Kill me!
I no longer care about Bill Clinton, George Mitchell, or (as if I ever did) George Bush and the American Involvement in the Peace Process!
make it stop!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
I need the smell of summer.
I'm exhausted; body, mind, and soul.
Being used as a resource more in the last two weeks at MNI has really put the drain on me and I'm having trouble understanding meetings I find myself taking notes at. I don't know the context, but I am expected to follow what is being said.
It's too hard sometimes. Sometimes you just have to leave work to sleep.
I'm ready to be home, but I'm really NOT ready to leave Belfast. It's hard to reconcile these two thoughts.
Being used as a resource more in the last two weeks at MNI has really put the drain on me and I'm having trouble understanding meetings I find myself taking notes at. I don't know the context, but I am expected to follow what is being said.
It's too hard sometimes. Sometimes you just have to leave work to sleep.
I'm ready to be home, but I'm really NOT ready to leave Belfast. It's hard to reconcile these two thoughts.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Haven't done this in a while.
I'm slightly disappointed in myself for not writing in my blog more. Now it's my last week in Belfast, and I don't have a lot of writing to show for it. So, of course, when I actually have some legit writing to do, I'm going to waste some time by writing in my blog instead.
This week really kicked my ass. It was the week of the conference, and that meant a couple of 12+ hour days. It got really long, and I ended up getting sick. Even though I hate writing non-analytical stuff, I feel as though a recap is necessary for my sanity.
Monday:
Day in Derry. Long early busride, class, dinner and wine with friends, long busride home. It was a very nice day, but it was a very long day. About 7am to 10pm.
Tuesday:
First a typical day at work, then at 130pm we had to start stuffing delegate bags for the conference. The girl that was supervising us was pretty incompetent, so I had to become the organizer and problem solver. Even though SHE was paid for exactly that. I don't know why she's working for an event organizing company, because she mentally checks out the moment shit hits the fan.
Worked from 830-7, then decided I needed a beer. I called Ariel and she met me at the Parlour. A pint turned into two beers, which turned into two beers and a pitcher of cocktail. Got home at 945pm completely wasted.
Wednesday:
Emailed to say that I was going to come in late (because I knew I'd be out until at least 730), set my alarm for 1030, and settled back into sleep. Then the maintenance men came in (at 730am) with their hammers and drills and best singing voices. I cut my losses, got up, and got ready for work slowly. I had to dress up, so I took my time to look really nice. I got to work at about 11.
There was a meeting (or conversation) of big-wigs in the mediation world, and I was chosen to be notetaker. It started at 230 and ended at 430. I was supposed to be at the waterfront hall at 430, but Peter said that he was keeping me anyway. He asked me to accompany some of our (esteemed) guests in the taxi to the hall. This was an assumption that I am responsible enough to be a real MNI representative, and I appreciated being asked.
Of course, i got to the Waterfront later than I was supposed to, but I just jumped in and began helping with the registration and left the waterfront for a long walk home at 730pm.
Thursday:
Woke up at about 6am to talk to Mike for a little while before I started the longest day of my life. Got ready and left my room at 745 for the three mile walk to the Waterfront. I got there a little early but began registering right away. Worked through coffee break, then got to attend the plenary until lunch. Lunch was delicious (and free!) so, naturally, I ate more than I should have. Then I watched a discussion and attended a workshop.
After the workshop, there was more work to be done, so I worked until dinner time at 7pm. I had 2 glasses of champagne at the drinks reception, and proceeded to have 3 glasses of wine at the dinner/concert. Basically, Rob keeps filling my wine glass so he doesn't need to feel so bad about refilling his. haha.
There was an AWESOME concert that melded Irish and Scottish music and dancing. It was WONDERFUL. When I asked Rob what time it was and he said 11pm, I was slightly shocked to find out that I had been at the venue for about 14 hours. By the time I got home it was a 16 hour day, and I crashed out only to be woken up at about 3am by people outside my door. I literally screamed at them and went back to sleep.
Friday:
I woke up at 6 the next day with a sore throat and a tired body (probably due to the 3 mile walk at midnight). I resolved to go home from the venue early, and I knew there would be no stopping me. So I did the registration, attended the most BORING workshop ever, and went to lunch. Then I ducked out of that bitch faster than you can say slacker. I just about fell asleep on the WALK home. I got into my room, took off my clothes, and fell into my bed. I slept from 230 to 630 and it was unbelievable.
There was something really great about this week and something not so great at all. I enjoyed being able to see all of these important people together to talk about the work they're doing in their respective communities. I did realize, though, that mediation isn't my schtick and I'll never be able to pretend that it is. This makes me feel bad because I feel like a fake sitting in the offices of Mediation Northern Ireland, drinking their coffee and eating their biscuits. I don't know, there's just something about it.
More later.
This week really kicked my ass. It was the week of the conference, and that meant a couple of 12+ hour days. It got really long, and I ended up getting sick. Even though I hate writing non-analytical stuff, I feel as though a recap is necessary for my sanity.
Monday:
Day in Derry. Long early busride, class, dinner and wine with friends, long busride home. It was a very nice day, but it was a very long day. About 7am to 10pm.
Tuesday:
First a typical day at work, then at 130pm we had to start stuffing delegate bags for the conference. The girl that was supervising us was pretty incompetent, so I had to become the organizer and problem solver. Even though SHE was paid for exactly that. I don't know why she's working for an event organizing company, because she mentally checks out the moment shit hits the fan.
Worked from 830-7, then decided I needed a beer. I called Ariel and she met me at the Parlour. A pint turned into two beers, which turned into two beers and a pitcher of cocktail. Got home at 945pm completely wasted.
Wednesday:
Emailed to say that I was going to come in late (because I knew I'd be out until at least 730), set my alarm for 1030, and settled back into sleep. Then the maintenance men came in (at 730am) with their hammers and drills and best singing voices. I cut my losses, got up, and got ready for work slowly. I had to dress up, so I took my time to look really nice. I got to work at about 11.
There was a meeting (or conversation) of big-wigs in the mediation world, and I was chosen to be notetaker. It started at 230 and ended at 430. I was supposed to be at the waterfront hall at 430, but Peter said that he was keeping me anyway. He asked me to accompany some of our (esteemed) guests in the taxi to the hall. This was an assumption that I am responsible enough to be a real MNI representative, and I appreciated being asked.
Of course, i got to the Waterfront later than I was supposed to, but I just jumped in and began helping with the registration and left the waterfront for a long walk home at 730pm.
Thursday:
Woke up at about 6am to talk to Mike for a little while before I started the longest day of my life. Got ready and left my room at 745 for the three mile walk to the Waterfront. I got there a little early but began registering right away. Worked through coffee break, then got to attend the plenary until lunch. Lunch was delicious (and free!) so, naturally, I ate more than I should have. Then I watched a discussion and attended a workshop.
After the workshop, there was more work to be done, so I worked until dinner time at 7pm. I had 2 glasses of champagne at the drinks reception, and proceeded to have 3 glasses of wine at the dinner/concert. Basically, Rob keeps filling my wine glass so he doesn't need to feel so bad about refilling his. haha.
There was an AWESOME concert that melded Irish and Scottish music and dancing. It was WONDERFUL. When I asked Rob what time it was and he said 11pm, I was slightly shocked to find out that I had been at the venue for about 14 hours. By the time I got home it was a 16 hour day, and I crashed out only to be woken up at about 3am by people outside my door. I literally screamed at them and went back to sleep.
Friday:
I woke up at 6 the next day with a sore throat and a tired body (probably due to the 3 mile walk at midnight). I resolved to go home from the venue early, and I knew there would be no stopping me. So I did the registration, attended the most BORING workshop ever, and went to lunch. Then I ducked out of that bitch faster than you can say slacker. I just about fell asleep on the WALK home. I got into my room, took off my clothes, and fell into my bed. I slept from 230 to 630 and it was unbelievable.
There was something really great about this week and something not so great at all. I enjoyed being able to see all of these important people together to talk about the work they're doing in their respective communities. I did realize, though, that mediation isn't my schtick and I'll never be able to pretend that it is. This makes me feel bad because I feel like a fake sitting in the offices of Mediation Northern Ireland, drinking their coffee and eating their biscuits. I don't know, there's just something about it.
More later.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Back again.
So I haven't written in this blog for a week! I've been using my private blog more, though, so I guess that could explain it.
I've also been spending a lot of time reading up on politics in the States. I used to be completely disinterested by them, but I think it was Obama's speech on race and Richardson's subsequent endorsement of Obama that really pulled me in. I'm a sucker for reading a good speech, and I'm a sucker for Bill Richardson. But we all knew that.
Yesterday during 'big tea' at work, we were talking about politics and I felt unbelievably well-informed. If I thought I was moderately well-informed before, then I've become a 2008 GENIUS. ha. right. That's not the case, but I felt good after spending a couple of weeks really observing the issues before us for the 2008 election. It helps that Clinton fudging how much she actually did in Northern Ireland really brought the campaign to a local focus for me here. Granted, the Bosnia lies were the ones that got to the forefront (NI faded away, inevitably, with Saint Patriack's Day), but it really put together the paper I am doing on American involvement in the Northern Irish peace process and the election.
I'm at my dorm right now when I should (theoretically) be at work. I am so exhausted. I think that I'm getting sick. I wake up nauseated in the morning and am super tired during the day. I also get dizzy at random times. I woke up at 7am like normal and emailed the office to tell them I'd be in after lunch. Laurie emailed me back to say it was a wise idea. I mean. I was to be there from 9am-5pm then we would have left for Ards. Ards is to be from 7pm to about 10pm. So, after waking up at 7, I would have had a 15 hour day. They way that I felt when I woke up would NOT have allowed me to get through that.
The work that I'm doing with the UDA/UVF men is super interesting. It kind of makes me want to be a journalist that focuses on the current issues that these men are going through and getting through. I guess the part of historian/researcher is good enough. The UDA man I met with on Sunday was fascinating. He's doing positive things that are unheard of in his community. He was very open and willing to talk to me about any question I had. I love it when people with very serious pasts will talk more candidly than carefully about them. I'm excited because today I get to talk to 3 UVF men, one being the brigadier. It's crazy.
Yesterday was really great. We had big tea, which is usually my favorite part of the week (partly for the conversation, partly for the scones), and laughed and joked and talked. It's always better when Brendan is there because he's such a silly man with such a serious job. When he laughs, he LAUGHS. It's awesome. Everyone is really sad and anxious to see him go. It's a strange way to observe an organization.
At 1 we went to the "Associates Day" where Brendan meets with the development team (staff, in-office) and all of the out of office associates. It's basically a big peptalk, but it served a little different of a function this time, because it was Brendan's last one. It tried to explain what he saw mediation being, where he saw MNI going, and took into account the worries of his associates. It was a good class to see and I got a good lunch out of it!
Okay, last but not least, I got my internship at the American Irish Historical Society this summer! It's so scary to think that I'll be moving to New York, but it's also really freaking cool that they want me as their intern! It's in a swanky part of NYC, so I'm a little worried about that (commuting/what I will wear/etc.), but besides that I'm excited to call the director this afternoon.
Alright, long day. I should probably do something a little more productive, but this is probably what I would be doing at work too. ha. Except for the listening to music part. Okay okay.
I've also been spending a lot of time reading up on politics in the States. I used to be completely disinterested by them, but I think it was Obama's speech on race and Richardson's subsequent endorsement of Obama that really pulled me in. I'm a sucker for reading a good speech, and I'm a sucker for Bill Richardson. But we all knew that.
Yesterday during 'big tea' at work, we were talking about politics and I felt unbelievably well-informed. If I thought I was moderately well-informed before, then I've become a 2008 GENIUS. ha. right. That's not the case, but I felt good after spending a couple of weeks really observing the issues before us for the 2008 election. It helps that Clinton fudging how much she actually did in Northern Ireland really brought the campaign to a local focus for me here. Granted, the Bosnia lies were the ones that got to the forefront (NI faded away, inevitably, with Saint Patriack's Day), but it really put together the paper I am doing on American involvement in the Northern Irish peace process and the election.
I'm at my dorm right now when I should (theoretically) be at work. I am so exhausted. I think that I'm getting sick. I wake up nauseated in the morning and am super tired during the day. I also get dizzy at random times. I woke up at 7am like normal and emailed the office to tell them I'd be in after lunch. Laurie emailed me back to say it was a wise idea. I mean. I was to be there from 9am-5pm then we would have left for Ards. Ards is to be from 7pm to about 10pm. So, after waking up at 7, I would have had a 15 hour day. They way that I felt when I woke up would NOT have allowed me to get through that.
The work that I'm doing with the UDA/UVF men is super interesting. It kind of makes me want to be a journalist that focuses on the current issues that these men are going through and getting through. I guess the part of historian/researcher is good enough. The UDA man I met with on Sunday was fascinating. He's doing positive things that are unheard of in his community. He was very open and willing to talk to me about any question I had. I love it when people with very serious pasts will talk more candidly than carefully about them. I'm excited because today I get to talk to 3 UVF men, one being the brigadier. It's crazy.
Yesterday was really great. We had big tea, which is usually my favorite part of the week (partly for the conversation, partly for the scones), and laughed and joked and talked. It's always better when Brendan is there because he's such a silly man with such a serious job. When he laughs, he LAUGHS. It's awesome. Everyone is really sad and anxious to see him go. It's a strange way to observe an organization.
At 1 we went to the "Associates Day" where Brendan meets with the development team (staff, in-office) and all of the out of office associates. It's basically a big peptalk, but it served a little different of a function this time, because it was Brendan's last one. It tried to explain what he saw mediation being, where he saw MNI going, and took into account the worries of his associates. It was a good class to see and I got a good lunch out of it!
Okay, last but not least, I got my internship at the American Irish Historical Society this summer! It's so scary to think that I'll be moving to New York, but it's also really freaking cool that they want me as their intern! It's in a swanky part of NYC, so I'm a little worried about that (commuting/what I will wear/etc.), but besides that I'm excited to call the director this afternoon.
Alright, long day. I should probably do something a little more productive, but this is probably what I would be doing at work too. ha. Except for the listening to music part. Okay okay.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Galway.
Right now I am in the 'internet cafe' of my hostel. I've been roaming the streets of Galway all morning, and luckily made it back to the hostel right before it started pouring. I had my raincoat with me, but I'm still really glad I got back here dry.
People are seriously getting on my last nerve. There is an American (I think) girl sitting here cracking up at something on her laptop. She's really fucking bugging the shit out of me. Unfortunately, I have locked myself out of my room. How that happened, I'm not sure. So now I have to sit here and listen to her shit. Seriously? Who the fuck are you? Ugh.
The girl that is running the desk right now is a relatively unfriendly French woman, and I'll have to ask her to let me back into my room. They said to keep keys on you at all times, I guess I should have paid attention. But I just went to the bathroom!
Okay, this silly bitch is about to get backhanded. More later, I'm sure.
People are seriously getting on my last nerve. There is an American (I think) girl sitting here cracking up at something on her laptop. She's really fucking bugging the shit out of me. Unfortunately, I have locked myself out of my room. How that happened, I'm not sure. So now I have to sit here and listen to her shit. Seriously? Who the fuck are you? Ugh.
The girl that is running the desk right now is a relatively unfriendly French woman, and I'll have to ask her to let me back into my room. They said to keep keys on you at all times, I guess I should have paid attention. But I just went to the bathroom!
Okay, this silly bitch is about to get backhanded. More later, I'm sure.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Some more.
This morning I went to my favorite place in Belfast, Saint George's market. It was nice, but I have to admit, I like Saturdays better. It was a madhouse in there. It might have been partly due to the statutory holiday and more people being off. Regardless, I enjoyed it. I bought some feta-stuffed olives--they are SO good. I'll probably go there tomorrow, too, and get a crepe with ham, cheese, pesto, and onions. MMMMMMmmmmm. After the market I went to the bus station and figured out that there is only one bus to Galway on Monday because of the holiday, and that's at 345pm. It doesn't arrive in Galway until 1030. Maybe that's just enough time for a beer, a little planning, and a good night's rest. I guess we'll see how it goes.
Last night I went to church at Fitzroy Presbyterian, which is right next to MNI. It's where Brent and his wife's family are members. It's a small congregation, much different from First Pres back home, and I have to say that I enjoyed it. Although I don't know what to think about religion anymore, it was nice to feel a part of a community like that even for one night. There is a service at 8pm tonight that I may go to, but I don't think I'll make it. I'm for sure going with Brent and his family on Easter, and maybe having a meal there afterwards. I hope the weather is nice. Easter is always better when it's beautiful out.
Yesterday when I got up to my desk at work, I saw that Alex had left me a little thing of mini Cadbury eggs from the "Easter bunny." It's nice to feel so welcomed into groups. And the smallest things can be the biggest surprises.
Last night I went to church at Fitzroy Presbyterian, which is right next to MNI. It's where Brent and his wife's family are members. It's a small congregation, much different from First Pres back home, and I have to say that I enjoyed it. Although I don't know what to think about religion anymore, it was nice to feel a part of a community like that even for one night. There is a service at 8pm tonight that I may go to, but I don't think I'll make it. I'm for sure going with Brent and his family on Easter, and maybe having a meal there afterwards. I hope the weather is nice. Easter is always better when it's beautiful out.
Yesterday when I got up to my desk at work, I saw that Alex had left me a little thing of mini Cadbury eggs from the "Easter bunny." It's nice to feel so welcomed into groups. And the smallest things can be the biggest surprises.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
ugh
I am in a state of exhaustion. I just about had a breakdown today, and I think it was because I am so tired.
Also, I am TERRIFIED that I may have to get dental work done here.
I am off tomorrow so I will go buy bus tickets for Galway and head down to Saint George's market for a while. Then home to chill out. Good Friday services at 8? Not sure yet...maybe.
Also, I am TERRIFIED that I may have to get dental work done here.
I am off tomorrow so I will go buy bus tickets for Galway and head down to Saint George's market for a while. Then home to chill out. Good Friday services at 8? Not sure yet...maybe.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Deduced to:
The police, the security, the traffic cones and no parking signs, the helicopters, the black Range Rovers....
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THE QUEEN IS HEREEEEEEEE! (And, no, I'm not imagining it)
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THE QUEEN IS HEREEEEEEEE! (And, no, I'm not imagining it)
A walk to work
This morning, my walk to work was interrupted many times by policemen and women sauntering down the sidewalk near Queen's University. Now, the sight of police officers has never made me feel safer, no matter where I am or where I am living. I don't know who would feel safe if their walk to work or school, normally completely policeman-free, is one day dotted with figures donning bullet-proof vests. If this were to happen at Macalester, I feel that it would be just as out of the blue, but my comfort level with the neighborhood would allow me to rest assured that if anything bad were about to go down, I would at least understand something of it from context clues.
The fact that I'm starting to become more comfortable with this area helped me to notice that there were academic-types looking at maps as though they were trying to navigate the uni and get somewhere fast, and that uni security was also really beefed up. I've deduced (mostly from reading someone's folder or something) that there was some sort of conference at the university. Though I was completely safe the whole time, the presence of the police made me extremely uncomfortable. Part of it was because of the naturally on-edge feelings I get from the presence of police officers in general, and part of it was being here in Belfast and knowing the place of the police here. Honestly, to see a bunch of men and women dressed in a hybrid of a normal uniform and military riot gear is unnerving. Policemen here are not the same as policemen anywhere else. The service is probably more contentious than a lot of different things (i.e. flags, parades) and that makes me even more wary of their presence (en masse) in the streets of Belfast.
Also a thought on the situation: Why would an academic conference at Queen's University Belfast need at least 50 uniformed police officers mulling around .5 square miles and a similar amount of campus security? Tell me if you'd feel safe...
The fact that I'm starting to become more comfortable with this area helped me to notice that there were academic-types looking at maps as though they were trying to navigate the uni and get somewhere fast, and that uni security was also really beefed up. I've deduced (mostly from reading someone's folder or something) that there was some sort of conference at the university. Though I was completely safe the whole time, the presence of the police made me extremely uncomfortable. Part of it was because of the naturally on-edge feelings I get from the presence of police officers in general, and part of it was being here in Belfast and knowing the place of the police here. Honestly, to see a bunch of men and women dressed in a hybrid of a normal uniform and military riot gear is unnerving. Policemen here are not the same as policemen anywhere else. The service is probably more contentious than a lot of different things (i.e. flags, parades) and that makes me even more wary of their presence (en masse) in the streets of Belfast.
Also a thought on the situation: Why would an academic conference at Queen's University Belfast need at least 50 uniformed police officers mulling around .5 square miles and a similar amount of campus security? Tell me if you'd feel safe...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Quiet day.
Sometimes it's really nice when your first day back from the weekend is nice and quiet. I know that I probably should make myself busy, but I like to work on things slowly sometimes. I'm such a bad procrastinator, though, and I'm worried that I'll just get tired and not be in the mood to do my Independent Study Projecct proposal later this afternoon. I don't want to wait until tonight to do it though, because I have the opportunity to talk to Mike for a long time.
I booked my hostel for spring break in Galway last night. I still have to get my bus figured out, but I spent less than €45 for three nights on accommodation, so I'm not too worried about it. I also have £20 of stipend money left over for food. Unfortunately, my bank has frozen my account for the time being because I used it this weekend. I don't really understand why they wouldn't have frozen it sooner, seeing as how I pulled a chunk out of an ATM in Coleraine when I first got here, spent a fortune at TopShop in Edinburgh last weekend, and spent $20 at a tourist center here this weekend. It doesn't make sense that they would do it now. Idiots. Also, they won't let my mom figure it out for me and I can't call internationally on my cell phone, so we have to really figure this shit out. I'm sure I could call internationally from work if I really had to, but the dumb bank should pick up the charges, not me. I'm pretty excited about my spring break. I really want it to be nice and relaxing and a little adventurous. When I get back from Galway, I will plan my May vacations and buy the tickets. I can't wait. It'll be great.
Today I had a meeting with my supervisor to go over my midterm evaluation. Every time I meet with her and have a conversation, I like and admire her more. It is obvious that she is very good at her job and very well-respected within the office and the broader peace-building community. She's a great lady and I feel fortunate to build a relationship with her.
Okay, now I'm off to do a little bit of research on American involvement in the Northern Ireland conflict and peace process. mm research.
I booked my hostel for spring break in Galway last night. I still have to get my bus figured out, but I spent less than €45 for three nights on accommodation, so I'm not too worried about it. I also have £20 of stipend money left over for food. Unfortunately, my bank has frozen my account for the time being because I used it this weekend. I don't really understand why they wouldn't have frozen it sooner, seeing as how I pulled a chunk out of an ATM in Coleraine when I first got here, spent a fortune at TopShop in Edinburgh last weekend, and spent $20 at a tourist center here this weekend. It doesn't make sense that they would do it now. Idiots. Also, they won't let my mom figure it out for me and I can't call internationally on my cell phone, so we have to really figure this shit out. I'm sure I could call internationally from work if I really had to, but the dumb bank should pick up the charges, not me. I'm pretty excited about my spring break. I really want it to be nice and relaxing and a little adventurous. When I get back from Galway, I will plan my May vacations and buy the tickets. I can't wait. It'll be great.
Today I had a meeting with my supervisor to go over my midterm evaluation. Every time I meet with her and have a conversation, I like and admire her more. It is obvious that she is very good at her job and very well-respected within the office and the broader peace-building community. She's a great lady and I feel fortunate to build a relationship with her.
Okay, now I'm off to do a little bit of research on American involvement in the Northern Ireland conflict and peace process. mm research.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Saint Patrick's Day in Belfast.
Not the most exciting day of my life, but seeing as how I've been acting like a bump on a log the past week or so, I think we had a relatively good time.Last night we went out for a beer with Stefan and his housemate Tom. They were pretty fun, and we had a good time laughing and joking around. It's funny to be a group of foreigners. At least we could blame stupidity, like Stefan trying to open an un-openable door, on the fact that they're German and we're American. ha. They probably just thought we were all really drunk-- which wasn't even close to the case.
We then essentially walked the boys home and got directions back to Malone road. Well, Stefan didn't give very good directions and we ended up stranded in Stranmillis next to the river. We knew the general direction we wanted to go, but nothing looked very pedestrian friendly. I guess we looked really confused because a taxi driver that had a fare stopped to ask if he could help us. They probably thought we were really drunk, too, because they said that the area we were in wasn't a good place to be for two young women. Figures. You come to Belfast and you get yourself into bad neighborhoods thanks to a couple of Germans with bad English language skills and directional awareness. I think both Ariel and I came home not knowing what to think, except for the fact that we were really grateful to the guys that took us home and didn't charge us for the fare. Grateful is the one feeling we could identify.
I mean, I don't think we were in any particular danger at any time, but just the fact that they thought it was important enough to pick us up and take us home was a little scary. I don't know. I don't think we're going to do that again.
This morning I was awoken by my annoyingly early rising neighbors and their slamming doors yet again. They are so kind, and of a different background, so I really don't think they'd
understand if I explained to them that they were being rude. So I never know what to do. I got up, got a cup of coffee and toast, and opened the window. It's an unbelievably beautiful day today so I was thankful for that. When Ariel woke up we got ready and left for the city centre to watch the parade. It was very short but nice, and I wanted to get a tricolour lei (haha) but we couldn't find them.At the end of the parade we miraculously saw Kevin and all of the international buddies from Coleraine! It was so funny, because honestly, what the hell are the chances of that. I mean, 5000 people and we see the 5 we know? So crazy. We then went to a pub to grab a beer and hang out for a while. They went to the concert and we went to get food and after that came back home.
I'm tired, I'm in a shitty mood for some reason, and I feel bad for being such a shit to hang out with. I just feel like I have so much to do and it's stressing me out. I think travel and travel plans are really what are getting to me, and the realization that from April 21-May 21 I won't be able to talk to Mike or family as I have been here. The internet situation is going to be like it was at Coleraine (at best), and I've come to rely on the internet here to keep in close contact with Mike in
particular. I don't know. I suppose it's just going to have to happen, it's just going to get to me and I know it. I'm glad that Mike's on Spring Break this week, so he and I can probably talk whenever I have time.I hope things continue to be at least okay. I'm not happy here, but I'm not particularly sad either. The warm weather is a blessing and keeps me from getting depressed. I'll be going to church for Maundy Thursday and Easter and to Galway for three days during Spring Break. At least I hope. I haven't really bought tickets or booked the hostel yet. I hope to feel good enough to do that tonight. Seeing Kevin and Timbeau was really nice, and i don't know if they'll want to hang out tonight. I know that there is no heavy drinking in my near future, so this Saint Patty's Day is already a world apart from last. Considering I don't have a roommate, I probably won't be walking in on her having sex on the floor. That's a positive. HA!
Just because.
I don't really know who reads my blog, but I have a slight idea. To you that do read it, please know that nothing in here is meant to piss anyone off or offend anyone.
This will never be my best piece of writing and I rarely even think twice about what I put in here unless I think it might hurt someone. So this is fair warning. Basically, please don't be offended because nothing is written to offend.
This will never be my best piece of writing and I rarely even think twice about what I put in here unless I think it might hurt someone. So this is fair warning. Basically, please don't be offended because nothing is written to offend.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Wishing it were Friday
Another day at the office. I'm starting off my morning eating a cherry scone and drinking coffee. I was so tired when I woke up this morning, but I managed to get out of bed and talk to Mike. It was a nice conversation, and he's such a trooper for waking up at 3am to talk.
Today Laurie is meeting with Nigel at 10 and I am meeting with him after that, with ten minutes for a chat with both of us. I guess it'll help the morning go by a little faster, plus, Brent's not here and Rob is leaving for a meeting, so I might have the office to myself for a while.
Last night I finished my resume and cover letter for the American Irish Historical society, Hannah is looking over it this morning, and I plan to send it off today. I really hope to get that internship, and hopefully it won't be too difficult to get my job at AE transferred over to NYC. I don't know that I'll be making enough money to pay half the rent, but I sure hope so.
Hopefully today will go by quickly, because I want to take a nap. My weekend looks promising, but I'm not going to be able to sleep in too much Saturday. Ariel and I are going to an all-you-can-eat buffett tomorrow night, following that I'll be able to talk to Mike for as long as I want, Saturday morning we're going to go to the market and then Victoria's square. Sunday I'm not sure, maybe a resting day and also some time to get something together to send home, and Monday we'll go to the Saint Patrick's Day parade here in Belfast, maybe with Stefan and his housemates.
Hopefully today isn't too long of a day. My body and mind are very tired.
Today Laurie is meeting with Nigel at 10 and I am meeting with him after that, with ten minutes for a chat with both of us. I guess it'll help the morning go by a little faster, plus, Brent's not here and Rob is leaving for a meeting, so I might have the office to myself for a while.
Last night I finished my resume and cover letter for the American Irish Historical society, Hannah is looking over it this morning, and I plan to send it off today. I really hope to get that internship, and hopefully it won't be too difficult to get my job at AE transferred over to NYC. I don't know that I'll be making enough money to pay half the rent, but I sure hope so.
Hopefully today will go by quickly, because I want to take a nap. My weekend looks promising, but I'm not going to be able to sleep in too much Saturday. Ariel and I are going to an all-you-can-eat buffett tomorrow night, following that I'll be able to talk to Mike for as long as I want, Saturday morning we're going to go to the market and then Victoria's square. Sunday I'm not sure, maybe a resting day and also some time to get something together to send home, and Monday we'll go to the Saint Patrick's Day parade here in Belfast, maybe with Stefan and his housemates.
Hopefully today isn't too long of a day. My body and mind are very tired.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
So this is irritating.
Being involved in an organisation like Mediation Northern Ireland is a wonderful experience. Though I feel like my involvement here is kind of half-assed. I was asked to go to a meeting in Ards with ex UVF men to talk to them about their work with mediation. Unfortunately, this meeting is on March 19 which is our day of class in Derry for the week. I emailed Nigel to tell him that I had to miss class to attend this meeting, and he doesn't want me to miss class.
This is so annoying. I hate that I was signed on to do something half-assed for this organisation. I don't want to miss this meeting because it will be essential to my project for MNI and very helpful for the GSP, too. I don't really understand what's so important about going to the Fountain estate. Sometimes I feel like this program takes up far too much time for what I get out of it. We will have to leave the Elms at like 7 in the morning and won't get home until at least 7pm. Plus, we have to drop £13 of our own money for the bus. I'm sorry, but to me that's more trouble that I want to go through for this stupid program.
Northern Ireland: Democracy and Social Change is very carefully designed and Nigel has put a lot of work into it, but I don't understand why this one day of class is more important than a meeting that is significant for both my internship and my study project. I just don't get a lot of things, I guess, and this is one big one.
I'm tired. I'm tired of a 9-5, and I'm tired of stressing out over stupid shit to do with this program.
This is so annoying. I hate that I was signed on to do something half-assed for this organisation. I don't want to miss this meeting because it will be essential to my project for MNI and very helpful for the GSP, too. I don't really understand what's so important about going to the Fountain estate. Sometimes I feel like this program takes up far too much time for what I get out of it. We will have to leave the Elms at like 7 in the morning and won't get home until at least 7pm. Plus, we have to drop £13 of our own money for the bus. I'm sorry, but to me that's more trouble that I want to go through for this stupid program.
Northern Ireland: Democracy and Social Change is very carefully designed and Nigel has put a lot of work into it, but I don't understand why this one day of class is more important than a meeting that is significant for both my internship and my study project. I just don't get a lot of things, I guess, and this is one big one.
I'm tired. I'm tired of a 9-5, and I'm tired of stressing out over stupid shit to do with this program.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Edinburgh
"You say that like such an American Ed-IN-Bor-OUGH"
"Well I've said it a million different ways and each time I'm looked at funny, so I've started to not give a shit."
---
Such was the beginning of my work week. After getting lost on the way to work because I couldn't see out of my contacts. This week has just been GRAND so far. And it's only Tuesday, I know it's just going to get worse.
Edinburgh was ridiculous. It was beautiful--much prettier and more historic looking than Belfast--and it was very European. A much different feel than Belfast, I'm not sure which I liked better. The people were nicer, albeit harder to understand, but it seemed tame compared to Belfast. Everything here feels so volatile and Edinburgh was much more laid back.
The weekend was exhausting. After traveling for about 7 hours by bus, ferry, bus, bus, and foot, we ate dinner and sat around for awhile before heading to Becky's to drink and hang out while waiting for Ariel. When Ariel arrived we drank some more and decided to go out to a club. It was the most fun I'd had in a while. The men in Edinburgh were much more interested in Ariel and I than the men here seem to be, and the guys we danced with were all pretty respecful and the one I got was actually a good dancer. The music was AWESOME. Unbelievable, actually. Nothing I would have danced to in the states, but everything I would listen to. We got home at about 5am and went to bed pretty soon after that. I think I woke up at 945 or 10 and Ariel and I went to get coffee.
After Hannah woke up we went and got some (cheap) lunch. Then we went to do some sightseeing/shopping and I bought the jeans I've been lusting after for 2 weeks. I was so tired and feeling completely run down, so we headed back to take a nap.
Haggis and mashed potatoes were in our future for dinner, so I rested up and prepared my stomach. Honestly, the way I was feeling told me not to do any drinking, but I knew it was in the cards. It doesn't really seem like they do much else in the UK.
Dinner was great, we drank too much, almost killed a girl while in line for the club, got in, hated the club, wanted to go home and sent a few desperate text messages as I was just about to black out from drinking so much. Then I got into a shouting match with a bouncer and we all went home in terrible moods. I'm glad I didn't end up losing anything, because I was so drunk that I wouldn't have even known I'd lost it.
I woke up early again on Sunday because, apparently, my body hates me and sleep. The ride home was a blur because I took dramamine and it knocked me the fuck out. Class yesterday was also a blur because I think my brain was in sleep mode. Or maybe I just killed one too many brain cells over the weekend.
All in all, Scotland was lovely. I would have liked to experience more of it, but I don't think I could have taken one more day of the events we took part of. I also don't think I'll be drinking that much again for a very long time. I didn't even get sick, I just didn't remember a good chunk of my weekend away.
It was good to see Hannah and make a new friend in Becky. It was also nice to try new things and experience Scotland in a way that most tourists don't. I do wish we could have seen more, but due to the weather and lack of sleep, none of us were really up to it on Saturday and we didn't have another day for it.
Okay, back to work for now. ha.
"Well I've said it a million different ways and each time I'm looked at funny, so I've started to not give a shit."
---
Such was the beginning of my work week. After getting lost on the way to work because I couldn't see out of my contacts. This week has just been GRAND so far. And it's only Tuesday, I know it's just going to get worse.
Edinburgh was ridiculous. It was beautiful--much prettier and more historic looking than Belfast--and it was very European. A much different feel than Belfast, I'm not sure which I liked better. The people were nicer, albeit harder to understand, but it seemed tame compared to Belfast. Everything here feels so volatile and Edinburgh was much more laid back.
The weekend was exhausting. After traveling for about 7 hours by bus, ferry, bus, bus, and foot, we ate dinner and sat around for awhile before heading to Becky's to drink and hang out while waiting for Ariel. When Ariel arrived we drank some more and decided to go out to a club. It was the most fun I'd had in a while. The men in Edinburgh were much more interested in Ariel and I than the men here seem to be, and the guys we danced with were all pretty respecful and the one I got was actually a good dancer. The music was AWESOME. Unbelievable, actually. Nothing I would have danced to in the states, but everything I would listen to. We got home at about 5am and went to bed pretty soon after that. I think I woke up at 945 or 10 and Ariel and I went to get coffee.
After Hannah woke up we went and got some (cheap) lunch. Then we went to do some sightseeing/shopping and I bought the jeans I've been lusting after for 2 weeks. I was so tired and feeling completely run down, so we headed back to take a nap.
Haggis and mashed potatoes were in our future for dinner, so I rested up and prepared my stomach. Honestly, the way I was feeling told me not to do any drinking, but I knew it was in the cards. It doesn't really seem like they do much else in the UK.
Dinner was great, we drank too much, almost killed a girl while in line for the club, got in, hated the club, wanted to go home and sent a few desperate text messages as I was just about to black out from drinking so much. Then I got into a shouting match with a bouncer and we all went home in terrible moods. I'm glad I didn't end up losing anything, because I was so drunk that I wouldn't have even known I'd lost it.
I woke up early again on Sunday because, apparently, my body hates me and sleep. The ride home was a blur because I took dramamine and it knocked me the fuck out. Class yesterday was also a blur because I think my brain was in sleep mode. Or maybe I just killed one too many brain cells over the weekend.
All in all, Scotland was lovely. I would have liked to experience more of it, but I don't think I could have taken one more day of the events we took part of. I also don't think I'll be drinking that much again for a very long time. I didn't even get sick, I just didn't remember a good chunk of my weekend away.
It was good to see Hannah and make a new friend in Becky. It was also nice to try new things and experience Scotland in a way that most tourists don't. I do wish we could have seen more, but due to the weather and lack of sleep, none of us were really up to it on Saturday and we didn't have another day for it.
Okay, back to work for now. ha.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Week 5. over.
I spent a lot of money today.
Well, maybe not A LOT, but more than I needed to, and more than usual.
I bought:
- A chocolate all-butter croissant. Totally awesome for the waistline.
- A postcard and a greeting card.
- Mini salt and vinegar flavored rice cakes, and
- Postage for the postcard and greeting card.
It's been better here since I started at Mediation Northern Ireland, and I'm starting to feel like I can get away from the other people on the program and just live a life abroad. I really hate that I'm forced to be so close to the people that suck asshole (I have a whole blog dedicated to this saved to my drafts, but I don't know if I should publish it). It's nice to hang out with Rob (and Mairead when she's not in Berlin, Stefan, Ariel and Ira. I think we might do that again tonight, too.
I want the spring to kick in. I wish I were somewhere where I could see the baby lambs all of the time. THAT would be ideal.
Tomorrow I go to Edinburgh to see Hannah!! Ariel is coming, too, but she's going to get there later. I can't wait to see a familiar face and to introduce Hannah to Ariel. It'll also be nice to explore another city and get away from particular fucktards. I'm so happy that someone as close as Hannah is as close as Edinburgh and that it's only costing me £33 to get there and back. I'm more than excited, and I'm happy that Peter/Laurie/Rob are kind enough to give me time off when I ask for it.
Thank God I'm not as worried about money anymore. This would be a nightmare if I was on as strict of a budget as I thought I was.
Current feelings (on a scale of 1-10):
STRESS 4
EXCITEMENT 9
ANNOYANCE 5
EDIT: Ugh, I just calculated that I ate about 440 calories-worth of biscuits alone today. Jesus Christ. I'm going to be 600 pounds by the time I get home.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Fáilte go Béal Feirste
Welcome to Belfast.
Gaelic is a fascinating language, and, I'm sad to say, isn't much like English or Spanish. DUH. But, yeah, "Fáilte go Béal Feirste" means "welcome to Belfast."
This weekend was a good one. Friday night I had the first REALLY good time since I've been in Northern Ireland. Good people, good pub, good beer, good walk home. There were even people handing out coffee and chocolate on the side of the road at 130am. Fuck yes.
Besides allowing myself to be a hostile bitch to my boyfriend, it was a fantastic night. If it can stay like this for the next 7 weeks I'll be very happy. The people at my internship kick some major ass, and I'm happy that I could introduce Ariel and Ira to them.
For next weekend, I am planning to visit Hannah in Edinburgh with Ariel. Hopefully it all works out and it doesn't break the bank. :)
Gaelic is a fascinating language, and, I'm sad to say, isn't much like English or Spanish. DUH. But, yeah, "Fáilte go Béal Feirste" means "welcome to Belfast."
This weekend was a good one. Friday night I had the first REALLY good time since I've been in Northern Ireland. Good people, good pub, good beer, good walk home. There were even people handing out coffee and chocolate on the side of the road at 130am. Fuck yes.
Besides allowing myself to be a hostile bitch to my boyfriend, it was a fantastic night. If it can stay like this for the next 7 weeks I'll be very happy. The people at my internship kick some major ass, and I'm happy that I could introduce Ariel and Ira to them.
For next weekend, I am planning to visit Hannah in Edinburgh with Ariel. Hopefully it all works out and it doesn't break the bank. :)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Stereotypes
Here is a little blog full of observations and stereotypes. Fasten your seatbelt:
Stereotype: Irish men are attractive.
Status: Disproved
Analysis:
I came here ready to see some men. You know, everyone was like "better tell your boyfriend to be careful, they don't make 'em here like they do back in Ireland." Well, first of all, I'm not in Ireland. I'm in Northern Ireland, which is a British state much like Scotland and Wales. Now, I don't hear anyone saying, "ooh, I need to find me a good Welsh man." No. THAT just doesn't happen.
Okay, to navigate away from geography. The men I've come into contact with have a.) all had bad teeth b.) been hard to understand c.) been all-around unattractive. The accent isn't even that great. An English accent is much, much more gentle on the ears, and, in my humble opinion, MUCH more attractive. But, in all fairness, they haven't seemed to take much of a liking to me either. American boys, please.
Stereotype: The weather here sucks.
Status: Still under consideration.
Analysis:
It's a temperate maritime climate. Yeah. Sometimes it rains out of no clouds. But, on the other hand, it very rarely falls below 30 degrees fahrenheit. I'm leaning towards disproving this one. When the sun is shining here, the hills are green, the coast and beaches are beautiful, and there are baby lambs everywhere outside of the city. I don't know if you could beat this. Maybe Albuquerque. Maybe. But at least there isn't dirt in the gusts that knock you down here.
Stereotype: People here are drunks.
Status: Proven.
Analysis:
As one of the most discussed stereotypes of Irish people in the world, I really thought I could come here and disprove it. Fat fucking chance. It's not really even the old people that are crazy about their drink. Things that I have done in the States, and have been considered fucking ridiculous/insane, would be looked at as an everyday activity here. Like, every stupid thing I have drunkenly accomplished in my lifetime could be completed by a 14 year old girl on a Tuesday night before 8pm. Seriously. This place is fucked up.
Stereotype: The food here sucks.
Status: Relative comment
Analysis:
While the food here may suck, it's certainly no worse than the midwest. Hot dish? C'mon! What the fuck is a hot dish? All the week's leftover ingredients thrown in a pan and cooked in the oven? At least here they have good bacon (although too salty for me), good beer, good whisky, good sausages, and good potatoes. AND no one is obsessed with ketchup here like they are in the midwest. It's no New Mexico, but it's no Minnesota either.
Okay, I think that's enough dispelling and confirming of stereotypes for now, but I have once last observation to make:
Observation:
People here do not know how to share a sidewalk. You know, in the States we walk on the right side of the sidewalk. It's just how it's done. Just like driving. Naturally, I assumed that it was the same here, just on the opposite side of the footpath. Actually, people just don't fucking move. They take up wherever they want and don't move for other people. I don't understand how people get anywhere here. I actually ran into a girl today because I'm a stubborn bitch. I'll teach all of the UK to walk, one idiot at a time.
Stereotype: Irish men are attractive.
Status: Disproved
Analysis:
I came here ready to see some men. You know, everyone was like "better tell your boyfriend to be careful, they don't make 'em here like they do back in Ireland." Well, first of all, I'm not in Ireland. I'm in Northern Ireland, which is a British state much like Scotland and Wales. Now, I don't hear anyone saying, "ooh, I need to find me a good Welsh man." No. THAT just doesn't happen.
Okay, to navigate away from geography. The men I've come into contact with have a.) all had bad teeth b.) been hard to understand c.) been all-around unattractive. The accent isn't even that great. An English accent is much, much more gentle on the ears, and, in my humble opinion, MUCH more attractive. But, in all fairness, they haven't seemed to take much of a liking to me either. American boys, please.
Stereotype: The weather here sucks.
Status: Still under consideration.
Analysis:
It's a temperate maritime climate. Yeah. Sometimes it rains out of no clouds. But, on the other hand, it very rarely falls below 30 degrees fahrenheit. I'm leaning towards disproving this one. When the sun is shining here, the hills are green, the coast and beaches are beautiful, and there are baby lambs everywhere outside of the city. I don't know if you could beat this. Maybe Albuquerque. Maybe. But at least there isn't dirt in the gusts that knock you down here.
Stereotype: People here are drunks.
Status: Proven.
Analysis:
As one of the most discussed stereotypes of Irish people in the world, I really thought I could come here and disprove it. Fat fucking chance. It's not really even the old people that are crazy about their drink. Things that I have done in the States, and have been considered fucking ridiculous/insane, would be looked at as an everyday activity here. Like, every stupid thing I have drunkenly accomplished in my lifetime could be completed by a 14 year old girl on a Tuesday night before 8pm. Seriously. This place is fucked up.
Stereotype: The food here sucks.
Status: Relative comment
Analysis:
While the food here may suck, it's certainly no worse than the midwest. Hot dish? C'mon! What the fuck is a hot dish? All the week's leftover ingredients thrown in a pan and cooked in the oven? At least here they have good bacon (although too salty for me), good beer, good whisky, good sausages, and good potatoes. AND no one is obsessed with ketchup here like they are in the midwest. It's no New Mexico, but it's no Minnesota either.
Okay, I think that's enough dispelling and confirming of stereotypes for now, but I have once last observation to make:
Observation:
People here do not know how to share a sidewalk. You know, in the States we walk on the right side of the sidewalk. It's just how it's done. Just like driving. Naturally, I assumed that it was the same here, just on the opposite side of the footpath. Actually, people just don't fucking move. They take up wherever they want and don't move for other people. I don't understand how people get anywhere here. I actually ran into a girl today because I'm a stubborn bitch. I'll teach all of the UK to walk, one idiot at a time.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Waiting.
Just waiting for the rest of the group to show up and listening to Jaws Theme Swimming.
I got into a fight with Mike last night so now I feel miserable. Even though it was resolved (I guess) before I fell asleep, I feel kinda gutted.
I hate it when I feel this way.
I've learned:
1. It's harder to have disagreements and resolve disagreements when you're 5000 miles and 5 hours away.
2. Showering everyday is overrated.
3. I need him.
I got into a fight with Mike last night so now I feel miserable. Even though it was resolved (I guess) before I fell asleep, I feel kinda gutted.
I hate it when I feel this way.
I've learned:
1. It's harder to have disagreements and resolve disagreements when you're 5000 miles and 5 hours away.
2. Showering everyday is overrated.
3. I need him.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
UGH.
It rains here out of no clouds. Seriously. I looked outside, it looked BEAUTIFUL. I walked to work, it WAS beautiful. THEN I felt drops on my head. Thinking it was just water shaking off of the trees, I scoffed when I saw a girl opening her umbrella.
IT STARTED FUCKING RAINING AND THERE WASN'T A CLOUD IN SIGHT.
I mean, I'm not a meteorologist or anything, but I don't even know how that is fucking possible.
Got to work, had some coffee, thawed out, worked some more, then IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME.
Fuck "temperate maritime" climates. Fuck 'em.
IT STARTED FUCKING RAINING AND THERE WASN'T A CLOUD IN SIGHT.
I mean, I'm not a meteorologist or anything, but I don't even know how that is fucking possible.
Got to work, had some coffee, thawed out, worked some more, then IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME.
Fuck "temperate maritime" climates. Fuck 'em.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Don't touch me there.
Belfast makes me feel numb.
Bright side of day:
40-something woman I work with officially has the same drinking rule as me--Lips go numb, no more liquor. I was going say something about the other half of that (pants come off), but I didn't think it was appropriate for my first day at a non-profit.
I think the men of the organization are so soft spoken because these women are crazy. haha. I think I'll fit right in. Though I didn't feel comfortable enough today to jump in on the conversation about vibrators. Maybe tomorrow.
Also:
99p for an Ulster Fry? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Fry
hell fucking yeah.
Bright side of day:
40-something woman I work with officially has the same drinking rule as me--Lips go numb, no more liquor. I was going say something about the other half of that (pants come off), but I didn't think it was appropriate for my first day at a non-profit.
I think the men of the organization are so soft spoken because these women are crazy. haha. I think I'll fit right in. Though I didn't feel comfortable enough today to jump in on the conversation about vibrators. Maybe tomorrow.
Also:
99p for an Ulster Fry? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulster_Fry
hell fucking yeah.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Blast
Save for a short walk to time my walk to work in the morning, I stayed in my room alllll day.
I'm lame. Officially.
I'm lame. Officially.
mm. Sunday morning.
Okay, so I broke down and created a blog. Mostly for you, Alyssa and Margie. :)
I've spent the last 3 weeks in Coleraine, UK (aka small, university city, where people from Northern Ireland take off on nights and weekends), and now I'm sitting in my room at Queen's University in Belfast. I start my internship tomorrow, and I'm slightly nervous, but when I met the people on Wednesday they kinda seemed like crazy fucks like me. So I think I'll fit in.
So far, Belfast has given me mixed feelings. Friday night was a wash. I don't know if anything has ever intimidated me more than the square mile I walked on Friday night. I'll try to expain, here goes:
1. Indian food. We weren't very hungry so we ducked into an Indian restaurant to grab some appetizers. I'd never eaten Indian food, so it was all a new experience for me. We ordered water, they brought us bottles of water. Because we're living on a tight budget, we weren't exactly happy about that. But whatever. Then we ordered appetizers and the guy got angry at us. It's not like they were busy, the only other people in the restaurant were a group of 40-something women at a hen party (bachelorette party), so we weren't taking up a precious table. When he got mad, Ira just suggested to him that we pay for the water and leave, but he wouldn't let us do that either. After that encounter, the mood had sobered. As if we weren't already exhausted from the move. Every few minutes they came to take something away from our table. First silverware, then plates. It was the weirdest fucking thing ever. We felt so awkward. The awkwardness lasted through the meal, which we were sure they had spit in, and we left to find a pub to drown our awkward sorrows.
2. Pub. Our adventure down the road lasted forever. I don't know where the hell we were walking, but I was in heels that hadn't been broken in yet, and I'm pretty sure we walked about a mile from our village and turned around. People lead the group, but are never quite sure where they're leading us to. Friday night, we were led to homeless men, racist shouting, loud pubs, bar whores, and toes with blisters. We went into a couple pubs that weren't what we were looking for and they all got a pint. Figures that the ONE pub that we didn't go into was probably the best fit, and Alisha and Jake were inside having a pint. The streets of Belfast on a Friday night are dark, dirty, and full of wasted people (no matter what time) and kebab shops. Not my ideal city. When we were waiting for a stoplight to change, a homeless man with no teeth came up to me, got really really close, and asked me a question. I think it was something like, "Do you know where I can get a good pint?" Considering there are about 360 pubs per square inch in the United Kingdom, not to mention liquor stores, I just stared at him. When he got more forceful I just said, "I'm not from here" and ignored him. Sometimes here the "American" accent can get you more attention and trouble than you want, but thank God the light changed and we crossed the street. While this was going down, there was an Irish man on the street corner shouting racist comments at and spitting on a Somali man. I think that shook me more than the homeless man with no teeth. I didn't know what to do. I certainly couldn't get between the two. Irish men are scary when they're drunk, which, in my experience, is about 98% of the time.
People here are crazy fucks. Seriously. And not the good kind of crazy fuck. Last night was much better because Alisha and Jake were here. I was super tired, but Ariel, Jake, Alisha and I got Chinese food and went to Lavery's for some rugby and a pint. There were old men, piss drunk, grabbing Ariel's knee. This man didn't have any of the top joints on the fingers of his right hand. Honestly, men that age with injuries like that scare me because it pretty much signals an act of retribution from paramilitaries. Here is a little equation that illustrates the issue at hand (no pun intended):
Rugby+alcohol+camaraderie+man with no fingers(violent past) = UNCOMFORTABLE AMERICAN GIRLS IN THE CORNER
Okay, I'm done complaining. It's not as bad as it sounds, but it's not the opposite either.
Summation:
1. BELFAST IS NOT SUNSHINE AND BUTTERFLIES
2. DO NOT EAT AT CAFE INDIA ON MALONE ROAD
3. DON'T MAKE EYE CONTACT. STARE STRAIGHT AHEAD WHEN PASSING GROUPS.
4. IRISH MEN ARE THE WEIRDEST SOLICITORS EVER (MORE ON THAT LATER)
5. DON'T TALK TOO LOUDLY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO "HATES AMERICANS"
I've spent the last 3 weeks in Coleraine, UK (aka small, university city, where people from Northern Ireland take off on nights and weekends), and now I'm sitting in my room at Queen's University in Belfast. I start my internship tomorrow, and I'm slightly nervous, but when I met the people on Wednesday they kinda seemed like crazy fucks like me. So I think I'll fit in.
So far, Belfast has given me mixed feelings. Friday night was a wash. I don't know if anything has ever intimidated me more than the square mile I walked on Friday night. I'll try to expain, here goes:
1. Indian food. We weren't very hungry so we ducked into an Indian restaurant to grab some appetizers. I'd never eaten Indian food, so it was all a new experience for me. We ordered water, they brought us bottles of water. Because we're living on a tight budget, we weren't exactly happy about that. But whatever. Then we ordered appetizers and the guy got angry at us. It's not like they were busy, the only other people in the restaurant were a group of 40-something women at a hen party (bachelorette party), so we weren't taking up a precious table. When he got mad, Ira just suggested to him that we pay for the water and leave, but he wouldn't let us do that either. After that encounter, the mood had sobered. As if we weren't already exhausted from the move. Every few minutes they came to take something away from our table. First silverware, then plates. It was the weirdest fucking thing ever. We felt so awkward. The awkwardness lasted through the meal, which we were sure they had spit in, and we left to find a pub to drown our awkward sorrows.
2. Pub. Our adventure down the road lasted forever. I don't know where the hell we were walking, but I was in heels that hadn't been broken in yet, and I'm pretty sure we walked about a mile from our village and turned around. People lead the group, but are never quite sure where they're leading us to. Friday night, we were led to homeless men, racist shouting, loud pubs, bar whores, and toes with blisters. We went into a couple pubs that weren't what we were looking for and they all got a pint. Figures that the ONE pub that we didn't go into was probably the best fit, and Alisha and Jake were inside having a pint. The streets of Belfast on a Friday night are dark, dirty, and full of wasted people (no matter what time) and kebab shops. Not my ideal city. When we were waiting for a stoplight to change, a homeless man with no teeth came up to me, got really really close, and asked me a question. I think it was something like, "Do you know where I can get a good pint?" Considering there are about 360 pubs per square inch in the United Kingdom, not to mention liquor stores, I just stared at him. When he got more forceful I just said, "I'm not from here" and ignored him. Sometimes here the "American" accent can get you more attention and trouble than you want, but thank God the light changed and we crossed the street. While this was going down, there was an Irish man on the street corner shouting racist comments at and spitting on a Somali man. I think that shook me more than the homeless man with no teeth. I didn't know what to do. I certainly couldn't get between the two. Irish men are scary when they're drunk, which, in my experience, is about 98% of the time.
People here are crazy fucks. Seriously. And not the good kind of crazy fuck. Last night was much better because Alisha and Jake were here. I was super tired, but Ariel, Jake, Alisha and I got Chinese food and went to Lavery's for some rugby and a pint. There were old men, piss drunk, grabbing Ariel's knee. This man didn't have any of the top joints on the fingers of his right hand. Honestly, men that age with injuries like that scare me because it pretty much signals an act of retribution from paramilitaries. Here is a little equation that illustrates the issue at hand (no pun intended):
Rugby+alcohol+camaraderie+man with no fingers(violent past) = UNCOMFORTABLE AMERICAN GIRLS IN THE CORNER
Okay, I'm done complaining. It's not as bad as it sounds, but it's not the opposite either.
Summation:
1. BELFAST IS NOT SUNSHINE AND BUTTERFLIES
2. DO NOT EAT AT CAFE INDIA ON MALONE ROAD
3. DON'T MAKE EYE CONTACT. STARE STRAIGHT AHEAD WHEN PASSING GROUPS.
4. IRISH MEN ARE THE WEIRDEST SOLICITORS EVER (MORE ON THAT LATER)
5. DON'T TALK TOO LOUDLY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO "HATES AMERICANS"
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