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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I thought my life would change when I moved to Ireland. Unfortunately, I never felt I belonged, and I moved home a year later.
I dreamed of moving to Ireland for many years. I got my chance when I attended Trinity College. Living in Dublin, I faced unexpected challenges including high rent and political unrest. I eventually started to feel like I didn't belong and decided to move home after my studies. I remember sitting on the floor of my childhood bedroom, surrounded by books, daydreaming of a life somewhere far away. Somewhere quieter, greener, more poetic. Ireland somehow became that place in my mind. I imagined walking the same streets as Bram Stoker and Oscar Wilde and spending Sundays at local bookstores. I know it sounds overly romanticized, maybe even naive, but I didn't care. I wanted that life, and I spent years working toward it. In 2022, I took my shot. At the time, Dublin was a popular choice for international students. When I got accepted to Trinity College Dublin, the alma mater of writers I'd long admired, it felt like everything was falling into place. The first time I walked through Trinity's front square, I stood there taking it all in. I couldn't believe I was actually there. Then came the Long Room, the famous library that looked like it belonged in Hogwarts. Standing there, surrounded by so many ancient books, I was in awe. I was lucky to live and study in a place with so much history. It felt like I'd stepped into the very story I'd been imagining in my head for years. While at Trinity, I met people from all over the world, with their stories and perspectives that expanded my own. It felt like I was finally starting to build the future I'd always dreamed of. The local housing crisis hit me hard. After weeks of searching, I ended up in a tiny room that barely fit a bed, paying more than I could reasonably afford. I came to Dublin with a plan and knew it'd be expensive, but nothing prepared me for how disorienting those first weeks would feel. Just when I was finally starting to feel settled, I started to realize that Dublin didn't feel as welcoming as I'd hoped. Almost every day, I saw strangers yelling at each other on the streets, fights breaking out on buses, and racial slurs spoken like everyday language. Teenagers — some shockingly young — seemed to roam with reckless confidence, bullying people and causing harm without any fear of getting caught. At first, I thought it was just this way in the city center. Everyone warned me, "It gets rough there." So, I changed my routes and kept my head down. Then one afternoon, in a quiet, upscale neighborhood, a stranger suddenly shouted a hateful insult in my ear. I froze. No one intervened. That moment made it clear to me — if something like this could happen there, in broad daylight, it wasn't just the "rough" parts of the city. It was the whole city. I graduated in September 2023 and had renewed my post-study work visa. I was still hopeful, ready to see where life in Dublin might take me. But two months later, I was working late when my phone buzzed with a notification from a news app. There'd been a stabbing outside a school, injuring five people, including three children and now riots were breaking out across the city. Reports on social media had claimed the attacker was an undocumented immigrant, and thoses posts waere enough to spark a wave of anger. Within hours, O'Connell Street, just minutes from where I worked, was unrecognizable. People gathered, not in mourning, but in rage. They set buses and trams on fire, smashed shop windows, and looted whatever they could carry. I left work thinking I'd get home quickly. But the buses had stopped. Guards had shut down the roads. It took me three long, tense hours to get back. I kept checking my phone, watching videos of places I knew being torn apart. And I kept thinking, I don't feel safe here. Maybe I never really did. That night shifted my perspective. I arrived full of hope, ready to build a life here. But suddenly, I felt uncertain — like I didn't quite belong. I want to say that Dublin let me down, but maybe it's more complicated than that. It gave me so much to be thankful for: an education, memories, great friends. But it also slowly took away my sense of belonging and I finally decided to move back home. And maybe that's not a loss. Maybe part of growing up is learning when to let go of the dream you once chased so you can make room for something better. Read the original article on Business Insider
LeMonde
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- LeMonde
'Sinners': The blues-sucking vampire
Western fiction has been conjuring vampires for two centuries. If they emerge from their tombs, it's primarily to scare. But as far back as we can trace them in literature and film, these undead creatures have been more than just the source of night terrors. In the time of Bram Stoker (1847-1912), the Irish creator of Dracula, the vampire symbolized the lurking threat posed by immigrants – including noble lineages from the continent – to the purity of women and blood. In the early 21 st century, the persecution of Southern vampires in the series True Blood mirrored the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States. Ryan Coogler has given them an unprecedented task in Sinners, his fifth feature film, released in French cinemas on April 16. Far from the erotic metaphors usually associated with vampirism, the creatures that appear halfway through the film are the bearers of a political and cultural project that clashes with the efforts of the protagonists of Sinners, the brothers 'Smoke' and 'Stack' Moore (both played by Michael B. Jordan). These African American gangsters are determined to open a juke joint (a venue for African Americans to drink alcohol and play blues) near Clarksdale, Mississippi, in 1932, a few months before the repeal of Prohibition and three decades before the end of segregation in the Southern states.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Love 'Twilight?' These 10 romantic vampire movies are a must-watch
If Twilight ignited your love for supernatural romance, you're not alone. But the vampire romance genre stretches far beyond Edward and Bella. From twisted bloodlust to poetic love stories, these ten vampire films take the passion, danger, and drama of the undead to thrilling new levels. Whether you're craving something steamy, philosophical, or emotionally raw, here's your must-watch list. 1. Thirst (2009) Like Edward Cullen, Sang-hyun (played by Song Kang-ho) wrestles with guilt over his bloodlust, though his battle is far more brutal. Directed by Park Chan-wook, Thirst follows a priest who becomes a vampire after a botched medical experiment. The film dives deep into moral torment and forbidden desire. 2. The Wisdom of Crocodiles (1998) Also known as Immortality, this eerie drama stars Jude Law as a suave vampire named Steven who seduces women to feed on their love — and blood. But he yearns for one woman whose genuine love might finally make him whole. It's a seductive and haunting tale. 3. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) Set in a ghost town called Bad City, this Iranian black-and-white film blends horror and romance in an unforgettable way. The unnamed vampire (Sheila Vand) stalks the streets at night, preying on abusive men, but her budding bond with a lonely outcast gives the film a surprising tenderness. 4. Dracula (1979) Frank Langella brings a romantic edge to Count Dracula in this adaptation, having just portrayed the vampire on Broadway the year before. While the plot stays close to Bram Stoker's novel, the film leans into romance, turning Dracula into a seductive and complex figure. 5. Interview With the Vampire (1994) This gothic classic features Brad Pitt as Louis, a vampire recounting his long life in a present-day interview. Though the 2022 TV version leaned harder into its romantic and queer subtext, the '90s film still delivers powerful emotional depth and lavish vampire storytelling. 6. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) Gary Oldman gives a raw, emotional performance as Dracula in this visually rich, faithful adaptation. While it honors Stoker's original novel, the film adds a romantic angle and paints Dracula as a deeply wounded lover, offering a tragic but beautiful perspective. 7. Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (2023) This offbeat gem follows Sasha (Sara Montpetit), a gentle vampire who can't bring herself to kill. Pressured by her family to act like a 'real' vampire, she finds a solution in Paul (Félix-Antoine Bénard), a depressed teen willing to give up his life. The result is weird, funny, and heartfelt. 8. The Hunger (1983) Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie, and Susan Sarandon star in this stylized, erotic horror. A twisted love triangle forms when John (Bowie), turned immortal by Miriam (Deneuve), begins to age rapidly. When Sarah (Sarandon) enters the picture, desire and survival collide.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Climate
- Scotsman
Here comes the sun, but is it all right for Scots' dress sense?
There's something mildly vampiric about the Scots. We take on the worst of winter weather swathed in jackets, scarves and wee woolly hats, dreaming of getting home to sofas, tea and telly. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... We face bravely into the constant shifts of rain, wind, more rain and the occasional blizzard with stoic fortitude. We thrive in those dark months, admittedly not without complaint. Christopher Lee as Bram Stoker's Dracula in the classic 1958 movie And then the sun comes out and we all behave like Christopher Lee's Dracula when Peter Cushing pulls down the huge curtain and shafts of sunlight fall onto Dracula's face and he goes all hissy and bares his fangs and does that 'jazz hands' thing, then Van Helsing leaps forward and smashes a stake through his heart. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At least, I think that's what happened. I can't remember. I was watching through my fingers because I was terrified. What can I say? Saw it too young. Well, 37 and a half. The sun baffles us slightly. Especially the fashion choices. We stand like Nosferatu staring out at the blue skies, debating just which jacket to wear. Is it really that warm? Can we get away with the wee light number we bought in the sales? The sun might be trying to melt Castle Rock now, but what if the haar rolls in later and you're stuck waiting for the Number 7, shivering like a wee dug in a vets waiting room? The footwear decisions alone can take most of the morning. Is it advisable to wear open sandals? A quick glance down at the gnarly nails on winter tootsies should prompt a bit of second thinking, at least until a little gentle clipping can be done. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The nation's men debate 'taps aff'. The nation's women say 'naw', especially not in the street. Seriously, gents, make like Proud Edward's army and think again. There's a beach at Porty, the natural home for the display of the Scottish male peely-wally torso. One thing we can be sure of, it won't be here for long. We measure heatwaves in hours. Normal service will be resumed, so don't put the woolies too far at the back of the wardrobe.
The Independent
30-04-2025
- The Independent
The best UK beach holidays for summer 2025
Forget jetting off to the Mediterranean, Britain's stunning coastline offers a wealth of beaches that rival those further afield. From tranquil Welsh coves to Cornwall's dramatic shores, a staycation offers diverse seaside experiences, even if guaranteed sunshine isn't always on the menu. Whether you prefer quiet contemplation with a flask of tea overlooking the dunes or the lively buzz of Brighton Pier with traditional fish and chips, the UK has a beach to suit every taste. Often accompanied by charming coastal villages and bustling seaside towns, Britain's beaches offer more than just sand and sea. Here are some of the best, along with nearby accommodation suggestions. The best UK beach holidays for summer 2025 1. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, Wales While not everyone wants a small hike (half a mile from Stackpole) to reach their relaxation destination, you won't be disappointed after making the effort to get to this idyllic stretch of Welsh coastline. Picnics are welcome here but there's also a cafe and other amenities if you need them in between taking a dip and sunbathing. Where to stay Just a 15-minute drive away inland sits the town of Pembroke, where you will find the Old Kings Arms Hotel & Bar, a traditional Welsh coaching inn that has welcomed travellers since the 16th century. Recently refurbished double and twin rooms include a fridge and smart TVs, while the more economical single rooms are great for a short stay on a budget. 2. Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire Less than a mile from the centre of one of the UK's most famous seaside towns, Whitby Sands offers everything you'd want from a stereotypical UK beach. White sand and blue sea mix with the backdrop of green hills, multicoloured beach huts and the requisite fish and chip and ice cream shops to provide a stellar Northern seaside getaway. Where to stay Set within a magnificent townhouse on Whitby's West Cliff, several rooms at La Rosa offer dramatic views across Whitby Harbour. Different rooms have different themes, ranging from the interior of an old caravan to the view of Whitby Abbey which is said to have inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. 3. North Shore Beach, Llandudno, Wales With a pier, long stretches of sand and a town and location that is more accessible than many of its Pembrokeshire rivals – due to a well-served train station and close proximity to cities such as Manchester and Liverpool – this northern Welsh beach provides everything for a family or friends' getaway in the largest seaside resort in the country. While the weather can be unreliable, the beach, and indeed the town, are a sight to behold when the sun shines. Where to stay The Quay Hotel & Spa is a 10-minute drive or train ride from the North Shore and provides a comfortable escape from the town in nearby Deganwy, situated right on the harbour and with sea views. 4. Luskentyre Sands, Scotland Luskentyre is another one of those beaches that looks like it belongs far from the shores of the UK, with emerald waters and white sands more reminiscent of the Caribbean or Spain's Atlantic coast. It is one of the largest beaches on the Isle of Harris, with miles of empty sands and grassy dunes that provide serene swimming opportunities and the chance for long walks, hikes and bike rides. Where to stay A 20-minute drive away (or a lengthy hike) from the beach is the picturesque village of Tarbet, where you will find a selection of shops, including Harris Tweed and Knitwear. Stay at the highly-rated Hotel Hebrides, offering guests 21 individually designed en-suite bedrooms and four suites. 5. Tankerton Beach, Kent A similar close-to-town offering in England, Tankerton Beach sits just 20 minutes away from Whitstable and could be a good option for those living around the capital who fancy a day (or three) out on the coast. This long pebble beach is geologically different to many of the others on the list, but still a knock-out. Where to stay The Marine Hotel offers amazing sea (or town) views in classically decorated 'English' style rooms. The location right on Whitstable's promenade offers an excellent base, whether for strolling the town or simply staring at the view from the hotel restaurant. 6. Porthmeor Beach, St. Ives, Cornwall A major part of Porthmeor's attraction is its proximity to St. Ives. The magnificent town has lost none of its charm despite increased tourism, while the beach itself offers excellent cafes and restaurants and activity hires – think surfing and paddle boarding. It's also (probably) the only beach that you can step off and almost directly into a Tate gallery, if that's your thing. Where to stay The St Ives Harbour Hotel is located around 15 minutes away and overlooks Porthminster Beach, another of St Ives' headliners. Stay at this dog-friendly hotel for the best of both beaches – via an excellent walk along the town's seafront – as well as spacious rooms with an intelligent layout. 7. Brighton Beach, East Sussex Perhaps the quintessential UK seaside resort, Brighton provides all the charm and activity of the towns on this list but in urban size. The beaches are a mix of sand and pebble and are found next to marinas, the historic buildings of Kemp Town or the famous Palace Pier, but the real attraction here is the city itself. Here, a day on the beach can just as easily be the precursor to dinner at one of the excellent restaurants or a blow-out night out, or to wind down after a day's shopping in the Lanes. Where to stay Brighton has a range of hotel offerings befitting of any city, but the Hotel du Vin stands out for its proximity to the seafront and city centre as well as its stylish room and bistro. The front of the hotel may look Shakespearean but the interiors are modern with a maritime twist. The only beach on this list that still welcomes cars onto its sands, the two-mile stretch is characterised by its numerous dunes and picnicking families. More isolated than other entries, this is the perfect place for day-tripping families. Where to stay Situated right next to the beach is Port 56, a boutique bed and breakfast that caters for couples, groups and families with its range of king- and queen-size beds to bunks in some rooms, all with en suites complete with a powerful rain shower. 9. Porthcurno Beach, Cornwall Despite being located in arguably the most blessed county in the UK as far as beaches are concerned, Porthcurno nevertheless manages to stand out from the competition. While the soft sand and clear water are akin to that of other local beaches, the combination of dramatic high cliffs (for wind protection) and a quiet, scenic location put this beach at the top of an enviable list. Where to stay While there are plenty of campsites and cottages to choose from right next to the beach, for those who would prefer to bed down at a hotel may have to look a little further for a wider selection. Just past Land's End, a 12-minute drive away, you will find the Old Success Inn at Sennen Cove, a historic pub that overlooks another beautiful stretch of Cornwall's coastline. 10. Loch Morlich Beach, Glenmore The shores of Loch Morlich look like they've been plucked straight from the Yukon and placed in the Cairngorms. Situated on a lake rather than the coastline, this beach has the rugged surroundings of mountains, including Ben Macdui, as well a verdant pine forest. The lake setting means you can enjoy freshwater rather than the salt of the sea, and the beach is well-equipped for water sports, walking and even camping. Where to stay While camping is a viable option on these shores, opt for slightly more comfortable accommodation at the Pine Marten Bar Glenmore Pods. These glamping pods offer indoor comfort and warmth just 200 metres from the shores of Loch Morlich, with an on-site bar that serves food and drinks with an extensive breakfast, lunch and evening menu. 11. Woolacombe Beach, North Devon Located between the towns of Croyde and Ilfracombe, this two-mile stretch of sand is popular for surfers, kite surfers, kayakers and families alike. Woolacombe stands out among a plethora of excellent beaches in Devon due to large untouched areas and the variety of potential activities on offer. Where to stay With spectacular sea views, a steamy spa and its own cinema, the Woolacombe Bay Hotel has everything needed to enjoy a stay whatever the weather. Every room is styled differently, but the decor will likely be the last thing on your mind here. Doubles from £160. 12. Weymouth Beach, Dorset While crowds usually flock to the nearby beaches of Bournemouth – another of the UK's most popular seaside destinations – Weymouth has all the charm without the cramped beach towels. All the elements for the classic UK beach getaway are included: think beach huts, ice cream parlours and a constant fear of seagulls stealing the salty fish and chips you just bought. Where to stay Beach-front townhouse, No.98 is a small boutique hotel that overlooks Weymouth Bay. Just two minutes away from the train station, the hotel is a good base for anyone wishing to sample Weymouth's golden swathes. 13. Bamburgh Beach Often topping lists of the best seaside towns, Bamburgh and its pristine beach with 2.5km of sand have impressed visitors for years. Backed by the formidable Bamburgh Castle, which has stood guard on the Northumberland coast for over 1,400 years, it certainly competes with the equally spectacular natural scenery along the beach and views out to sea of Holy Island and Farne Island. In Bamburgh village, you will find a parade of cafes, pubs and restaurants championing local seafood. Where to stay In the village centre is The Sunningdale, offering 20 rooms designed with comfort in mind; the majority have views looking out towards the Farne Islands or the castle. 14. Pentle Bay, Tresco, Isles of Scilly The Isles of Scilly archipelago off the Cornish coast is known for having mild temperatures all year round, rarely falling below freezing and seldom experiencing extreme weather. On top of this, the islands feature some of the most stunning coastlines across the entirety of Britain, including Pentle Bay on Tresco, where the pale turquoise waters ebb and flow on the long, interrupted stretch of sand. While there is no booming seaside town that skirts around the bay, this makes the beach an ideal spot for a romantic walk or quiet retreat to the water's edge. Where to stay Accommodation is limited on the islands, so it is advised to book well ahead of time. If staying on Tresco is a must so you can access Pentle Bay whenever you please, one of the 16 rooms at the award-winning The New Inn would not go amiss. The hotel provides super king or twin beds, a walk-in rain shower and a resident's lounge with a log burner to keep you cosy.
