Almost done...

Four exams down, one to go! And that one isn't until Wednesday, so I can relax this weekend. (Sweet!) Also, I feel like I've done pretty well on all the exams so far! (Double sweet!) So I figured I'd put up a little post for you since I've actually got pictures this time. Shocking, I know.

Last Sunday, the weather was fantastically gorgeous. Warm and sunny and lacking that cold wind coming off the sea which always seems to ruin warm days over here. Kalen and I went down to the Sunday Market in Sandycove (just like every week) but this time was particularly lovely.

The tulips are out in full force, everywhere you look! Yes, they really are this bright!



As expected, the beautiful weather ensured that the market was PACKED. The good news is that there's always so much more to see (and purchase) when the weather is nice. Some of the vendors don't show up if it's crappy and rainy and cold out. Which, let's face it, is often. This is Ireland.



Mmmm...purchases. Yes, that is a locally grown organic watermelon. It's nearly gone now, and is super fantastic. Om nom nom!



After the market, we couldn't bear to just go home and sit inside while the lovely weather went to waste, so we walked down the pier...



It must have been a great day for sailing, despite the lack of wind, because the Bay was packed.





No wind meant that the water was super clear.



We went to a little beach.



Just our luck, the tide was on its way out. Play time!



HOORAY FOR SUMMER!



We found a super cool rock. I wonder what happened to it...



We spent a couple of hours wading in the ocean, getting mildly sunburnt. It was wonderful. Nothing makes me quite so happy as heat and sun. I'm very much looking forward to a good Manitoba summer. I will miss the ocean though.









We found all kinds of crazy creatures in the ocean. A teeny tiny little crab...



And a whole load of shrimp! Here's one! They were very quick and tough to spot, so they weren't easy to photograph.



What a great day. Unfortunately, I had to study when I got home from the beach. Bleh.

Aside from lots and lots of studying, something else has been taking up a fair bit of my time the past couple of days...



That's right, I (finally) bought a bodhrán! I love it!



I chose a design which I feel embraces my Scottish roots. :)



It's loads of fun! Obviously, I'm not very good at it just yet, but I'm getting there. Practice, practice, practice!

In other (sadder) news, Matty left yesterday morning, and the apartment is feeling awfully empty now. *sigh* On my own-y all alone-y. Again. Good thing Stef gets here in 6 days. Her visit might be a little bit mad. Haha.

I should have more pictures to post soon because Claire and I plan on going down to Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow tomorrow to visit the Powerscourt House & Gardens. I'm charging up my camera now and hoping for nice weather. The last few days, the weather has been absolutely rubbish, unfortunately, and it's meant to stay this way for at least a week. But on the other hand, you never can tell with Irish weather, as it seems to change on the hour. Crazy country.

I'll leave you with a demonstration of someone playing the bodhrán far better than I am currently able to. Enjoy!