Today has been so incredible! I woke up and felt so restless and just wanted to have an ADVENTURE! Coincidentally, a couple of other students felt the same way, so we started the sunny afternoon with special foraged pizzas from the Saturday Pizza program (I got a gluten free crust with half spicy spicy sausage, watercress and chervil aioli, and half yellow chanterelle mushrooms, wild nettles and parmesan. YUM!). Then, we drove through the beautiful countryside to a farmer's market in Douglas, near Cork City. We got lost for a bit because of my rusty map skills, but we got there eventually! We got to meet some great vendors there - I spoke with a chocolatier called the Chocolate Fairy who had cacao pods, and we also met some fermentation enthusiasts who made kefir and krauts.
After perusing for a bit (and grabbing some gelato :D), we split up and half went back, while I stayed with Madeline and Bren to go explore Cork. On the way, I spotted a McDonalds that just so happened to be showcasing a Ballymaloe Relish!! WOAH! (I think it's sort of a controversial topic here and I don't really know the politics between the family... Still though, pretty neat!) In Cork, we stopped at a hole-in-the-wall flea market and got some tea, then got some coffee and walked around. What a beautiful day to be outside!!
I can't wait to do more spontaneous day trips like this! Such a blast! Luckily I managed to squeeze a run in before the sun went down and ran to the sea shore! Not only was the shore strewn with tiny little shells that had a bit of "mother of pearl" sheen, but the sunset was breathtaking!
The rest of the evening has been pretty chill! I cooked dinner with Nan (she made some pesto pasta while I sautéed onions, butternut squash, and sage), then watched Chef with some students. Life is good :). I can't wait for tomorrow's adventures!!
Love,
Livvy
Love,
Livvy