...just thought this was absolutely hilarious...
Friday, May 11, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
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
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
Monday, March 05, 2007
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
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
Thursday, January 25, 2007
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...
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...
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Christmas Feeling...
The Christmas feeling in Dublin is very different to what I am used to. Blinking Santas everywhere, more lights than you could possibly imagine, all multi-coloured and blinking. Even the cranes are lit up. In a way I guess it is rather tacky, but on the other hand it has a sort of innocent, childish feel to it as well. The more the merrier kind of thing. It is like a child deciding what to wear when they go out. Not thinking about the latest fashion but rather adding as many colours and textures as possible. ;)
Anyway, I have managed to buy a few of the Christmas gifts already, but I'm a lot worse off than usual, and will most likely be having to buy the last ones at the airport heading home to Sweden.
Talking about Sweden btw, was over last week for business. Good stuff, very much Swedish late autumn/winter feeling to it. Drinking lots of tea, cuddling up in the sofa and very, very dark outside. No snow yet though and I doubt there will be any for Christmas either.
Have started working properly and am rather busy again, which feels great. Looking forward to some time off and finally moving in with Diarmuid in OUR place, so that I can bring my stuff and make it my home and not merely a place where I sleep.
You guys are all very welcome over and I swear that I am now looking at when I can come over and visit. I am craving nakladany hermelin so badly...plus the company of my best friends of course. ;)
Take care everyone and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!
Anyway, I have managed to buy a few of the Christmas gifts already, but I'm a lot worse off than usual, and will most likely be having to buy the last ones at the airport heading home to Sweden.
Talking about Sweden btw, was over last week for business. Good stuff, very much Swedish late autumn/winter feeling to it. Drinking lots of tea, cuddling up in the sofa and very, very dark outside. No snow yet though and I doubt there will be any for Christmas either.
Have started working properly and am rather busy again, which feels great. Looking forward to some time off and finally moving in with Diarmuid in OUR place, so that I can bring my stuff and make it my home and not merely a place where I sleep.
You guys are all very welcome over and I swear that I am now looking at when I can come over and visit. I am craving nakladany hermelin so badly...plus the company of my best friends of course. ;)
Take care everyone and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Very Long Time No Blogging
Well, what can I say, I'm a busy person. A LOT of things have happened the last few months and I simply haven't had time to update this blog. Now when things have calmed down I would like to start writing more regularily. And well, I have to get a proper digital so that I can upload piccies.
Anyhow...a bit of an update then.
1. I quit Moravia and joined Oracle as Account Manager in mid October working towards the Swedish private sector.
2. I am still seeing Diarmuid and it's getting serious. If all goes well we're moving in together in January. I'll keep you posted.
3. I have bought a car, a nice little red (burgundy) Ford Ka. It's one tough little thing...
4. I have started (ish) going to the gym (but not yet managed to improve my motivation...)
5. Had my mobile stolen a few months back and thus lost all my numbers. If you feel that you haven't heard from me in a while, just drop me an sms and that should sort it out.
So, all in all, I guess I'll stick around Dublin and Ireland for a while longer. If Diarmuid gets his way (which I unfortunately have to admit that he usually gets...) I'll stay here until I'm worm food. I'm not overly keen on the idea yet, but I guess it could be worse.
Am going home for Xmas to mom&dad. Really looking forward to a few days off and keep my fingers crossed that we'll get some snow.
Keep in touch my dear friends and talk to you soon!
(Off to the pub now for a little one...some things don't change you know.)
Anyhow...a bit of an update then.
1. I quit Moravia and joined Oracle as Account Manager in mid October working towards the Swedish private sector.
2. I am still seeing Diarmuid and it's getting serious. If all goes well we're moving in together in January. I'll keep you posted.
3. I have bought a car, a nice little red (burgundy) Ford Ka. It's one tough little thing...
4. I have started (ish) going to the gym (but not yet managed to improve my motivation...)
5. Had my mobile stolen a few months back and thus lost all my numbers. If you feel that you haven't heard from me in a while, just drop me an sms and that should sort it out.
So, all in all, I guess I'll stick around Dublin and Ireland for a while longer. If Diarmuid gets his way (which I unfortunately have to admit that he usually gets...) I'll stay here until I'm worm food. I'm not overly keen on the idea yet, but I guess it could be worse.
Am going home for Xmas to mom&dad. Really looking forward to a few days off and keep my fingers crossed that we'll get some snow.
Keep in touch my dear friends and talk to you soon!
(Off to the pub now for a little one...some things don't change you know.)
Monday, July 24, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
Friday, July 07, 2006
Morning walks on Killiney Beach
One of the best things with living in Killiney is the beach. I have never lived closer to the beach in my entire life, not even in Edinburgh...It's a mere 2 minute walk and there I am, strolling down, enjoying the breeze and the magnificent views.
Only pity really is the cobbles as they are rather unpleasant to walk on. Well, what do you do when you have serious problems with erosion. :(
Anyhow, I try to go for a walk at least once a day, preferably twice. Sharon and I have been really good going for our morning walks with Marley and now when she's off to the sun and lazy beach and coctail life I've been taking him out myself. He's a funny dog, loves running down the beach barking at the birds, stalking them and then running out in the sea, swimming for a while and then up again on the beach. For some reason he loves to chew on sea weed...guess it's like us and chewing gum.
Well, am on my way to Diarmuid's now for a lazy weekend. Take good care of yourselves my dear friends!!
Only pity really is the cobbles as they are rather unpleasant to walk on. Well, what do you do when you have serious problems with erosion. :(
Anyhow, I try to go for a walk at least once a day, preferably twice. Sharon and I have been really good going for our morning walks with Marley and now when she's off to the sun and lazy beach and coctail life I've been taking him out myself. He's a funny dog, loves running down the beach barking at the birds, stalking them and then running out in the sea, swimming for a while and then up again on the beach. For some reason he loves to chew on sea weed...guess it's like us and chewing gum.
Well, am on my way to Diarmuid's now for a lazy weekend. Take good care of yourselves my dear friends!!
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