DAY 309/310

Jul 7 & 8

1) Both yesterday and today have been packed full with exciting activities! After lunch yesterday, I went to the new academic building, where some of us had signed up to be part of a photo/video shoot. This is in conjunction with the launching of the new RCSI website, which they're hard at work to create before the next academic term. So we were each "interviewed" by asking us what makes RCSI unique, after which we had our very own photoshoot :D Next, Zi Yan and I were involved in making a short skit (with him as doctor and me as patient) using brand new medical equipment. While it was a relatively simple procedure (just blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and body temperature), it felt really good to be literally one of the first to handle the devices.

2) I've completed all twelve experiments in the lab, and we'll be meeting up with Dr. Griffith on Monday to see if there are any new experiments to carry out. Yesterday was also washing up day, so that's the time they clean up the labs at the beginning of each month. Fast forward today, and the highlight of the day is making the trip with Zi Yan to the Laya Healthcare Spectacular in Merrion Square. Apparently, the festival runs over 3 days in Dublin and 2 days in Cork, showcasing the best in international street performance, interactive family activities, delicious artisan producers and street food from around the world as well as a pet wellness area with DSPCA (Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

3) We spent the most part shuffling through the various food stalls, including many foreign stalls from various countries. There was even a stall selling Hungarian "langos"! We then went to the park, where we saw some performers doing juggling and balancing tricks. There was even a magic show, which drew a large following comprising mostly children. After taking lots of pics, I went and got some dinner at Yum Thai. Walked back to the library to enjoy, while Zi Yan went home to rest. That's been my story for the past two days, and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Thanks for visiting, and have a nice day. Cheers!

Best name for a street. Ever. ^^

City Spectacular!

That is one high slide for kids!

I had to look closely to understand that the kids were colouring in the spaces on the 

"ALL NEW NISSAN MICRA"

Sicilian arancini (stuffed rice balls)

Fire performers getting the crowd all riled up

DAY 302/303/304

Jun 30, Jul 1 & 2

1) So finally, I've shifted house! From 48 Leeson St Lower, Dublin 2 - all the way to 11 Sweetmount Drive, Dundrum 14. From sharing a room at a student apartment, to living with a host family for the next half a year. It's been a completely new experience for me, packing and bringing all my stuff with me to my new home.

2) The only experience I have had prior to moving in was coming to Dundrum for buffet with my friends. So at the very least, I was familiar with the location of the LUAS station (not to mention the very reasonably priced and highly rated Global Cuisine Buffet). There is also the Dundrum Town Centre - the largest shopping centre in Ireland! Yesterday, I tried the buffet again, as it was just as good as I remembered it.

3) Today, I did some walking at the shopping centre, before having lunch at Subway (at the Food Hall). It really is a lovely walk, with lots of outlets and beautiful design layouts. After touring around the mall, I walked to Lidl, a German global discount supermarket chain (somewhat similar to the convenience stores we have back home). Everything is just so convenient around here, and all within walking distance. There's even an Apache Pizza, which opens until 5am everyday of the week! Not to mention home delivery for extra.

4) My host family has been very welcoming and accommodating of my stay so far. I'm living with Mrs. Fallon, who lives here with her two daughters. Mrs. Fallon was very interested in knowing where I came from, so I pointed to the appropriate location on the map in my room. We spent some time talking about Malaysia and Southeast Asia in general, and she recounted her stories with past tenants. Then I excused myself to unpack my belongings. Speaking of my room, it is very well furnished, with study lamp and many cabinets and dividers to organise my things.

5) I've to get used to a different schedule from the next week onwards. This is because I need to take the LUAS (Irish tram service) to RCSI everyday from now on, including the summer break as I am working there in the labs. It is really convenient, though, that the last stop for the LUAS is right in front of RCSI, hence it is nigh impossible to get off at the wrong stop haha. (Here's hoping it never happens). Anyway, that is the end of my narrative, and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Thanks very much for visiting my blog, and have a nice day. Cheers!

My house is the one on the left ^^

My room

Plus all the cabinets to put my belongings

The bridge is the iconic landmark for the LUAS station 

(less than 10 minutes' walk away from home)

Came back to Leeson to take the last of my belongings, and to say goodbye )':

The walkway to the main shopping centre

Having buffet lunch at Dundrum Shopping Centre

A stunning angle (imho) of the Food Hall, 

located at the top floor of Dundrum Shopping Centre