ireland – The Mindful Mermaid

5 Things I Learned From Living in Ireland

September 28, 2017Alex Cote

When I first arrived in Cork with my Croatian boyfriend, we hadn’t a clue how we were going to make it. We were staying in a run-down bed and breakfast outside of the city. We didn’t have jobs or an apartment. I began to question why I fought so hard to get a working-visa to come to Ireland in the first place.

Despite this, we decided to spend our first night in Cork at the legendary Oliver Plunkett Bar. I stepped into the Irish pub like seemingly any other American tourist listening to the live cover band. But as I began to lose myself in the energy of the live music and friendly locals, I felt like everything was going to be okay. I started to think there was a place for me in Cork.

Short of a year later, I found myself in the same pub on my last night out in Cork. This time, I wasn’t with my boyfriend. I was with two of my closest friends, among several that I had made over the past months. I taught myself how to navigate Irish bureaucracy and adulthood, first with my partner, and then on my own. I successfully helped run a study abroad summer program on top of mastering the art of working in a fast paced international education office. Most of all, I was leaving with countless of memories and adventures across the Emerald Isle.

I closed my tear-filled eyes, and in that moment, I felt that I really did create something for myself here. I created a home.

Cork City Chronicles: The Emerald Summer

July 30, 2017July 30, 2017Alex Cote

If there’s one thing that Ireland taught me, it’s that you can’t trust the weather forecast. You can mope about how there’s a 100 percent chance of rain all week, only to be surprised by nothing but sun and blue skies.

And that’s exactly how my solo experience and Ireland has played out. I braced myself for a summer of solitude, solely focused on work and avoiding the dreary weather. But instead, I’ve turned my time here into a new era of friendship, adventure, and opportunity under the Emerald Isle’s summer sun.

Celebrating 1 Year of The Mindful Mermaid!

July 1, 2017July 1, 2017Alex Cote

It began with the decision to take a leap of faith and live life by my own rules. What started as a process of self-discovery turned into digital storytelling. What started as a loose concept transformed into a brand.

One year ago, I passed the mic to my alter ego, and she ran with it. The Mindful Mermaid is a growing corner of the Internet about my journey, and a platform for being cultured, conscious, and cool.

So to celebrate her first birthday, let’s recap the highlights of this past year and reveal what’s coming next! Read more →

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.