hints of spring

It's still January, and it's grey and rainy, but in the parks the most fantastic thing is happening; the snowdrops and other spring flowers are starting to come out. Maybe not such a big deal, but as where I come from it's still the depths of winter, it's just a lovely little reminder that the days may still be short, but spring is just around the corner. And while I know that the Irish moan about the rain, I have something to say to them: if it didn't rain this much, the parks would be a lot less pretty. They'd dry up in the summer, the trees would be smaller and it would all be less lush and gorgeous.

I love snowdrops. When you look at them the first time, they look quite small and simple. But then you look again, and they are beautiful. There's the little, bell-like flower and the dainty green rim around it. Plus, they way the peek their heads out through the decaying leaf-mold is a nice touch, appreciated by students of Gothic lit., like me. They are living reminders that, while January can look like death, it's really part of the cycle of life.

[Sigh.]

As I'm from a small community with nature encroaching from all sides, I need the countryside and I really do appreciate that within just a few minutes walk from my apartment, there are several really beautiful ones in Dublin's city centre. Plus, the grounds in college are gorgeous. It's so strange. I've only been here for eight and half months, but it's starting to feel like home.

Dublin Tourism asked me to mention the podcasts on their site. And actually, they are seriously pretty cool. So if you haven't been here, and you want to get an idea of what's it's like, check 'em out.

3 comments:

Hi TownieGirl
Love your blog - you have a good way with words and a genuine enthusiasm that's infectious. You probably make the most cynical Dubs look at their own city in better light! Getting to the point, I have an interesting idea you may be interested in. Is there a way you can be contacted by email?
Regards Ruairi

 

Actually, sorry to spam you with yet ANOTHER comment, but on the subject of podcasts you should check out this:

http://theinvisibletourguide.com/

It's so funny, especially Professor Byron Frump's voice...there's even one on Trinity...

 

Hi Ruairi. I don't want to publish my email because I'm kind of careful about my anonymity (!) but I do moderate comments so if you wanted to post a comment, I won't put it up if you need to stay private. Thanks for the kind words BTW.

Thanks, Inky Wrists! I'm a regular "lurker" on your blog!! I'll check it out.

 

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