go across her nose and cheek bones Style: Old fashioned outfits like dresses that are styled from the 60s, Various jewelry, Likes dressing to impress

Personality ♡

Positive Traits: Hardworking, Sensual, Intelligent, Dependable, Understanding, Organized, Kind, Reliable, Independent, Loyal, Patient, Observant, Artistic Negative Traits: Selfish, Stubborn, Jealous, Over-possessive, Perfectionist, Can be a bit rebellious, Self-absorbed, Materialistic Fears: Rejection, Failure, Losing a loved one, Leaving a bad impression, Being forgotten

Likes: Painting/Drawing, Listening to music, Reading, Going out, Collecting stuffed animals and albums, Photography, Hiking, Swimming, Fantasy, Supernatural, Crocheting, Board Games Dislikes: Being late, Being interrupted, Insects, Messes, Dropping anything in front of others, Certain smells, Being rushed Habits: Pouting, Crossing her arms, People in her personal space that she doesn't know,

Family ♡

Father: Edgar Murphy Mother: Laoise Murphy Sibling(s): None Children: None Pet(s): None at the moment

Favorites ♡

Ice cream flavor: Cookies and Cream Food: Chicken Alfredo Time of the day / night: Night Season: Spring Holiday: Halloween and Christmas Animal: Cats Color: Purple Scent: Cherry Blossom and Lavender Musician/band: Owl City, Blink 182, Twenty One Pilots, etc

Other Information

Education: Did her high school education back home in Ireland but went to university for a couple of years while living in Florida

Bio ♡

Reagan was born and raise in Dublin, Ireland to Edgar and Laoise Murphy. There she spent most of her life and was spoiled a ton being the only child. Her father is a big name actor while her mother was a model turned head of a fashion empire. This allowed Reagan to not have to worry about money at all since her parents were always giving her anything she wanted. She used this to her advantage more to help fuel her pushing into making music plus her parents had connections that she could use.

Once she was old enough, she moved to Florida to pursue a college that specialized in the arts while promoting her music on sites like YouTube. There she'd post music videos she'd create whenever she had the chance. She did it all on her own which she felt great about but knew she'd need a team to make everything bigger and better.

After becoming apart of a company that helps fuel her music career even more, she decided to move to Aurora Bay and hasn't regretted it since. She leaves from time to time to film music videos or due performances for different festivals. She's more than ready to go on a tour at some point whenever she has the chance.

Wanted Connections ✰

♡ Exes ♡ Flings ♡ Friends ♡ Best Friends ♡ Flirtationship ♡ Fwb ♡ Drinking buddies ♡ Neighbors ♡ Will they/won't they ♡ Hookups

[the-backspin-alchemist]

5, 11, 12, 25,28

5: A song that needs to be played LOUD

Literally anything on Skrillex’s Quest For Fire. Literally anything on Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory, Meteora, A Thousand Suns, or Hunting Party album, and also Lost and Fighting Myself. Cherub Rock by The Smashing Pumpkins. Happy Song by Bring Me The Horizon. Divinity by Porter Robinson. Raise Your Flag by MAN WITH A MISSION. Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. ONION! and Paper Planes by ONE OK ROCK. Echoes and Calling by FLOW and those two *must* be played together in sequence. Rip and SURRENDER PEACE! by Grabbitz. Re: I Am, Star Ring Child, Brave Shine, Last Stardust, and SPARK-AGAIN by Aimer. Holdin’ On by MONSTA and its remix by Skrillex. Animus Vic X How Do I Get To Invincible by The Glitch Mob.

Rock and Roll (Will Take You To The Mountain) by Skrillex.

I do happen to like loud music, quite a bit, when hits the right chords.

11: A song that you never get tired of

Waiting For The End, Bleed It Out, Fighting Myself, Blackout, and Robot Boy by Linkin Park. Cherub Rock by Smashing Pumpkins. Paper Planes, ONION!, and Vandalize by ONE OK ROCK. Re: I Am by Aimer. Wish You Were Here, Drive, and Aqueous Transmission by Incubus. Painting Rainbows by Skrillex and Bibi Bourelly. I Could Be Anything by The Glitch Mob. True Dreams of Wichita by Soul Coughing. Look At The Sky, Get Your Wish, and Divinity by Porter Robinson. The Rocky Road To Dublin as performed by The Kings of Connacht.

There’s still more on here that I could list but I won’t unless someone wants me to keep going.

I like a lot of music.

Music’s my jam.

12: A song from your preteen years

2112 by Rush. The whole thing. I consider it one really long song given the nature of it.

I also revisited it during my later high school years, and it held up *and* influenced a fair amount of my proto-writing at the time (and still holds influence today, some of the old lore in my story-in-progress Divinity got established and it takes from that quite a bit).

Another one would beee Kid Gloves by Rush. Liked that a lot as a preteen.

25: A song by an artist no longer living

Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix.

This one’s stuck around for a while, too.

28: A song by an artist with a voice that you love

Literally anything by Aimer. I basically had a crush on the woman due to her voice alone back in college when I first discovered her music, and I still consider her one of the best vocalists alive right now.

Re: I Am is probably my favorite performance of hers on an individual song, if I had to pick one.

[jameswalsh0807]

Best Pre Test Lessons in Ballybough

Are you looking for the Best Pre Test Lessons in Ballybough? Then contact them at Ruhee Driving School in Ballybough. When it comes to learning how to drive, trust is everything. That's why you should choose Surendrasingh of Ruhee Driving School, a certified Dublin based driving instructor with a wealth of experience in teaching people of all ages and skill levels.

[umichenginabroad]

Week 10: Sun ☀️ & St. Patrick's Day

This week, we finally got the much-missed sun I’ve been hoping for! To kick off the week, I went walking around Palacio Real and then to Retiro Park. I had been to Retiro twice before, but this time when I went, I discovered a whole new part of the park I had never seen before! That just goes to show how big the park really is. Retiro’s a really interesting park to go to because it’s simultaneously bustling with people while also being someplace you can go just to be by yourself. Around the main lake, there’s always people around, but the second you go deeper into the park, it’s quiet and still. I like that I can both people-watch and relax with just myself and some trees.

The part of Retiro I stumbled upon was a gorgeous garden with fountains and statues. At the entrance, there were some super cool trees pruned in a unique bubbly shape. There was also a guy playing some beautiful violin, and looking around, I could see parents playing with their children and people just relaxing on the benches. It was really nice to see and just be out to enjoy the sun.

Also, during my regular stop at the Crystal Palace in Retiro, I saw all these turtles just chilling on the grass. They were all so still I actually thought they were fake at first!

Walking back home from Retiro, I started craving some ice cream. Now back home, if I wanted ice cream, I would look up an ice cream place and walk to it, but here, I found myself just walking home and trusting that I’ll probably find an ice cream place on my way back. 

This made me realize that that’s one of my favorite things about living in Madrid. Just walking around, you’re bound to cross multiple bakeries, ice cream shops, or little restaurants or snack shops. And many of them are small, family owned places instead of chains. Thinking back, on my daily walk home from school, I often stop at different supermarkets for fruit or ingredients for dinner, sometimes also grabbing a little after school snack. I also always take different routes on my way home, exploring different streets and discovering new stores along the way. That’s how I found an Asian supermarket with the best dumplings, and a fruitería with cherimoya and some of the best mangoes I’ve ever had. It’s nice how integrated these things are within the rest of the city, and the variety of options scattered throughout. 

This weekend, I took another much anticipated trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s day. Funnily enough, I had actually booked these tickets before even getting my tickets to Madrid to study abroad. Going to Dublin for St. Patrick’s day was definitely a bucket list item for me, and I’m so happy it worked out and I was able to take advantage of being in Spain in March to visit Dublin! 

Walking around the city, I quickly noticed how nice people were. In fact, it felt a lot like the midwestern nice, and it was comforting to be around that familiar feeling. The landscape was also very similar to the Midwest, and in some places, if it weren’t for the cars driving on the left side of the road, I would’ve thought I was back in Michigan. 

At first, it was funny to see the cars with the driver’s seat on the right side, because every time I would look into a car, it would look like it was driving itself with an empty seat on the left. I can imagine that’s not too far in the future…

Also, it was my first time since coming to Madrid that I was in an English-speaking country, which was pretty comforting as well. Conversation came easier, and I missed that extra level of friendliness and small talk.

For the St. Patrick's Day parade, I was surprised to see all the hand-made costumes and floats, and how well done all the themes were!

Being in Dublin was a nice reset, and it also made me appreciate the culture and big city feel that Madrid has a little more. While I enjoyed my weekend here, I’m definitely glad I picked studying in Madrid to experience living in a place much different from back home, and I’ve definitely grown as a result. Overall, this trip was an amazing time, and next time, I want to explore the beautiful green countryside!

Cheers,

Isha Venkatesh

Mechanical Engineering

Comillas — Madrid, Spain