A Swedish Christmas Festivus

I went to Stockholm for Christmas, where it was unusually windy, warm, and snow-free, to see Hannes and his extended family. I didn't take a lot of pictures because I was mostly hanging around the house with everybody eating, drinking, and being merry. Their family is absolutely amazing. The food we ate was delicious, and there was always enough food to feed a medium-sized army. I tried eel and a type of deer that is only in Europe but I was only told the name in Swedish and I can't remember it now (maybe red deer??). All of it was tasty! On my last day, I finally made it out and about to a museum in the palace and took a long walk around the city before flying out.

The table set for Christmas Dinner

Beautiful sunset views from the top floor of the apartment building. The sun sets around 3 o'clock this time of year - very strange.

Hannes as Santa Claus

Stockholm

The Palace

The Trek to Northern Ireland

My friend Erin arrived in Ireland last week so we whisked her up to Northern Ireland with a one night stop in Dublin. We took a tour bus through the glens of Antrim to Giant's Causeway and then to the Bushmills Distillery and back. It was a beautiful sunny day. The trip was quick but fun!
Carrikfergus Castle

Boats in the marina

Near Carrick a Rede

Stunning coastline

A little cave we found while exploring at one of the tour stops

Giant's Causeway!!!

Big ol' basalt columns

HUGE wave and LOTS of wind

Wall of basalt columns

School of BEES (Biological, Earth, & Environmental Sciences) Christmas Party

The geology graduate students and Ed organised this fun little event. The party was held at a pub just down the street from my apartment, so that was convenient. There was DJ, mulled wine, all sorts of silly prizes, and lots of dancing and fun.

Ellie, our professor Ken, Sarah, and Me.

Eithne and her gingerbread house prize

The TRUE Christmas spirit - Eithne and Baptiste

Christmas Time in Cork

The Cork Christmas Market opened last weekend and I finally had the chance to go. It's really small, but there are a lot of really delicious food stalls. Lots of cookies and cakes, roasted chestnuts, burgers, brats, and even a chocolate fountain! Next to the Christmas Market, there is a small park that is closed for the month of December except for after dark during the Christmas Market, and it's decorated really cutesy.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas (I think) in Gaelic.

The gingerbread people

Lights!

For a country that doesn't get much snow, this is what they can produce from memory.

The traditional Christmas . . . . mushrooms?

My letter is on the way :)
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