ireland – The Mindful Mermaid

Cork City Chronicles: Becoming Resilient

June 11, 2017June 13, 2017Alex Cote

Worn out soles from adventure around Ireland. An international job at a national university. A new apartment with all my belongings—except my boyfriend.

That’s what the past 3 months in Cork, Ireland has given me.

It’s taken me longer than it should have to write this. And if I’m being honest, I often feel pressured to validate my decision of living abroad by sensationalizing my experience. The truth is living abroad is not all adventure; it can be mundane, frustrating, and extremely lonely. But as I’ve (literally) stood alone in the downpour rain, I have become more resilient. Read more →

An Eco Guide to The Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands

June 4, 2017June 12, 2017Alex Cote

The longer I’ve lived on the Emerald Isle, the more I’ve become fascinated with its incredible landscape. Perhaps what’s most impressive is how hard Ireland works to preserve it.

During my visit to the West Coast of Ireland, I set out with Wild Atlantic Day Tours to see two of Ireland’s most majestic natural attractions: The Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. From the spotless beaches of Inis Oirr, to the thriving Wildlife of the Cliffs, these sites are a must-see for eco-travelers and nature lovers.

10 Irish Phrases that Confuse Americans

April 1, 2017April 3, 2017Alex Cote

Yee Irish lads have some grand slang. From cheers, meaning “thank you”, to the use of the word “brilliant”, Irish vocabulary is similar to British in many ways. Yet some common Irish phrases will have all foreigners, especially Americans, saying, “What the hell did you just say?”

To help you avoid embarrassment or confusion, or just for a good laugh, I’ve broken down the basics of Irish slang.

Here are ten Irish phrases that confuse Americans:
Read more →

Kinsale: the Colorful Burano of Ireland

March 26, 2017March 26, 2017Alex Cote

If you find yourself scrolling through pictures of colorful towns in faraway places, you’re not alone. With Instagram and snapchat, it’s never been easier to access the world’s vibrant destinations at the touch of a finger.

One of the hottest destinations for color-obsessed travelers is Burano, an Italian island of Venice painted every colorful shade you can imagine. But there’s another quaint town on the other side of Europe, which is giving Burano a run for its money.

Painted bright pink, blue, yellow and green, Kinsale is a colorful town in Cork County Ireland. Kinsale is a must for in-the-know travelers lusting for a pop of color. Read more →

A Conscious Approach to Water (World Water Day)

March 22, 2017March 22, 2017Alex Cote

In the early 1990s, the United Nations established March 22 as World Water Day in an effort to bring awareness to global water issues. Over 20 years later, water is perhaps more sacred than ever.
The water crisis is the number one global risk, based on impact to society. 1 in 10 people in the world lack access to safe water. Oh, and update: Flint, Michigan is STILL included in that figure.

As an environmentalist mermaid myself, I’d like to encourage us all to think more critically about water. That’s why I’d like to use World Water Day as an opportunity to highlight these critical issues and what you can do to help. Read more →