Home Sweet Home

After our mini moon, we spent a few weeks in temporary housing provided by B's work, while we hunted for an apartment. We had the option to stay for up to 2 months, but we were eager to find a place where we could get settled and start to feel more at home. 

Many of the buildings are much older here, so good apartments go quickly! I'm actually pretty sure we stole ours from another couple, ha... I went to go see the apartment on a Friday and another couple was leaving as we arrived. The agent told us that it was no longer available because they wanted the place and would be coming in the following Monday to do paperwork. However, if we put down a deposit that day, it was ours. We hadn't viewed many apartments, but we liked the place and jumped on it. You snooze, you lose!

Grand Canal

Our apartment is located along Grand Canal, on the south side of the city. Just like Chicago, Dublin is divided when it comes to "north siders" vs. "south siders," and people proudly identify themselves as one or the other. 

Little park in front our apartment

We live in Dublin 2 (the neighborhoods are numbered up to 24), next to the "posh" neighborhood of Ballsbridge (where you're likely to find a real housewife or two!), literally a minute walk from my husband's office. He really couldn't have an easier commute, if that even counts as a commute! We're also close to the grocery, pharmacy, pubs, Starbucks (score!), etc., which is necessary for the sake of walking everywhere.

I wanted the yellow door, but settled for black!

As for the interior, our place is a nice mix of old and new. We have very high ceilings with ornate detailing, a [somewhat] updated kitchen, and an allegedly functional fireplace that we have yet to try, but will be necessary come winter (note to self: test it out!). We also have a second bedroom, so visitors are welcome!!

Since all of our stuff is in storage back in Ohio, we opted for a fully furnished apartment (much more common here). So please note, I did not choose our ever-so-stylish purplish-red with gold polka dot wallpaper (it's not so bad in person)! 

And... like any apartment, it comes with its quirks! For instance, we have the typical European setup with a mini fridge (makes bulk grocery shopping impossible!), and a washer/dryer (yes, 2 in 1!) in the cabinets under the kitchen counter. What most people use as a beer fridge, we use as our entire fridge, AND the freezer is miniscule, fitting only a couple bags of frozen veggies (at least it prevents me from stocking up on Ben & Jerry's!).

Last but not least, we have an electric shower. Yep! I have to flip the red power switch and then turn on the shower inside. Thankfully, we get hot water right away and don't wait 10-20 minutes, which isn't always the case for showers here. Now, instead of worrying about turning the coffee maker off, I think "I hope I remembered to turn the shower off!"

So, there are a few amusing idiosyncracies that come with our place! All in all, it's a great apartment in a lovely area and we enjoy having a place to call home sweet home in Dublin.