I Love Irish People. Dublin. And 25 Reasons To Be Thankful For 2016

   And soooo, in this post (last one in 2016) I just have to put together two things, not really connected to each other... You know there is this Ukrainian saying "cats go separately, meatballs go separately"... Well, ok, I shouldn't have translated that one, hahah :D If my best friend reads this by chance, she's gonna laugh like crazy. Other than her - nobody would get this,so I'm just skipping to the point.

   Few weeks ago I was in Dublin, but now it feels like ages ago! And in less than 2 days New Year is coming! How come it all happened so fast?!

   Anyways, I want to use chance to show a little bit of Dublin (shame on me - I already posted best pictures that I had on my instagram). But well, I'll try to find something interesting.

   Secondly, I must admit that I'm extremely bad at one thing. Well, probably not just in one, but this one is clearly the w-o-r-s-t. I'm completely not able to appreciate what i have. Every single thing is not enough for me! No matter what I have, what I  get, what comes to me as a result of either chance or hard work - is simply... not... enough! This is so annoying. I am soooo gonna get rid of this in next year, at least I promise I will try as hard as I can.

   To have something to start, I made up this list - it took me 20 minutes while I was taking bath today :) List of 25 things I must say "thank you" for. Thank you my life - for being so interesting, crazy, different etc. etc. etc....

   Here's my list. If You get a chance to read it - please please please make same list before the clock strikes 00:00 and all of us gonna run into the waves of 2017. By the way, my January will be soooo busy and I'm so excited! And now - the list :) And Dublin memories, fresh enough so I'm still under impression of Irish people. Irish people, I love you!!!

   1.  I'm healthy! This may sound very trivial, but it really matters to me now more than ever before, after my family has gone through hard times

   2. I live in a world where in 9 out of 10 cases, you get what you deserve 

   3. I can speak to my Mom & Dad every day, even though we annoy each other sometimes

   4. I'm independent (oh I ammmmm)

   5. I can do what I want (even quit work and go volunteering to Africa)

   6. I have a lot of friends around

   7. I became vegetarian, which is one of the best revolutions that ever happened to me

   8. I have attractive future in front of me and thousand of possibilities

   9. I can travel

   10. I have interesting work that sometimes sends me to very interesting places on earth (this year I spent 2 months in London and in 3 days I'm flying to Ireland, isn't it a reason to smile for a girl with Ukrainian passport haha).

   11. I know what is real love, and more than that - I know how to let this go when it has to

   12. I love my apartment and I enjoy spending time there

   13. I learned to love spending time on my own (it's amazing actually)

   14. I've never seen war

   15. My conscious is clear

   16. I'm fair with people and I can sleep in peace (almost always haha)

   17. I can buy what I want

   18. I met lots of new people during last year

   19. My parents support my decisions

   20. I learned to let go people, that don't want to be part of my life, easily and with no regrets

   21. I don't have hate to anybody

   22. I do not envy anybody

   23. I never know what to expect from life, which is so exciting and cool

   24. I still believe in can't-live-without-you love and little fairy tales

   25. I don't have to go to work tomorrow :)

   And now about Dublin. It's a pity I don't have time for a separate post, because Dublin definitely deserves it, but because this was a part of this year, I want to leave in 2016. So, what I think of it... It's pretty cool city! And Oscar Wilde studied there, which makes it even more attractive (because, for those who don't know - I'm a big fan of him)

   Dublin is not too big (as London or Paris), so life doesn't rush like crazy, if you know what I mean. But still a lot of things going on, I love these crowded streets, lights everywhere, and the Christmas spirit, which I had a chance to capture - was awesome. And talking about people - people are amazing everywhere in Ireland :) I wrote about this a lot in my Ukrainian article, but I must repeat myself again - the way people interact and their attitudes make all the atmosphere of the country. Like, even when your day sucks - you still can't be angry or anything, just because strangers make your day. Or was it me so lucky to meet exceptionally nice people everywhere? If so, than it's one more reason to be thankful to 2016 :)

   P.S. It actually doesn't matter what's the date on the calendar. But it's good to have in mind this idea of "new year, new beginnings etc.", just makes us feel in a different way. I mean if we want to start new life  - why not on 12th of August or any other day? :)

   P.P.S I hope you'll like the pictures, I was trying so hard, but apparently a lot to learn...

   P.P.P.S. Happy New Year!  Happy New Beginnings! It is going to be awesome adventure, because we will make it that way ;) 

Ireland Introduction Or... You Never Know Where Your Life Can Bring You :)

   They say right things happen in a right time. The truth is, I’m feeling a little lost. In life. In general. It’s called “quarter-life crisis” or something like that. Seriously, it exists!

   On the other hand, I’m lucky enough, because my life and gives me an opportunity to travel. Just to clarify – it's not like going on holiday. This time (I can’t still believe ) – when I’m writing this post – I’m actually in an Aircoach Bus, going from Dublin to Cork. So, in next few weeks I gonna see lots and lots of Ireland. Only a week ago I knew nothing about this country and now I’m almost in love with it! Seriously! It’s not even about the country (I know it has beautiful nature, but I just landed an hour ago, so had no chance yet to see it) – sooooo, it’s not about the city or landscapes or architecture – it’s first of all about PEOPLE. Honestly, I’ve been to a couple of places on Earth (not much, bus still) and I have never ever seen such friendly people. And they are friendly in a frank way – no fake smiles, I’m telling you :)

   It all started back in Poland, when I was applying for a visa (normally this is always pain in the neck), so when I called the Embassy and asked about the status, I was kind of shocked by the way they treated me – I got answer to each question I asked and when I came to Warsaw to pick up my passport, the lady there recognized me by my face. She was like “Oh hi, Mrs. Solomiya”, which really left me speechless for a sec.

   Today an immigration officer chatted with me for 15 minutes, asked everything about Ukraine and five times wished me a pleasant visit. Then my baggage was a little bit lost (not lost, it was just Mia being blind) and the guy from Airport service went with me, picked up my bag and handed it to me, which was so cute. I left the Airport and was looking for a bus to Cork, literally everyone around was asking if I need help. I didn’t have a ticket so when I found the bus I had to ask a driver if has a seat available to sell for cash. And there was this guy (looked like Dannny De Vito) I approached him and smiled to start the conversation, and he was like “giiiiirl, why are you smiling? Is this because I look like hamburger?”, and when I asked about the ticket he told that for me he’d always had one :) All these little things were just so sweet and made my day.

   Partly it gave me a lot to thinking, when it comes to this my “uncertainty” about my life – the key is just so simple! Positive attitude is just everything! When you’re grumpy and everyone around’s grumpy – how the hell can you be happy and comfortable? But even if your day is not "your day" – if people around are so nice, you just can’t feel bad! You just can't :)

   The world is so amazing, if we think about it. I feel a little blessed to have a chance to see it and so many countries to come in nearest future (fingers crossed).

   And now, I gonna post more often because I’m feeling excited to share with you some Irish spirit :)    We gonna do Cork & Clonakailty (small city with beautiful nature) and Dublin in next 2 weeks, so come visit my page from time to time.

p.s. I’m not on vacation, buuut it doesn’t change the fact, that I’m going to use maximum of the opportunity to see, discover and experience everything here

 

p.p.s. After I wrote this text in a bus yesterday a lot of funny things happened. For example when I came to Clonakilty, it appeared that there's no taxi after 8p.m. so some people (a coupe over 60) that I met in the street, just gave me a ride to hotel, that was so nice! And then today... when I got back from work to hotel - a printed e-mail was waiting for me at the reception - it was from a lady I talked to in the bus (e - she was wishing me nice stay in Ireland and advising one hundred things to do here :) Was just lovely. I will for sure text her back :)

p.p.p.s. Just a little bit of Ireland below :) 

London Memories. To Be Continued

   I was about to write something different, but then I remembered I did not really have time and chance to post something interesting about London. Feels like ages ago, but it's been only three months since I came back from the UK! Clearly I still remember all the stress I had waiting for my visa and thinking how all this is gonna be and now it's just one of the stories. A nice small stage in my life, with a lot of new experience, new people and adventures.

   I know some people were asking me to write a post about the details and sorry but it's gonna be in Angielski - hope this will be a good chance for Those who do not use it every day - to have some small self-learning :)

   Being Ukrainian always was a kind of a trouble when it comes to visas (if you are Ukrainian, you'll feel my pain). And making visa to the UK - that always sounded like a nightmare! Maybe in fact it was not so complicated, but as we know - fear has large eyes, so it is indeed pain in the neck for all of the non-EU residents to make this work! So, if you want to ask me how I got mine - That I did through my company. But if you want to do it yourself for the first time - feel free to ask me, I spent many hours surfing in the Internet and filling in the papers. I hate the bureaucracy, but well, sometimes we have no choice. 

   Now, London ... If I were to describe my feelings I'd say that moving to London would be like getting married to a nice rich guy, Which you like, respect, feel comfortable with, but there are no emotions like crazy. .. "oh my Goood, I can not breath!" So, London is a city that impresses you with it's scale, with everything that is going on, with fashion stuff, with luxury shops, with amazing parties. But it's not a place where you would spend a romantic weekend wandering around narrow streets (there are NO narrow streets) ... It's not a place, where you can feel comfy and simply happy :) Well, you know what I mean!

   My friends keep asking me if I want to move to the UK. I say - yes, bearing in mind That this "yes" Means sleepless nights, loads of work and a real rat race. I think - yes, it is possible for Ukrainian girl to work in the big office in central London, facing London Bridge from your window, but it can be just an illusion of "cool" life - where a lot of reality is left behind the scenes. You'll be coming early, leaving late, being in a fast environment 24/7, so before saying "yes" it is worth considering all of Those Things. So, 2 minutes ago I was sure I want that kind of life, now I'm in a doubt :)

   

   But London is amazing! Imagine a place where there's everything you can imagine / want to see / to do / to experience! It's London, babe. Unfortunately for me, I was not with my friends there (but yeah I met a lot of people), so I spent much time on my own! But I was never never bored! I forced myself to get up every Saturday early in the morning and go and see and feel London life! Being a kind of person, who can not be lonely - I felt great, having whole day for myself! I usually had a meeting planned in the evening, and until then I was left with a full day to do whatever I want. Notting Hill, Merylebone, Oxford Street shopping, South Kensington, Covent Garden, Borough Market - by the end of winter I got used so much to these places and I was even afraid to come back to a relaxed life Krakow. 

    No, I'm not a fan of museums at all, but even I was kind of impressed by the British National Museum exhibition! And the National Gallery with Monet's and Van Gog's paintings. It's something incredible and this is something worth spending a day of your life! By the way, almost all of the London Museums are free to enter (also V & A, National History, Tate Modern) - Which is a nice surprise :)

   If you're a girl and if you have a chance - go shopping to Selfridges and Harrods.You will spend a lot of money, but well - you will reach the shopping heaven, if dry exists :) Last time I was there, I promised myself - next time I'm leaving with Valentino shoes :) Yes, I think it's nice to have small goals like this one! In late February, when boarding a plane to Frankfurt I knew - I'd come back for Those shoes soon :)

   Go to a party in Soho District :) It May be not the cheapest night out in your life, though :)

   

   And remember - anywhere you go - be a traveler, not a tourist :) 

   And who knows - maybe ia year I'll be writing next post, sitting on the balcony, watching people go back and forth on Gloucester Rd :)

   

Why It Is Actually Cool To Turn 25

   When you are about to finish your first quarter of the century [sounds scary, isn't it?] it really gives a lot to thinking. Some girls [or rather women - it's high time to get used to this word haha] - so yeah, some women are seriously freaked out when another year goes by... And it's not a "happy birthday" anymore! It's like oh-my-god-I-am-old and do-not-ask-my-age! And yes, I forgot one more I-am-still-18

   Can I ask why the hell is that? This is something beyond my understanding, to be honest... Age is one of such rare fair things in this world - it works same way for everyone :)

   Being 25 is one hundred times much better than 18! Oh well, I can judge only myself, but I don't really think I'm so different than others :) Maybe I am, but anyway, what was I going to say...

   Oh yes, Twenty-Five! I am definitely not that naive as I was at 18, not that trustful as I was at 20 and not that stupid as I was at 24 (God, if you exist - many thanks for giving me a couple of good lessons, seriously).

   Why do girls want to be 18 again? Because what, you are afraid, that men will choose 18 y.o. rather than you? It's not the problem of the age, it is the problem of thinking :) Are you afraid that you will have to start thinking about wrinkles, about the color of your skin, about finding first grey hairs? This is truth, but on the other hand - you just can start treating yourself like a project :) Have you seen some 45 year old ladies looking like they just finished university? I did! And yes I want to be like them :)

   You just have to have self-respect and everything else will come its own way...

   The other good reason why 25 is cool is because... You just stop giving a f**k about unnecessary things. 

    Like when I discover that somebody doesn't like me... 

    Five years-ago Mia thinks "Oh noooo, why? What did I do wrong? Let me think about it for 5 hours and decide what I should change"

    Today I'm just like "Excuse me, who are you?.."

    Of course there are perks of being young, but the fact that you are who you are is cool! This unbelievable feeling of freedom and total understanding - where you want to go and who you want to be - this is something I really love about my life today :)

   

   And something less serious ;) Weekend in Prague with your girls - always [!] a good idea! Enjoy & Only Happy Birthdays :)

P.S. Going North in 2 weeks :) New Posts coming soon!