So I realize that I haven't blogged in a while, but thats just cause I didn't have internet access in Dublin and well the last week in Derry just went by all too fast!
My last week in Derry was amazing! I helped paint a wall mural, went out to a farewell/thank you dinner with my coworkers and had one last night out on the town with the derry crew! Leaving monday morning was actually kinda sad because all of a sudden we realized we had 2 1/2 weeks left, and that this amazing experience would soon be over. It didn't help that it was 8:30 in the morning and we had just carried all our stuff down three flights of stairs!
I really enjoyed my internship, particularly because of the people I got to work with! Everyone was so nice and I've learned so much! What impact this internship will have on me, I'm not quite sure, but it has definately been worthwhile!
From there we traveled down south, to the Republic of Ireland (Different country, language, currancy, etc.) where we spent a week! Other than the fact that it was ridiculously expensive (like everything was twice the price) it was amazing!! So pretty and yet very different from Northern Ireland, I mean walking around both Dublin and some of the smaller towns, the issue of religion wasn't really present, although that might have just been a result of living in Northern Ireland for the last two months!
This past week has included, meeting politicians, a literary pub crawl, visiting the guiness storehouse (and learning way too much about guiness) visiting an old jail, seeing a production of the producers(defintatly had an opening night jinx on it cause everything just went so wrong making it a much funnier play than I thought it would be! :)) and visiting the oldest monestary in Ireland! It was nice to have a day to do the tourist thing! For the record I got a complimentary guiness as part of the tour and managed to have five whole sips of it, before offering it up to the rest of the group! At least I can say I tried it and that i'm just really not a beer person!!
Now that I'm back in coleraine its time to buckle down and write three massive papers!! Actually doing work probably wont be that great but the topics are interesting and i suppose if I can sit down and get it done, then I can go out and enjoy the rest of my time here, so hopefully that will be good motivation for me!!
Oh and tonight we're all going back to the anchor...oh how we've missed it! It'll be nice to go back and get to go out and have fun with everyone! Plus now we won't be the only ones dancing making it just slightly less awkward!
Will put pictures up soon (I'll need another distraction soon!)
Katie :)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Holiday in SCOTLAND!!!
So this past week has pretty much been AMAZING!!! Here's a quick little recap:
(Last) Monday: Had weekly seminar in Belfast, which meant finally taking the 8:30 bus to meet everyone by 10:15, amazing bagle sandwiches, everyone singing happy birthday to me, me blushing and my first Reese's peanut butter cups in 2 months!
(Last) Tuesday: Got a cake and card from my supervisor...so sweet of her! Oh and I worked on a display board of the residential
Wednesday: Betsy and Eldon came!! Yay!! So exciting, they made pasta and we just sat and talked...it was so nice to see them!
Thursday: All of us went (including Betsy and Eldon) went out to dinner to celebrate Lindsey's 21st. Ironically it was the first time we'd all gone out to dinner here in Derry...hmm the food was really good, but the service was ridiculously slow. Eldon and Betsy caught the 12:45am bus back to dublin and while it was sad to see them go, it was amazing to get to just sit and chat with them!! :)
Friday: Left on the 8:45am bus to Belfast, where Lindsey and I caught the ferry over to Scotland!! It was like a mini-cruise ship aka amazing!! 4 or so hours later we were in Edinburgh!! It was love at first sight!! I mean what's not to love about a gorgous city, with nice accents, good food, and oh yeah a castle! Friday night we went out to a nice Italian restaurant, wandered around the city, and stumbled upon a ghost tour! It was pretty good, except I discovered I'm not a fan of walking around cemetaries at night! Afterwards I enjoyed a nice pint of strongbow (a beer thats like apple juice, and actually tastes good) ok only like half of it but still.
Saturday: We toured Edinburgh castle, which was huge! We had to wait in line for an hour, but it was well worth it!! We also just kinda explored. Good times! We tried to find a nice bar, but ended up just going to the one we got the free drink from on Friday.
Sunday: I went to Easter mass at what I think was an anglican church...not too sure! It was the first church I knew had an 11am mass, and knew where it was! Afterwards Lindsey went off and had a harry potter day, and I went to a starbucks and read Bridget Jones Diary before we met up again for a free walking tour of edinburgh! After our tour we got burgers at a place that had a 2 for 1 deal with our walking tour company!
Monday: Travelled back to Derry, finished reading Bridget Jones' Diary, had more Starbucks, got sick:(
Tuesday: Cleaned my room, slept in and was just really lazy, hopefully I'll feel a little better because I really don't want to be sick, especially for my last two weeks in Derry!
I think that's all for now!
Love + Miss y'all!!!
Katie :)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Europe, 21st bday, and some things in between!
So I haven't blogged in 2 weeks, partially because it's been a crazy two weeks, and partially because I'm lazy (as most of you know!) and have been procrastinating this! But here we go with a recap of the 2 weeks(I really hope this doesn't get too long):
Spring Break: AMAZING!!! (Well that was easy...next question) While in Rome we (Drea and I) did the tourist thing, touring the colossium, old roman ruins, vatican museum, St. Peter's Basilica, trevi fountain,etc. Pretty sure we lived off pizza and gelato for the three days we were there! Other than the lack of a warm shower at the hostel, and having a hard time finding the hostel in the first place, it was a really fun trip, and I'm glad I got to go back there, because I think I appreciate all the history and beauty a little more than I did senior year. As for Barcelona...it was so pretty! Not only did I get to use my spanish to find a second H+M on the same block, and to order food, but apparently I pass as spanish because some guy was trying to get me to do a survey about my job! Go figure! In Barcelona we spent most of the time with Becca, Lindsey, Ian and Ben (and a little bit with Alyssa and Jordan who joined us for the last two days! :)) eating, going on a bike tour of Barcelona (awesome experience and I didn't hit anyone, which is always a bonus!) and we spent an afternoon at the beach! Other than the obnoxious american college students there we had a good time, and I definately know the appeal of drinking on the beach...it's very relaxing! Oh and for some reason Hecua people are rubbing off on me because I read a book and a half on this trip! The first one being "He's Just not that into you!" Guilty pleasure yes, but it was actually pretty funny and a good read. I also started reading Che's Bolivian diary. I've developed some curiosity about che, and just kinda want to learn more about him!
In-between stuff: I'm starting to get more involved with some of the youth groups which is really fun! We had a residential (aka retreat) this weekend (yes I worked all day on my bday but it was well worth it, and its not like I was waiting 'til my bday to have a drink here!) Overall it went pretty well, but by the end of it on Sunday everyone was exhausted! It was really cool to not only get to know some of the youths better, but also to see how they interacted with one another!
Bday-ness: We celebrated my birthday on Sunday since I was gone all weekend, and it was perfect! Lindsey and Becca made delicious appatizers and this vegetable spaghetti dish, and there was two cakes: Banana and chocolate, and the chocolate one was in the shape of a duck!! It was too cute! We were going to go out, but we were all ridiculously tired, so we stayed in and played phase 1o! Oh and Justin sang happy birthday to me over skype because he felt bad he wasn't here! Today when we got to the buscentre in Belfast everyone was there to meet us and said happy bday to me which was just really sweet of them! They also sang happy bday in seminar today which was actually really funny! Overall it was a really good bday with great people, who in the past two months have gone from strangers to good friends...aww I really do love our little HECUA family!!!
This week: Because of the easter holiday the youth clubs are closing this week so that means no night work! Eek! Thats especially exciting because Betsy and Eldon are coming tomorrow and it means I can spend more time with them! Oh and Friday Lindsey and I are off to Scotland for Easter weekend! Don't worry mom, we're going to church on Sunday!
Ok I think thats all for now...this was shorter than I thought it would be!
With Love from Northern Ireland,
Katie :)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Quick update on my fabulous long weekend!
Hey everyone! I promise this will be kinda short seeing as how I have to go to work soon, but I just thought I'd write about my 4-day weekend, because it was pretty much amazing! Friday night we went out to the metro (we were going to go to a club, but it didn't open til 11 and so we stopped at metro for a drink and ended up just staying there!) for a little bit just to relax and have fun, but fully aware that we would have to be on a bus to donegal at 8am...or so we thought...
Unfortunately the belfast people missed their bus and so we didn't leave until 11 which we were all appreciative of!! Donegal was amazingly beautiful! We had sing-a-longs most of the way down and as part of that learned a good chunk of galway girl(which came in handy monday night)! Highlights include standing atop an old fortress with really strong winds, walking on the castle grounds in the national park, and dinner with nigel at our flat! After dinner we headed off to a going away party for one of sarah's coworkers and then went to bed early!
Sunday was a lazy kinda day, Sarah made delicious crepes, and then we did a little bit of shopping! After dinner we watched Hamlet 2 again cause Lindsey and Justin hadn't seen it yet and then went to bed because we had to leave by 8:30 for belfast the next morning!
Monday was a long but interesting day because we went to the U.S. Consulate and Stormont (NI Parliament) and talked with representatives from most of the major parties. It was really interesting and some of the representatives caused mixed emotions and reactions from the hecua group but I think that was probably a good thing. After we dropped off the belfast people we went to a little restaurant and had dinner before heading off to Ballycastle for the night! We ended up being able to stay at corrymela (a retreat and reconciliation center where justin is interning) and enjoyed both traditional irish and scotish music, and karaoke! Fun way to celebrate st. patty's day...between leading a bar in this little light of mine, and justin and Sarah's rendition of friends in low places it was perfect!
Tuesday we strolled along the beach and walked around ballycastle before taking a bus and a train home to derry! By that point I was exhausted and coming down with something so i just went to sleep! Yesterday I had to leave work early cause I was so sick but I'm hoping I'm really feeling ok enough to go into day! Wish me luck!
I'll write more and add pictures tomorrow before I leave for Rome and Barcelona!
With Love from Northern Ireland!
Katie
Unfortunately the belfast people missed their bus and so we didn't leave until 11 which we were all appreciative of!! Donegal was amazingly beautiful! We had sing-a-longs most of the way down and as part of that learned a good chunk of galway girl(which came in handy monday night)! Highlights include standing atop an old fortress with really strong winds, walking on the castle grounds in the national park, and dinner with nigel at our flat! After dinner we headed off to a going away party for one of sarah's coworkers and then went to bed early!
Sunday was a lazy kinda day, Sarah made delicious crepes, and then we did a little bit of shopping! After dinner we watched Hamlet 2 again cause Lindsey and Justin hadn't seen it yet and then went to bed because we had to leave by 8:30 for belfast the next morning!
Monday was a long but interesting day because we went to the U.S. Consulate and Stormont (NI Parliament) and talked with representatives from most of the major parties. It was really interesting and some of the representatives caused mixed emotions and reactions from the hecua group but I think that was probably a good thing. After we dropped off the belfast people we went to a little restaurant and had dinner before heading off to Ballycastle for the night! We ended up being able to stay at corrymela (a retreat and reconciliation center where justin is interning) and enjoyed both traditional irish and scotish music, and karaoke! Fun way to celebrate st. patty's day...between leading a bar in this little light of mine, and justin and Sarah's rendition of friends in low places it was perfect!
Tuesday we strolled along the beach and walked around ballycastle before taking a bus and a train home to derry! By that point I was exhausted and coming down with something so i just went to sleep! Yesterday I had to leave work early cause I was so sick but I'm hoping I'm really feeling ok enough to go into day! Wish me luck!
I'll write more and add pictures tomorrow before I leave for Rome and Barcelona!
With Love from Northern Ireland!
Katie
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Craic...(aka What's been going on...)
So of all the weeks to slack off on blogging this week probably wasn't the best to choose, but I was working a lot and the internet in the flat wasn't working most of the time so yeah...Anyways I didn't go to work on tuesday because my supervisor was sick which wasn't too bad except that i need to make up those hours now but oh well i figure it out. Tuesday night I went to meditation with the girls again and then we continued our tuesday tradition of following meditation up with going out for a drink. We got/shared a pitcher of a drink called frilly tutu-weird ordering it but it was really tasty! The irony of going to meditation then drinking isn't lost on any of us, and I think we're just finding peace in all sorts of ways...
Wednesday was somewhat uneventful just work, oh and a delicious family meal of stuffed tortelini and veggies. Oh and we play phase 10 which seems to be a new tradition...
Thursday I worked and while I was at the youth club I got a first hand look at the increased tension and ongoing conflict between kids in the fountain and kids from outside of it. It just made me realize how much different their lives were because as they were standing at a streetcorner arguing with other kids, I went back to the flat, made dinner and played phase 10. Quite a contrast... Oh and i booked my and drea's rooms for spring break so I don't have to sleep on a park bench!
Today started early as I had to be on a bus to dungiven at 8am (which is late considering i was going to take a 7am bus!) from there my supervisor picked me up and we headed to a conference in belfast! It actually wasn't too bad and I got some booklets that might be helpful in writing my research papers so that worked out well. Plus we stopped at a roadside restaurant and I had this delicious tomato, mozerella cheese, and suite onion wrap. And on my way home I stopped and got a carmel machiatto from the starbucks in the mall and it was the perfect friday afternoon snack! After doing a little window shopping I made it back to the flat ready to relax! Oh which reminds me to mention that due to recent events including the interception of a 300lb bomb (which I heard might have been on its way to derry/londonderry) there has definately been an increase in police visibility. Prior to the killings the only police i had seen were outside bars as they were closing, however they were checking cars when I got a ride home last night, and today as I walked back along strand rd. I passed three police officers. I should probably point out that unlike the cops in the U.S. being friendly is not part of their image. They are very serious looking as they stand there tightly gripping their m16s! And yet in a way its kinda comforting to know that they are out there keeping us safe.
As for this weekend...we'll probably go out tonight and tommorrow is our day in donegal! It should be fun, and Karen and ben are coming up from belfast for it so it'll be a little more than just the derry group!
Oh and in case anyone was wondering St. Patty's day is going to be low key because its normally crazy (and not necessarily in a good way) but with recent events and increased tension we all just want to celebrate in the flat!
Still loving N.I.!
Katie :)
P.S. More pictures coming soon!
Wednesday was somewhat uneventful just work, oh and a delicious family meal of stuffed tortelini and veggies. Oh and we play phase 10 which seems to be a new tradition...
Thursday I worked and while I was at the youth club I got a first hand look at the increased tension and ongoing conflict between kids in the fountain and kids from outside of it. It just made me realize how much different their lives were because as they were standing at a streetcorner arguing with other kids, I went back to the flat, made dinner and played phase 10. Quite a contrast... Oh and i booked my and drea's rooms for spring break so I don't have to sleep on a park bench!
Today started early as I had to be on a bus to dungiven at 8am (which is late considering i was going to take a 7am bus!) from there my supervisor picked me up and we headed to a conference in belfast! It actually wasn't too bad and I got some booklets that might be helpful in writing my research papers so that worked out well. Plus we stopped at a roadside restaurant and I had this delicious tomato, mozerella cheese, and suite onion wrap. And on my way home I stopped and got a carmel machiatto from the starbucks in the mall and it was the perfect friday afternoon snack! After doing a little window shopping I made it back to the flat ready to relax! Oh which reminds me to mention that due to recent events including the interception of a 300lb bomb (which I heard might have been on its way to derry/londonderry) there has definately been an increase in police visibility. Prior to the killings the only police i had seen were outside bars as they were closing, however they were checking cars when I got a ride home last night, and today as I walked back along strand rd. I passed three police officers. I should probably point out that unlike the cops in the U.S. being friendly is not part of their image. They are very serious looking as they stand there tightly gripping their m16s! And yet in a way its kinda comforting to know that they are out there keeping us safe.
As for this weekend...we'll probably go out tonight and tommorrow is our day in donegal! It should be fun, and Karen and ben are coming up from belfast for it so it'll be a little more than just the derry group!
Oh and in case anyone was wondering St. Patty's day is going to be low key because its normally crazy (and not necessarily in a good way) but with recent events and increased tension we all just want to celebrate in the flat!
Still loving N.I.!
Katie :)
P.S. More pictures coming soon!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Short and to the point?
So first off, as some of you may know there was an attack on an army base in Antrim, which resulted in the first soldier killed since 1997. It certainly came as a surprise to us, but to my understanding their had been rumors that dissident republicans were planning something so I suppose others might have been expecting something to happen. I'm not really scared of something happening, I mean I feel like I should take this incident as a reminder of where I am, but at the same time I don't really fear for my safety. Besides the fact that I usually get the sense that people can tell I'm american(or at least not from the UK) just by looking at me, in general everyone has been kind and welcoming so I'm just going to be aware of myself and my surroundings and continue living, working, and playing in Northern Ireland!
As for an update on this weekend...we went out Friday night to this bar/club where our ids were carefully checked, only to feel like we were the oldest ones there! To make things more awkward it felt like we were at a high school dance! Complete with guys and girls dancing in same-sex groups, that is when they were actually dancing because the girls were so decked out in dresses and heels that they found it hard to actually dance! Needless to say we went home early and watched Hamlet 2! Awesome movie and the perfect end to the night!
Saturday was just kind of a bummy day, we all slept in and did nothing which was really nice! Later we watched some movie about david bowie and iggy pop's relationship, it had christian bale and jonathon rhys myers need I say more!
Today my big accomplishment has been going to the grocery store! Except I didn't time it quite right and ended up walking up hill in wind and rain with a few too many groceries! It really wasn't that bad and I needed food so its all good I suppose. I think we're having another family dinner which are always fun, and then going out somewhere for a little bit because our seminar tomorrow is here in derry, and well why not go out!
As for an update on this weekend...we went out Friday night to this bar/club where our ids were carefully checked, only to feel like we were the oldest ones there! To make things more awkward it felt like we were at a high school dance! Complete with guys and girls dancing in same-sex groups, that is when they were actually dancing because the girls were so decked out in dresses and heels that they found it hard to actually dance! Needless to say we went home early and watched Hamlet 2! Awesome movie and the perfect end to the night!
Saturday was just kind of a bummy day, we all slept in and did nothing which was really nice! Later we watched some movie about david bowie and iggy pop's relationship, it had christian bale and jonathon rhys myers need I say more!
Today my big accomplishment has been going to the grocery store! Except I didn't time it quite right and ended up walking up hill in wind and rain with a few too many groceries! It really wasn't that bad and I needed food so its all good I suppose. I think we're having another family dinner which are always fun, and then going out somewhere for a little bit because our seminar tomorrow is here in derry, and well why not go out!
Friday, March 6, 2009
I don't have to be me til Tuesday!
So last night was a bit of a long one, I got home at like 9 from work which is starting to get kinda interesting. Anyways after I ate some delicious pizza and procrastinated with the girls for a little bit, before we were interrupted by the world's longest fire alarm! It was probably 20-30 minutes before we could get back in. By that time I really needed to finish my paper which took a little longer than expected, but its all done and it's the weekend! So it's all good.
So there's a store in town called supertramp, and I pass it everyday on my way to work, and whenever we go into town, so for some reason I decided to stop in on my way home even though I was really tired and it was raining. The store has a few cute dresses (including one I bought in Coleraine!), cute t-shirts, and then it has a lot of neon clothes and tutu! Yes you read that right, tutues like the ones ballerinas usually wear. Not exactly what I would have expected from the name, but none the less interesting. Oh and when I was on the bus I found the piercing place in town, not to be confused with the tattoo parlor, but it's called something like "Ring in my thing" Oh I just keep noticing more and more about Derry and I kinda like it.
Oh and we're spending the weekend here in Derry now so I had to get a nap in before we go out tonight! I'm actually excited for it cause we've only been out once in Derry and even the people at St. Columb's Park house ask me where we go out and so far I've had to say well we just kinda stayed in and watched movies(Don't get me wrong last weekend was fun, but still)
Still Loving Northern Ireland and its ever changing weather!
So there's a store in town called supertramp, and I pass it everyday on my way to work, and whenever we go into town, so for some reason I decided to stop in on my way home even though I was really tired and it was raining. The store has a few cute dresses (including one I bought in Coleraine!), cute t-shirts, and then it has a lot of neon clothes and tutu! Yes you read that right, tutues like the ones ballerinas usually wear. Not exactly what I would have expected from the name, but none the less interesting. Oh and when I was on the bus I found the piercing place in town, not to be confused with the tattoo parlor, but it's called something like "Ring in my thing" Oh I just keep noticing more and more about Derry and I kinda like it.
Oh and we're spending the weekend here in Derry now so I had to get a nap in before we go out tonight! I'm actually excited for it cause we've only been out once in Derry and even the people at St. Columb's Park house ask me where we go out and so far I've had to say well we just kinda stayed in and watched movies(Don't get me wrong last weekend was fun, but still)
Still Loving Northern Ireland and its ever changing weather!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Lets see...First off the internet is very tempermental, meaning it only works at sometimes inconvient times (grant it we don't have to leave the room so I guess that's something to be thankful for!) Oh and I'm starting to learn how to do something that kinda resembles cooking...and so far the meals have looked and tasted great!
Today was our first seminar day and it was in belfast. It was really nice to see everyone (the sad thing is that it had only been like 4 or 5 days since we were all together! Originally the plan for this weekend was to go out in derry, but now it looks like Becca, Sarah, and I are going to volunteer at Corrymela with Justin and Lindsey is heading to Belfast to hang out with the rest of the gang! And the following weekend we are going to take a day trip to donegal, which should be amazing! I'm really excited for this weekend, and I don't know why but hopefully its a good one! Tomorrow is my first day really working with one of the youth groups and I'm a little unsure of what to expect, and a little nervous that I won't understand what they're saying because of their accents but with any luck mine will sound just as odd to them!
:)
Today was our first seminar day and it was in belfast. It was really nice to see everyone (the sad thing is that it had only been like 4 or 5 days since we were all together! Originally the plan for this weekend was to go out in derry, but now it looks like Becca, Sarah, and I are going to volunteer at Corrymela with Justin and Lindsey is heading to Belfast to hang out with the rest of the gang! And the following weekend we are going to take a day trip to donegal, which should be amazing! I'm really excited for this weekend, and I don't know why but hopefully its a good one! Tomorrow is my first day really working with one of the youth groups and I'm a little unsure of what to expect, and a little nervous that I won't understand what they're saying because of their accents but with any luck mine will sound just as odd to them!
:)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
First Day of Internship!
So yesterday turned out to be pretty interesting I must admit! I got lost on my way to work, because there's a leisure center with the same name sorta next to it but not really and I got off one bus stop late, but I still got to work early so it all worked out fine! I think I'm going to be a tea drinker after living here, because tea is offered throughout the day and I've already become a coffee drinker (Mom you'd be so proud of me I drank a whole cup of coffee with only one sugar and no milk) Anyways I spent the morning/early afternoon reading up on St. Columb's Park House and their projects, and then went to the Fountain and walked around the area for a little while before going to a meeting. It was definately a little harder to understand some of the people in the fountain because they seemed to have a heavier accent, but I'm sure I'll get use to it in no time.
So the internet was down last night, so we watched LA Story with Steve Martin...interesting movie. Oh and we were interupted (but in a good way) by two students one of whom is running for overall president and then the conversation somehow turned to west wing (which the other student is obsessed with too!) and where to go out to (each day has a different hot spot of course!) And then he was like "yeah the student union bar opens at 11, but wait you guys don't drink then, only the irish drink that early!" And I must admit 11am is a little early for drinking especially during the week!
So I don't start work till 2:30 today(hence why I'm writing this now) which is good I guess, it was just weird waking up as everyone else was leaving for work, hopefully I'll get use to it cause I think this internship is going to be really interesting to say the least!
I think that's all for now...oh and I'll try to add more pics soon!
So the internet was down last night, so we watched LA Story with Steve Martin...interesting movie. Oh and we were interupted (but in a good way) by two students one of whom is running for overall president and then the conversation somehow turned to west wing (which the other student is obsessed with too!) and where to go out to (each day has a different hot spot of course!) And then he was like "yeah the student union bar opens at 11, but wait you guys don't drink then, only the irish drink that early!" And I must admit 11am is a little early for drinking especially during the week!
So I don't start work till 2:30 today(hence why I'm writing this now) which is good I guess, it was just weird waking up as everyone else was leaving for work, hopefully I'll get use to it cause I think this internship is going to be really interesting to say the least!
I think that's all for now...oh and I'll try to add more pics soon!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A sunday stroll through Derry...
So last night, after having a delicious feast we ended up just watching wedding crashers and hanging out. It was fun to just chill, but I'm definately looking forward to going out somewhere next weekend (is that bad?), just because it's fun to go out too! Today was pretty low key, I just did a little laundry, ate a lot, and took a walk into town...all by myself! From that walk I learned a few things: 1. That although Derry is cute, its still a major city 2. I actually kinda like just walking around. Now I should probably point out nothing happened to me, and there weren't that many people out being that its a sunday. One thing I did notice was people, and more specifically men around here tend to stand outside bars drinking, smoking and talking during or after football/soccer games, and it was almost exclusively men (large groups of them). The other thing was that on my way home (while carrying a large pink duffle bag mind you) two guys passed me on the main road and two seconds after we passed each other I heard this loud noise...One of the men had just thrown his half full glass of beer over his shoulder(like how some people throw salt over their shoulders)! I'm pretty sure they were just so drunk that they didn't realize how close I still was to them cause one of them kinda muttered "oh sorry" I'm not going to lie it kinda freaked me out a little bit, but I certainly don't think I have to be worried walking in and out of town during the day. I mean I'm not scared to walk around downtown chicago by myself, I'm certainly not going to be scared to do it in derry. Besides, in general most people are really friendly here so I'm not worried!
Tomorrow I start my internship...this should be interesting! :)
Tomorrow I start my internship...this should be interesting! :)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Oh me, oh my!
So its been a few days since I posted anything but it's been kinda crazy and i've been kinda lazy so...
Thursday night was really fun! We went and heard traditional irish music, and I'm pretty sure we somehow managed to polka to it several times throughout the night! There was definately an older crowd there than we're use to but they seemed amused by us to say the least! Friday morning came quickly and by 9am the 8 people going to belfast were on their way (I got up to say bye, and because I needed to pack and buy my tickets for spring break!) The rest of us left around 2:30 and had a sing-along on the way to derry! Once we got here we moved into our awesome flat, went grocery shopping/go something to eat, and started to settle in. We had a quiet night in with west wing episodes as we were all really tired.
Today we made a feast for brunch with fried potatos and eggs. I didn't really help with the cooking but i did the dishes so it was definately a team effort! After that most of us just went into town and walked around and did a little shopping. We found a cute coffee shop and they had the most amazing chocolate cake! It was sooo good. As for the rest of tonight, it'll probably be low key seeing as how all of our energy levels are really low. There's talk of checking out a wine bar, or just finding a little pub to just hang out in.
:)
Thursday night was really fun! We went and heard traditional irish music, and I'm pretty sure we somehow managed to polka to it several times throughout the night! There was definately an older crowd there than we're use to but they seemed amused by us to say the least! Friday morning came quickly and by 9am the 8 people going to belfast were on their way (I got up to say bye, and because I needed to pack and buy my tickets for spring break!) The rest of us left around 2:30 and had a sing-along on the way to derry! Once we got here we moved into our awesome flat, went grocery shopping/go something to eat, and started to settle in. We had a quiet night in with west wing episodes as we were all really tired.
Today we made a feast for brunch with fried potatos and eggs. I didn't really help with the cooking but i did the dishes so it was definately a team effort! After that most of us just went into town and walked around and did a little shopping. We found a cute coffee shop and they had the most amazing chocolate cake! It was sooo good. As for the rest of tonight, it'll probably be low key seeing as how all of our energy levels are really low. There's talk of checking out a wine bar, or just finding a little pub to just hang out in.
:)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Ash Wednesday and Last Thursday
Ok, so yesterday was Ash Wednesday (which I only knew because of the posters up around school thank you UU), but it was also our fieldtrip to Belfast. Let me just say that "fasting" on day long field trips is harder to do than you might think...but I did it! By fasting, of course I mean just not snacking between meals or anything like that, but it was really tempting when we stopped to get coffee in belfast and their were fluffy scones the size of my hand!
Anyways the highlight of yesterday was definately the fact that we got to hear from people involved on both sides of the troubles-loyalists and republicans/unionists and nationalists/protestants and catholics. Their stores were definately powerful especially when paired with visiting and being in shankill and Milltown cemetary.
Today we had some preparation for our internship, followed by lunch at Nigel's house. His kids are soooo cute, and well naturally his wife was so nice (especially cause she made soup and bread for us, and welcomed all 13 of us into her home for lunch!) After that we were surprised with a trip to the beach, and although it was a little cold and rainy it was still awesome! Tonight we're going to celebrate our last night all together by going to the anchor to listen to some traditional irish music! It should be fun and I hear we're all dressing up, which I'm really excited for cause that means I can wear one of my new dresses!
Anyways, promise to write more later!
Katie :)
Anyways the highlight of yesterday was definately the fact that we got to hear from people involved on both sides of the troubles-loyalists and republicans/unionists and nationalists/protestants and catholics. Their stores were definately powerful especially when paired with visiting and being in shankill and Milltown cemetary.
Today we had some preparation for our internship, followed by lunch at Nigel's house. His kids are soooo cute, and well naturally his wife was so nice (especially cause she made soup and bread for us, and welcomed all 13 of us into her home for lunch!) After that we were surprised with a trip to the beach, and although it was a little cold and rainy it was still awesome! Tonight we're going to celebrate our last night all together by going to the anchor to listen to some traditional irish music! It should be fun and I hear we're all dressing up, which I'm really excited for cause that means I can wear one of my new dresses!
Anyways, promise to write more later!
Katie :)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Fat tuesday...Does that mean I get to eat more?
*Girls Pic this past Saturday!
*Peace Mural...My Favorite!
*Free Derry...er Gaza Sign
*Dunluce Castle :)
*By Giant's Causeway :) Beautiful ain't it?
Ok so the last thing I want to put in here is some of the quotes that have really stood out to me over the last three weeks or so...quotes just really stand out to me so I usually make a note or take a picture of them. Anyways here are a few of the quotes...
"History, despite its wretching pain, Cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."~Maya Angelou
"First Casualty of war is the truth."~Adrian, the tour guide in derry
"History=divided PLACE or a divided PEOPLE" Nigel...I think...
"I'll wear no Convict's uniform, nor meakly serve my time"~hunger strikers memorial
"Let Our Revenge Be The Laughter Of Our Children"~Hunger strikers memorial
Just words that make you think...
*Peace Mural...My Favorite!
*Free Derry...er Gaza Sign
*Dunluce Castle :)
*By Giant's Causeway :) Beautiful ain't it?*Group pic first weekend out
So today has been a good but long day! It started with me deciding sleep was more important than getting up and showering. And while this isn't a new dilema for me, it was the first time I had this thought here, and only the second time i didn't shower first thing in the morning (last wednesday was the first, but it was just because the water was so cold that i just couldn't bring myself to shower, i did wash my hair in it though so...but i digress) Anyways that extra sleep and a little bit of coffee held me over through a presentation on education here in the us-actually really interesting, so interesting in fact that i went and looked up a bunch of stuff at the end of the day. Our speaker went over about a half and hour so we ate a really quick lunch before and during our next presentation which was on how children view the troubles and reconciliation-really interesting too! Then we went and cashed our stipend checks for the next 8 weeks, needless to say i was very protective and aware of that money-I've never had so much cash! We finished up the day with a little orientation to belfast and watching parts of a video that show separatism through children's eyes.
So tonight I made my delicious pasta with tomato and chedder cheese but this time the plate was huge and probably weighted at least 5-10 pounds...I'm not exaggerating (Drea took a pic so that will be coming soon) And now I'm just kinda thinking about things and reading a book about the omagh bombing, and planning on going to bed early cause i'm exhausted! (And we're leaving at 8am tomorrow!)
So tonight I made my delicious pasta with tomato and chedder cheese but this time the plate was huge and probably weighted at least 5-10 pounds...I'm not exaggerating (Drea took a pic so that will be coming soon) And now I'm just kinda thinking about things and reading a book about the omagh bombing, and planning on going to bed early cause i'm exhausted! (And we're leaving at 8am tomorrow!)
Ok so the last thing I want to put in here is some of the quotes that have really stood out to me over the last three weeks or so...quotes just really stand out to me so I usually make a note or take a picture of them. Anyways here are a few of the quotes...
"History, despite its wretching pain, Cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."~Maya Angelou
"First Casualty of war is the truth."~Adrian, the tour guide in derry
"History=divided PLACE or a divided PEOPLE" Nigel...I think...
"I'll wear no Convict's uniform, nor meakly serve my time"~hunger strikers memorial
"Let Our Revenge Be The Laughter Of Our Children"~Hunger strikers memorial
Just words that make you think...
Monday, February 23, 2009
A rambling kind of day
So I guess the last two days have been relatively calm and uneventful, which can be relaxing at times, but then sometimes too much free time on your hands leads to too much thinking (although I haven't really hit that point yet, and now I'm just rambling...)
Anyways yesterday...what did I do?
Oh, I made an amazing lunch of mostacholi with tomatos and shreadded chedder cheese (it looked amazing trust me!) and watched shipwrecked(a young adult survivor-like british reality show) which has become a sunday tradition for me, drea, and sarah. After that I just went to the library and did some of the reading, but while i was at the library I discovered some adult episodes of "Doug." In an effort to protect my childhood memories i only watched one though (although I must admit i'm kinda intrigued)! Anyways I watched superbad and finished the reading and went to bed! Not too exciting, but it was kinda nice to have a kinda slow day.
Today Derick talked to us about relationships and building trust in northern ireland, and reconciliation. Class and lunch were the first times I had seen some people since friday night, and apparently they're all getting sick :( After that Nigel talked about "dealing" with the past which as much as I've seen and heard horror stories of the troubles for some reason I still teared up at the pictures he used in the slide show. I don't really think becoming immune to the images is helpful because it's important to remember that each victim had a family and a life that got changed forever. Sorry I'm rambling again, i guess its just one of those days! Anyways after class, I did laundry and ate some pizza before coming to the lib to use the internet and finish reading. Hopefully going to bed early cause tomorrow is gonna be a long day between three seminars, and going to get our stipend checks, but it should be fun!
Oh, so talk of what everyone is doing for spring break has begun already! The good news, flights are really cheap and I have a couple of different options for who with and where I go, the not-so good news is it will require a little planning. Oh well more stuff to think about!
Loving Northern Ireland more and more,
Katie :)
Anyways yesterday...what did I do?
Oh, I made an amazing lunch of mostacholi with tomatos and shreadded chedder cheese (it looked amazing trust me!) and watched shipwrecked(a young adult survivor-like british reality show) which has become a sunday tradition for me, drea, and sarah. After that I just went to the library and did some of the reading, but while i was at the library I discovered some adult episodes of "Doug." In an effort to protect my childhood memories i only watched one though (although I must admit i'm kinda intrigued)! Anyways I watched superbad and finished the reading and went to bed! Not too exciting, but it was kinda nice to have a kinda slow day.
Today Derick talked to us about relationships and building trust in northern ireland, and reconciliation. Class and lunch were the first times I had seen some people since friday night, and apparently they're all getting sick :( After that Nigel talked about "dealing" with the past which as much as I've seen and heard horror stories of the troubles for some reason I still teared up at the pictures he used in the slide show. I don't really think becoming immune to the images is helpful because it's important to remember that each victim had a family and a life that got changed forever. Sorry I'm rambling again, i guess its just one of those days! Anyways after class, I did laundry and ate some pizza before coming to the lib to use the internet and finish reading. Hopefully going to bed early cause tomorrow is gonna be a long day between three seminars, and going to get our stipend checks, but it should be fun!
Oh, so talk of what everyone is doing for spring break has begun already! The good news, flights are really cheap and I have a couple of different options for who with and where I go, the not-so good news is it will require a little planning. Oh well more stuff to think about!
Loving Northern Ireland more and more,
Katie :)
Saturday, February 21, 2009
It definately smells like Wisconsin today!
Last night, the potluck was delicious, and Sarah's birthday candle was carved into a potato! It was really cute too because the boys really went out of their way to make things perfect. When we got there, they had moved all the furniture around so that we could all fit around a large "table" in the center. The night really began after dinner, when because we are poor american college students, everyone began drinking, aka pre-gaming. I learned this term a few years ago, but it wasn't until recently that i understood the importance of it (You drink before you go, so you don't spend all your money at the bar!) Let's just say that we all had a good time, and we were all happy Becca decided to come out for a little bit even though she's been sick! Oh and they played one of the last songs I would have ever expected to hear in a club- 9 to 5 by dolly parton! Even more shocking we all knew at least part of it!
Curious about the title? Well even though it was warm and sunday when we finally left to go shopping today (it was 2:30 after all), it was windy and well the smell of manure was/is particularly strong today. I'm sure its one of those things I should just get use to, and I'm trying to I swear, its a little off putting nonetheless. Anyways we took a cab to and from the town square so it really wasn't a big deal. So Alyssa, Drea, Sarah, and I were all really excited to find all these movies on sale, until we realized they might not be playable on our computers or when we got home. So we put all the movies back and decided to drown our sorrows in shopping, and we did! I got a cute top and purse for 5 pounds each and two dresses for 30 pounds total. The dresses were good buys in particular because my lack of dresses has become apparent recently due to the fact that we go out every weekend, and well sometimes its just nice to get dressed up to go with friends! When we got back after a quick cab ride from our new favorite cab driver Kenny (who gave us free admission tickets to club aura last night) the ideas of naps, showering and eating were on our minds, and yet I came to the library cause theres still plenty of time for that!
As for tonight, maybe either a movie night or some of us were thinking of going to kelly's, which is supposedly a complex with three or four different clubs/bars where everyone goes on wed. nights, but a couple of people have told us we should go tonight so maybe we will. We were going to go this wednesday but thursday is shaping up to be a little longer of a day than we thought it would be so maybe not.
Still loving northern ireland and its people! :)
Curious about the title? Well even though it was warm and sunday when we finally left to go shopping today (it was 2:30 after all), it was windy and well the smell of manure was/is particularly strong today. I'm sure its one of those things I should just get use to, and I'm trying to I swear, its a little off putting nonetheless. Anyways we took a cab to and from the town square so it really wasn't a big deal. So Alyssa, Drea, Sarah, and I were all really excited to find all these movies on sale, until we realized they might not be playable on our computers or when we got home. So we put all the movies back and decided to drown our sorrows in shopping, and we did! I got a cute top and purse for 5 pounds each and two dresses for 30 pounds total. The dresses were good buys in particular because my lack of dresses has become apparent recently due to the fact that we go out every weekend, and well sometimes its just nice to get dressed up to go with friends! When we got back after a quick cab ride from our new favorite cab driver Kenny (who gave us free admission tickets to club aura last night) the ideas of naps, showering and eating were on our minds, and yet I came to the library cause theres still plenty of time for that!
As for tonight, maybe either a movie night or some of us were thinking of going to kelly's, which is supposedly a complex with three or four different clubs/bars where everyone goes on wed. nights, but a couple of people have told us we should go tonight so maybe we will. We were going to go this wednesday but thursday is shaping up to be a little longer of a day than we thought it would be so maybe not.
Still loving northern ireland and its people! :)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Potluck + missing contact=a good friday!
Really short blog cause I need to go get ready for tonight and make garlic bread for the potluck. The seminars today were really interesting cause they dealt with social work in N.I. as well as recognizing our own prejudices and the assumptions we make when we first meet people...a lot to think about on a friday afternoon! To complicate things my contact fell out sometime before I got to class making me semi blind for half the day, oh and I forgot my key too! I know good start to the day! On the brightside I discovered the deliciousness of nutella and peanut butter sandwiches! After class I took a brief nap before deciding to come to the library to just check my email.
Tonight we're having a potluck dinner/bday party for sarah over at the boys' place, followed by what is sure to be a fun night out at havana. Sloppy Joes, garlic bread, something i can't remember right now, and chocolate cake are on the menu so it should be delicious!
Oh and as for my internship which starts a week from monday, here's a little info:
My internship supervisor said I'd be helping with projects that bring together different groups of kids through classes and activities, and possibly a retreat which would be interesting to say the least. She also mentioned me maybe working on some research with the community with surveys, questionaires and what not which could be cool too. It sounded like there are a few different projects going on so there will be a chance to work on different projects. Honestly my biggest worry will be making sure I take the right buses to get to work the first day, and even then she said not to panic if i'm a few minutes late because i got lost or something. Mind you I won't be late because a. i'm going to make a point to be early, and b. I don't start til 10:30!!
As for this weekend, I have no clue but maybe going to tk maxx to get a cute dress because everyone else has one and well i want one too in case we do another dress night! And you read that right tk maxx, aka tj maxx in the states!
Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)
Tonight we're having a potluck dinner/bday party for sarah over at the boys' place, followed by what is sure to be a fun night out at havana. Sloppy Joes, garlic bread, something i can't remember right now, and chocolate cake are on the menu so it should be delicious!
Oh and as for my internship which starts a week from monday, here's a little info:
My internship supervisor said I'd be helping with projects that bring together different groups of kids through classes and activities, and possibly a retreat which would be interesting to say the least. She also mentioned me maybe working on some research with the community with surveys, questionaires and what not which could be cool too. It sounded like there are a few different projects going on so there will be a chance to work on different projects. Honestly my biggest worry will be making sure I take the right buses to get to work the first day, and even then she said not to panic if i'm a few minutes late because i got lost or something. Mind you I won't be late because a. i'm going to make a point to be early, and b. I don't start til 10:30!!
As for this weekend, I have no clue but maybe going to tk maxx to get a cute dress because everyone else has one and well i want one too in case we do another dress night! And you read that right tk maxx, aka tj maxx in the states!
Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
So this may seem like a random post but well i'm kinda random so I guess it fits my personality then. Anyways I can't believe I've only been here 2 weeks! Don't get me wrong it's been an amazing two weeks, but I've already learned and experienced so much that it seems like its been much longer. Tonight some of us were talking about a Northern Ireland playlist and some of the songs that would have to be on there. Some of those songs include:
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme- by Abba
Single Ladies-Beyonce
I kissed a girl- Katy Perry
Hot and Cold- Katy Perry
The island- don't know who sings that one
Open your eyes- Snow Patrol (who hail from N.I.)
Take back the city-Snow Patrol
Closing time- Green day
And a few others I can't think of. Obviously some of these are significant because they are about N.I or the troubles, and/or because they are played during car rides, while others are the songs they play everytime we go out! Either way I can't listen to them the same way- now I have only good memories associated with them!
Today was ok, the first speaker kind of repeated the historical stuff we already know now, and didn't talk as much about his actual experience as part of the negotiations team that came to the good friday agreement, but overall he was ok. The second speaker talked about his experiences working and teaching in different countries in africa and what that has taught him about global social justice. It was really interesting, partially because he was really funny and because it was nice to talk about a different topic than the history of the troubles. Plus tomorrow is Friday! I'm so excited! Its Sarah's bday so we're having a potluck dinner/get together and then going out to Havana again. We always have a good time, but considering most of us haven't been out in a week, I have a feeling its going to be an interesting night!
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme- by Abba
Single Ladies-Beyonce
I kissed a girl- Katy Perry
Hot and Cold- Katy Perry
The island- don't know who sings that one
Open your eyes- Snow Patrol (who hail from N.I.)
Take back the city-Snow Patrol
Closing time- Green day
And a few others I can't think of. Obviously some of these are significant because they are about N.I or the troubles, and/or because they are played during car rides, while others are the songs they play everytime we go out! Either way I can't listen to them the same way- now I have only good memories associated with them!
Today was ok, the first speaker kind of repeated the historical stuff we already know now, and didn't talk as much about his actual experience as part of the negotiations team that came to the good friday agreement, but overall he was ok. The second speaker talked about his experiences working and teaching in different countries in africa and what that has taught him about global social justice. It was really interesting, partially because he was really funny and because it was nice to talk about a different topic than the history of the troubles. Plus tomorrow is Friday! I'm so excited! Its Sarah's bday so we're having a potluck dinner/get together and then going out to Havana again. We always have a good time, but considering most of us haven't been out in a week, I have a feeling its going to be an interesting night!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
It was the best of days and the worst of days...
Ok so today was an amazing! It was one of those days you know you'll never forget, but you don't really necessarily know how its changed me but i feel like it has. The stories of our bogside tour guide and john kelly who runs the free derry museum and whose brother Michael was killed in the Bloody Sunday disaster just made everything so real and personal. To hear him describe not only his brother's death, and the stories of how other victims died was sobering, but then after we toured the museum we got to have a little talk with him at a nearby community center he talked about how he and his family dealt with the loss. The way he sought revenge and justice for his brother was by pushing for a second inquiry into bloody sunday, and in doing so making the soldiers who killed testify (although all but one completly lied under oath, and it wasn't until the second inquiry that the one semi-honest soldier testimony was allowed, keep in mind the rest of his batoon tried to beat him up and he's now in witness protection.)
Anyway, there was something so moving about the bogside, I mean to stand where people died and essentially started the troubles moved me more than I can say. I bought a signed limited edition print of my favorite mural-the one thats all about peace of course! Oh and its signed by the artists themselves, and i just figure it'll be a perfect reminder of the day, the people, and the history.
So there was thing that really stands out in my mind, but not for good reasons. It was something i didn't take a picture of -partial because I didn't really want to remember it, and more because after reading it I wanted to puke, punch someone, and cry all at the same time. It was just one of apparently many letters sent to the families of the victims of bloody sunday saying that their son or loved one deserved to die because he was (fill in the blank with any number of expletives) and that instead of saying may god watch over him at the funeral, that it should have been something like thank good that pig died because he was a traitor and blah blah blah...IOh and at the end it told them they could either leave the bogside (area of derry where bloody sunday occured) or be burned out of their homes. 'm sure I'm not even beginning to describe it but it was the most horredous, hateful, merciless thing I've ever read.
Despite this, and that it started at 8am it was an amazing day! I met my internship supervisor, who is really nice, and discovered there are a lot of stores and bars in derry so i'm sure a good time will be had there! lol I'm excited to move there, I mean I'm gonna miss having the whole group together and four and half people is a really small group, but like everything else I have faith it will all work out for the better!
Oh and I was really surprised by how much stuff there was about the israel/palestinian conflict there was. The free derry sign now says free gaza, and on top of the hill/wall overlooking the bogside, protesters spelled out gaza with palestinian flags. And there's a few murals about it too. Speaking of interesting symbols Che is everywhere...I really liked the mural remembering him too! (on a random side note)
So the not so great part is that my beloved ipod has pretty much died and erased all the songs making it completly useless. I can't tell you how much i loved and used my ipod but really its just a thing, so i'm trying to not be too upset. It just reemphasizes how i need to get a job for this summer since it looks like i'll now be buying an ipod and laptop...these purchases better last for a couple years lol!
Maybe this day has just been draining and left me with a lot to think about.
Loving N.I in a whole new way,
Katie :)
Anyway, there was something so moving about the bogside, I mean to stand where people died and essentially started the troubles moved me more than I can say. I bought a signed limited edition print of my favorite mural-the one thats all about peace of course! Oh and its signed by the artists themselves, and i just figure it'll be a perfect reminder of the day, the people, and the history.
So there was thing that really stands out in my mind, but not for good reasons. It was something i didn't take a picture of -partial because I didn't really want to remember it, and more because after reading it I wanted to puke, punch someone, and cry all at the same time. It was just one of apparently many letters sent to the families of the victims of bloody sunday saying that their son or loved one deserved to die because he was (fill in the blank with any number of expletives) and that instead of saying may god watch over him at the funeral, that it should have been something like thank good that pig died because he was a traitor and blah blah blah...IOh and at the end it told them they could either leave the bogside (area of derry where bloody sunday occured) or be burned out of their homes. 'm sure I'm not even beginning to describe it but it was the most horredous, hateful, merciless thing I've ever read.
Despite this, and that it started at 8am it was an amazing day! I met my internship supervisor, who is really nice, and discovered there are a lot of stores and bars in derry so i'm sure a good time will be had there! lol I'm excited to move there, I mean I'm gonna miss having the whole group together and four and half people is a really small group, but like everything else I have faith it will all work out for the better!
Oh and I was really surprised by how much stuff there was about the israel/palestinian conflict there was. The free derry sign now says free gaza, and on top of the hill/wall overlooking the bogside, protesters spelled out gaza with palestinian flags. And there's a few murals about it too. Speaking of interesting symbols Che is everywhere...I really liked the mural remembering him too! (on a random side note)
So the not so great part is that my beloved ipod has pretty much died and erased all the songs making it completly useless. I can't tell you how much i loved and used my ipod but really its just a thing, so i'm trying to not be too upset. It just reemphasizes how i need to get a job for this summer since it looks like i'll now be buying an ipod and laptop...these purchases better last for a couple years lol!
Maybe this day has just been draining and left me with a lot to think about.
Loving N.I in a whole new way,
Katie :)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Not everyone's a fan of Americans
So I should probably start by saying that overall everyone has been really friendly and welcoming to us...with a few exceptions that is...
Saturday a group of people walked into portstewart to go to Morelli's again for lunch, and on their way back a group of 9 and 10 year olds egged them after finding out they were american. Luckily the little boys had bad aim and only managed to hit Karen's foot, but still...Apparently Jordan was ready to fight them, but seeing as how it was on their turf that probably wouldn't have been a good idea! Oh and a girl tried to start a fight with Justin at the club on thursday, and somebody almost got in a fight with some of the girls at the club on saturday. Somehow I've managed to miss all these incidents but they have made me a little more aware of how I and we as a group act in public.
Saturday turned out to be mellow...a bunch of us just stayed in and watched part of "Nick and Nora's infinate playlist" until the movie stopped, and then of course we turned on an episode of west wing! Isn't everyone's v-day like that?!
Sunday a few of us girls walked into coleraine to do a little shopping and get a few things! Everything was on sale- it was amazing! I ended up getting a cute black hat for 3 pounds and this ridiculously awesome hoodie for 16 pounds! It's got rainbow stripes and black background...its cool, trust me! Oh and when we got back I ate, and read, and Sarah and I did laundry! Yay for clean clothes! Oh and we finished the movie...cute ending!
Today we had class from 10-5, and we talked about identity, the conflict, and the murals. It was really interesting. Plus for the afternoon class we joined a class for history teachers, so it was cool to get to talk to them a little bit. Like most other people we have met here they were friendly and it was fun to have a little break from class to just talk with them! Tonight will probably be low key, we have a little homework, and some reading for later on in the week!
I'm kinda liking getting into the swing of things here so hopefully it continues to go well...we have a fieldtrip to derry on wed. and even though we leave at 8am I'm really excited for it. Oh and I discovered good hot chocolate and instant mocha coffee so that's exciting too!
That's all for now...I think,
Katie :)
Saturday a group of people walked into portstewart to go to Morelli's again for lunch, and on their way back a group of 9 and 10 year olds egged them after finding out they were american. Luckily the little boys had bad aim and only managed to hit Karen's foot, but still...Apparently Jordan was ready to fight them, but seeing as how it was on their turf that probably wouldn't have been a good idea! Oh and a girl tried to start a fight with Justin at the club on thursday, and somebody almost got in a fight with some of the girls at the club on saturday. Somehow I've managed to miss all these incidents but they have made me a little more aware of how I and we as a group act in public.
Saturday turned out to be mellow...a bunch of us just stayed in and watched part of "Nick and Nora's infinate playlist" until the movie stopped, and then of course we turned on an episode of west wing! Isn't everyone's v-day like that?!
Sunday a few of us girls walked into coleraine to do a little shopping and get a few things! Everything was on sale- it was amazing! I ended up getting a cute black hat for 3 pounds and this ridiculously awesome hoodie for 16 pounds! It's got rainbow stripes and black background...its cool, trust me! Oh and when we got back I ate, and read, and Sarah and I did laundry! Yay for clean clothes! Oh and we finished the movie...cute ending!
Today we had class from 10-5, and we talked about identity, the conflict, and the murals. It was really interesting. Plus for the afternoon class we joined a class for history teachers, so it was cool to get to talk to them a little bit. Like most other people we have met here they were friendly and it was fun to have a little break from class to just talk with them! Tonight will probably be low key, we have a little homework, and some reading for later on in the week!
I'm kinda liking getting into the swing of things here so hopefully it continues to go well...we have a fieldtrip to derry on wed. and even though we leave at 8am I'm really excited for it. Oh and I discovered good hot chocolate and instant mocha coffee so that's exciting too!
That's all for now...I think,
Katie :)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Like the irish...
So one of the main stereotypes of the Irish is that they drink a lot...while after a week of living in Northern Ireland I can honestly say that as a whole they sure know how to party! Most of us can't even imagine going out and partying everynight, but here they have specific places they go to each night of the week. While I don't claim to have gone to bed by 9pm everynight this year, I still think they go out A LOT! With that being said, I'm certainly enjoying the benefits of going out a couple times a week and enjoying a drink or too!
So Thursday night after doing a few of my readings for friday and sending in my cv (resume) and letter of introduction for my internship, we headed out for what I thought was just a drink or two at the anchor. We ended up hanging out at the pub for a while, before heading up to club aura for a little bit. Because I am really talented at procrastinating I still had 2 readings to finish before class on friday so I left with the early group but it was still fun...if not a little weird since our first real day of class was the next day.
Friday started off on a not so good foot with most of us girls being about 5 min. late for class! I hate being late to class normally but I really felt bad cause our classes are like seminars with people coming in just to talk to/with us. It didn't help that apparently we're the first group to ever show up late! Not really the record we wanted to set! It did get a little better though, because the seminars were actually pretty interesting, and the afternoon one was about whether the conflict was religious. The lecturer was really good at making you think about different things from different angles. After class Drea, Alyssa, Laureen and I took the bus into town to get some stuff at the grocery store. It's funny that here they have signs saying we card anyone who looks under 21, whereas in the us its way higher. Oh and apparently I must look over 21 cause I didn't get carded (grant it I only bought one bottle but still). Its a little weird to almost never be carded here, when I'm still not old enough to but it in the u.s.
Anywho, last night everyone kinda split up after class to take a nap, eat, do whatever before we all went out later that night. It was the first night in a while that we all went out together, which was really fun. We headed over to the boys flat for a little bit before hand (to "pregame" because otherwise we'd spend way too much money in the pub) and it was fun to just hang out with each other. After debating which bar to go to we finally settled on Havana in portstewart. Originally we were going to go to one in Portrush but a lot of people wanted to dance, and it was obvious that we were too loud to hang out all night in a quiet, local pub! Havana was a really nice bar and club- as Iain put it "It's so much classier than Aura" Oh I should mention that friday was becca's "bday"(not really her bday but the first day she was off her antibiotics...definately a reason to celebrate!). We made it a rule to celebrate everyone, whether or not their bday is actually during the trip or not. Havana was a lot of fun, and it was good that everyone could just kinda relax and have a good time. One weird thing though was that they had a picture of Che as part of their logo... I left with laureen, becca, and lindsey at 12:30 or 1:00ish which was probably a good thing cause after a pb+j sandwich and some water, I fell asleep right away!
As for the rest of the weekend...there was talk of a movie night tonight, but others were talking about going out again, I'm kinda hoping for/thinking about the movie/west wing night cause I'm just feeling lazy and mellow today, which is why I didn't walk into town to get laundry detergent even though I really need to do laundry soon! I'll probably save going to get that and doing laundry for tomorrow so I have something to do.
Still loving Northern Ireland!
Katie :)
So Thursday night after doing a few of my readings for friday and sending in my cv (resume) and letter of introduction for my internship, we headed out for what I thought was just a drink or two at the anchor. We ended up hanging out at the pub for a while, before heading up to club aura for a little bit. Because I am really talented at procrastinating I still had 2 readings to finish before class on friday so I left with the early group but it was still fun...if not a little weird since our first real day of class was the next day.
Friday started off on a not so good foot with most of us girls being about 5 min. late for class! I hate being late to class normally but I really felt bad cause our classes are like seminars with people coming in just to talk to/with us. It didn't help that apparently we're the first group to ever show up late! Not really the record we wanted to set! It did get a little better though, because the seminars were actually pretty interesting, and the afternoon one was about whether the conflict was religious. The lecturer was really good at making you think about different things from different angles. After class Drea, Alyssa, Laureen and I took the bus into town to get some stuff at the grocery store. It's funny that here they have signs saying we card anyone who looks under 21, whereas in the us its way higher. Oh and apparently I must look over 21 cause I didn't get carded (grant it I only bought one bottle but still). Its a little weird to almost never be carded here, when I'm still not old enough to but it in the u.s.
Anywho, last night everyone kinda split up after class to take a nap, eat, do whatever before we all went out later that night. It was the first night in a while that we all went out together, which was really fun. We headed over to the boys flat for a little bit before hand (to "pregame" because otherwise we'd spend way too much money in the pub) and it was fun to just hang out with each other. After debating which bar to go to we finally settled on Havana in portstewart. Originally we were going to go to one in Portrush but a lot of people wanted to dance, and it was obvious that we were too loud to hang out all night in a quiet, local pub! Havana was a really nice bar and club- as Iain put it "It's so much classier than Aura" Oh I should mention that friday was becca's "bday"(not really her bday but the first day she was off her antibiotics...definately a reason to celebrate!). We made it a rule to celebrate everyone, whether or not their bday is actually during the trip or not. Havana was a lot of fun, and it was good that everyone could just kinda relax and have a good time. One weird thing though was that they had a picture of Che as part of their logo... I left with laureen, becca, and lindsey at 12:30 or 1:00ish which was probably a good thing cause after a pb+j sandwich and some water, I fell asleep right away!
As for the rest of the weekend...there was talk of a movie night tonight, but others were talking about going out again, I'm kinda hoping for/thinking about the movie/west wing night cause I'm just feeling lazy and mellow today, which is why I didn't walk into town to get laundry detergent even though I really need to do laundry soon! I'll probably save going to get that and doing laundry for tomorrow so I have something to do.
Still loving Northern Ireland!
Katie :)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A quiet ulster thursday...
Ok first off I realized I left out one little detail yesterday, which was that when we got back to our flat we found a note saying that we had too much garbage and it needed to be removed by wed. (yes as in the day we got back and finally saw the note :) On top of that we discovered someone had done our dishes and reorganized the kitchen. To say it kinda creeped us out to know someone had been in our flat while we were gone is an understatement. Come to find out someone cleans the common areas once a week (something we didn't know) so that kinda explains it but still...
Anyway today was kinda your basic welcome to the university day, we got IT stuff explained, and talked with student services, etc. It did start off somewhat interestingly because we crashed a seminar, where this man pretty much said that volunteering to paint a house is really only helping yourself feel good, and that it's not actually making a difference or addressing the problem. Which on one hand i agree with but having done some service trips disagree that most service trips are pointless. He also talked about an 80/20 ratio and this 5/50/500 ratio which illustrated how even though we donate to countries in need, we take much more than we give, harming the countries even more. It was interesting and I think a lot of what he said was meant to be controversial and spark thought and conversation.
Tonight I'll probably just finish reading, and hang out since tomorrow begins all the seminars!
Anyway today was kinda your basic welcome to the university day, we got IT stuff explained, and talked with student services, etc. It did start off somewhat interestingly because we crashed a seminar, where this man pretty much said that volunteering to paint a house is really only helping yourself feel good, and that it's not actually making a difference or addressing the problem. Which on one hand i agree with but having done some service trips disagree that most service trips are pointless. He also talked about an 80/20 ratio and this 5/50/500 ratio which illustrated how even though we donate to countries in need, we take much more than we give, harming the countries even more. It was interesting and I think a lot of what he said was meant to be controversial and spark thought and conversation.
Tonight I'll probably just finish reading, and hang out since tomorrow begins all the seminars!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Castles, whisky, and cliffs oh my!
So its been a few days since i've written anything, but I have a good reason for that...we spent the last three days on the coast at a retreat house, meaning no internet. We left bright and early monday morning, not really knowing what to expect, or if we'd even be able to make it there because of the icy roads, but we made it and it was actually kinda nice! We spent monday "getting to know" each other, but the weekend had pretty much been the biggest ice breaker ever so that was ok. Oh and I'm glad we did those exercises monday afternoon because we discovered we are onions-multiple layers that need to be pealed in order to really get to know each other! Monday night was really interesting because we went with nigel and derick to corrymela center, where they work on bring the communities together as well as helping people deal with and move on from the troubles. I don't think I could even begin to describe how I think we all felt listening to derick talk about how powerful and emotionally some of their events had been. It was kinda one of those you had to be there moments but it really got us all thinking and, at least for me made the stuff i'm reading come to life.
With Tuesday came my first taste of poridge, aka oatmeal, and it was pretty good especially with the brown sugar! But it was so filling that i was too full to eat the freshly baked coffee cake...sad day! In the morning we went over course stuff, and in the afternoon we had the not so fun task of picking internships, aka everyone sitting around trying to get the one they want, and choosing as a group, sort of how, who would go where. My placement was made easy by the fact that I wanted to do one that no one else wanted! Yay! I love avoiding confrontation, purely by luck! Anyhow, two hours later, it was all settled without any tears, massive dissapointment, or fighting! Later that night we went out for a drink (a very popular pasttime around here) at a local pub and that was fun. Oh and we also watched twilight ok movie, made better by the incredibly sarcastic and ridiculous commentary! Unfortunately yesterday signaled the point where we're all starting to not feel so good, so hopefully we get better soon!
Anyways, Wednesday (aka today) we went to giant's causeway, the bushmills (whisky) distillery, and a castle (hence the title!). Honestly giant's causeway was amazing but scared the heck out of me for probably the first like 10 min. because I got stuck on the edge, alone, and didn't know where to go, but nigel helped out and soon the slippery rocks didn't bother me soo much! Then we grabbed lunch, and headed to the distillery. Pretty sure you could get drunk just standing outside of it. Whisky...interesting taste... a little intense by itself but yeah interesting! The castle was AMAZING and gorgous!
Will write more tomorrow time to go watch west wing and read a little for friday!
BTW I'm Loving Norn Iron! :)
With Tuesday came my first taste of poridge, aka oatmeal, and it was pretty good especially with the brown sugar! But it was so filling that i was too full to eat the freshly baked coffee cake...sad day! In the morning we went over course stuff, and in the afternoon we had the not so fun task of picking internships, aka everyone sitting around trying to get the one they want, and choosing as a group, sort of how, who would go where. My placement was made easy by the fact that I wanted to do one that no one else wanted! Yay! I love avoiding confrontation, purely by luck! Anyhow, two hours later, it was all settled without any tears, massive dissapointment, or fighting! Later that night we went out for a drink (a very popular pasttime around here) at a local pub and that was fun. Oh and we also watched twilight ok movie, made better by the incredibly sarcastic and ridiculous commentary! Unfortunately yesterday signaled the point where we're all starting to not feel so good, so hopefully we get better soon!
Anyways, Wednesday (aka today) we went to giant's causeway, the bushmills (whisky) distillery, and a castle (hence the title!). Honestly giant's causeway was amazing but scared the heck out of me for probably the first like 10 min. because I got stuck on the edge, alone, and didn't know where to go, but nigel helped out and soon the slippery rocks didn't bother me soo much! Then we grabbed lunch, and headed to the distillery. Pretty sure you could get drunk just standing outside of it. Whisky...interesting taste... a little intense by itself but yeah interesting! The castle was AMAZING and gorgous!
Will write more tomorrow time to go watch west wing and read a little for friday!
BTW I'm Loving Norn Iron! :)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
First off we have to go to the library to get internet and me being the lazy american I am might not get to it everyday but hopefully y'all will forgive me!
Anyways on Friday we registered here at the university which took a while and then we had tea and scones with some of the unesco staff. Ok so maybe i had coffee instead of tea, but it was still really good! After that we all went into to town to cash our stipend checks and get cell phones. I'm pretty sure 12 of us all coming in at once kinda scarred the bank tellers and saleswoman at the phone store, but oh well. I feel like we kinda cause that reaction everywhere we go...grant it we've been going places in one or two large groups but still. But at least everyone's been really nice to us, including a lady who saw us walking down the road, and stopped to ask if we needed a ride or directions. I <3>
On Saturday...
Most of you know that I'm really lazy so I don't really know why I decided to go on a 3mile each way hike to portstewart...but it was fun, beautiful, and well worth it! We went by the ocean(which of course I had to touch!), along some cliffs and through the main part of town. So much fun! Then came saturday night... We decided to go back to portstewart (cause that's where the good bars and nightlife is) but this time we took cabs which were cheap and easy! So after finally checking in with mom, we headed out for a night of fun! I now know why some of my friends always say "I'm not drunk!" when they really are! Oh and for the record I'm a really happy drunk! We drank, danced and met some interesting people! Overall a really good time, and the right way to start off this adventure!
We'll be on a retreat til wednesday but I'll write more when I can!
Love and miss y'all mucho,
Katie :)
Anyways on Friday we registered here at the university which took a while and then we had tea and scones with some of the unesco staff. Ok so maybe i had coffee instead of tea, but it was still really good! After that we all went into to town to cash our stipend checks and get cell phones. I'm pretty sure 12 of us all coming in at once kinda scarred the bank tellers and saleswoman at the phone store, but oh well. I feel like we kinda cause that reaction everywhere we go...grant it we've been going places in one or two large groups but still. But at least everyone's been really nice to us, including a lady who saw us walking down the road, and stopped to ask if we needed a ride or directions. I <3>
On Saturday...
Most of you know that I'm really lazy so I don't really know why I decided to go on a 3mile each way hike to portstewart...but it was fun, beautiful, and well worth it! We went by the ocean(which of course I had to touch!), along some cliffs and through the main part of town. So much fun! Then came saturday night... We decided to go back to portstewart (cause that's where the good bars and nightlife is) but this time we took cabs which were cheap and easy! So after finally checking in with mom, we headed out for a night of fun! I now know why some of my friends always say "I'm not drunk!" when they really are! Oh and for the record I'm a really happy drunk! We drank, danced and met some interesting people! Overall a really good time, and the right way to start off this adventure!
We'll be on a retreat til wednesday but I'll write more when I can!
Love and miss y'all mucho,
Katie :)
Friday, February 6, 2009
I'm here!
So I've been here for about a day now and so far it has snowed a little bit and then got sunny and the temp. has been in the 30s and 40s so I can't complain. I woke up in a panic this morning thinking it was 8:45 and I needed to meet up with everyone at 9 but it was only 7:45 so I got to shower yay! Anyways I think it's probably just starting to set in but I'm sure this weekend will help with that! I'll write more later :)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Twas the night before Ireland...
So I'm sitting in my hotel room and I can't help but think how amazing and slightly strange it is that tomorrow I'll get up, go to the airports, and before I know it, I'll be in Northern Ireland. At this point I'm just really excited and slightly nervous but I have a feeling the nervousness will fade away and excitement will take over. I don't know if anyone is really reading/going to read this but at least I'll have it to look over and remember this adventure. The fear of the unknown is really scary but I think its also really exciting!
Anyways, I miss you all mucho and promise to have fun and come back with stories!
Katie
Anyways, I miss you all mucho and promise to have fun and come back with stories!
Katie
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Hey everyone!
So I decided to create a blog cause I really like(d) reading everyone's blogs and while I can't promise you any exciting stories, or that I'll write on it everyday, I figure why not give it a try. So I can't believe it, but this tuesday I'll be driving up to the cities, and come wednesday I'll be on my way to Belfast! I really need to figure out what to pack(and then actually pack it), read the book I've put off all break, and finish a few other odds and ends. Oh well, it'll all get done and really it'd be way more shocking if I hadn't procrastinated...Anyhow here's my address for the semester we'll be living in a couple different places so it's best that all mail and what not be sent to this one office:
So I decided to create a blog cause I really like(d) reading everyone's blogs and while I can't promise you any exciting stories, or that I'll write on it everyday, I figure why not give it a try. So I can't believe it, but this tuesday I'll be driving up to the cities, and come wednesday I'll be on my way to Belfast! I really need to figure out what to pack(and then actually pack it), read the book I've put off all break, and finish a few other odds and ends. Oh well, it'll all get done and really it'd be way more shocking if I hadn't procrastinated...Anyhow here's my address for the semester we'll be living in a couple different places so it's best that all mail and what not be sent to this one office:
Katie Klus
C/O Nigel Glenny
UNESCO Centre
Room B140A
School of Education
University of Ulster
Coleraine BT52 1SA
Northern Ireland
Ok, I've probably procrastinated enough for now,
Miss y'all mucho!!
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