1) My last two days in Dublin have been a mixed bag of emotions. As always, I wanted to take as many photos as I could before returning, so Zi Yan and I brought our lab coats over to college for our very own "photoshoot"! As with all things worth doing, if it's worth doing it's worth overdoing. We took pictures literally everywhere we could, from the corridors of the Anatomy Lab to the library of the New Academic Building.
2) After our morning escapade, it was time to meet up with our friends in Bray! So we took the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) from Connolly Station all the way to Bray. Once there, we were greeted by Andy and Niall. Our plan was to go have some breakfast at McDonald's (voted No. 5 Coolest McD in the World by USA Today!), and along the way we met Sneha and Cloe.
3) It seems really fitting to end my stay in Dublin with a trip to Bray, which is one of the first trips I made outside of Dublin. We had a nice long chat over breakfast at McD, but we left soon after to greet Hazel at the station. With coffee in hand, and our team fully assembled, it was time to begin our ascent up Bray Hill - or so we thought. The weather spared no punches, and it was as chilly as it was windy and rainy.
4) We walked all along the coast, wind billowing in our faces, while a torrent of rain (aptly described by Zi Yan as "bullets of rain") bathed our faces. Andy told us not to worry as the rain would subside as we approached the foot of the hill, and he wasn't wrong! Even the wind subsided, to an extent of course. In the end, due to unfavourable weather conditions, we decided against climbing to the peak, instead opting to skirt around the periphery to a nice spot for a group pic.
5) On our way down, it was decided that we should have lunch at the Martello Bar. After having worked up a huge appetite with all the walking, it was a huge relief to find shelter in a warm, cosy environment as we waited for our order to arrive. Andy ordered the chicken satay (served on a bed of soya noodles) with sweet potato fries and extra sauce, and following the idea of "eating like a local" I followed suit. While waiting for our food, Hazel told us of the plight of the current Pharmacy students in Ireland after the introduction of the 5-year Integrated Masters programme, which has seen an enormous hike in fees, in addition to cessation of paid internship (which used to be the case in previous years).
6) Food arrived shortly, and I must say the chicken strips were extremely tender while the satay sauce was very chunky and flavourful. The crispy fries went really well with the extra sauce, leaving me well and truly satisfied after the meal. We took as many photos as we could, as this would be our last opportunity. Then it was time to say goodbye, and we each went our separate ways back home. It has been an absolute honour and privilege meeting all of you guys, and I look forward to paying all ye guys a visit when I return!
7) That's basically it for today's edition of the blog post. My time in Ireland grows short, but the memories will always remain with me as I embark on a new chapter in my life. Thanks very much for reading as always, and have a lovely week ahead. Cheers! :D
Fantastic lunch, even more fantastic company
(l-r: Sneha, Cloe, myself, Hazel, Andy, Niall, Zi Yan)
With Prof. Clive Lee, Professor of Anatomy in RCSI and the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) and Visiting Professor of Biomechanics in Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
One more for the record - a rare glimpse into his office (!)
Along the corridors to the Anatomy Room stands the proud work of Leonardo da Vinci's "sketches" of the human body
(if you look closely the words are written in reverse - to prevent others from copying his work, in the days before mirrors were readily available!)
Going down stairs to the Desmond Auditorium :)
Desmond Auditorium - where we spent most of our time attending lectures during JC3!
The collection behind me may appear to be resemble human skulls at first glance, but it actually is nothing sinister. Those are time capsules of the graduating class of 2017, commissioned by a famous artist in Dublin and due to be opened in 2050 (if I remember correctly haha)
The Board Room - where I found peace and solace playing the beautiful grand piano in the corner
Albert Lecture Theatre - widely known as the most beautiful and ornate lecture theatre, and usually reserved for external events/ talks by guest speakers
In the Entrance to the Historical Part of the Main Campus - where the final examinations for would-be doctors took place!
Posing in one of the group study rooms in the library (1st floor)
"And this, ladies and gentlemen, is...
none of my doing" XD
Zi Yan and myself at the main building reception area - with the RCSI crest and logo just obscured by the beautiful Christmas tree ^^
The Great Pretender in the library - busily pretending to read a book on "Medical Ethics" XD
That's further proof that the book is called "Medical Ethics"
Posing in the Atrium, with Albert Lecture Theatre to my right
Cafe 1784, the successor of the highly-acclaimed AK Henry's
On our way to Connolly Station
To Bray :)
Platform 5 to Bray
View along the coast on our journey ^^
We've arrived... yeay :)
Customary visit to the famous McDonald's at Bray - originally the City Hall
All smiles at McDonald's
From l-r: Niall, Sneha, Cloe, Andy, myself, Andy, Zi Yan
Two thumbs up cuz "I'm Loving It"
- sorry I've run out of anything remotely punny ever since signing up for medical school...
Sorry Hazel, this was too good a photo not to pilfer ;)
Our vantage point - henceforth to be known as the Bend of Friends
(as the road bends right after this...)
Our second vantage point :)
A visibly distraught Andy averts his gaze at the thought of being in a group photo for more than 3 times
Nom nom time - at Martello Bar
Zi Yan's sandwich
My satay chicken with soya noodles and a side of sweet potato fries :))
Group photo at the entrance ^^
