I've always been a firm believer in the phrase, "When it rains, it pours." It has proved its truth once again.
My work and school obligations thusfar in Ireland has been very laid back, allowing me to skip around and do as I please in my vast spans of free time. That rug was suddenly pulled from under me last week, leaving me face down in a pile of deadlines, meetings and a much anticipated internship. I'll begin with the latter.
I've fallen into the caring hands of Comhlamh, a NGO focusing on "development workers in global solidarity". Pronounced "co-law-ve" (it's Irish for solidarity or joining hands/together), they specialize in international development and education of all levels. Think Peace Corps objectives, only based on a smaller level. Don't let the size fool you; Comhlamh brings a lot to the table such as open forum debates, graduate courses, international networking and research, and a recharging nest for the volunteering birdies to crash into after they've worked in various areas of the world. Most of the people that work in the office here have spent time in or are from foreign countries. The working environment is incredibly laid back and friendly. I've been getting to know everyone here via extended one on one chats over tea or postponed paperwork. They're mostly interested in where I'm from, what I'm studying and who I want to see in the White House. I've already learned so much more about the Irish culture just through comparison and anecdotes. And did I mention that they have their own magazine, Focus? Oh yes, this is the place for me.
And speaking of Peace Corps similarity, I, as well as about ten other American students, have partaken in a program called Peace Corps Localise and DBS Unite. It is the first time Americans, and Dublin Business School students altogether, have joined in on this Peace Corps Localise (localize). We will be meeting once a week and will be designing a project that addresses a problem in the Dublin area. I'm going to suggest more recycling bins and access because there are surprisingly almost none in Dublin! We'll be working on this and then presenting our plan just before we leave. We might even hit up an old folks home or two for a little song and dance. Even though our group is small, there is a huge amount of potential and 3 years of college expertise from all concentrations. We were told we could start a business right then if need be. A few of us considered, but then remembered our passports wouldn't allow it.
The reality of time restraint is really kicking in. With only two months left, almost every week is booked with trips, papers due, or nightly meetings and extra sessions on development education I weasled my way into with my "intern" card. Although my schedule has been flooded, I feel like I can finally relax and sink into my routine of go, go, go. Although wandering around in the sunshine is fun, I prefer this busy lifestyle as I am able to accomplish much more. Besides, it's cold and gray outside anyway.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Enniskerry camping adventure
In order to prepare for our backpacking excursion, we thought it would be in order to have a camp out trial-run with our new equipment. We had orginally set out for Bray Head but were forced to reroute after being discouraged by the NO CAMPING signs. As I don't fancy the concept of coincidences, I was thrilled when we arrived in the wooded haven of Enniskerry. The town itself provided eye candy of shops and store fronts, all wrapped around the focal monument in the center. Beyond the town stood thick forest and mountains nestled in the distance. We were in an Irish wonderland.
With our packs and a rough map sketched out by Constances' host father, we made our way to the outskirts of town. We passed by a stone church with a well manicured cemetary in the front, spotted with trees so large and resembling knotted rope wrapped around to take a cylinder form. The map led us to the narrow path we were to take, which separated two pastures on either side. We were granted an occasional break in the overgrown shrubs for a view of the rolling farms with houses sprinkled along those mountains just out of reach.
Seeing as though we got a late start into Enniskerry, we had to march on for daylight was running low. To save time we picked up dry sticks we found, only to get them tangled up in the prickers that greeted us on the edges of the path. We managed to hold on to our loot, knowing the likelihood of finding dry firewood further into the forest and building a fire was nill.
After hiking what seemed to be a mile or longer, we decided to abandon the path and set up camp in the nearest clearing. We quickly assigned duties, and Deanna and I hastily threw our tent together, often glancing at the sky to calculate how much scarce daylight we had remaining. I knew it would get dark sooner deep in the woods, but Constance remained patient with her fire and pretty soon she had one lit. In what seemed to be record time, the three girls from Northwest PA (ironic, I know) managed to set up a decent camp.
We celebrated with PB and J's and granola, telling stories and singing old songs as we crouched around our fire. I felt right at home. The route we had taken and the scenery had reminded me of my woods at home, complete with the nearby creek and "sissy way". Deanna's words, "We're camping in Ireland" was the only thing that allowed me to differentiate. Eventually we killed the fire and settled into our sleeping bags for the night. It was just barely 9:00pm. We giggled and called each other old lady, but we all knew how tired we really were after our big day. During the night the cold ground and creek's chill crept up on us, making us stir and shift through extreme differences in body temperature. Granted, it is February, but that's precisely why it was a trial run. I'll mark it in my book as a success, but there's always room for improvement. Like having mats to sleep on and more daylight in our favor.
With our packs and a rough map sketched out by Constances' host father, we made our way to the outskirts of town. We passed by a stone church with a well manicured cemetary in the front, spotted with trees so large and resembling knotted rope wrapped around to take a cylinder form. The map led us to the narrow path we were to take, which separated two pastures on either side. We were granted an occasional break in the overgrown shrubs for a view of the rolling farms with houses sprinkled along those mountains just out of reach.
Seeing as though we got a late start into Enniskerry, we had to march on for daylight was running low. To save time we picked up dry sticks we found, only to get them tangled up in the prickers that greeted us on the edges of the path. We managed to hold on to our loot, knowing the likelihood of finding dry firewood further into the forest and building a fire was nill.
After hiking what seemed to be a mile or longer, we decided to abandon the path and set up camp in the nearest clearing. We quickly assigned duties, and Deanna and I hastily threw our tent together, often glancing at the sky to calculate how much scarce daylight we had remaining. I knew it would get dark sooner deep in the woods, but Constance remained patient with her fire and pretty soon she had one lit. In what seemed to be record time, the three girls from Northwest PA (ironic, I know) managed to set up a decent camp.
We celebrated with PB and J's and granola, telling stories and singing old songs as we crouched around our fire. I felt right at home. The route we had taken and the scenery had reminded me of my woods at home, complete with the nearby creek and "sissy way". Deanna's words, "We're camping in Ireland" was the only thing that allowed me to differentiate. Eventually we killed the fire and settled into our sleeping bags for the night. It was just barely 9:00pm. We giggled and called each other old lady, but we all knew how tired we really were after our big day. During the night the cold ground and creek's chill crept up on us, making us stir and shift through extreme differences in body temperature. Granted, it is February, but that's precisely why it was a trial run. I'll mark it in my book as a success, but there's always room for improvement. Like having mats to sleep on and more daylight in our favor.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Spring Break is Booked
Apologies for the delay, folks. I'll just say it was in honor of the Writer's Strike.
Much has happened since I last blogged. Stateside, the Giants (rightfully) won the Superbowl, Super Tuesday brought millions of voters from all walks of life to the polls, and my brother became an official EMT. Across the pond on the Emerald Isle, Ireland's rugby team beat Italy but lost to Brazil in the famous Croke Park, we were introduced to "Pancake Tuesday" and I have booked my flights for our Spring Break adventure!
Maggie came up with the idea as we were hiking back down Bray Head last weekend; let's backpack around Europe. This immediately threw us into a whirlwind of excited chatter, resulting in near-tumbles down the mountain. When we reached safety at the bottom we explored our options; Maggie has a friend in Rome. I want to see Spain. We'll need a tent, some sleeping bags, decent shoes. Good enough!
We've booked our tickets to fly into Barcelona, where we'll soak up the Spanish life for a couple of days. Then, with the help of a Eurail pass, we will venture into the south of France, stopping in Marseille and Nice. The Principality of Monoco will serve as our half way point. Heading into Italy, we will stop off in Genova (and hopefully a detour to my roots in Como!) before ending our trip in Rome. We have timed it to where we will be in the Vatican for Easter Sunday, a perfect way to end Lent. We have eight days of freedom to wonder along the Meditterranean coast and camp out on beaches (this statement is a romantic cover for the research still needing to be done).
Through every step of the preparations, I and my three other travel companions grow delighted while we let our imaginations paint exquisite pictures of scenic hikes accompanied by warm breezes and jolly nights huddled in the tent telling stories. Even if the weather turns sour and hte beaches resemble those of Lake Erie, this trip will be one for the books.
If anyone has any advice for the route we'll be taking, please comment! I would love to see what you see.
Much has happened since I last blogged. Stateside, the Giants (rightfully) won the Superbowl, Super Tuesday brought millions of voters from all walks of life to the polls, and my brother became an official EMT. Across the pond on the Emerald Isle, Ireland's rugby team beat Italy but lost to Brazil in the famous Croke Park, we were introduced to "Pancake Tuesday" and I have booked my flights for our Spring Break adventure!
Maggie came up with the idea as we were hiking back down Bray Head last weekend; let's backpack around Europe. This immediately threw us into a whirlwind of excited chatter, resulting in near-tumbles down the mountain. When we reached safety at the bottom we explored our options; Maggie has a friend in Rome. I want to see Spain. We'll need a tent, some sleeping bags, decent shoes. Good enough!
We've booked our tickets to fly into Barcelona, where we'll soak up the Spanish life for a couple of days. Then, with the help of a Eurail pass, we will venture into the south of France, stopping in Marseille and Nice. The Principality of Monoco will serve as our half way point. Heading into Italy, we will stop off in Genova (and hopefully a detour to my roots in Como!) before ending our trip in Rome. We have timed it to where we will be in the Vatican for Easter Sunday, a perfect way to end Lent. We have eight days of freedom to wonder along the Meditterranean coast and camp out on beaches (this statement is a romantic cover for the research still needing to be done).
Through every step of the preparations, I and my three other travel companions grow delighted while we let our imaginations paint exquisite pictures of scenic hikes accompanied by warm breezes and jolly nights huddled in the tent telling stories. Even if the weather turns sour and hte beaches resemble those of Lake Erie, this trip will be one for the books.
If anyone has any advice for the route we'll be taking, please comment! I would love to see what you see.
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