running

What a way to feel alive. No, this is not some sort of in depth philosophical post about how I am running from a higher purpose, this is the physical term of running. Getting your heart pumping and the sweat flowing. Burning off those unnecessary calories, your body screaming in thanks.

I am a casual jogger/runner, I get around to it whenever I remember to. Although days, weeks and sometimes even months could pass and the thought wouldn’t even cross my mind. However since the beginning of July I have been pretty good, getting out at least a couple of times a week. Before that I forgotten about exercise for a month or two.

A great way to feel healthy, to feel like you’re doing something. There is nothing better than the feeling when you walk in that door after completing a session.

Every time I get back into fitness I make a promise to myself that I will keep it up this time and work harder, so here’s to getting fit again. Thanks for reading and I would love to hear some of your stories in the comments section. Cheers, Dan.

the pros and cons of being a barman

I have been a barman for about three years now and I’ve been working full time in the job for about a year. There was a time when I was hugely passionate about this trade although I’m beginning to rethink it now. However that is not to say that I do not enjoy my job, like every job it has it’s pros and cons.

Pros

Let’s be honest at the best of times it is a fun job, there is usually a good atmosphere behind the bar when you are working with like minded people, especially in an Irish bar abroad when everybody is here with the same attitude, to travel and have some fun.

The customers. I am constantly meeting new people from all corners of the globe, whether they are passing through or like myself have emigrated from their own countries. Its always great to get a perspective on life, different cultures and mind sets from all of these diverse people.

No commitments outside of work, at the moment we are all working crazy hours because of the World Cup but normally we just work our contracted 43 hours and then that’s it, as a barman I don’t have any commitments outside of those hours so it’s nice to be able to enjoy your time off work, and it’s exactly that, time off.

Normally it’s a fairly easy job, to an extent. True, bartending is not for everybody and things can get fairly intense behind that counter on a Saturday night but usually I find my job to be relatively easy, and for the moment that’s perfect for me.

Cons

Although I don’t think being a bartender is a terribly tough job it is definitely a tiring one. Being on your feet all of the time and running around for people with a tray full of drinks can certainly be arduous.

The hours. Lately the hours have been insane. With some weeks piling up as high as 55-60, which in my opinion is way to many, and I for one would certainly rather have my two days off per week than some extra overtime pay.

The customers. Yes I already mentioned the customers as a pro but not all of them fall into that category, yes the majority of people can offer a stimulating, thought-provoking conversation. However, give some people a few drinks and they are quick to show you their not so charming selves.

Overall I quite enjoy my job and i hope I do not come across to sour about it. I think working in the service industry is something everybody should do for a while, it would give some people an insight on how to treat their fellow human beings. Also it helps people develop a vital life skill; the art of making conversation with complete strangers, in my opinion a valuable key in life.

Maybe one day I will return to college and leave the world of bartending behind but for now I definitely believe this time abroad working the bar is serving me well. What about you? Do you have any experience in the industry, what are your thoughts? I would love to hear them in the comments section. Dan.

the 5 best things about living in a city

I left Ireland almost seven months ago to the day. I’ve been here in Antwerp for about two months. Since then I have certainly grown to appreciate this city and city life in general, let me tell you why. 

1. Great coffee at your doorstep

There are coffee shops, restaurants and bars everywhere. In particular there is one place just across the street from my apartment called ‘Caffe Mundi’ here they have an excellent selection of about six different coffee beans at any given time, which is great for an espresso drinker who wants to try out new things. 

2. There’s a certain open-mindedness among people

Different people everywhere, everywhere you go there are different styles and trends all blending seamlessly together. For the past twelve years there has been an Irish Pub and an alternative rock/grunge type late bar next door to each other, both bartenders and customers getting on perfectly despite their differences in lifestyle choices. 

3. It’s never to late to do anything

When you work in a bar that serves until 4am you would think that there is very little to do when you finish work. However compare us to some places and we actually close quite early. Kebab shops and Frituurs (Belgian chip shops) open till 6am, the late bars serving until 8am just as the early bars begin to open, night shops open practically 24/7 which are basically just overpriced supermarkets.

4. A certain unfamiliarity

Outside my apartment is the ‘Grote Markt’ which literally means ‘Grand Market’, every day there is something different happening there, a couple of weeks ago we had the world city mountain bike championships, last week we had a giant screen and a couple of thousand people for the Belgium vs Russia World Cup group stage game, and every second day it seems there is an antique fair or some sort of market. 

Grote Markt – Antwerp

5. The beauty of an old city like Antwerp

Antwerp and a lot of other old European cities have a certain aged beauty to them. The old architecture has stood the test of time, for example standing at about a thousand years old is the ‘Cathedral of Our Lady’, A city like Antwerp doesn’t receive to much press even though every where you look there is something magnificent to see and that is one of the many reasons I love it. 

Catherdral of Our Lady – Antwerp

At this stage I believe city life is perfect for me, maybe one day I will desire something more peaceful and quiet, how do you feel about living in a city? Dan.

All pictures featured in this post have been taken from my Instagram account – danphillips13