About me

Education and Employment

I live in Dublin, Ireland. When I was very small, I lived in Northern Ireland and, before that, in England, where I was born.

I studied Education in Trinity College, Dublin, and taught primary (elementary) school children for a while before working in the community with at-risk teenagers who had dropped out of formal education. I also worked with young adults with disabilities and designed post-school training programmes for teenagers with disabilities.

I spent a year in London studying disability management, then did a diploma in statistics, and as if I hadn't enough study, I also completed an MBA. I'm finished studying now!

Hobbies

I have been fortunate to have travelled to many amazing places. A few years ago, I travelled around the world for an entire year. You can read about some of the highlights on Round the World, and about other travels on Travel.

I play classical flute and recorder. I learnt the piano for a while, and although I love the instrument, I didn't get very far. I now play traditional Irish flute, which is very different to classical flute. Ireland has a rich cultural heritage and music plays a large part of Irish life.

I like to swim, run and go to the gym. In 2011, I ran my first ever marathon—the Dublin City marathon. Although I found it very challenging, I enjoyed the whole experience immensely, so much so, that I plan to do it again in 2012!

I also hill-walk. On two occasions, I climbed through the Sun Gate overlooking the ancient Incan city of Macchu Pichu in Peru. I’ve hiked through the foothills of the Anna Purna range in Nepal, crossed the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand and climbed Table Mountain in South Africa. In March 2011, I had a wonderful time climbing the snow-capped mountains in Argentina. In 2012, I am travelling to the secretive and isolated country of Burma to explore something of life there.

I also enjoy cooking and dining out. My favourite cuisine is Middle Eastern, followed closely by Italian or Mediterranean food.