See all pictures from the weekend here!: http://picasaweb.google.com/enger.emily
The Big Bang Festival was a fantastically fun, exciting and kickass event. Friday night started off with the man himself, Mamady Keita, the legendary Djembefola and the reason that everyone packed themselves into the sweaty Button Factory. In the build up to Mamady, we saw Happy City (at least 20 deep and amazing energy), Wassa Wassa (beautiful and talented singers, drummers and dancers paying tribute to the African beats), and Sergio Krakowski (who makes love to the Pandeiro with his hands).
Happy City started off the night by marching right through the crowd, getting in formation and causing everyone to start moving nearly immediately. (I will warn you, the pictures of the weekend hold several occurences of beautiful topless black men dancing, flipping and spinning like artistic creations in motion.) After that was Wassa Wassa. About 12 people in African wear, drumming, singing and dancing, paying tribute to the man that inspired them, Mamady Keita. It was a beautiful thing watching and listening to them, because it reminded me how impactful music can be... and that it reaches across all borders that humans have seemed to establish. Wassa Wassa is composed of all white people, and are beautifully recreating the music that originated in a land not their own. It was a beautiful reminder that we are all one, and that art and music is one of God's perfect ways of keeping us all connected and in tune with the reality that we are connected to everything and everyone. And here comes my celebrity moment: As I was standing up in the balcony taking pictures with the actual photographer and Camille, Brian comes up to check on things. And then he turns and says, "This is Mamady." Sweet Jesus, the man is standing right next to me, watching the band that is paying tribute to him and his heritage. "Wonderful to meet you, I am so grateful to be here" Smiles and handshakes and cheek kisses. I want to take his picture so bad! With me! But I don't, because I'm not that freaky chick. We silently continue watching, more smiles and handshakes, and he is off to change and go onstage. Epic moment of the evening, yes :)
Then came Sergio. I had no idea that a pandeiro could make those sounds, let alone did I know a human's hand was capable of making them. Madness.
And then the moment everyone was waiting for. Mamady hasn't been in Ireland since I believe the 70s, and apparently the drumming community has been holding out with joy. His wife, a beautiful French woman, is with him to do most of his translation. Not only that, but she can drum like a badass. This I was not aware of. What a beautiful and joyous couple to watch! Brian and Robbie then got to play onstage with him, mixing a traditional African piece with a traditional Irish piece. The crowd was going nuts. What a fantastic way to kick off the weekend. Off to catch our bus.
On Sunday, we had a group scheduled day-trip down to Glendalough (pronounced Glen-da-lock) and Kilkenny. Please see the picture of our sweet ass ride, the Paddywagon. First place we stopped was the famous Glendalough hotel and cemetery. We hiked past the cemetery and up to the Upper Lake, which was beautiful and definitely worth the hike. (see pictures!) Then back down and back on the bus and off to Kilkenny. We drove by where they filmed the battle scenes for Braveheart, and much of the location for P.S. I Love You. It's more stunning on film, but cool to know :) Got to Kilkenny, and ate a shoddy lunch (paid for by our exorbitant program fee of course, and arranged by EUSA, the company that I no longer have much use for) and then headed over to Kilkenny Castle for a tour. Only it wasn't much of a tour but more of a 'here's your descriptive paper with a listing of all the rooms, enjoy!' So we made up our own tour and it was way more entertaining. Did you know that Jesus hosted a very large supper in there? And that Michael Jackson ate his milk and cookies by such a beautiful marble fireplace? Is that too fresh? My apologies.
After we got through the castle, of course it started raining so we headed back to the bus. As we were all bitching about the worthless class that we are forced to take from a new instructor every week, the bus driver said we could ask him anything we wanted about Ireland and he would talk us to tears on the way home. The questions started firing, and I learned more about Ireland on that bus ride home than I have since we started seminar in April. Social services, global warming perspectives, health insurance, government spending a.k.a. waste, alcoholism, you name it. Love you Martin tour bus driver man.
We got back into Dublin just in time for the finale of the Big Bang in Temple Bar. Meeting House Square was absolutely packed, and for good reason. Happy City was back, and down in front of the stage was a huge troupe of dancers (back to the beautiful topless black men) flipping and flying through the air. Fantastical. Everyone was moving, and for the finale Brian and Robbie brought out all 100 or so drummers that they had been training for the past month. Mothers, fathers, children, men, women of all locations and places. The energy was just amazing. I had also recruited about 8 of my fellow American interns to join in the fun, and they loved it as well. Colleen, who knows my camera so much better than I, proceeded to take amazing pictures of the event (thank you wonderful woman!). Afterwards, we went and ate tasty Indian food, drank some tasty beer and whiskey, and headed to the bus stop to head home.
BUT WAIT. The final event.... is waiting at the bus stop in the form of the drunkest crackhead I've seen since we got here. After running out into the street screaming obscenities as an ambulance went sirening by, she proceeded to attempt to jack one of our girl's cigarettes. Right out of her effing mouth. I still laugh my ass off just writing about it. The verbal throwdown ensued, and the crackhead came back for more. This time she got called the c-word and received two elbows to the ribs. I was wondering how Dublin City jail smelled this time of night. She rammed her head right into our area and yelled "I don't give a FART! People are dying around the corner!" What. The. Fuck. People are dying everywhere lady, that doesn't mean you get to accost and molest someone for their cigarette and scream the word FART in our faces. DAMN. God was watching, and laughing I assume, and sent our bus to us at that moment. What does the crackhead do? TRY TO FOLLOW US ON THE BUS. Yup. More screaming ensues, and I'm sure the Garda are coming by now. We win, and take our seats upstairs. Never in my life, man. Seriously.
Here is the link to the pics again: http://picasaweb.google.com/enger.emily
I'm sorry I didn't get one of the crackhead. I'll think quicker next time.
Drumdadrumdrummmmmmm,
Em
Monday, July 27, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Artyarterson
Galway was beautiful! Not what we expected from an ‘arts festival’ i.e. booths for miles of artists and their wares and work. But more like masses of people and performers in the streets, selling their creations on blankets on the ground, while the guy next to them juggles flaming torches while riding his unicycle and then up the street a troupe of drummers played beats so beautiful that any soulful woman there could have danced til her clothes slipped off and not even noticed. Didgeredoos, djembes, bongos, pandeiros, firedancers, you name it we basked in the beauty of it. I'll post pics tonight when I get home.
Galway also offered a much more diverse selection of food, and you can bet your sweet ass that we hit up Mr. Waffle the morning after our first night of drumbeats and experimental mixing of boozes. The difference is, their waffles are the consistency of an over-done glazed doughnut. Still tasty, but only if you smother it in bacon. Bippity-boppity-BACON! Saves lives, I promise. Afterwards we moseyed into an REI-like store and purchased some delicious attire, unlike anything I have found before. Hooray, this made up for the lack in visual art pieces at my fingertips. Back to the wine bar for dinner, this time complimented by a delicious steak and strawberry-rhubarb crumble smothered with tasty ice cream. Oh joy… what did we do after this? Ah yes… Irish ‘Gentleman’s Club’. We had to! How would we ever be able to appreciate the beauty of places like Sapphire and the Rhino if we hadn’t?! And oh do we appreciate them now… I’ll spare those of you who don’t want to hear the gory details. You can message me privately. J For more entertainment and accounts of traveling, please refer to my sweet friend Kari, who is in our group on this trip. She is freaking hilarious, and I love her blog: http://www.thoughts.com/kenicholas/blog
On more personal matters, as I stated before I have decided to back off from school for a bit after I finish my Masters in December. So far the approval ratings on this decision have been very high. Good to hear. As I try to explore exactly what it is I want to do with my life, I always come to the same general areas. Art. Travel. Education. Policy. In that order. Art always being number one, and all categories in the realm of helping others. The logical repsonse is to work in educational policy as an advocate and fighter for maintaining quality and consistent art programming in the public school systems. But at the end of the day, that still leaves me behind a desk for the most part. The thought of this gives me a headache and scares the living shit out of me. So I dig deeper. I have been exploring artist residencies, all which sound amazing, and all which remind me that I’m nowhere near established in myself as an artist to even consider applying for one of these yet.
So in my quest to save the world, I have obtained a good amount of education to make me ‘qualified’ to do so (Human Services BA, check. NPO Leadership MA, check.) In my further quest to save it with art, all I have is my little bit of technical talent and personal basis behind it. *Lightbulb* Eff the Ph.D. for now. I’m going to paint my ass off. Not only that, I’m going to figure out a way to articulate what the hell I’m painting for and what I’m trying to communicate with it. (Here lies the challenge)
Kristin, Blake and Joe – you officially have the right to bludgeon me with an actual bludgeon rather than just your words from this point on when you feel that I’m not painting enough. Thanks.
What I hope will transpire from this is an actual art proposal that will reap some funding and provoke some research, thus bringing me closer to the ultimate goal, which is… well I don’t know yet. But I’m sure this process will decrease the fuzzy lines surrounding it.
This week I’ll be wrapping up the PR for the Big Bang Festival and Young Urban Arts, and will then be delving into The Archive, the physical documentation of all art in and around Dublin for the past 30-some years. Wheeeeeeee!! This will provide most of the material for my summary project, as I compare it to the child violence rates of the coinciding time period. This is what I wanted to look at for my Ph.D. proposal, so doing this will get that out of my system for a bit so I can focus on… d’art.
Love and smoothies,
Emily Jo
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Breathe
So much to say…
I think I’ll start with the funny little idiosyncrasies about the culture that differ from America. The 80s are still kickin’ ass here… alive and well. There are mullets, rat tails, spandex, neon colors, splatter patterns, acid washed jeans, teased hair… you name it they love it. I feel like I’m in a total time warp. Clearly my wardrobe doesn’t fit in and clearly, I’m fine with that. American 90s pop music is also all the rage. We went dancing one of the first nights here, and I was having serious flashbacks to junior high and early high school dances. It was hilarious. It is playing in every shop, in every restaurant, no matter what kind of food or clothes. My favorite example so far: I was on lunch and went across the street to obtain some delicious falafel, and as soon as I placed my order, the Thong Song came on. I had to focus very hard on looking out the window so I didn’t look like a schizo laughing by myself in the corner. I thought that song was ridiculous the first time I heard it, let alone a decade or more later.
Like I said before, there are no power outlets in the bathrooms, nor are there any seat covers in ANY of the public bathrooms. Many of the hormones and preservatives used in food in the states are illegal here. This is a good thing, but I’ve already eaten one moldy strawberry, one bad kiwi, and some funky hummus. I’m learning. The sausage here is amazing. Its so soft and delicious and I love it. The Guinness tastes a million times better here. Nobody knows who Dave Matthews is. Everyone drives like maniacs, and the pedestrians do NOT have the right-of-way. I have almost been a hood ornament around 6 times now. Not kidding.
Camille and I are headed to Galway for the Arts Festival this weekend, and I am so freaking excited and will probably spend more money than I should on beautiful creations. I will be sure to post all the pictures on Monday :)
I’ve been here 2 and a half weeks and have learned more than I could have imagined in such a short period of time. Learning how to live and work in another culture is so multi-faceted, and I realize now that I couldn’t have begun to grasp it before actually having done it. There are some serious gaps in the social services sector here, as there are in any culture. Being exposed to them has shifted my perception, yet the stereotypes that I came in with about the country make much more sense now. I’m not going to delve into the personal stories of the people that I have met, but the information and material is providing a really good base for my research and my summary project for my Masters. Its all fascinating.
I have also learned a lot about myself already, and the circles of energy that I find myself in. I’m very in flux at the moment with a lot of things in my personal life, and I am looking forward to the chaos ironing itself out into the next plane. I feel so grateful to have the amount of faith that I do and the understanding that everything happens for a reason. When you give things away to the greater power, you leave a lot more room for peace and clarity in your mind.
Wish me luck in my quest for art, as well as for the next step :)
Breathing,
Emily Jo
I think I’ll start with the funny little idiosyncrasies about the culture that differ from America. The 80s are still kickin’ ass here… alive and well. There are mullets, rat tails, spandex, neon colors, splatter patterns, acid washed jeans, teased hair… you name it they love it. I feel like I’m in a total time warp. Clearly my wardrobe doesn’t fit in and clearly, I’m fine with that. American 90s pop music is also all the rage. We went dancing one of the first nights here, and I was having serious flashbacks to junior high and early high school dances. It was hilarious. It is playing in every shop, in every restaurant, no matter what kind of food or clothes. My favorite example so far: I was on lunch and went across the street to obtain some delicious falafel, and as soon as I placed my order, the Thong Song came on. I had to focus very hard on looking out the window so I didn’t look like a schizo laughing by myself in the corner. I thought that song was ridiculous the first time I heard it, let alone a decade or more later.
Like I said before, there are no power outlets in the bathrooms, nor are there any seat covers in ANY of the public bathrooms. Many of the hormones and preservatives used in food in the states are illegal here. This is a good thing, but I’ve already eaten one moldy strawberry, one bad kiwi, and some funky hummus. I’m learning. The sausage here is amazing. Its so soft and delicious and I love it. The Guinness tastes a million times better here. Nobody knows who Dave Matthews is. Everyone drives like maniacs, and the pedestrians do NOT have the right-of-way. I have almost been a hood ornament around 6 times now. Not kidding.
Camille and I are headed to Galway for the Arts Festival this weekend, and I am so freaking excited and will probably spend more money than I should on beautiful creations. I will be sure to post all the pictures on Monday :)
I’ve been here 2 and a half weeks and have learned more than I could have imagined in such a short period of time. Learning how to live and work in another culture is so multi-faceted, and I realize now that I couldn’t have begun to grasp it before actually having done it. There are some serious gaps in the social services sector here, as there are in any culture. Being exposed to them has shifted my perception, yet the stereotypes that I came in with about the country make much more sense now. I’m not going to delve into the personal stories of the people that I have met, but the information and material is providing a really good base for my research and my summary project for my Masters. Its all fascinating.
I have also learned a lot about myself already, and the circles of energy that I find myself in. I’m very in flux at the moment with a lot of things in my personal life, and I am looking forward to the chaos ironing itself out into the next plane. I feel so grateful to have the amount of faith that I do and the understanding that everything happens for a reason. When you give things away to the greater power, you leave a lot more room for peace and clarity in your mind.
Wish me luck in my quest for art, as well as for the next step :)
Breathing,
Emily Jo
Monday, July 13, 2009
Killarney
Greetings!
Where to start... work is amazing! Getting to talk with the kids about their project and their perceptions is very eye-opening. I have been learning so much about the culture... learning to live in a foreign city is intense... culturally and mentally... everything. Its all too much to try to put into words for a blog, I feel...
At the moment I am freezing my ass off because my feet got wet today in the rain and I can't get warm... will be taking a scalding shower as soon as I get done writing this.
Last week we went to The Last Days of A Reluctant Tyrant at the famous Abbey Theatre. It was so well done, so fabulous... my new favorite play (formerly Les Mis). An older woman of course played the lead, and the writer wrote the script specifically for this actress... what an amzing choice. She was totally captivating, and held the stage for her final monologue for what felt like 20 min. I was completely absorbed... she was incredible. Very glad for the excursion!
This weekend Camille and I went to Killarney. We had big plans to see castles and gardens and lakes, oh my! However, it pissed rain on us for most of Friday and Saturday so we didn't get to. The town was beautiful regardless of the rain, and when the sun would make an appearance, it was really wonderful. The town is small, pretty and clean, very community oriented... we saw pretty much the same people both nights we went out and met some really nice folk everywhere we went. The hostel was beautiful... the rooms were very hostel-like, but the building was an old 18th century mansion and it was fabulous. See pictures of the weekend!: http://picasaweb.google.com/enger.emily/Ireland71713?feat=directlink
We didn't sleep Saturday night, and the sun came out in all its glory on Sunday morning. One of the hostel employees graciously led us up a hill behind the mansion that came out into an open field that overlooked all of Killarney, the town, the lakes, the mountains, everything. It was breathtaking, and the epitome of my reason for wanting to come to Ireland. The pictures are in that link as well :)
During all this, I have been thinking a lot about my Ph.D. and intentions for that... and have realized that I really need to just step back for a awhile and breathe. I don't need a Ph.D. right now... being that I can't figure out exactly what I want to be doing in 20 years anyway. I've been going to school nonstop since I was 5...so I'm thinking I should calm down for a bit. And paint in my spare time instead of having no spare time. The art galleries in Killarney were fabulous, and it reminded me that I should be doing that. So now my thoughts are starting to revolve around what kind of job I want to get after graduation and the end of my current contract with the City. Arts/music? Yes. Nonprofit? Yes. Fundraising/event planning? No. Policy/Advocacy? Yes. Marketing? Maybe. Education? Yes. If anyone has any ideas or knows of anything... please share. For now, I'm still exhausted and freezing... so off to shower and bed :)
Cheers,
EM
Where to start... work is amazing! Getting to talk with the kids about their project and their perceptions is very eye-opening. I have been learning so much about the culture... learning to live in a foreign city is intense... culturally and mentally... everything. Its all too much to try to put into words for a blog, I feel...
At the moment I am freezing my ass off because my feet got wet today in the rain and I can't get warm... will be taking a scalding shower as soon as I get done writing this.
Last week we went to The Last Days of A Reluctant Tyrant at the famous Abbey Theatre. It was so well done, so fabulous... my new favorite play (formerly Les Mis). An older woman of course played the lead, and the writer wrote the script specifically for this actress... what an amzing choice. She was totally captivating, and held the stage for her final monologue for what felt like 20 min. I was completely absorbed... she was incredible. Very glad for the excursion!
This weekend Camille and I went to Killarney. We had big plans to see castles and gardens and lakes, oh my! However, it pissed rain on us for most of Friday and Saturday so we didn't get to. The town was beautiful regardless of the rain, and when the sun would make an appearance, it was really wonderful. The town is small, pretty and clean, very community oriented... we saw pretty much the same people both nights we went out and met some really nice folk everywhere we went. The hostel was beautiful... the rooms were very hostel-like, but the building was an old 18th century mansion and it was fabulous. See pictures of the weekend!: http://picasaweb.google.com/enger.emily/Ireland71713?feat=directlink
We didn't sleep Saturday night, and the sun came out in all its glory on Sunday morning. One of the hostel employees graciously led us up a hill behind the mansion that came out into an open field that overlooked all of Killarney, the town, the lakes, the mountains, everything. It was breathtaking, and the epitome of my reason for wanting to come to Ireland. The pictures are in that link as well :)
During all this, I have been thinking a lot about my Ph.D. and intentions for that... and have realized that I really need to just step back for a awhile and breathe. I don't need a Ph.D. right now... being that I can't figure out exactly what I want to be doing in 20 years anyway. I've been going to school nonstop since I was 5...so I'm thinking I should calm down for a bit. And paint in my spare time instead of having no spare time. The art galleries in Killarney were fabulous, and it reminded me that I should be doing that. So now my thoughts are starting to revolve around what kind of job I want to get after graduation and the end of my current contract with the City. Arts/music? Yes. Nonprofit? Yes. Fundraising/event planning? No. Policy/Advocacy? Yes. Marketing? Maybe. Education? Yes. If anyone has any ideas or knows of anything... please share. For now, I'm still exhausted and freezing... so off to shower and bed :)
Cheers,
EM
Monday, July 6, 2009
Big Bang
So the 4th of July BBQ was lovely... and wet just like Seattle :) Everyone was still in high spirits and came out to enjoy our wet hamburgers and hot dogs and 'American Cola' lol. Some decided to bring their Budweiser tallies out from the night before... why they drink shitty American beer when we are in a place that makes wonderful quality brew I do not know.
Today I went and got train tickets for our upcoming trips into the country, including the Galway Arts Festival. So so very excited... and this is where I hope to find amazing art to bring home with me. Got a new nose ring and a bigger shoulder bag today... the one I brought wasn't cutting it with having to haul an umbrella and paperwork around.
I didn't have to work today, because the crew was tired and decided not to come in. Ah, the lax work culture. This evening, however, I met up with the guys that are running the Big Bang Festival to talk about the PR needs and whatnot. I met Brian in front of Walton's school of music... in his giant white van full of bongos and various other sorts of drums. As we hauled them upstairs and chatted, I began to understand what was going on. Him and the other guy were teaching a drumming workshop every Monday night for the next three weeks for the giant drumming performance on the last day of the festival. As drummers started filing into the room at the top of the tower, I realized that he might be expecting me to actually join the class rather than just discuss the event. I felt like I was in elementary gym class in front of the pull-up bar all over again. I know where my talent lies, and it sure as hell is not in creating music. I can listen to it just fine, and even make visuals from it... but sweet jesus, was he expecting me to beat a drum? In rythym with them, the professionals? God help me.
Grab a seat and a drum, he says. Oh hell here we go. The other instructor, the same guy that is working with Brian on the event, takes his place at the front. At first glance, I would suspect he could be the lead singer of a metal band. Tall, strong, bic'd with a full auburn beard... but with a furry bongo between his knees. The two of them start explaining the line, and then his eyes noticably begin to sparkle as he starts playing. Immediately the students follow along, and he looks at me because I'm not playing, but am totally fascinated by what is taking place around me. I tell him that I'm observing, as it will help me write the press releases for the event. Thank God. There are about 12 people in this particular workshop, and in a room the size of a bedroom, that makes for some intense noise. The floor was shaking, everyone was smiling, some eyes were closed... but everyone was completely lost in the beat. It was beautiful. As they all became more comfortable with the patterns, it became louder and louder until if felt as though the floor would give out or the room would just explode with the energy.
After the class was over, the three of us stayed and chatted about the event. "Just tell everyone you see that there is going to some 'feckin crazy ass drummin'... they will come" We talked about election night, as Brian was wearing a beautiful Obama t-shirt. He said he stayed up all night, as did most people he knew. Everyone that I've talked to is very grateful and happy about it, and its really fun to talk about. I feel proud to talk about it... I would have been embarassed to talk about Bush, though they know that most Americans hated his administration.
Drinking detox tea and taking Emergen-C... pray that I don't get sick like all the peeps around me...
Love and drumbeats,
EM
Today I went and got train tickets for our upcoming trips into the country, including the Galway Arts Festival. So so very excited... and this is where I hope to find amazing art to bring home with me. Got a new nose ring and a bigger shoulder bag today... the one I brought wasn't cutting it with having to haul an umbrella and paperwork around.
I didn't have to work today, because the crew was tired and decided not to come in. Ah, the lax work culture. This evening, however, I met up with the guys that are running the Big Bang Festival to talk about the PR needs and whatnot. I met Brian in front of Walton's school of music... in his giant white van full of bongos and various other sorts of drums. As we hauled them upstairs and chatted, I began to understand what was going on. Him and the other guy were teaching a drumming workshop every Monday night for the next three weeks for the giant drumming performance on the last day of the festival. As drummers started filing into the room at the top of the tower, I realized that he might be expecting me to actually join the class rather than just discuss the event. I felt like I was in elementary gym class in front of the pull-up bar all over again. I know where my talent lies, and it sure as hell is not in creating music. I can listen to it just fine, and even make visuals from it... but sweet jesus, was he expecting me to beat a drum? In rythym with them, the professionals? God help me.
Grab a seat and a drum, he says. Oh hell here we go. The other instructor, the same guy that is working with Brian on the event, takes his place at the front. At first glance, I would suspect he could be the lead singer of a metal band. Tall, strong, bic'd with a full auburn beard... but with a furry bongo between his knees. The two of them start explaining the line, and then his eyes noticably begin to sparkle as he starts playing. Immediately the students follow along, and he looks at me because I'm not playing, but am totally fascinated by what is taking place around me. I tell him that I'm observing, as it will help me write the press releases for the event. Thank God. There are about 12 people in this particular workshop, and in a room the size of a bedroom, that makes for some intense noise. The floor was shaking, everyone was smiling, some eyes were closed... but everyone was completely lost in the beat. It was beautiful. As they all became more comfortable with the patterns, it became louder and louder until if felt as though the floor would give out or the room would just explode with the energy.
After the class was over, the three of us stayed and chatted about the event. "Just tell everyone you see that there is going to some 'feckin crazy ass drummin'... they will come" We talked about election night, as Brian was wearing a beautiful Obama t-shirt. He said he stayed up all night, as did most people he knew. Everyone that I've talked to is very grateful and happy about it, and its really fun to talk about. I feel proud to talk about it... I would have been embarassed to talk about Bush, though they know that most Americans hated his administration.
Drinking detox tea and taking Emergen-C... pray that I don't get sick like all the peeps around me...
Love and drumbeats,
EM
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Internship!
So I got to meet the kids in the programme that I'll be doing the PR for today... it was so fabulous :) The programme is called Young Urban Arts, and they are a group of disadvantaged young teens that are learning how to make films and TV. They do the writing, the acting, the producing, the editing, everything. It is very empowering and educational for them, and today I got to go into the studio and watch them work. The energy in there was incredible... it was so positive and interesting and such a wonderful thing to see. They are so excited, and so serious about it and really value the experience, and I am so admiring of the program director for enabling them to take such ownership of their experience. I'm really really excited to be involved :)
I had my first grocery shopping experience yesterday as well. They don't use plastic bags here (hooray!) so we brought our own backpacks and bags to shop with. Most everything is grown locally, and a lot of the hormones and preservatives that are used in the states are illegal here, so that was really comforting. It makes up for the fact that nearly all you can find to eat when you're out is pub food and sandwiches... which isn't the healthiest thing. The gym here costs upwards of 75 euros a month, so health isn't really the highest priority in this area. Its interesting, because in comparison, physical activity (gyms,classes and hiking/biking access etc.) is much more prevelant in America... yet we have more obese people than nearly any other country. At the store, I met the most wonderful woman in the cheese aisle. I was stating out loud to myself how confused I was, and she asked me if I was ok. I told her that I loved cheese and didn't know where to start (the selection is amazing). She asked what I liked, so of course I said 'all the cheese in the world'... but that I wanted to get something that I wouldn't be able to get in the states... so she proceeded into a 10 minute conversation about all of the cheeses in front of me and why I would like them and with what. It was super. I came home with two different kinds to start, both of which a delicious, and will continue to explore my cheesy options as the weeks go on.
Tonight we had our first Irish house party experience. Little did we know, we were headed to the only neighborhood that we were warned to stay away from by our RA and directors. Of course, as we exited the party to head home, 20 of us were all of a sudden being targeted by flying glass bottles. SWEET. Who was throwing them? 12-year-old pre-gangsters. Fabulous. We shielded ourselves and each other and ran, tried to get in a cab that wouldn't take the 5 of us in our group, so we ended up all walking the rest of the way home. That won't be happening again, but it was a good experience to have. (Mom, please don't tell Grampa or Gram about this...). Guns are illegal here. The Garda (cops) don't even carry them, so I suppose the thugs need something else to threaten people with. Glass bottles are the choice most times apparently. Came home, had a bowl of Muesli, showered, and am now headed to bed. Tomorrow is the BBQ that they are hosting for us, so happy 4th everyone!!
XOXO,
EM
I had my first grocery shopping experience yesterday as well. They don't use plastic bags here (hooray!) so we brought our own backpacks and bags to shop with. Most everything is grown locally, and a lot of the hormones and preservatives that are used in the states are illegal here, so that was really comforting. It makes up for the fact that nearly all you can find to eat when you're out is pub food and sandwiches... which isn't the healthiest thing. The gym here costs upwards of 75 euros a month, so health isn't really the highest priority in this area. Its interesting, because in comparison, physical activity (gyms,classes and hiking/biking access etc.) is much more prevelant in America... yet we have more obese people than nearly any other country. At the store, I met the most wonderful woman in the cheese aisle. I was stating out loud to myself how confused I was, and she asked me if I was ok. I told her that I loved cheese and didn't know where to start (the selection is amazing). She asked what I liked, so of course I said 'all the cheese in the world'... but that I wanted to get something that I wouldn't be able to get in the states... so she proceeded into a 10 minute conversation about all of the cheeses in front of me and why I would like them and with what. It was super. I came home with two different kinds to start, both of which a delicious, and will continue to explore my cheesy options as the weeks go on.
Tonight we had our first Irish house party experience. Little did we know, we were headed to the only neighborhood that we were warned to stay away from by our RA and directors. Of course, as we exited the party to head home, 20 of us were all of a sudden being targeted by flying glass bottles. SWEET. Who was throwing them? 12-year-old pre-gangsters. Fabulous. We shielded ourselves and each other and ran, tried to get in a cab that wouldn't take the 5 of us in our group, so we ended up all walking the rest of the way home. That won't be happening again, but it was a good experience to have. (Mom, please don't tell Grampa or Gram about this...). Guns are illegal here. The Garda (cops) don't even carry them, so I suppose the thugs need something else to threaten people with. Glass bottles are the choice most times apparently. Came home, had a bowl of Muesli, showered, and am now headed to bed. Tomorrow is the BBQ that they are hosting for us, so happy 4th everyone!!
XOXO,
EM
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Pictures!
Greetings! I was finally able to upload pictures and whatnot... so here's the link! I'll be adding them by date so you don't have to go through stuff you've already seen everytime :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/enger.emily/Ireland62871?feat=directlink
Onward...
So I have officially surrendered. The humidity here makes Seattle feel like paradise. Have you seen that episode of Friends when they all go to Costa Rica or wherever and Monica's hair grows to the size of a small car? Yeah... that's me. The ponytail and its variances are my new best friend.
I had my internship interview yesterday, and it went fabulously. I'm working in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Dublin, and God blessed me with sushi AND falafel AND 3 beautiful pubs (including the Stag's Head) right across the street. I will be doing the PR for a really cool Young Urban Arts program in which they teach disadvantaged youth how to make films, TV and music videos. Their productions will be done at the end of this month, and then I will start working with the Archive, a collection of and documentation of all art that has happened through CityArts since they opened in 1973. During all this, I will be helping plan the Big Bang Festival (http://www.bigbangfestival.com/home.html), which will be an amazing thing to be a part of as well.
Explored Temple Bar, which is the most tourist-oriented area of Dubiln. Very historical and beautiful, but full of drunken teens and young adults... mostly French and American. I will be exploring other pubs, trust me. Found some tattoo shops, and turns out tattoos in Dublin are insanely expensive, nearly double what we would pay in the states. I don't need it that bad. Will be sticking with the new nose ring. Went on an organized pub crawl last night, and learned about the fine art of brewing Irish beer. Very educational, interesting and tasty :) Met some fabulous pubs, and some interesting folk. Went to a night club at the end, in which all the girls dress like its the 80s, tease their hair, only dance with their arms, and don't touch each other. Needless to say we looked out of place. The men all danced like they were dating each other, and then stared alot. Very entertaining.
Tonight had a welcoming reception at the oldest pub (est. 1198). We had a popular storyteller and folklore expert completely entertaining us while we were fed delicious traditional Irish fare. Very fun and tasty evening :) Best salmon I've ever had (Blake, yours is still a close second). Now at home, full and sleepy. Off to meet the kids in my film programme tomorrow... ta for now!
Love & gratitude,
Emily Jo
http://picasaweb.google.com/enger.emily/Ireland62871?feat=directlink
Onward...
So I have officially surrendered. The humidity here makes Seattle feel like paradise. Have you seen that episode of Friends when they all go to Costa Rica or wherever and Monica's hair grows to the size of a small car? Yeah... that's me. The ponytail and its variances are my new best friend.
I had my internship interview yesterday, and it went fabulously. I'm working in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Dublin, and God blessed me with sushi AND falafel AND 3 beautiful pubs (including the Stag's Head) right across the street. I will be doing the PR for a really cool Young Urban Arts program in which they teach disadvantaged youth how to make films, TV and music videos. Their productions will be done at the end of this month, and then I will start working with the Archive, a collection of and documentation of all art that has happened through CityArts since they opened in 1973. During all this, I will be helping plan the Big Bang Festival (http://www.bigbangfestival.com/home.html), which will be an amazing thing to be a part of as well.
Explored Temple Bar, which is the most tourist-oriented area of Dubiln. Very historical and beautiful, but full of drunken teens and young adults... mostly French and American. I will be exploring other pubs, trust me. Found some tattoo shops, and turns out tattoos in Dublin are insanely expensive, nearly double what we would pay in the states. I don't need it that bad. Will be sticking with the new nose ring. Went on an organized pub crawl last night, and learned about the fine art of brewing Irish beer. Very educational, interesting and tasty :) Met some fabulous pubs, and some interesting folk. Went to a night club at the end, in which all the girls dress like its the 80s, tease their hair, only dance with their arms, and don't touch each other. Needless to say we looked out of place. The men all danced like they were dating each other, and then stared alot. Very entertaining.
Tonight had a welcoming reception at the oldest pub (est. 1198). We had a popular storyteller and folklore expert completely entertaining us while we were fed delicious traditional Irish fare. Very fun and tasty evening :) Best salmon I've ever had (Blake, yours is still a close second). Now at home, full and sleepy. Off to meet the kids in my film programme tomorrow... ta for now!
Love & gratitude,
Emily Jo
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