What does it mean for weather to be "soft?" It's not an adjective I think of to use for describing the weather; I reserve it for pillows and cheese.
"Soft" is referred to days that are cloudy and with a light mist in the air.
What about "fresh" weather? This seems to be used with sort of a negative connotation. When the temperatures are a bit too cold, it is described as "fresh."
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Ireland is Quite Small
I had a long conversation this morning with two Irish ladies about how "small" Ireland is--small in the sense that everywhere you go, even in the "big city" of Dublin, you continually will run into people you know. People from your present circle of interaction, people from your past years in school, or people who are friends of your mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. These ladies shared story after story of meeting someone in the grocery store, who went to middle school with them, or who dated their cousin, or whatever. When you meet someone and ask where they are from and they say Kilkenny, then you ask if they know so-and-so, and sure enough his father was neighbors with the football coach of her daughter...or something like that.
They laughingly claimed this is why there aren't serial killers in Ireland, because the community would know who you are, your family, where you come from, etc. If a guy meets a girl in a bar and she agrees to go out with him, there's a good chance they will know some mutual person, so there's no way he could try to get away with murder, as people could easily track him down. (So they say.)
I have to admit, I've been here just over a month and have already had such experiences that make me realize Ireland is a bit small. Last Saturday night I went to the Gate Theatre. Then on Sunday a lady I've never seen before in my life comes up to me and asks if I was at the Gate Theatre the night before. I said yes, and she smiled and said "You've got great taste, wasn't it a great show!" Then she went about her way. Friendly folks, aren't they? Yesterday I was waiting at the bus stop, and a car pulled up and the persons inside asked if I wanted a ride. It turns out it was the pastor and his wife from the nearby church I've attended.
I must say, given that I can count on my fingers how many people I've met (I wouldn't even say "know") in this city/country, it's nice to be recognized! Although it makes me feel like I need to be careful what I'm doing, I don't want to have a scowl on my face at the bus stop, as who knows who will pass...and word travels in this small island...
Indeed Ireland is geographically small, not merely in this sense of a close-knit community. It takes only 3 hours to drive from Dublin on the east coast to Galway on the west coast--this is like driving from Houston to Dallas or Austin. In fact, I suppose we can think of the Republic of Ireland roughly as that size: the region from, say, San Antonio to Houston to Dallas, if we were to make a box-like shape there in Texas. That's the whole country of Ireland! Wow. No wonder paths cross, as generation after generation develops its web of interaction...
They laughingly claimed this is why there aren't serial killers in Ireland, because the community would know who you are, your family, where you come from, etc. If a guy meets a girl in a bar and she agrees to go out with him, there's a good chance they will know some mutual person, so there's no way he could try to get away with murder, as people could easily track him down. (So they say.)
I have to admit, I've been here just over a month and have already had such experiences that make me realize Ireland is a bit small. Last Saturday night I went to the Gate Theatre. Then on Sunday a lady I've never seen before in my life comes up to me and asks if I was at the Gate Theatre the night before. I said yes, and she smiled and said "You've got great taste, wasn't it a great show!" Then she went about her way. Friendly folks, aren't they? Yesterday I was waiting at the bus stop, and a car pulled up and the persons inside asked if I wanted a ride. It turns out it was the pastor and his wife from the nearby church I've attended.
I must say, given that I can count on my fingers how many people I've met (I wouldn't even say "know") in this city/country, it's nice to be recognized! Although it makes me feel like I need to be careful what I'm doing, I don't want to have a scowl on my face at the bus stop, as who knows who will pass...and word travels in this small island...
Indeed Ireland is geographically small, not merely in this sense of a close-knit community. It takes only 3 hours to drive from Dublin on the east coast to Galway on the west coast--this is like driving from Houston to Dallas or Austin. In fact, I suppose we can think of the Republic of Ireland roughly as that size: the region from, say, San Antonio to Houston to Dallas, if we were to make a box-like shape there in Texas. That's the whole country of Ireland! Wow. No wonder paths cross, as generation after generation develops its web of interaction...
City Centre
Dublin is divided into various postal code regions, and within each little area, there is it's own sort of center--the center of the community, a crossroads where the local pub, shops, chemist and church are located.
Now, I've been instructed that to tell someone I am going into the city centre, I should say I'm going "in to town." However, if I'm just going to my local area centre, I should say "down to town." Okay, got it. Also, one never calls the proper Dublin city centre "downtown," I blunder I was in the habit of saying due to the way in the US.
Note: You may have noticed some different spellings in my posts...for example in this entry, I use "center" and "centre." The latter is a more common British way, as is using "ou" instead of simply "o," such as in "colour" and "harbour."
Now, I've been instructed that to tell someone I am going into the city centre, I should say I'm going "in to town." However, if I'm just going to my local area centre, I should say "down to town." Okay, got it. Also, one never calls the proper Dublin city centre "downtown," I blunder I was in the habit of saying due to the way in the US.
Note: You may have noticed some different spellings in my posts...for example in this entry, I use "center" and "centre." The latter is a more common British way, as is using "ou" instead of simply "o," such as in "colour" and "harbour."
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Shopping
I have a strong aversion to shopping. Particularly clothes shopping. It gives me a headache, and I try to avoid it when I can (unless it's a thrift store, where I may enjoy finding more eccentric items...)
However, I needed to find a hat to keep my ears warm and the rain off, and for some reason I decided to explore the city's shopping options on a Saturday afternoon. The stores were a madhouse--and not merely due to the volume of customers, but due to the messy state in which the people had left the merchandise. Imagine being in an equivalent of a Macy's or Foley's, and looking out and seeing clothes strewn all over the racks and shelves, piles everywhere in complete disarray. In the shoes section, seeing shoes and boots scattered about completely covering the floor so that everyone has to climb over them and hunt for matches. It was frankly quite appalling, I was embarrassed for the store to tolerate the appearance of a tornado coming through.
So in order to survive, I had to view this as simply a touristic experience of observing the life of shopping on a Saturday afternoon in Dublin and I zoomed through the stores without stopping unless a hat jumped out at me--which occurred once when it fell of the pile of clothes it had been thrown on.
Note: to be fair, these state of disarray was only found in the larger stores, where I guess more people come than there are workers to manage the place. The smaller stores were quite well kept, and also the larger stores are not like this during the week.
However, I needed to find a hat to keep my ears warm and the rain off, and for some reason I decided to explore the city's shopping options on a Saturday afternoon. The stores were a madhouse--and not merely due to the volume of customers, but due to the messy state in which the people had left the merchandise. Imagine being in an equivalent of a Macy's or Foley's, and looking out and seeing clothes strewn all over the racks and shelves, piles everywhere in complete disarray. In the shoes section, seeing shoes and boots scattered about completely covering the floor so that everyone has to climb over them and hunt for matches. It was frankly quite appalling, I was embarrassed for the store to tolerate the appearance of a tornado coming through.
So in order to survive, I had to view this as simply a touristic experience of observing the life of shopping on a Saturday afternoon in Dublin and I zoomed through the stores without stopping unless a hat jumped out at me--which occurred once when it fell of the pile of clothes it had been thrown on.
Note: to be fair, these state of disarray was only found in the larger stores, where I guess more people come than there are workers to manage the place. The smaller stores were quite well kept, and also the larger stores are not like this during the week.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Blarney Stone
Yes, I kissed the Blarney Stone. The legendary stone is found at the top of the tower of the 600 year old castle, and it's said that those who kiss it will receive the gift of eloquence. (I'm not claiming to have successfully acquired this gift of gab, however...)As long ago as 1789, the French Consul to Dublin wrote of "Blarney Castle top of which is a large stone that visitors who climb up are made to kiss." The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue gives the following definition, "Blarney: He has licked the blarney stone; he deals in the wonderful, or tips us the traveler. The blarney stone is a triangular stone on the very top of an ancient castle of that name in the county of Cork in Ireland, extremely difficult of access; so that to have ascended to it, was considered as a proof of perseverance, courage and agility, whereof many are supposed to claim the honour, who never achieved the adventure: and to tip the blarney, is figuratively used telling a marvellous story, or falsity; and also sometimes to express flattery. Irish."
So how is it done? You climb to the top, then lay down on your back and there is a man who holds your torso while you carefully extend backwards and downwards in order to kiss the stone...Someone is there to take your picture of course, but I think I'll refrain from posting myself in such a contorted position on this open blog.
Perhaps you have heard of Baloney? What's the difference between Baloney and Blarney? According to the description on the tour: "Blarney is the varnished truth. Baloney is the unvarnished lie. Blarney is flattery laid on just thin enough to like it. Baloney is flattery laid on so thick we hate it."
My favorite is the following example, "The difference between 'blarney' and 'baloney' is this: Baloney is when you tell a 50-year old woman that she looks 18. Blarney is when you ask a woman how old she is because you want to know at what age women are most beautiful."
Brilliant.
(Note: this trip was taken back in August, but I'm just now getting around to writing about it.)
Irish Germs
Well, it seems this American girl does not have the right immunity for Irish Germs, or else they're much more potent than the tame ones in the States. (I'm not sure these are the appropriate words for germs, but you get the idea...) I very rarely get sick in the US, very rarely. However, I have come down with "something" twice within 5 weeks. Not very fun...
I suppose the weather could be a factor--I wake up with my nose frozen each morning (though my bed is nice and warm, piled high with wool blankets and a duvet, so heavy that I can barely roll over--nice and cozy!). It seems the radiator heaters in this house are only on between 7-9am and 7-10pm. When I step outside, the wind hits me with a mighty thrust, I walk in the cold to my bus and wait tensely until I am rescued by a vehicle packed with teenagers in their cute school uniforms--girls in pleated plaid skirts, knee-high socks, deck shoes, cardigan sweaters, boys in dress pants, ties, and sweaters. When I enter my office, I burn up and must take off my layers to a short-sleeved shirt.
Or someone has suggested it could be the water. Perhaps there are different microbes in the water here. Or perhaps it's simply the strand of germs bred in Ireland. Well, I'll build up my immunity and show them who's boss.
In the meantime, I'll sit here with a hot water bottle in my chair, wearing a scarf and sipping on some hot water, with a box of tissues by my side, typing away on this blog...spreading more germs on my keyboard...
I suppose the weather could be a factor--I wake up with my nose frozen each morning (though my bed is nice and warm, piled high with wool blankets and a duvet, so heavy that I can barely roll over--nice and cozy!). It seems the radiator heaters in this house are only on between 7-9am and 7-10pm. When I step outside, the wind hits me with a mighty thrust, I walk in the cold to my bus and wait tensely until I am rescued by a vehicle packed with teenagers in their cute school uniforms--girls in pleated plaid skirts, knee-high socks, deck shoes, cardigan sweaters, boys in dress pants, ties, and sweaters. When I enter my office, I burn up and must take off my layers to a short-sleeved shirt.
Or someone has suggested it could be the water. Perhaps there are different microbes in the water here. Or perhaps it's simply the strand of germs bred in Ireland. Well, I'll build up my immunity and show them who's boss.
In the meantime, I'll sit here with a hot water bottle in my chair, wearing a scarf and sipping on some hot water, with a box of tissues by my side, typing away on this blog...spreading more germs on my keyboard...
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Irish in Sudan
I heard a talk last night by a few Irish people who are living in southern Sudan, helping to bring education, sanitation and medical care to the people. I was overwhelmed by the pictures and stories that were told of their experiences. But I was also encouraged by the commitment of people like them to use their skills and resources to help those who do not have even their basic needs of shelter, food and water. I exhort all of us to examine ourselves and our ability to aid our fellow human beings in such developing countries (formerly called "Third World" countries).
They also had many statistics that I found gripping, but of course I can't remember many of them--we've all seen them before but somehow we go on without taking much personal action. I did remember some stats, as the message was very clear: Europe spends $11 billion US dollars on ice cream each year, the US spends $8 billion on cosmetics, and $12 billion on perfumes in the US and Europe, while it would cost $9 billion to provide water and sanitation, $6 billion for education, and $13 for basic health and nutrition for all developing countries in the world. Basically, we spend so much on luxuries while two-thirds of the world is in poverty. This sort of thing compels me to do without some unnecessary expense and to be intentional about giving that money toward "adopting" a child in Africa or paying the tuition for a teenager to go to vocational school or some other worthy humanitarian relief. We've been blessed with so much and they don't deserve to be with so little. If each of us did our part, we could help that many more people...and if only we would make ourselves aware of what is going on in such places like Sudan, then we might be more inclined to do something about it...but sometimes we get consumed in our little bubble of "worries"...well, I'd better stop now before I get on my soap-box. :)
It reminded me of this brief video clip I saw a couple of years ago: http://www.ekincaglar.com/coin/flash.html
They also had many statistics that I found gripping, but of course I can't remember many of them--we've all seen them before but somehow we go on without taking much personal action. I did remember some stats, as the message was very clear: Europe spends $11 billion US dollars on ice cream each year, the US spends $8 billion on cosmetics, and $12 billion on perfumes in the US and Europe, while it would cost $9 billion to provide water and sanitation, $6 billion for education, and $13 for basic health and nutrition for all developing countries in the world. Basically, we spend so much on luxuries while two-thirds of the world is in poverty. This sort of thing compels me to do without some unnecessary expense and to be intentional about giving that money toward "adopting" a child in Africa or paying the tuition for a teenager to go to vocational school or some other worthy humanitarian relief. We've been blessed with so much and they don't deserve to be with so little. If each of us did our part, we could help that many more people...and if only we would make ourselves aware of what is going on in such places like Sudan, then we might be more inclined to do something about it...but sometimes we get consumed in our little bubble of "worries"...well, I'd better stop now before I get on my soap-box. :)
It reminded me of this brief video clip I saw a couple of years ago: http://www.ekincaglar.com/coin/flash.html
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Gate Theatre
Last night I went with a friend to the Gate Theatre--"the most respected theatre in Dublin." It is famous for being the first in history to stage the nineteen plays of Samuel Beckett, and many well-known actors have performed here. I saw Noel Coward's "Private Lives," which is a somehow serious comedy about a one-time husband and wife who find themselves in adjacent honeymoon suites with their new spouses. The acting was absolutely superb!
I really love going to live plays such as this. The theatre is cozy, the audience is near the actors, and the entire story feels so real and as if you form a relationship with the actors. You are drawn in to the situations and feelings of those on stage, as they are living it out right before you, in real time. You feel as though you are participating somehow in their experience. A cinema has a distant, delayed, fabricated element, so one can never get as involved mentally as with live theatre. Plays such as this, with only 5 actors and a minimal set, also feel more genuine than an extravagant production. I suppose each of these forms of entertainment are intending to serve different purposes, so they are commendable in their own ways. I find films an escape from life here, a journey to another time and place (whether it is fiction or non-). Large productions such as musicals are completely unrealistic so I can only marvel in the talent of the singers and dancers--clearly not true to life as no one in their right mind breaks out in song in the middle of an intense situation. Plays invite me to share in an experience of another's life, they speak to my relational side and allow me to live with them for a moment.
My first real experience with a professional play--when I first realize what a tremendous art form it is--was 8 years ago while I was studying in London, taking a theatre appreciation course. The first play we saw was "The Woman in Black"--a murder mystery with only two or three actors and a very simple set. I was astounded at how we could be so enraptured by the play and truly frightened at the ghost story. We knew it was just a play and these are actors, yet an element of reality is present since they are there--live--experiencing it right before you. I'm shuddering now just remembering that play. So if you haven't gone out to the theatre in awhile, I do recommend it to you!
I really love going to live plays such as this. The theatre is cozy, the audience is near the actors, and the entire story feels so real and as if you form a relationship with the actors. You are drawn in to the situations and feelings of those on stage, as they are living it out right before you, in real time. You feel as though you are participating somehow in their experience. A cinema has a distant, delayed, fabricated element, so one can never get as involved mentally as with live theatre. Plays such as this, with only 5 actors and a minimal set, also feel more genuine than an extravagant production. I suppose each of these forms of entertainment are intending to serve different purposes, so they are commendable in their own ways. I find films an escape from life here, a journey to another time and place (whether it is fiction or non-). Large productions such as musicals are completely unrealistic so I can only marvel in the talent of the singers and dancers--clearly not true to life as no one in their right mind breaks out in song in the middle of an intense situation. Plays invite me to share in an experience of another's life, they speak to my relational side and allow me to live with them for a moment.
My first real experience with a professional play--when I first realize what a tremendous art form it is--was 8 years ago while I was studying in London, taking a theatre appreciation course. The first play we saw was "The Woman in Black"--a murder mystery with only two or three actors and a very simple set. I was astounded at how we could be so enraptured by the play and truly frightened at the ghost story. We knew it was just a play and these are actors, yet an element of reality is present since they are there--live--experiencing it right before you. I'm shuddering now just remembering that play. So if you haven't gone out to the theatre in awhile, I do recommend it to you!
adidas Dublin Half Marathon
I ran in the adidas Dublin Half Marathon yesterday. It was such an enjoyable run! It was all in Phoenix Park, the start was at 10am (well, because of the Irish way it ended up being around 10:15am...), the temperature was 60 degrees, and sunny blue skies--absolutely perfect!
Despite this being a substantial race, sponsored by adidas, with a great goody-bag and dry-fit adidas running shirt for all the finishers, the start of the race was quite anti-climatic. There were about 3,000 runners packed in...but no announcer to get us hyped up, no music...no national anthem sung like in the States, and certainly no gun. We simply heard a horn and we were off! Miles 5-8 and 10-13 were uphill, but the training in the hills of Austin must really pay off, as my legs and mind weren't bothered too much. Everyone was in great spirits--at the beginning there were some guys behind me singing some jovial songs, which made me feel like I was in an Irish pub. Actually, I only signed up for this race two days before...I haven't run more than 10 miles since the end of July, so I decided I'd try to restrain my competitive urge and just enjoy the scenery during these 13.1 miles. I finished in 1:49 (8:19 min miles) and indeed this may have been the most pleasant race I've done. There weren't near as many people cheering us on as I've experienced in the US, and it was all in the park, so I was able to really escape into my thoughts (interesting ideas come to mind when those endorphins are pumping for 2 hours...)
Now, in the US, as soon as you cross the finish line there are typically water bottles, sports drinks, bananas, oranges, sports bars and the like available for the participants. However, after the race, we had to walk a mile back to the headquarters for "refreshments," which consisted of tea, coffee, brack (raisin-filled bread) already covered with butter, and chocolate-covered biscuits. I'm definitely in Europe.
This was a wonderful day, I am so thankful for the health and ability to have such experiences.
Oh, for you logistics people, I took the bus at 7am (wearing pants, jacket and gloves, still quite chilly) into the city centre, walked half a mile to the next bus that would get me to the park, then walked half a mile to the registration headquarters, then walked a mile to the starting line. By then I was ready to strip down into my sleeveless top for sure. After the race, I walked all this in the reverse...and made it home by 3pm and was ready for a quick nap before heading back to downtown for a theatre show. (see blog to be posted soon...) Yes, it was a fun-filled full day!
Despite this being a substantial race, sponsored by adidas, with a great goody-bag and dry-fit adidas running shirt for all the finishers, the start of the race was quite anti-climatic. There were about 3,000 runners packed in...but no announcer to get us hyped up, no music...no national anthem sung like in the States, and certainly no gun. We simply heard a horn and we were off! Miles 5-8 and 10-13 were uphill, but the training in the hills of Austin must really pay off, as my legs and mind weren't bothered too much. Everyone was in great spirits--at the beginning there were some guys behind me singing some jovial songs, which made me feel like I was in an Irish pub. Actually, I only signed up for this race two days before...I haven't run more than 10 miles since the end of July, so I decided I'd try to restrain my competitive urge and just enjoy the scenery during these 13.1 miles. I finished in 1:49 (8:19 min miles) and indeed this may have been the most pleasant race I've done. There weren't near as many people cheering us on as I've experienced in the US, and it was all in the park, so I was able to really escape into my thoughts (interesting ideas come to mind when those endorphins are pumping for 2 hours...)
Now, in the US, as soon as you cross the finish line there are typically water bottles, sports drinks, bananas, oranges, sports bars and the like available for the participants. However, after the race, we had to walk a mile back to the headquarters for "refreshments," which consisted of tea, coffee, brack (raisin-filled bread) already covered with butter, and chocolate-covered biscuits. I'm definitely in Europe.
This was a wonderful day, I am so thankful for the health and ability to have such experiences.
Oh, for you logistics people, I took the bus at 7am (wearing pants, jacket and gloves, still quite chilly) into the city centre, walked half a mile to the next bus that would get me to the park, then walked half a mile to the registration headquarters, then walked a mile to the starting line. By then I was ready to strip down into my sleeveless top for sure. After the race, I walked all this in the reverse...and made it home by 3pm and was ready for a quick nap before heading back to downtown for a theatre show. (see blog to be posted soon...) Yes, it was a fun-filled full day!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
How the Irish Saved Civilization
I just finished the book "How the Irish Saved Civilization," by Thomas Cahill. It tells how the Ireland flourished as "a land of saints and scholars" during the time that the European continent was experiencing the dark ages. From the fall of the Roman Empire and the barbarian invasion of Europe to the rise of Charlemagne, the great classics of literature were preserved in the monasteries of this far off island. After St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, monks began establishing monasteries that become like university cities, they copied the greats manuscripts and established libraries with the great classical literature, while all the great libraries of Europe had vanished due to the barbarians. Not only did the monks and scribes preserve the Greek, Roman, Jewish and Christian works, but also these scholars were instrumental in spreading learning back to Europe once stability returned. This bestseller book is an account of history that is not always recognized, but one that is beautiful and inspiring (and even humorous)!
Endurance of the Irish
The Irish have endured a great deal. The Vikings invaded in the end of the eighth century and destroyed many monasteries and massacred countless number of people in their repeated raids. The Vikings were vanquished in the early eleventh century, but by this time Ireland had been marginalized from European civilization. In the twelfth century, the Normans (English) invaded. In the sixteenth century the colonizing Elizabethans (read: England/Protestant) cut down the Irish forests and killed many. In the seventeenth century, the Cromwellians (read: England/Protestant) came close to enacting genocide. In the eighteenth century the Penal Laws (from England) denied Catholics the rights of citizens, causing many to flee Ireland. In the nineteenth century, nearly one million Irish people died of hunger and its consequences between 1845 and 1851...while the English government sat on its hands. Another million and a half emigrated during this time to North America or Australia, many dying during the difficult journey.
No wonder there is much tension between Ireland and Britain. The conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland that we hear about in the US is deeply historical, political and cultural one, not merely theological.
For those of you unaware, the Easter Rising occurred in 1916, when the Irish Republic was proclaimed. The Irish War of Independence was from 1919-1921. Finally, in 1922, Britain and Ireland signed a treaty establishing the Irish Free State, but excluding the six counties of Northern Ireland still under British rule.
No wonder there is much tension between Ireland and Britain. The conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Ireland that we hear about in the US is deeply historical, political and cultural one, not merely theological.
For those of you unaware, the Easter Rising occurred in 1916, when the Irish Republic was proclaimed. The Irish War of Independence was from 1919-1921. Finally, in 1922, Britain and Ireland signed a treaty establishing the Irish Free State, but excluding the six counties of Northern Ireland still under British rule.
Is it a Cake or a Cookie?
During our afternoon tea/coffee break, I learned of a very interesting case in the European Court of Justice a few years back. Evidently there is Value Added Tax (VAT) on luxury items, but not on basic foodstuffs. In Ireland and Britain, biscuits cakes are deemed necessities and are thus exempt from the tax, but chocolate-covered biscuits are considered a luxury and subject to a VAT at 17.5%. (But for some reason it doesn't apply to chocolate-covered cakes.) So there have been several court cases disputing whether a chocolate-covered food is a cake or a biscuit. For example, McVities and HM Customs & Excise argued over the Jaffa Cake (a soft cake/cookie filled with jam and covered with chocolate), as did Marks & Spencer over their chocolate-covered teacake that had been deemed a confectionery.
So what settled the dispute? A soft/hard line of reasoning: it's a cake if when it goes stale it gets hard, and it's a cookie if when it goes stale it gets soft.
Thus McVities and M&S won their case in the Tribunal.
So what settled the dispute? A soft/hard line of reasoning: it's a cake if when it goes stale it gets hard, and it's a cookie if when it goes stale it gets soft.
Thus McVities and M&S won their case in the Tribunal.
First Cold Snap...
It is September 18. I woke up to the temperature outside being 37 degrees, with a wind chill making it feel like 30 degrees, according to the weather channel. Brrrr! Fortunately, it was sunny, which makes it a bit more bearable. Inside my room, the thermometer said it was 64 degrees. Time to try out these radiators they use for heat!
My inclination was to curl up in a blanket and brood about the paralyzing cold. To combat this, what I have learned to do is go outside for a run. So I donned my special hooded jacket made for running and my gloves and headed to the lovely park nearby. After 7 miles, I was hot and ready to strip down. Then for the rest of the day, whenever I got cold walking to work or such, I remembered running around in it this morning and being hot--thus I knew I'd be able to endure the walks while bundled in a jacket!
My inclination was to curl up in a blanket and brood about the paralyzing cold. To combat this, what I have learned to do is go outside for a run. So I donned my special hooded jacket made for running and my gloves and headed to the lovely park nearby. After 7 miles, I was hot and ready to strip down. Then for the rest of the day, whenever I got cold walking to work or such, I remembered running around in it this morning and being hot--thus I knew I'd be able to endure the walks while bundled in a jacket!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Pronunciation
I haven't quite mastered the ability to read an Irish word and know whether it is a person, place thing, adjective, much less how to correctly pronounce it. I received an email that ended with "Eoin, Customer Service Helpdesk." I needed to reply, but I wasn't quite sure to whom I should address it--is Eoin the author's name or is it an Irish word for something like "sincerely"? If I wrote, "Dear Eoin," is that saying "Dear Regards" or is it properly addressing the person I'm communicating with by name?
So I Googled it. Eoin is a name, pronounced like "Owen." Ahh.
Then I met someone named (as it sounds) "Locklin." But when I was to write his name down, I discovered it was spelled "Laughlin." Ah, yes, my second grade teacher's name was Ms. McGlaughlin, I can remember this one.
Meanwhile, I was listening to a talk by an Irish person today and he kept saying "na-ee-a". What is that?? He was saying "Make the most of na-ee-a." Then he'd refer to the "pa-ee-a-a" in something. Hmm...
Eventually I used context clues to discover that na-ee-a is "now" and pa-ee-a-a is "power."
Wow. Or should I say wa-ee-a?
So I Googled it. Eoin is a name, pronounced like "Owen." Ahh.
Then I met someone named (as it sounds) "Locklin." But when I was to write his name down, I discovered it was spelled "Laughlin." Ah, yes, my second grade teacher's name was Ms. McGlaughlin, I can remember this one.
Meanwhile, I was listening to a talk by an Irish person today and he kept saying "na-ee-a". What is that?? He was saying "Make the most of na-ee-a." Then he'd refer to the "pa-ee-a-a" in something. Hmm...
Eventually I used context clues to discover that na-ee-a is "now" and pa-ee-a-a is "power."
Wow. Or should I say wa-ee-a?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Politeness Protocol
I met a lady today and when she found out I was from Texas, she said, "Oh, do you say 'mum'?" I was a bit confused, I certainly don't say "mum"...I call my mother "mom." I asked what she meant, and she replied that she know another girl from Texas in Ireland who would always say "Yes, mum" or "No, mum."
Ahhh, the lady I was talking to meant "Ma'am," she just wasn't able to remember or pronounce it correctly!
Anyhow, she continued to explain how she thought it was so strange that this girl would say something like that, to have this habit of putting that word/title at the end of yes, no, or sometimes thank you.
How interesting--this a mandatory protocol for politeness in the South of the US caused a bewildered and confused reaction from the Irish. (Actually, I've encountered this startled reaction to such politeness in the north of the US as well.) I didn't bother to tell her how my parents trained me to always say "Yes Ma'am, yes Sir," and that whenever I didn't I was made to write 100 times on a piece of paper "I will say Yes Ma'am" or whatever the appropriate statement was. (I even found some of those papers a few months back when I was cleaning out boxes as I prepared to moved to Dublin!) Once the writing discipline lost its effectiveness, I was made to pay a few cents in a jar every time I neglected to say "ma'am" or "sir." Then my parents decided to try positive reinforcement and I was given a few cents out of the jar each time I remembered.
I wonder what a parallel politeness protocol for kids might exist here in Ireland...?
Ahhh, the lady I was talking to meant "Ma'am," she just wasn't able to remember or pronounce it correctly!
Anyhow, she continued to explain how she thought it was so strange that this girl would say something like that, to have this habit of putting that word/title at the end of yes, no, or sometimes thank you.
How interesting--this a mandatory protocol for politeness in the South of the US caused a bewildered and confused reaction from the Irish. (Actually, I've encountered this startled reaction to such politeness in the north of the US as well.) I didn't bother to tell her how my parents trained me to always say "Yes Ma'am, yes Sir," and that whenever I didn't I was made to write 100 times on a piece of paper "I will say Yes Ma'am" or whatever the appropriate statement was. (I even found some of those papers a few months back when I was cleaning out boxes as I prepared to moved to Dublin!) Once the writing discipline lost its effectiveness, I was made to pay a few cents in a jar every time I neglected to say "ma'am" or "sir." Then my parents decided to try positive reinforcement and I was given a few cents out of the jar each time I remembered.
I wonder what a parallel politeness protocol for kids might exist here in Ireland...?
Rugby World Cup
Last night Ireland played Georgia in the Rugby World Cup. People here are really consumed with the game and tournament, much like Americans would be around the Super Bowl time, I suppose. Well, I know next to nothing about rugby, except that it's sort of between of soccer and American football... But from what I can tell, rugby is a much more dangerous and difficult sport than American football--they certainly aren't wearing the padding like the American football guys have! I watched about 10 minutes of the game as I passed through a hotel lobby--wow, they are throwing guys in the air like cheerleaders to catch the ball! At other times there are packs of players pushing into each other for possession, and then later big tackles...this is pretty intense and exciting to watch. I need to go study up on the rules and terminology so that I can better participate in this cultural experience! I have to admit, it was also quite entertaining watching all the Irish men in their formal evening attire at the hotel go crazy cheering on the team. :)
By the way, Ireland won: 14-10.
By the way, Ireland won: 14-10.
Marionette Puppet Show Theatre
Last night I went to the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire for a puppet show of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid." Wow, what a production! I had no idea what to expect...I had a combination of images of hand puppets behind a wall and Disney's animated version of the story floating through my head...
Well, this was on a normal stage, with a very elaborate set and costumes on life-sized puppets (well, if a fictitious mermaid can be life-sized...)! It turns out these were marionette puppets-- those that hang on strings from above. (Thing of the Lonely Goatherd scene in "The Sound of Music," except on a much larger scale.) It was truly amazing to see these characters "floating" through the air as if it were in the sea, and the movements of their bodies were so very realistic like swimming, diving, walking. Even the smallest details of head and arm movements were carried out with precision. All of this was done with at least 10 strings or so per character. How do they coordinate this? I don't see how two people can coordinate one figure so well, nor do I see how one person can handle all the strings... (no human was visible, so I'm not sure how it was done). Also, the mermaids were flying all around, swinging rapidly around the set and around each other--how do they never get tangled up? I think I might have been watching for that more than paying attention to the story. (Well, actually, this was a puppet troupe from Poland, so the words were all in Polish--no wonder I was focused on the artistic and mechanical aspects of this production.)
Well, all I can say is this was a truly impressive show, and I'd recommend it to others for sure! Wow, I've still got those images in my mind--a really magical combination of the puppets, elaborate set and classic storyline.
Oh, the Disney version does not follow Andersen's original story. But there is indeed an octopus, and boy was that enormous puppet a scary one, crawling and jumping all over the stage and threatening to jump out on the audience!
Well, this was on a normal stage, with a very elaborate set and costumes on life-sized puppets (well, if a fictitious mermaid can be life-sized...)! It turns out these were marionette puppets-- those that hang on strings from above. (Thing of the Lonely Goatherd scene in "The Sound of Music," except on a much larger scale.) It was truly amazing to see these characters "floating" through the air as if it were in the sea, and the movements of their bodies were so very realistic like swimming, diving, walking. Even the smallest details of head and arm movements were carried out with precision. All of this was done with at least 10 strings or so per character. How do they coordinate this? I don't see how two people can coordinate one figure so well, nor do I see how one person can handle all the strings... (no human was visible, so I'm not sure how it was done). Also, the mermaids were flying all around, swinging rapidly around the set and around each other--how do they never get tangled up? I think I might have been watching for that more than paying attention to the story. (Well, actually, this was a puppet troupe from Poland, so the words were all in Polish--no wonder I was focused on the artistic and mechanical aspects of this production.)
Well, all I can say is this was a truly impressive show, and I'd recommend it to others for sure! Wow, I've still got those images in my mind--a really magical combination of the puppets, elaborate set and classic storyline.
Oh, the Disney version does not follow Andersen's original story. But there is indeed an octopus, and boy was that enormous puppet a scary one, crawling and jumping all over the stage and threatening to jump out on the audience!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Tea? Coffe?
I've definitely gotten into drinking more tea and coffee here. It's just what you do, morning, afternoon, evening, a very social thing.
Now then, whenever I've made a new friend and they arrange a place for us to meet (since I don't yet know the good spots), it's often been Starbucks. Eh? I guess they think they I'd be comforted by familiarity?
Anyhow, yesterday I'd had already enough caffeine to last me a week, so when I was to meet a friend at Starbucks that evening, I decided I'd get some herbal tea. I knew I was running with another friend at 6:30am this morning, so I didn't want to be kept awake. In US custom, the Starbucks person would ring up the bill, then ask precisely which tea I'd like, point me to the containers, I'd choose and it would be placed in the cup of hot water. Simple enough, and I naively expected the same to be done here. But before I knew it, I was given black tea, teabag already dropped in. Where'd my choice go? We Americans like choice. Oh well, it seems it is assumed when one asks for tea, one wants black tea!
Meanwhile, previously, when my mother was visiting, she had ordered water with our lunch at some cafe and was brought a cup of boiling hot water, like for tea. Fun times...
Oh, I am loving the digestive biscuits--the cookies served with tea/coffee. McVities chocolate covered are my favorite...
Now then, whenever I've made a new friend and they arrange a place for us to meet (since I don't yet know the good spots), it's often been Starbucks. Eh? I guess they think they I'd be comforted by familiarity?
Anyhow, yesterday I'd had already enough caffeine to last me a week, so when I was to meet a friend at Starbucks that evening, I decided I'd get some herbal tea. I knew I was running with another friend at 6:30am this morning, so I didn't want to be kept awake. In US custom, the Starbucks person would ring up the bill, then ask precisely which tea I'd like, point me to the containers, I'd choose and it would be placed in the cup of hot water. Simple enough, and I naively expected the same to be done here. But before I knew it, I was given black tea, teabag already dropped in. Where'd my choice go? We Americans like choice. Oh well, it seems it is assumed when one asks for tea, one wants black tea!
Meanwhile, previously, when my mother was visiting, she had ordered water with our lunch at some cafe and was brought a cup of boiling hot water, like for tea. Fun times...
Oh, I am loving the digestive biscuits--the cookies served with tea/coffee. McVities chocolate covered are my favorite...
Friday, September 14, 2007
Computer, part III
The technician contacted the maker of the motherboard (AMD) and retrieved the 5 necessary drivers needed, so now my machine is working! Yea! Now I'll just spend another 2 hours downloading and installing all my programs and things will be just grande.
Computer, part II
I got a message this afternoon from the computer technician who has been working on installing Windows XP on my machine, which reads, "Dell seems to have locked down your PC model to only run Vista. I will call you later to update you."
Oh boy. Dell must have really signed a tight agreement with Microsoft.
So I'm left with a computer that now is not running XP completely, nor Vista.
It's looking like I'll have to get Vista back and suffer with little mathematical software until those folks create updates to be compatible with Vista.
Meanwhile, I'll go back to my trusty pencil and paper and calculations of cryptographic sizes by hand...
Oh boy. Dell must have really signed a tight agreement with Microsoft.
So I'm left with a computer that now is not running XP completely, nor Vista.
It's looking like I'll have to get Vista back and suffer with little mathematical software until those folks create updates to be compatible with Vista.
Meanwhile, I'll go back to my trusty pencil and paper and calculations of cryptographic sizes by hand...
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Running home from work
Well, to release frustration (see entries below) and occupy excess time that I have, I've been running home from work. This is about 5 miles, and I can get home in the same amount of time it would take to wait/ride the bus. I have enjoyed exploring different routes to get home--my favorite is along the harbour, as there is a path that winds through a park right along the water. Plus I like to people watch as I go through the small town centers and residential areas instead of down the main dual-carriageway filled with cars in traffic (I did that the first time).
Computer
Okay, this isn't an encounter that is uniquely Irish...but it's something I've been dealing with nevertheless.
Three weeks ago I was given a brand-new Dell computer for my office, with Windows Vista. Uh-oh...I was skeptical about the new Vista, but sure, I'd give it a try. So I spend several hours downloading and installing the software I need for my research. Turns out, several of the packages aren't compatible with Vista yet. (In particular, I really needed to use MikTeX for my presentation last week...) The university has a software client that allows users to access the university's many applications...but that client is not compatible with Vista. So the university gives me a machine that it doesn't support??
I called IT Services, they put in a request to have Windows XP installed on my machine. In the meantime, I couldn't do much work on the computer, both because I didn't have the programs, and because I knew everything would get wiped off when they reformat it for the different operating system.
A week later I got an email saying they don't have a license to distribute Windows XP by disc. I replied that I didn't want a disc, I simply wanted them to come over and install it on my machine. A few days later they replied warning me that all my files will be deleted. I replied that I'm aware of that, which is why I'd like this to get taken care of as soon as possible so I can get to work. A few days later they replied asking what my current RAM is, what the hard disk space is, and what the operating system is--this annoyed me, as clearly in my emails that were quoted below in their reply, I had already explained that my operating system was Vista and I needed XP, blah blah blah. Okay, so the next day I get a reply that they are going to have to transfer this request to another building/service in order to get resolution. What??
So yesterday I made some calls to the IT Services of the School of Mathematical Sciences (instead of the university IT folks), to see if they could help. The answer was they have no license to install XP, and they were already familiar with the compatibility problems of math software with Vista, but there's nothing they can do, except offer me Linux. Oh boy. Now Linux is indeed powerful and what a hardcore mathematician/computer scientist would use... But then the IT folks warned me that they offer no support for Linux--"if you are good enough to use Linux, then you're good enough to not need any help." Well, I used Linux for 6 years getting my Ph.D., but I'm not an expect so I think I'll still with Windows...
Finally, today a university IT guy came to my office and said he could install XP, and it would take about an hour. Yea! So I piddled around, trying to occupy myself...but soon 3 hours passed, and he was having trouble getting on the network. Evidently it's missing some drivers needed to get on the network (i.e. no Internet). So he calls Dell, and they say he must put Vista back on, as it's not designed to have XP. What?? The guy hangs up, tries some other things, nothing works, so he says he will call Dell back and insist...
In the meantime, I went home, still without a computer working...
Three weeks ago I was given a brand-new Dell computer for my office, with Windows Vista. Uh-oh...I was skeptical about the new Vista, but sure, I'd give it a try. So I spend several hours downloading and installing the software I need for my research. Turns out, several of the packages aren't compatible with Vista yet. (In particular, I really needed to use MikTeX for my presentation last week...) The university has a software client that allows users to access the university's many applications...but that client is not compatible with Vista. So the university gives me a machine that it doesn't support??
I called IT Services, they put in a request to have Windows XP installed on my machine. In the meantime, I couldn't do much work on the computer, both because I didn't have the programs, and because I knew everything would get wiped off when they reformat it for the different operating system.
A week later I got an email saying they don't have a license to distribute Windows XP by disc. I replied that I didn't want a disc, I simply wanted them to come over and install it on my machine. A few days later they replied warning me that all my files will be deleted. I replied that I'm aware of that, which is why I'd like this to get taken care of as soon as possible so I can get to work. A few days later they replied asking what my current RAM is, what the hard disk space is, and what the operating system is--this annoyed me, as clearly in my emails that were quoted below in their reply, I had already explained that my operating system was Vista and I needed XP, blah blah blah. Okay, so the next day I get a reply that they are going to have to transfer this request to another building/service in order to get resolution. What??
So yesterday I made some calls to the IT Services of the School of Mathematical Sciences (instead of the university IT folks), to see if they could help. The answer was they have no license to install XP, and they were already familiar with the compatibility problems of math software with Vista, but there's nothing they can do, except offer me Linux. Oh boy. Now Linux is indeed powerful and what a hardcore mathematician/computer scientist would use... But then the IT folks warned me that they offer no support for Linux--"if you are good enough to use Linux, then you're good enough to not need any help." Well, I used Linux for 6 years getting my Ph.D., but I'm not an expect so I think I'll still with Windows...
Finally, today a university IT guy came to my office and said he could install XP, and it would take about an hour. Yea! So I piddled around, trying to occupy myself...but soon 3 hours passed, and he was having trouble getting on the network. Evidently it's missing some drivers needed to get on the network (i.e. no Internet). So he calls Dell, and they say he must put Vista back on, as it's not designed to have XP. What?? The guy hangs up, tries some other things, nothing works, so he says he will call Dell back and insist...
In the meantime, I went home, still without a computer working...
Phone
Now, in the midst of those computer hassles, my office phone still doesn't work.
Again, three weeks ago, I asked why I cannot dial out, and they say I should be able to dial within the university, but I have to apply to call outside the university, as there is a charge for each call. And extra-special permission/signatures are required to be able to call mobile phones. Okay, fine, right now I'd simply like to be able to call within the university, as I need to call IT Services for my computer...
So I filled out the application, etc., and the telephone services said it's all taken care of. Well, turns out, I can receive calls, but still cannot make calls. Their switchboard or whatever says my line is active and ready, but I'm telling them it doesn't work. We've been going back and forth on this the past 3 weeks as well...and to this day it is not fixed.
Meanwhile, since I can receive calls, I figure I should set up my voicemail. Well, after many attempts, I learn that I must send in an application. Gee, I have to apply for absolutely everything here, which means at least 24 hours goes by before anything can get done...
So, now I do have voicemail, but a phone that doesn't work...
Again, three weeks ago, I asked why I cannot dial out, and they say I should be able to dial within the university, but I have to apply to call outside the university, as there is a charge for each call. And extra-special permission/signatures are required to be able to call mobile phones. Okay, fine, right now I'd simply like to be able to call within the university, as I need to call IT Services for my computer...
So I filled out the application, etc., and the telephone services said it's all taken care of. Well, turns out, I can receive calls, but still cannot make calls. Their switchboard or whatever says my line is active and ready, but I'm telling them it doesn't work. We've been going back and forth on this the past 3 weeks as well...and to this day it is not fixed.
Meanwhile, since I can receive calls, I figure I should set up my voicemail. Well, after many attempts, I learn that I must send in an application. Gee, I have to apply for absolutely everything here, which means at least 24 hours goes by before anything can get done...
So, now I do have voicemail, but a phone that doesn't work...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Bluegrass
I met some colleagues downtown at the Ha'Penny Inn's pub for some bluegrass music. Well, this Irish band (The Sick and Indigent Song Club) was quite talented (guitar, mandolin, ukelele, harmonica, accordion, whistles, etc.), but it gave me a feel of being 1950's style American bluegrass. Indeed, this was an odd feeling, coming all the way to Dublin in the 21st century to listen to an Irish band playing American bluegrass from the 1950's...
Yup, when I looked them up on the web, they are described as "Old timey, folk, trad, blues and vintage pop."
Meawhile, the Ha'Penny Inn pub is great! It's a cozy place upstairs for music, with comfortable little tables, stools and couches, well lit and fresh (unlike the dark, crowded bar downstairs). It sits right on the River Liffey (which is lovely to walk along at night), across from the Ha'Penny pedestrian bridge (built 1816). The bridge got its name from the half-penny toll that one used to be charged to cross it; the toll was dropped in 1919.
Yup, when I looked them up on the web, they are described as "Old timey, folk, trad, blues and vintage pop."
Meawhile, the Ha'Penny Inn pub is great! It's a cozy place upstairs for music, with comfortable little tables, stools and couches, well lit and fresh (unlike the dark, crowded bar downstairs). It sits right on the River Liffey (which is lovely to walk along at night), across from the Ha'Penny pedestrian bridge (built 1816). The bridge got its name from the half-penny toll that one used to be charged to cross it; the toll was dropped in 1919.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Ryan's Daughter
During the tour of the Dingle Peninsula, there was much mention of the movie "Ryan's Daughter", directed by David Lean (director of "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago"), as it was filmed on the Dingle Peninsula. So I have gotten the dvd from the library and have watched about 30 minutes so far--the pictures I have posted above are two that I took, and they appear almost exactly the same in the movie. Indeed, this 1970 film, winner of 2 academy awards, has some beautiful scenery! The film stars Robert Mitchum, Sarah Miles, and John Mills, who got an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. It takes place during World War I, so there is some interesting insights on life in Ireland and Europe during that tense time--the US obviously didn't experience the same challenges, as it only formally entered in 1917, but the rest of Europe had been fighting since 1914. More precisely, the film is set in 1916, not long after the Easter Rising (rebellion in Ireland to win independence from Britain). But the main plot is a love story...
I haven't seen enough of the movie yet to place my recommendation stamp on it, so watch at your own risk. :)
Rapidly Changing
Here is a picture of the coming of a downpour. Well, actually it never came! But see how it was previously totally blue skies and sunny, then within minutes, there is a vast change, and then somehow within minutes it moves off in another direction without the bottom every falling out.I wonder if people here go easy on the meteorologists, since they have a really difficult job...
Buses
I have been looking forward to living without a car. I've had a car since I was sixteen, and now finally I will break free from that dependency, yes? Living a more minimalist lifestyle, fewer material possessions, fewer luxuries...oh yes, this certainly doesn't come without its pains.
I am a very proactive person, always on the go, always somehow being productive. I'm also very punctual. This is partly because I am very organized and partly because I don't like waiting on others and hence don't want to cause others to wait on me.
Well, waiting on a city bus sure does throw a kink in such a lifestyle.
It's not merely the waiting, but the uncertainty of the waiting--never really knowing if/when a bus will arrive. Never really knowing when I need to leave in order to arrive to a meeting on time, or never knowing when I can tell a person I will be able to join them after my previous commitment. Basically never knowing how much time to allow for an activity.
Uncertainty. Waiting. Not a good combination for someone like me. But I'm learning...
One remedy is to bring a book along. This helps matters, but only slightly. It helps during the journey on the bus, but not the waiting for the arrival--for you must be ready to flag down the bus in time or else it will zip right past you. And, well, actually once on the bus, I am still trying to learn the identifying markers of when to ring the stop bell and begin my decent down the winding staircase on the bus in time my needed departure. (Climbing down the stairs while the bus is in motion with these drivers is not a safe venture, let me tell you...and certainly not with one hand occupied by holding a book...)
So now I've just taken to talking to myself to bide the time. Okay, not really.
Now then, there are bus itineraries so that you know which bus stops where...but these are not accurate. Bus 75 was supposed to come in 10 minutes, but after 35 minutes, I decided to walk to another stop around the corner and get the 46a, which is supposed to come every 6-8 minutes. Wouldn't ya know, I'd see two 75's go past right after this? Oh well, I knew it was a gamble. Meanwhile, I waited at the new stop for over an hour (unable to read my book, because any minute the bus could zoom around the corner). Finally someone came and told me that between 4-7pm, the 46a takes a different route, since it's traffic time. What?? I checked the bus information posted, and there was no mention of this. Urgh.
I do love being able to walk to many places. This is such a freeing feeling, going about on foot. Carrying my groceries back to the house (learning how much weight I can handle per trip...), leisurely stroll to the bank or local bakery.
I do love not having to do repairs on my car. I once needed new tires for my car in the States, and I remember being so perturbed that I was forced to spend a large sum of money and chunk of time out of work in order to get this taken care of, since I was so dependent on a car to get around to my various commitments. No longer is that the case. Ahhh, freedom from that control on me. I also like not seeing the automated withdrawal of car insurance payments from my bank account, and not keeping such a close watch on gasoline prices.
Perhaps waiting for the buses is good, it's making me slow down, smell the roses (or the persons thrust up against me during rush hour...)
I am a very proactive person, always on the go, always somehow being productive. I'm also very punctual. This is partly because I am very organized and partly because I don't like waiting on others and hence don't want to cause others to wait on me.
Well, waiting on a city bus sure does throw a kink in such a lifestyle.
It's not merely the waiting, but the uncertainty of the waiting--never really knowing if/when a bus will arrive. Never really knowing when I need to leave in order to arrive to a meeting on time, or never knowing when I can tell a person I will be able to join them after my previous commitment. Basically never knowing how much time to allow for an activity.
Uncertainty. Waiting. Not a good combination for someone like me. But I'm learning...
One remedy is to bring a book along. This helps matters, but only slightly. It helps during the journey on the bus, but not the waiting for the arrival--for you must be ready to flag down the bus in time or else it will zip right past you. And, well, actually once on the bus, I am still trying to learn the identifying markers of when to ring the stop bell and begin my decent down the winding staircase on the bus in time my needed departure. (Climbing down the stairs while the bus is in motion with these drivers is not a safe venture, let me tell you...and certainly not with one hand occupied by holding a book...)
So now I've just taken to talking to myself to bide the time. Okay, not really.
Now then, there are bus itineraries so that you know which bus stops where...but these are not accurate. Bus 75 was supposed to come in 10 minutes, but after 35 minutes, I decided to walk to another stop around the corner and get the 46a, which is supposed to come every 6-8 minutes. Wouldn't ya know, I'd see two 75's go past right after this? Oh well, I knew it was a gamble. Meanwhile, I waited at the new stop for over an hour (unable to read my book, because any minute the bus could zoom around the corner). Finally someone came and told me that between 4-7pm, the 46a takes a different route, since it's traffic time. What?? I checked the bus information posted, and there was no mention of this. Urgh.
I do love being able to walk to many places. This is such a freeing feeling, going about on foot. Carrying my groceries back to the house (learning how much weight I can handle per trip...), leisurely stroll to the bank or local bakery.
I do love not having to do repairs on my car. I once needed new tires for my car in the States, and I remember being so perturbed that I was forced to spend a large sum of money and chunk of time out of work in order to get this taken care of, since I was so dependent on a car to get around to my various commitments. No longer is that the case. Ahhh, freedom from that control on me. I also like not seeing the automated withdrawal of car insurance payments from my bank account, and not keeping such a close watch on gasoline prices.
Perhaps waiting for the buses is good, it's making me slow down, smell the roses (or the persons thrust up against me during rush hour...)
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Music and Dancing
I haven't posted for a week, as I've been quite busy with a conference. (It was very informative and enjoyable.)
Meanwhile, some of the folks from outside Ireland wanted to find a place with traditional Irish music. So a group of us went to the Arlington Hotel's pub, where there was a band playing such music, and a group of Irish dancers--dancing "Riverdance Style". You know, with the arms down by the side, legs moving super fast, like puppet dolls. It was great fun experiencing this in more of a local setting instead of in a vast auditorium performance. I also think I'm starting to recognize and learn some of the traditional songs I've heard in several pubs now--pretty soon I'll be singing along loudly, swaying my drink...or not. :)
Meanwhile, some of the folks from outside Ireland wanted to find a place with traditional Irish music. So a group of us went to the Arlington Hotel's pub, where there was a band playing such music, and a group of Irish dancers--dancing "Riverdance Style". You know, with the arms down by the side, legs moving super fast, like puppet dolls. It was great fun experiencing this in more of a local setting instead of in a vast auditorium performance. I also think I'm starting to recognize and learn some of the traditional songs I've heard in several pubs now--pretty soon I'll be singing along loudly, swaying my drink...or not. :)
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Solitude
I've been pondering the difference between Loneliness and Solitude.
Loneliness seems to be a state of lacking company, an unsavory feeling seeming from perceived incompleteness and abnormal abandonment or alienation.
Solitude is a state of wholeness while in isolation. It carries a feeling of appreciation for the opportunity to be with oneself, apart from distraction, to be complete in the present without the need for additional stimulus or companionship.
Loneliness seems to be a state of lacking company, an unsavory feeling seeming from perceived incompleteness and abnormal abandonment or alienation.
Solitude is a state of wholeness while in isolation. It carries a feeling of appreciation for the opportunity to be with oneself, apart from distraction, to be complete in the present without the need for additional stimulus or companionship.
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