Think I wrote earlier about my contributions to a healthier and more environmentally friendly Dublin...hehe. Anyway, thought I'd share a picture of me fully kitted out in helmet, neon vest and the whole thing...and my hotrod.

Dublin is really boring at the moment, the summer seems to have decided to go to south of Europe instead and we only have rain, rain and more rain. Well, at least it is not as bad as in the UK.

Had a bit of a holiday, went to Madeira for a week with Diarmuid which was great. Went down to Cork to see his family last weekend, helped out at the farm with some hedge trimming and weeding (nearly killed myself...).

Am off for a long weekend in Copenhagen and Malmo soon, managing to combine it with a training at Oracle Copenhagen. Am going to go out with Kristen, meet up with Marit and spend some time with my brother as well.

The tag rugby is going well and I have sort of started working out a bit more as well. Not that I can tell that it is having any effect yet though...sigh.

Back to normal

The few weeks we had with nice warm weather is over. The drizzle and cold winds are back and you have to wear jackets again. No fun.
It's midsummer this weekend, but I haven't decided yet what we'll do. Plans were first to go down to Diarmuid's parents, but we decided to postpone it until after our holidays. So either we'll go for a nice picnic somewhere or - if nothing better - head out to the Swedish embassy where they will have traditional celebrations.
Was over at my friend Julie's on Monday and took the picture below from her balcony. The apartment is close to the IFSC which is where the Celtic tiger once was born. The area between Julie's and IFSC used to be one of the worst areas in Dublin and most houses still need quite a bit of plaster and paint, but with that sunset it sure looks a lot better.

Am off to Sweden and Stockholm next week for some business/holidays. Can't wait, really hope that the weather is going to be good as I desperately need some sun...

View from Julie's

Trip to Northern Ireland and Donegal

Diarmuid and myself celebrated our first year anniversary with a long weekend break up in Northern Ireland and Donegal. The weather was crap on the drive up but then we were really lucky and had sun the remaining days.

The first day we were up visiting The Giant's Causeway which is up on the northern coast of Northern Ireland in county Antrim. The scenary is beautiful and we were staying at the perfect B&B, Whitepark House. The owner, Bob, is a superb host and I truly recommend this place.

The day after we continued down south (after a quick visit to the Bushmills distillery where we got some nice whiskey) and visited my Brazilian friend Giselle and her Irish husband Dermot that I met when I was living in Brno, Czech Republic. After a few biscuits and coffee we decided to drive up to Glenveagh National Park where we visited the castle and the gardens.

Then we left for the north of Donegal, the Inishoven Peninsula were we stayed in a very nice farmhouse called Trean House. We got there rather late after having dinner at "The Town Clock" in the village Moville on the way up. Diarmuid and myself went for a walk down to the beach with the family's two dogs. Great fun and a really beautiful sunset.

After a good night's rest and huge breakfast we continued on to Malin Head, the most northern point in Ireland (see picture on the left). I could have stayed here for the rest of my life, the beauty of the landscape with the cliffs and amazing secluded beaches was mezmerizing. This is why I love Ireland.

Peder

Great young people

For the past month or so I have been volonteering every Friday morning with a NPO (Non-profit Organisation) called Junior Achievement Ireland. I have been doing a programme with young students at Larkin Community College in central Dublin called "Economics of Staying in School". Today was the last day which I truly regret as it has been a great experience for (hopefully) both myself and the kids.
I didn't think it would be so rewarding working with young people. Their intelligence and warmth makes you feel valued and respected. I have talked to their teacher about doing some work with them on the side as I feel it will be hard to only do a "one timer".
I took some pictures today and have posted them below with their permission.

Me and smiling kids

The guys

Jesper

Blue Footed Booby

I got a Blue Footed Booby for my 30th birthday from my friends Jenny and Karl. Well, they "adopted" one for me via WWF and I got a cuddly version of it to remind me of it. (See picture on the left.) It is a cool dude and he is sitting at the top of my sofa. Haven't been able to figure out a cool name for him yet, so please send me some good examples!

Mark at the office

Out with the girls

Went out with the girls (Maria and Michaela) last weekend, which was good fun. The only stupid thing was that we were supposed to be at least 8, but the rest of the girls chickened out for various reasons (read: Eira and sisters were hungover). So Maria, Michaela and myself went to Salamanca's for tapas and drinks. After that we headed over to Café En Seine but it was too much of a meat market so we ended up drinking mochitos in a hotel behind Grafton Street (really can't remember the name, apart from that it started with west-something). Turned out that Maria had worked with one of the guys in the bar so we got our coctails for free...not bad! :)

Getting a taxi

Maria enjoying a Mochito

The girls

Me out with the girls

Michaela

Election time in Ireland

Today Ireland is going to the ballots, voting for a new Dail - national government. The sitting Fianna Fail/Progressive Democrats coalition is fighting neck to neck with the alternative Fine Gael/Labour coalition. It seems the Green Party might be the one tipping the scale to one or the other side. In the latest polls the FF/PD coalition is leading with a combined 41pc against the 37 of the FG/Labour alliance.

Fianna Fail has been rather damaged by the allegations of corruption against the FF leader, Bertie Ahern, but with the last few days slow climb in the polls, the part seem to have regained at least some of the trust that was lost. Well, at least for the time being. FF has said that they will not comment on any of the allegations in any detail but refers to the Mahon Tribunal that rather conveniently will not be disclosing any findings until after the elections.

After more than 10 years in politics in Sweden I rather naturally came to want to understand and take part of the political arena here in Ireland. It is hard. First of all, all the parties seem to be pretty much the same; right wing conservative Catholics. They also seem to be a Old Boys Club. Finding a person under the age of 35 is pretty much impossible. I assume that this to some extent is due to the fact that people have decided to have a career outside of politics first, but there are a few that have been sitting a loooooong time. I did a bit of research on the candidates in Dublin, and when they were first elected. Check this out:

Bertie Ahern (FF) - 1977

Michael Woods (FF) - 1977

Ruairi Quinn (Lab) - 1977

Alan Shatter (FG) - 1981

Mary Harney (PD) - 1981

Seamus Brennan (FF) - 1981

Tony Gregory (Ind) - 1982

Richard Bruton (FG) - 1982

Thomas Kitt (FF) - 1987

Michael McDowell (PD) - 1987

Ivor Callely (FF) - 1989

Pat Rabitte (Labour) - 1989

Joe Costello (Labour) - 1989

Sean Haughey (FF) - 1989

Eric Byrne (Labour)- 1989

Michael Kennedy (FF) - 1991

Tom Morrissey (PD) - 1991

David Healy (Green)- 1991

Sean Ardagh (FF) - 1991

Charlie O'Connor (FF) - 1991

Trevor Sargent (Green) - 1992

Frances Fitzgerald (FG) - 1992

Derek McDowell (Labour) - 1992

Tommy Broughan (Labour) - 1992

Noel Ahern (FF) - 1992

Roisin Shortall (Labour) - 1992

And these are the lucky ones that got elected. Even counting the poor sods that failed would be embarrassing.

Approx. 25% of all Dublin candidates have held a seat for at least 15 years (incl. both local and Dail elections). You can argue that this is good for continuity and consistency. I would say that that would be a very weak argument indeed. Political parties need new blood and with about 10% of the candidates being in power for the past 30+ years the blood clots are near. People lose the interest in politics if it is always the same faces and the same ideas. And worst of all, the "oldies" don't feel the need to keep on top of what the outside world looks like. It is the same in most countries, Sweden is not that different. Unfortunately.

I will make an effort in trying to understand more of the parties differences after the elections and the implications for myself and my life. Reading up on the history of Ireland is all fine and well as it gives you an idea of the background to the political parties (especially the difference between FF and FG...check out "The Wind That Shakes The Barley") but for a newbie in Ireland I want to know what the parties think today and what makes them different.

The next elections are in 2012, hopefully I will have a better idea by then.

Eurovision and The Peace

The Eurovision Song Contest is good for the peace. After watching the weekend spectacle I have come to understand that Eurovision probably is better for the friendship between the neighbours of Europe than all the silly diplomat dinners crossborder fellowships put together. Russia votes for Moldavia, Belorussia and Serbia gives its old comrades from former Yugoslavia a big bear hug.

When Sweden, the old imperialist, now only gets points from its fellow Nordic brothers I would suggest that we well in advance of next year's ESC once again mount an "friendly" takeover of Poland, the Baltics and Germany. Who knows, if we start now we might even make friends with some countries in Central Europe?

Nahhh...unfortunately I think that the sad truth is that Ola Salo sucks. The Eastern Europeans are more rock'n'roll than we are and it is a nasty wound to lick...It is rather obvious that Irish ballads and ABBA imitations are a thing of the past. Now it is Russian techno, sword dance and drags in tin foil that are in. It might be a far fetch from the Swedish definition of "schlager", but it is a good laugh.

Couldn't help myself...

...just thought this was absolutely hilarious...

Why IKEA in Dublin?

At the moment there are 252 IKEA stores worldwide in 35 countries. In France you have 18, in Germany 41 and even in a small country such as Iceland and as far off as Malaysia and Kuwait you can find Billy the bookshelf =>.

In Ireland there are none.

IKEA plans on opening a store in Dublin in May 2008 in Ballymun. However, despite the fact that they have received planning permission they are now facing the final decision making period after the local MPs, competitors etc got to state their case in the end of March this year.

Despite the obvious benefits to the local area (500 new jobs, €150 million investment) there are other major benefits to any local IKEA store.

Being a Swedish expat in Dublin I often get annoyed when seeing the extortionate prices for furniture in shops such as Habitat and the poor quality (and overpriced) Argos. House prices in Dublin are already so ridiculous that any normal person would not be able to afford them without going bankrupt while paying off the morgage. Adding to this that equipping the house would cost you some tens of thousands of Euros...

Let me give you a few examples. In Dublin you get this house on the north side for 1 million Euro (cheaper option if you want to live close to the city center):

www.daft.ie/110836
or this on the south side (more expensive):

www.daft.ie/135776

In the Stockholm archipelago you would get the below for the same sum of money:

http://www2.residence.se/pages/forsale_villor.aspx?OID=OBJ28647_826726077

http://www2.residence.se/pages/forsale_villor.aspx?OID=OBJ28647_815732133

Of course, salaries and general living costs are slightly higher in Dublin than in Stockholm, but is that really what makes the difference? In my opinion, of course not. The houses in Sweden aren't "better" than the ones in Dublin (maybe better general quality but that is all) or vice versa. However, in Sweden everybody uses IKEA as a basis. It is cheap and cheerful and good when you start off a new home. Not to mention that IKEA is extremely good style, you get a lot for your money in comparison to a lot of the stores in Dublin.

So why don't I just move back to Sweden and buy one of the nice houses instead of complaining about the Irish? Well, despite it all I happen to love Ireland and the Irish people. Ireland is a beautiful country with some of the most spectacular scenaries I have ever seen. It just needs a bit of a make over to cover up the nasty fitted carpets and flower patterned wall papers. It needs IKEA.

Easter Eggs and Aching Muscles

Holidays are by default always too short. I think that even if life itself would be one long holiday you would still want more. Easter's now over and I have to get used to getting up at 6.30 again. Why is it always so much easier to get up early when you don't have to?

Had a few really nice days off at Easter though...all nice, warm and sunny and I took advantage of every second. Did some spring cleaning, went for walks, had pints in the sun and went for a long nice drive with my friend Julie along the coast and then up through Wicklow mountains. Had nice lunch in Bray at Barracuda and went for a little stroll along the promenade.

Feel better than in a long time and no, it is not only due to the nice weather (read: lack of rain). Have not smoked since Thursday night and feel rather good about it. Am not promising it is forever, but I will at least make the effort. So far so good...Also, the cycling to work every day is slowly but surely doing its work on my arse and thighs. Hehe...Last but not least - I have started doing Pilates (and will start with Power Yoga next week) to at least make an attempt to be in some sort of shape before the summer's here.

Well, that's pretty much all the news I have for the time being...well, not really. I have started studying Irish (no, not English with an Irish pronunciation, but the actual Celtic language). I would be lying if I said that it was easy...Diarmuid helps me a lot, but to be honest it is more me guessing what the words should sound like instead of me actually learning the language rules. I will make more of an effort, I promise...

Last but not least, my sis is coming over with her daughter Alice the first week in May. Alice will then be about 3 months old, but you know what they say about hot irons...she will be a globetrotter before long.

Linda is...

Decided to do a bit of copy cating, stealing an idea from my friend and colleague Maria (that she on her hand stole from her sis)...

Did a Google search in Swedish on "Linda is" and found quite a few fun things.

1. Linda is dead
2. Linda is not unique
3. Linda is broken, but the video is soon ready
4. Linda is the world's most beautiful World Championship fan
5. Linda is a "mummy fascist"
6. Linda is the woman of the year
7. Linda is on to something major
8. Linda is better than the band
9. Linda is a database
10. Linda is emotional

then I did a few searches in English as well and found a few more...

1. Linda is located in Orange county
2. Linda is mad
3. Linda is shop manager of the year
4. Linda is a family home with a heated pool
5. Linda is no slouch
6. Linda is now widely regarded as a foremost artist in her field
7. Linda is originally from a small town near Halifax
8. Linda is a business coach and specialises in developing leaders
9. Linda is a qualified nurse who has worked as a nurse in many parts of the UK and Australia
10. Linda is back in charge

Spring feelings

Despite the chilly windy gales and the occasional splashes of rain you can't help but being happy that the spring has finally come to Dublin. There are daffodils everywhere, the cherry trees are blossoming and when the sun is out (which still is faaaar too seldom) it is really pleasant to sit outside.

Had a rather normal weekend, had issues with my neck causing nasty head aches last week so didn't go out on Friday, but drove home directly after work instead. Managed to puncture one of the front tyres, fortunately had one of those emergency kits and could get it home without too much hastle. Saturday was nice and the weather was amazing in the morning. Got up rather early to get my car to the garage, only to find out that I needed some special "key" to get my alloys off, which I hadn't gotten when I bought my car. Drove to a Ford dealership in Swords only to be told that nobody was working in their service team on Saturdays. So, had to drive back home again...Diarmuid took it back this morning, and hopefully it all got sorted in the end, key and all.

Met up with a friend from back home in the afternoon, Anna Hård af Segerstad, who was over in Dub for a few days with some people from the Moderate Party in Sweden. Had a few pints, talked about Ireland vs. Sweden and tried to tell them that it isn't the easiest to find a nice restaurant in city center...That's Dublin for you, all the best places are in the suburbs and you have to take a taxi out or the DART. Dubliners seldom go out in the city center, but stay in their neighbourhood where they usually have a "local", i.e. the pub you always go to that is on crawling distance to your home. Only the tourists go out in the city center...

Anyway, we had James & Deirdre and Pat & Sinead over for dinner which was really nice. First time they saw our new flat and as P&S are moving out to Cavan we won't see eachother as often anymore I guess.

Am off to Abisko in the very north of Sweden next week for a "business planning trip" (see the map...). After Sweden I am off to Brno for a week, sooooo need some time off.

On the below links you can find some pictures from the trip to Switzerland...

http://picasaweb.google.com/rafeslattery/SwitzerlandFeb07
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/paula.cullen.baumann/JohnAndAnitasWedding

Finally a bit of chill(y) in the air

After about two months of constant rain and storms the sea has quietened down in Ireland, the air is crisp and clear and we even have a bit of snow up on Sally Gap (Wicklow Mountains).

Life has started getting rather hectic again on the job side of things, with days filled with campaigning and the usual sales stuff (read admin and constant discussions about pretty much everything).

Diarmuid and I have now moved into our flat so now I live on the north side again. For those who are aquainted with the North side vs. South side battle in Dublin you would probably call me a traitor. But hey, now when I have gotten myself a bike it only takes about 15 min to cycle to work.

Talking about cycling...Dublin is veeeeery dangerous once you have stepped out of your car and try to use the "cycle paths". Despite having a helmet, lights and a neon yellow vest I still feel as naked as a newborn baby. Especially considering that "cycle path" (if you are lucky in actually finding such a thing) in Ireland means a strip of road where cars are parked, you find two-feet holes every ten meters and no way of making any safe turns...
I guess it will take time for things to improve here in terms of infrastructure and hopefully I haven't managed getting myself killed while waiting. The good thing is that the Port Tunnel finally has opened which means a **** of a lot less trucks in the city. Those who were sceptical towards the results now eat their words. Hopefully the governments new spending spree with the updated National Development Plan - Transforming Ireland (A Better Quality Life for All) will do the trick and get Ireland up to the standards where you would expect of one of the EUs economic centres. However, considering the pace of infrastructure development up until now I guess we can see results in 2025 at the very earliest...

Am off to Switzerland next week with Diarmuid to go to JC's and Anita's wedding. Looking forward to some time off...then I am going skiing in Sweden with the Swedish Oracle team and the day after I return I am off again for a week to Brno. WEEEEHAAA!! Jazz clubs, pints of lager, tea rooms, Fleda and Brabander (and of course all my great friends) - here I come!

Got this link btw from Jarek, really like it and thought I would share:

Well, am off now, have to head home before I hit the keyboard with my head...