Ich Bin Eine Hamburger who also ventured to Dublin

For the month of April I went to two countries-- Germany and Ireland.

First I was off to Dublin for the weekend of the 10th to the 12th of April. It was a group of fifteen of us, but that young Chicagoan (see my mention of him here) was amongst the group.
Dublin is known for two things in the world of imbibing: Guinness and whiskey-- both of which I partook in.

It's basically like VitaMalt sans sugar-- a blasphemous statement,
but they are indeed my tastebuds.

Nothing like whiskey at 3pm

We also ventured to the Kilmainham Gaol where I had high tea and learned about the years leading up to Irish Independence. I knew it was a bloody fight, but I head no idea the extent. Antigua just signed a treaty for pete's sake. We had it easy.

On the night of the 11th, Ryan the Chicagoan and I made it our duty to venture to a "local" pub... one that wasn't overpriced and touristy. We found one called "The Tap Bar" where a pint of good beer was a measly €3 and the crowd was nonexistent. We were, however accosted by a friendly Dublin man with an accent as thick as over-floured cake batter who asked if we were on a date. When we failed to answer, he took us on a world wind ride-- buying is both pints, asking us about America, the details of our relationship, proceeded to try to chat me up and get us to dance with him. Safe to say he wasn't the most sober person in the quite empty pub. Despite it being quite harrowing at first, once we established his harmless nature it became quite fun. He did get a selfie with me-- but I didn't have the heart to ask him to send it to me.

That's the place!

 The following weekend, I was off to Germany-- Hamburg to be exact.
 I met up with an old Family friend and one of my mother's business contacts, Johannes. My mother has worked with his company for years, so it was my diplomatic duty to get a group photo with the staff.

That's Johannes to my left there!

Soon after he, his significant other, and I ventured around Hamburg. They were great tour guides and introduced me to the wonder of currywurst. I now want ketchup and curry powder on EVERYTHING and mayonnaise on all my chips (as if heart disease doesn't exist, right?).

My nomadic life for the past two weekends have come to an end as I am now at the mercy of final exams and have to come to terms with the fact that my six months in Europe is soon over-- sad but true. Ah well-- my passport is valid so I can return sometime.

My view of Hamburg from the hotel

Ann
xx

Tuna and Chickpea Pasta Salad

One of My New Year's Resolutions is to make more packed lunches. Not only are they cheaper per serving, but they are often more nutritious and less calorific since you would be aware of what's actually going into your tuck.

Here is one packed lunch recipe I've loved for the past week or so:

 Tuna and Chickpea Pasta Salad

Makes 2 Servings

Ingredients

3 Cloves of Garlic
2 Cups of Pasta (I've been using the tri-colour spiral pasta but you can use what ever type you like)
1 Bell Pepper 
1/2  of an onion
1 cup of canned chickpeas
1 tin of tuna
Salt and Pepper

Directions

1. Boil pasta in 2 1/4 cups of salted water. This should take around 10 minutes

2. Whilst the pasta is boiling, finely dice your bell pepper, onion, and garlic (you may also grate the onion and use a garlic crusher if you don't want the texture and want an even distribution of flavour).

3. Drain the pasta once finished.

4. Add your tuna, peas, and seasoning to the pasta and combine thoroughly.

5. Season with salt and pepper

That's it! It is easy, below 500 calories, and very yummy!