One of the things I love most is getting tattooed. This may sound weird because most people dread getting tattooed, but I find the process to be beautiful in a way. It’s definitely painful; however, it’s part of the art.

I immediately researched tattoo culture, shops, and artists in Ireland once our trip was confirmed. I found a plethora of shops in the nearby Temple Bar area. Some were good. Most were bad.

I only get American Traditional tattoos, so finding an artist who specializes in this was harder than I initially anticipated. Irish tattooing has deep cultural roots with very specific imagery. I bet most of you have seen or know someone with a Celtic cross tattoo. Celtic tattoos can be traced back to ancient times and still live on today.

Luckily, I found a fantastic artist who specializes in American traditional tattooing: Rodrigo Gomes of Stay True Tattooing. Rodrigo often includes Irish imagery, but does not shy away from a classic trad design. I messaged Rodrigo, and he fit me into his books for Tuesday, August 12.

The day of my appointment quickly approached. We had just listened to a wonderful presentation at Allied Irish Bank, and now it was time to get euros and a bite to eat beforehand.

Conveniently enough, Stay True Tattooing is only a five-minute walk from our hostel. I scarfed down a burger and was on my way.

I stepped into the shop and was quickly greeted by Black, the shop owner’s beautiful greyhound.

Just look at this good boy!

Rodrigo had to take some time to get his station in order, but I was happy to wait in the lobby and give Black some belly rubs.

Taking a look around the shop was a magnificent combination of American traditional flash, Japanese art, and pieces of Irish pop culture.

Check out this authentic Kneecap balaclava!

The wait was now over, and I still hadn’t decided what I was going to get. As a heavily tattooed person already, this is fairly common. Many people pick flash off the wall the day of the appointment. I think it’s nice to have somewhat of an idea, but seeing the hand-painted designs always hooks me.

Rodrigo had recently painted a Guinness-themed flash sheet, and I originally planned on getting something from it. However, I instantly fell in love with a Hannya mask he had just finished painting that day.

We got it stenciled up on my left leg, making it time to get started. We began getting to know each other and bonded over our fondness for the cool Irish weather.

Rodrigo moved to Ireland just last year from Brazil, which sure is hot. He has set out on a plan to tattoo around the world, with Ireland being his first stop. We discussed traveling around the world, the tattoo culture in Ireland, the best pubs in town, and his favorite restaurants in the area.

He recommended a Turkish street food spot just down the road called Chiya. A few of my classmates and I gave it a try the next day. We loved it so much, we went back the next day!

We were nearing the end of the appointment, and we were both stoked on how the tattoo was coming out. First, the lines, then the black shading, and finally the vibrant red and yellow.

After about an hour and 15 minutes, the tattoo was complete. He snapped a few photos, and I was on my way. Here’s the result!

Rodrigo and I have kept since our session, as he hopes to come tattoo in America soon. I’m so glad I took the chance with a new artist and made a buddy along the way. I hope to see Rodrigo again in the future!

– Graeme Duffey

Matcha is one of the few passions of mine that I take quite seriously. I researched where I could find quality matcha in Dublin to see what is different about Irish matcha. There is a global shortage of matcha, as it is only produced through one main harvest yearly. In the U.S., most cafes mix their matcha powders with sugar, diluting it from its natural benefits and taste. The ratio of sugar to matcha used in the states is usually 3:1 (not good at all). This method is used to preserve the matcha powder, as scarcity is at an all time high.

My research brought me to The Matcha Bar. I set out to find the spot, and to my surprise it was not as easy to find. I eventually found my way into Powerscourt Townhouse Centre. Located on the second floor was The Matcha Bar. Looking back, the spot was not at all far from our hostel. At the time however, I was beginning to think if this search would be worth it for a cup of matcha. Fortunately, the matcha drink exceeded my expectations…until it didn’t. I decided to be adventurous and order a ‘turmeric matcha,’ which is not an ordinary flavor combination. Halfway through the drink, I was not so impressed anymore.

Anyway, I digress. From researching where I could find quality matcha, to navigating the busy streets of Dublin, I truly appreciated that little journey I had to myself.

Now, it wouldn’t be a “matcha flight” without trying other matcha drinks. I was due for another matcha latte, and this time I stumbled upon another cafe while sightseeing. Juice Bar would then be my second choice for matcha. From smoothies, to juices, to matchas, I had high hopes for this spot. This time, I ordered myself a mango matcha. Pretty standard flavor to pair with the umami tasting matcha. It was honestly pretty great (better than the turmeric), but nothing to be in awe for. What was simply me wanting to try matcha in a different country, became a peace offering to myself during the jam-packed days in Dublin. 

Still with me on this journey? Amazing! I have just one more matcha trip. To end off on this matcha diary entry, my last drink was at Omma Matcha. This matcha was the best out of the three (all is not lost). I ordered a ‘matcha yuzu tonic,’ and was immediately happy with the taste. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to try this spot out, but the matcha gods were truly on my side. 

Even if the matcha tastings were short and brief, it provided me a little breather to fully grasp the idea of me being in Ireland with such fun, great people. If anyone else is reading this, I hope you feel inspired to try matcha, or give it another chance if your previous experiences weren’t so grand. As I am typing this, I am happily enjoying…you guessed it…MATCHA!!!

-Also wanted to include a picture of all the bottles I had in my bag, and I am such a fan of the attached caps!

• Kelly

On our last full day in Dublin, I decided to treat myself to lunch and take in the sights of the city one last time. I started my journey with Professor Ryan at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. We spent some time checking out the exhibits together, and then we went our separate ways. I navigated myself to a different area of Dublin to grab lunch and visited Dublin Castle. My “Dublin on Your Own” adventure was cut short when I stalked Mia’s location and met up with her, so she could take photos of me for Instagram.

In those few hours alone, I learned a lot about myself. I learned I can navigate difficult situations, persevere in uncomfortable situations, and determine when I need to reconnect with others.

It was difficult trying to figure out the public transportation system in Dublin, especially on my own. I asked locals for directions and consulted Google Maps. Even when I took wrong turn after wrong turn, I made it to my desired location.

It was also difficult to enter a restaurant by myself. There is a bit of discomfort asking for a table for one and sitting by yourself. It also did not help that it took me about four tries to find a restaurant with open tables. When I entered Fade St. Social, I asked an employee if I could get a table for one, and she gave me a variety of options. I chose to sit at a table on the rooftop, and there were several other single diners there. My waiter was just as kind to me as the larger parties. I really had nothing to worry about!

Finally, after some time alone, I knew I needed to reconnect with a friend. I was lucky that Mia was only a two-minute walk away from where I was. While I enjoyed my time alone, I had much more fun walking around with Mia and eventually returning to the hostel to get ready for dinner.

I enjoy spending time alone to gather my thoughts and reflect. I am glad I did this at the end of our trip because I could think about the week we spent in Dublin while it was fresh in my mind. I journaled as I waited for my lunch and had my “main character” moment. While it is not the same as Dublin, I will bring these reflective practices back to Philly with me.

Now, for the best part, check out my “Dublin on Your Own” vlog here!

My first hour submerged in Irish culture was in a globally known grocery store. I had a plan to find 3 easy dinner ingredients and a small breakfast option. For dinner- a vegetable, a sweet potato, and a protein. For breakfast, the whole store was up for my consideration, no plan was made. Many would assume that such a basic meal plan would be an easy one to shop for. Perhaps 20 minutes was all that would be needed. However,  diet is a priority of mine and food is practically a hobby so the grocery store, to me, might as well be a mall to a shopaholic.

I began with breakfast. A simple  banana makes a strong and smart start. I proceed to take the next 15 minutes conducting careful product comparisons and deciphering the European nutrition label and ingredient lists which are certainly different from that of America. Microwaveable oatmeals and various yogurts were my filtered choices. In the end of this 20 minute search, a banana and high protein yogurt were my prize. 

With my breakfast of choice in hand, I move on to dinner. I embarked on this journey by first considering  the proteins, looking for something ready-made or microwaveable, given the kitchen to be cooked in was not my own nor extravagant. 30 minutes spent on another round of product comparisons and nutrition label decoding resulted in 2 contending selections. A ready-made packet of chicken, or irish beef “skinny” burgers. After deliberation, I came to my decision and proceeded to pluck through the veg fridges. Small serving size and easy quick-boil “microwavability” were my criteria in this hunt. After a 5 minute look around I had made a choice to compliment my previous pick of protein. We were nearly there. Finally, the food that had been set ahead of time and required no thought at all, a sweet potato, was next. After a minute or two, likely appearing psychotic to the average bystander, I carefully examined the crate of orange roots to find the smallest one walking away with a potato the same size as all the others.  

My first hour submerged in Irish culture was in a globally known grocery store. Strangers watched as I glared at food packages the way a caveman might glare at an iphone and walked up and down aisle 1 for the fourth time. An hour of cultural acclimation and experiential research resulted in a banana and yogurt breakfast and a dinner of burgers with steamed green beans and sweet potatoes. 

I took the results of my hard work to cook, spent 10 minutes pressing buttons on the electric touchscreen stove top attempting to turn it on, and ended up with the best authentic Chinese ramen a girl could ask for in the heart of Dublin.

Posts in this category will feature insights into student’s personal travel and learning in Dublin.