Hello my faithful followers. And to ye of little faith. I know you probably thought that I wasnt c oming back, but here I am. I must admit, I got lost on my way here. Then I forgot my password. But, I have reaccessed my Blog.
Anyway, you must be wondering why I have been away so long. The answer is that I was dutifulygetting my coursework done. This isnt to say that I couldnt have sent you an Email or so; I admit I could have at least done that. But I did got a bit distracted. Sorry.
Anyway Im back now. Writing essays was fine. Just like writing at Earlham. (Except no 24 hour lab) As for right now, I had my first day at Oakgrove integrated school. It was a really good day, but Im still not sure what I ought to be doing there. The school has two weeks off over easter, and while I would love to go to the north coast of Antrim and surf, but I have a feeling I will be working. On what is anyones guess.
Also, I believe I went to Dublin since the last time I wrote. Dublin was fantastic. The parade was OK, but everything else, the Crepes, the Theater, that was all excelent.
Anyway, I hope everyone else is doing OK, and looking forward to May. It is about time I saw my wonderful family again.
...Kit can come too. (Stupid didnt take my offer for a draw...)
--Alex
Monday 30 March 2009
Thursday 19 February 2009
Hi everyone. Cant stay long, but wanted to let you all know that I am doing fine and that, once again, my email is working. Anyway, I hope you are all doing well. I will try to write a longer post later, but until then, I hope that you all know how much I miss the lot of you.
Love, Peace, and problem free E-mail
--Alex
P.S. Also, Kit, you have not activated your game knot account. You should have an email in which you can do this.
Love, Peace, and problem free E-mail
--Alex
P.S. Also, Kit, you have not activated your game knot account. You should have an email in which you can do this.
Monday 9 February 2009
Hello everybody. Its nice to write to you all again. Anyway, skype still not working, and I have given up trying to get it in the library. I think my best bet for skype will be to try to get it in my house.
Anyway, the rest of my life is going fairly smoothly. I co-mediated an argument in class today, which was a complete pain in the ass. I mean, I think we can all agree that people can be a tad unreasonable at times, but it must be excruciating being a conflict mediator. Don’t get me wrong, I think I got a lot out of it, and it was only for about half an hour or so (when the teacher had to stop it) but wow.
In other news, I’m starting to meet other adults, besides my host parents. For example, I was at a friends house last night, planning out the facilitation of today’s class, and when her host dad opened the door, he was able to refer to me by my first name and greeted me with a smile so warm I’m considering wearing sunscreen next time I see him. I mean, I have met him before, but only twice and only for a few minuets each time. Or, today, I was walking down the road as an elementary school was being let out and a woman said “Hello, Alex,” as she walked by. I had only actually seen this woman once before at my host families house for about five minuets before I had to go to dance class. My point is every one here is really outgoing and gregarious. (In stark contrast to all those jerks in America)
I’m really enjoying cooking for myself, but I don’t feel like I’m doing it in such a way that would open me to experiences about certain cultures in Derry. I mean, sure, I can get everything I need in Tesco or Spar or I can go down to the corner store and get some candy late at night, but I haven’t been able to find a bakery or local produce store. I saw a butchers once, but haven’t been able to find it since. I might just need to get my host family to give me a tour.
Anyway, that’s all my news for now. This blog might start to get boring because I am going to start doing more homework and might start having fewer adventures. But I will be on every once in a while to say Hi and let everyone know that I am thinking of them.
Peace, Love, and Conflict Resolution
--Alex
Friday 6 February 2009
Hello blog-followers and would-be skypers. Unfortunatly, skyping with Laura did not work out today, and so you will all need to wait before you talk to me. I have talked to the IT guy in the library about how I can get my computer some wireless from my house, which would be both more consistent as well as more convenient, since I’m pretty sure that, technically, we aren’t supposed to talk to much in the library, even if our voices are low. (I would still do it for all of you, but, well, you know…)
Anyway, life here is still OK. We just had our third dance class, and we are all getting pretty good. Its kind of fun as well. I can see why people liked doing it so much in, you know, the bowels of ships, etc. We also had our first official tin whistle class. We are learning a couple of songs, and I have gotten some music offline to learn. I’m trying to learn a song called ‘Ann Maguire’s Silver Wedding’, which is really pretty. Those of you who have never heard this song can go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12fctBQS7ws
(I imagine that this link will be seeing a lot of use)
Anyway, everything else is going fine. I do feel a bit homesick, unfortunately, and am worried that that might be affecting how I am able to enjoy these experiences. But I will be here for a while, and I hear that this is fairly common. Anyway, I hope you are all well. Have to go because the library is about to close, but hope I get to see you soon.
--Alex
P.S. I have been hearing from a few people that they really enjoy reading this blog. Now, maybe they are just being nice and trying to conceal the fact that my blog sucks, but if they are, I would like to remain oblivious to that, and thank a few people. First, Mom and Omi, who have a way, like most mothers, of beating many of my good habits into me without an ounce of mercy, no matter how much I beg and plead for the path of least resistance. I hope the hard work is paying off. Second, Laura, whose demand for emails last semester gave me some pretty invaluable practice, and whose love and support has been wonderful in more ways then I can count. In Gaelic. (Unless the word for twenty is just the word for ten spoken twice in a row, I can only count to 19) Thank you.
Anyway, life here is still OK. We just had our third dance class, and we are all getting pretty good. Its kind of fun as well. I can see why people liked doing it so much in, you know, the bowels of ships, etc. We also had our first official tin whistle class. We are learning a couple of songs, and I have gotten some music offline to learn. I’m trying to learn a song called ‘Ann Maguire’s Silver Wedding’, which is really pretty. Those of you who have never heard this song can go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12fctBQS7ws
(I imagine that this link will be seeing a lot of use)
Anyway, everything else is going fine. I do feel a bit homesick, unfortunately, and am worried that that might be affecting how I am able to enjoy these experiences. But I will be here for a while, and I hear that this is fairly common. Anyway, I hope you are all well. Have to go because the library is about to close, but hope I get to see you soon.
--Alex
P.S. I have been hearing from a few people that they really enjoy reading this blog. Now, maybe they are just being nice and trying to conceal the fact that my blog sucks, but if they are, I would like to remain oblivious to that, and thank a few people. First, Mom and Omi, who have a way, like most mothers, of beating many of my good habits into me without an ounce of mercy, no matter how much I beg and plead for the path of least resistance. I hope the hard work is paying off. Second, Laura, whose demand for emails last semester gave me some pretty invaluable practice, and whose love and support has been wonderful in more ways then I can count. In Gaelic. (Unless the word for twenty is just the word for ten spoken twice in a row, I can only count to 19) Thank you.
Thursday 5 February 2009
Hi everyone. Unfortunately, Earlham's email server is out, so I would like to apologize to everyone who was supposed to get Email today from me. (Sorry, Laura)
In other News, SUCCESS!!
I finally have a chance to get some pictures up on line!! I was having some trouble with the Email connection in the Library and had oh none of you care about the technical explanation. You just want the pictures, dont you!! It always about the pictures, and I blame you, yes you, Christopher!! (OK, I dont actually have anything against any of the Christopher's reading this Blog, but it was fun to try to mess with their heads for a second.) Anyway, this first picture is of some of the scenery from this beautiful country. Those of you who know me best will remember how much I love nice scenery. Those of you who dont know me best are missing out. (My mom says so!)
Anyhow, that's all I can get you now, (as my battery is being a complete drama queen and saying it will die if it doesn't get power soon), but do expect more pictures from me soon. And also, the internet has been working more frequently on my computer, so I might be able to skype soon. There will be a test run with Laura tomorrow, and depending on how that goes, we will see how viable it is at all.
In the meantime, take care,
Peace, Love, and Photographs
--Alex
Monday 2 February 2009
Sunday 1 February 2009
Well, after weeks of trying I have finally found a venue that will provide traditional Irish Music. Thursday night we all went to a pub, and they had a four person band with a flute and fiddle and bohran (an Irish drum) and a gituar. Which was all pretty exciting. Anyway, I orderd myself a pint and began to mingle with the local folk. Some of them were really interesting, others were... well... interesting, but in that different way. On guy was really egar to tell me about his view of politics. All in all, it was a pretty interesting night. But I think I stayed out a bit latter then I should have.
Slept in a bit the next morning, but didnt have class until 2:30 anyway. We had some music at dance class this week, hich was good fun, and I asked a guy about a fiddle lesson or two. Tin Whistle is going well, if you dont count the fact that we have yet to take one single lesson, and I thought it would be good to at least get a feel for it, even if I dont learn anything. Although if that doesnt work out, I could always get my host sister Ciara to teach me something.
Anyway, after that I went to A Bloody Sunday memorial. It was OK. They read some poems and left some flowers. A few people looked sad, but a lot of people seemed, not happy, but at least content to be around people like them. They had a minuet of silence, and then everyone went home.
After that, I had dinner with my family and then went to a talk about the Bradly- Eames report. I had a hard time following some of the things that were being said about the politics of the report, but the questions that were asked by the audience at the end were facinating. Some people wanted to take the money, some people were two proud, other people wanted varying degrees of justice. Facinating stuff.
Then yesterday night, I went to the Bloody Sunday lecture, which was given by a guy called Clive Stafford Smith, who was really funny and interesting, and much easier to follow. He talked about secret prisons and the use of torture by the American Millitary. (I know its not really a Bloody Sunday related topic, but oh well) Any way, I made a contribution of £5 after he was done and then went home.
I've been having trouble sleeping lately, and when I do, I sleep for more like 10 hours rather then 8. I feel like it must just be the stress of being in a new country, but still, its kind of inconveinient. Im starting to do my own shoping, rather then eating with my family. Its probably good, because this way I will get more of the spanish experience, but my host mom is a really good cook, and Im not. Also, I need to start finding the stores around town that sell the things I need. I mean sure, I could get my stuff from Tesco, but once you read the lable and find out that the sausages are 9% pork and the other 91% are ingredients that you can pronounce right away, you feel compeled to shop else where.
Sadly, I will not be going into the Prodestant neigborhood to talk to the people there. I have asked the program director Mervyn Love for his permission, and he had unfortunatly declined. Appearently the population of these areas dont take kindly to strangers, as it were, and they may be hostile to people asking questions. (I dont know if Mervyn realized that telling me this would make me want to fake a british accent and sneak into the neighborhood even more) I will be working at an integrated school later on, so I will just wait untill then to ask my questions.
Almost time for the Bloody Sunday March, so I will be off. Keep posting your comments everyone. (Even you, kit)
--Alex
Slept in a bit the next morning, but didnt have class until 2:30 anyway. We had some music at dance class this week, hich was good fun, and I asked a guy about a fiddle lesson or two. Tin Whistle is going well, if you dont count the fact that we have yet to take one single lesson, and I thought it would be good to at least get a feel for it, even if I dont learn anything. Although if that doesnt work out, I could always get my host sister Ciara to teach me something.
Anyway, after that I went to A Bloody Sunday memorial. It was OK. They read some poems and left some flowers. A few people looked sad, but a lot of people seemed, not happy, but at least content to be around people like them. They had a minuet of silence, and then everyone went home.
After that, I had dinner with my family and then went to a talk about the Bradly- Eames report. I had a hard time following some of the things that were being said about the politics of the report, but the questions that were asked by the audience at the end were facinating. Some people wanted to take the money, some people were two proud, other people wanted varying degrees of justice. Facinating stuff.
Then yesterday night, I went to the Bloody Sunday lecture, which was given by a guy called Clive Stafford Smith, who was really funny and interesting, and much easier to follow. He talked about secret prisons and the use of torture by the American Millitary. (I know its not really a Bloody Sunday related topic, but oh well) Any way, I made a contribution of £5 after he was done and then went home.
I've been having trouble sleeping lately, and when I do, I sleep for more like 10 hours rather then 8. I feel like it must just be the stress of being in a new country, but still, its kind of inconveinient. Im starting to do my own shoping, rather then eating with my family. Its probably good, because this way I will get more of the spanish experience, but my host mom is a really good cook, and Im not. Also, I need to start finding the stores around town that sell the things I need. I mean sure, I could get my stuff from Tesco, but once you read the lable and find out that the sausages are 9% pork and the other 91% are ingredients that you can pronounce right away, you feel compeled to shop else where.
Sadly, I will not be going into the Prodestant neigborhood to talk to the people there. I have asked the program director Mervyn Love for his permission, and he had unfortunatly declined. Appearently the population of these areas dont take kindly to strangers, as it were, and they may be hostile to people asking questions. (I dont know if Mervyn realized that telling me this would make me want to fake a british accent and sneak into the neighborhood even more) I will be working at an integrated school later on, so I will just wait untill then to ask my questions.
Almost time for the Bloody Sunday March, so I will be off. Keep posting your comments everyone. (Even you, kit)
--Alex
Thursday 29 January 2009
Well, sorry it has taken me so long to update this. For the legions of fans whoes days revolve around reading this, I will try not to make that mistake again. Still, at least im doing things besides updating this Blog...
Ok, so teusday was fairly uneventful. I didnt have class until 3:15, so I read at home and then walked around town for a while. When I finally got there, we reviwed the stuff from the reading and got into groups to role-play conflict resolution. I know it sounds kind of lame, but we really got into it, and spent most of the time laughfing. That said, we should probably take it more seriously next time. Anyway, after that I walked around for a while and waited for my first tinwhistle class, which was ultimately a disapointment. We were supposed to meet in a classroom at a local school elementery, but he was late, so we played with the instruments. We had a pretty good band going, lots of percussion, and eventually were told that class was cancled. I went to a friend's house and a few of us watched a british TV show called the IT Crowd. It was funny in a very british way, some parts more then others.
Anyway, the next morning, yesterday, we had our 'women in community building' class. Being the only guy, this class is interesting enough. Our teacher decided to take us to a women's conference. At first I felt a bit self concious, since the only other men were waiters or photographers, but then a voice poped into my head that I usually dont hear unless I am walking by the acadamy store and have the urge to spend all of my money of fruty pastells. Anyway, it told me: 'Eric Alexander Kyle Wheeldon, shame on you. Why, if you let being the only man here bother you then your no better then all the other guys who avoid attending these conferences because they can be botherd to drag their extra chromosone out of bed.' After that, I was able to take something out of it. We still learned, but in an environment were the boy-girl ratio was no longer 1-12, but rather 1-100. Still, very informative. (Even that was rather telling/ educational, though)
After we were done that, we were all given a complementary lunch, which was very good. And then I spent 4 hours at the library answering various Emails. Nothing remotely productive. Later at home, I also did nothing productve, mostly read for fun and ate some dinner, and then returned to the library. Tried for and Hour and a half to get my computer working, but alas, no such luck.
Anyway, this morning I got up early and went to both classes. Pretty uneventful, but people plan on going out tonight, and I do beleive that I will join them. I was also able to set up a school visit (extracurricular) and have asked for permission to venture into the protestant neighborhood and do interviews about the reaction to coverage of the Gaza conflict. I feel like thats one of the things about this city, that some things will give themselves to you, and other things need to be sought out. I will of course, let every one know how these things go.
Other develpoements in the last 72 hours include the realizations that Wikipedia is perhaps the best way ever to get infromation, Pandora is essential for entertainment, and facebook is a cesspool of human anti-intelectualism. Again, sorry for not writing back sooner. Hope everything in the states (and New Zealand) is well. Have to go now, but will write soon.
Peace, Love, and what-not
--Alex
P.S. Take that Kit!
P.P.S. Kit, there is totally an antique shop called 'what-not' in Derry.
P.P.P.S. I cant wait to see everyone in Germany in a few months to, you know, hang out and whatnot...
P.P.P.P.S. Cassie, watch this:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQI37XYJl4&feature=related
Ok, so teusday was fairly uneventful. I didnt have class until 3:15, so I read at home and then walked around town for a while. When I finally got there, we reviwed the stuff from the reading and got into groups to role-play conflict resolution. I know it sounds kind of lame, but we really got into it, and spent most of the time laughfing. That said, we should probably take it more seriously next time. Anyway, after that I walked around for a while and waited for my first tinwhistle class, which was ultimately a disapointment. We were supposed to meet in a classroom at a local school elementery, but he was late, so we played with the instruments. We had a pretty good band going, lots of percussion, and eventually were told that class was cancled. I went to a friend's house and a few of us watched a british TV show called the IT Crowd. It was funny in a very british way, some parts more then others.
Anyway, the next morning, yesterday, we had our 'women in community building' class. Being the only guy, this class is interesting enough. Our teacher decided to take us to a women's conference. At first I felt a bit self concious, since the only other men were waiters or photographers, but then a voice poped into my head that I usually dont hear unless I am walking by the acadamy store and have the urge to spend all of my money of fruty pastells. Anyway, it told me: 'Eric Alexander Kyle Wheeldon, shame on you. Why, if you let being the only man here bother you then your no better then all the other guys who avoid attending these conferences because they can be botherd to drag their extra chromosone out of bed.' After that, I was able to take something out of it. We still learned, but in an environment were the boy-girl ratio was no longer 1-12, but rather 1-100. Still, very informative. (Even that was rather telling/ educational, though)
After we were done that, we were all given a complementary lunch, which was very good. And then I spent 4 hours at the library answering various Emails. Nothing remotely productive. Later at home, I also did nothing productve, mostly read for fun and ate some dinner, and then returned to the library. Tried for and Hour and a half to get my computer working, but alas, no such luck.
Anyway, this morning I got up early and went to both classes. Pretty uneventful, but people plan on going out tonight, and I do beleive that I will join them. I was also able to set up a school visit (extracurricular) and have asked for permission to venture into the protestant neighborhood and do interviews about the reaction to coverage of the Gaza conflict. I feel like thats one of the things about this city, that some things will give themselves to you, and other things need to be sought out. I will of course, let every one know how these things go.
Other develpoements in the last 72 hours include the realizations that Wikipedia is perhaps the best way ever to get infromation, Pandora is essential for entertainment, and facebook is a cesspool of human anti-intelectualism. Again, sorry for not writing back sooner. Hope everything in the states (and New Zealand) is well. Have to go now, but will write soon.
Peace, Love, and what-not
--Alex
P.S. Take that Kit!
P.P.S. Kit, there is totally an antique shop called 'what-not' in Derry.
P.P.P.S. I cant wait to see everyone in Germany in a few months to, you know, hang out and whatnot...
P.P.P.P.S. Cassie, watch this:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CNQI37XYJl4&feature=related
Monday 26 January 2009
Hello Loyal Followers. Still trying to work out how pictures and Blogs go together. I do believe Im getting closer. Talked to a bunch of people today, and I think I am almost there, but have hit a snag or two.
In the mean time, I though that certain readers (My two subscribers) would enjoy this article.
http://papercuts.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/14/has-there-been-a-political-realignment/?partner=rss&emc=rss
In fact, I do believe it will make your day. In any case...
Weather here still kind of sucks, but I have a lovely warm coat to ware outside. Hope everyone is doing well at home.
--Alex
Sunday 25 January 2009
Hello Everyone. While Kit works his way further to getting a life-long ban from this website, I am still trying to get my photographs up from the trip so far. Still no luck, but I do have the instructions to get the Libraries wireless for a laptop. (These particulat instructions are for a windows Laptop, but they might be all I need) We'll see.
Nothing new so far to report. Since I dont have much to do yet in terms of Homework, and since the Library is only open for 4 hours on weekends, I just stayed home and read yesterday. Im pretty excited by some of the things that Im reading in the news right now about the new administration, and people in town seem a lot less beligerant towards americans then I thought they would be when Bush was in office.
Anyway, enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone.
--Alex
Nothing new so far to report. Since I dont have much to do yet in terms of Homework, and since the Library is only open for 4 hours on weekends, I just stayed home and read yesterday. Im pretty excited by some of the things that Im reading in the news right now about the new administration, and people in town seem a lot less beligerant towards americans then I thought they would be when Bush was in office.
Anyway, enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone.
--Alex
Saturday 24 January 2009
Hello loyal readers. Just a quick update, as I am about to be kicked out of teh Library. Northern Ireland is still good. We had our first dance class yesterday, which was OK. I had a better time practicing on my own this morning. Tin Whistle is coming along, but at this rate, I wont be able to play a song that can lure all of the rats/children out of the city. We havent actually had a lesson yet though, so who knows, maybe that will change.
I have the house to myself this weekend because my family is in London. Its kind of Boring, but at least I dont have to worry about getting in late and waking people up. As for classes, I keep trying to get started on some of these papers, but will no luck. Im still not sure how to aproach certain topics, and the liturature is a bit over whelming. Will need to meet with Teachers soon.
Stay Tuned...
--Alex
P.S. Still Getting used to these Keyboards, so please excuse any typing errors.
I have the house to myself this weekend because my family is in London. Its kind of Boring, but at least I dont have to worry about getting in late and waking people up. As for classes, I keep trying to get started on some of these papers, but will no luck. Im still not sure how to aproach certain topics, and the liturature is a bit over whelming. Will need to meet with Teachers soon.
Stay Tuned...
--Alex
P.S. Still Getting used to these Keyboards, so please excuse any typing errors.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Hello all. I hope you are all enjoying the luck of the luck of the Irish accessing my Blog. Life here is just grand so far. Family members will be glad to know that I am dutifully immersing myself in Irish culture. Friends will enjoy the fact that this involves visiting a number of pubs. Sort of.
Still haven’t found any traditional music, which might not happen until the weekend, but my host brother, Pablo taught me some tin whistle last night. I can play a song... almost. In other news, it turns out you can not get the Daily Show or the Colbert Report in the UK (Which is F!%$ing Bull-S#?t) so I may be slightly misinformed about current events for the next few months. I mean sure, I have the BBC, the Economist, and the NY Times, but that’s just not the same. As someone who is factose-intolorant, I need truthiness on a daily basis. Also, tomorrow is our first step dancing class, which will be good so long as we don’t need to learn in male-female pairs.
In financial news, I looked over my budget last night and have decided that I have been spending money rather quickly, so I've also decided to try and spend less money for a few days. Lets hear it for fiscal responsability!
Classes are also good, albeit monotonous. I have started taking books out of the library, but there is a lot to choose from in terms of what we decide to read. I hope that I can narrow some of these lists down when I visit teachers and discuss what my papers will be about. As for outside of class activities, I would really love to visit a school and observe it for a day, just in case I don’t end up being placed there. I think I have a good window of opportunity in that one of my classes wont start until ish- mid- February. So Tuesdays and Fridays are pretty free, except for tin whistle lessons on Tues at 7:30 when school is out any way. Wish me luck.
One quick note about pictures: I have several on my camera, but need some time to figure out how they are uploaded to this website. Probably also an activity for this weekend. Until then,
Peace, Love, and Oscar Wilde
--Alex
Still haven’t found any traditional music, which might not happen until the weekend, but my host brother, Pablo taught me some tin whistle last night. I can play a song... almost. In other news, it turns out you can not get the Daily Show or the Colbert Report in the UK (Which is F!%$ing Bull-S#?t) so I may be slightly misinformed about current events for the next few months. I mean sure, I have the BBC, the Economist, and the NY Times, but that’s just not the same. As someone who is factose-intolorant, I need truthiness on a daily basis. Also, tomorrow is our first step dancing class, which will be good so long as we don’t need to learn in male-female pairs.
In financial news, I looked over my budget last night and have decided that I have been spending money rather quickly, so I've also decided to try and spend less money for a few days. Lets hear it for fiscal responsability!
Classes are also good, albeit monotonous. I have started taking books out of the library, but there is a lot to choose from in terms of what we decide to read. I hope that I can narrow some of these lists down when I visit teachers and discuss what my papers will be about. As for outside of class activities, I would really love to visit a school and observe it for a day, just in case I don’t end up being placed there. I think I have a good window of opportunity in that one of my classes wont start until ish- mid- February. So Tuesdays and Fridays are pretty free, except for tin whistle lessons on Tues at 7:30 when school is out any way. Wish me luck.
One quick note about pictures: I have several on my camera, but need some time to figure out how they are uploaded to this website. Probably also an activity for this weekend. Until then,
Peace, Love, and Oscar Wilde
--Alex
Wednesday 21 January 2009
Hi everyone. Since I have so much to catch everyone up on, I have decided to write a quick summary of what I have been up to during the last week.
Anyway, after I got off the plane, I meet up with the other people from the program, and was relieved to find that I did in fact have the right day, and hadn’t accidently arrived a week late. After we went through Heathrow and get to Belfast, we all drove with Mervyn to our home for the next few days at Ballycastle by the sea. We stayed at a retreat for a few days where we didn’t really get to contact the outside world very much, but that was kind of nice in its own way. While there, we had field trips to Derry, where we met the mayor, and to the Giants Causeway, as well as lessons and other orientation activities that ran the gambit of anything you could expect minus the zip-line. Anyway, after quite a few days of this, we finally packed our things and made our way to our host families in Derry.
The first night I was there, Saturday, I was immersed fairly thoroughly in the new culture as it was my host sister’s birthday. She turned 12 and we got cake and sang happy birthday. But more importantly, I got to spend time with the kids playing Mario-Cart, and even though I lost most of the races, I think they still enjoyed playing with me.
The next day I explored Derry, did some shopping, and mentally psyched myself up for a week of classes. We also celebrated Chez’s birthday, and went out for drinks and live music afterward, which is amazing in Derry. The next day, we had our first two classes, both of which we all (or at least I) really enjoyed. They are both about conflict resolution and Peace building theory. (I actually just had my third class, and, to be honest, I’m not really sure where one class ends and where another one begins.) The work isn’t to hard yet, but I’m worried about making the transition from the American system to the European system. The difference is that rather then assigning reading, you are given a list of books that you are to pick and chose from. Its a lot to look through, and I don’t want to judge a book by its cover, so what to read? Dinner with my family after that, which, as it turns out, is a really interesting thing to observe. (The food is also better then that crap I can cook.) On a more serious note, and something some others in my group seem to dismiss rather quickly, you can learn a surprising amount about a culture by observing families. Anyway…
The next day, yesterday, our first tin whistle lesson was cancelled, and so we had nothing to do but watch the inauguration. Most of us met in one of our host parent’s house and all watched in a living room together, and got to tell the parents about our thoughts on American politics. We were also served a excellent finger feast of chips and dip and somosas, (am I spelling that right?) which ended up being dinner for me. After that, I went home and to bed early. Not a terribly exciting day, besides the whole getting a new president thing. (I think I still need to watch last nights Daily Show and Colbert Report for it to sink in.)
And that brings us to today. Not to exciting so far. Just had the one class, and haven’t even gotten lunch yet. All in all, life is fairly straightforward so far. I still wouldn’t say that I know my way around Derry, and haven’t been exploring as much as I probably should. I’m hoping that will change come the weekend with some free time. On my ‘to do’ list is find some live traditional music and spend a day at a local primary or secondary school (no class on Tuesday until late Feb., so I will need to do that soon.) I would also like to spend more time directly with my family and observe them more closely. I will let every one know how that goes. I hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying life.
Finally, a belated happy birthday to my mum- Sorry I couldn’t be in the same place/ time zone. We will try for that in two years, yeah?
Until next time,
--Alex
P.S. I would also like to say hello to my friend who are enjoying New Zealand at this moment. It was really good to hear from Amy and Topher, the latter of whom I would like to wish luck as he is hiking the path to the top of Mount Doom. Keep me up to date, and tell Bill I say hi!
Anyway, after I got off the plane, I meet up with the other people from the program, and was relieved to find that I did in fact have the right day, and hadn’t accidently arrived a week late. After we went through Heathrow and get to Belfast, we all drove with Mervyn to our home for the next few days at Ballycastle by the sea. We stayed at a retreat for a few days where we didn’t really get to contact the outside world very much, but that was kind of nice in its own way. While there, we had field trips to Derry, where we met the mayor, and to the Giants Causeway, as well as lessons and other orientation activities that ran the gambit of anything you could expect minus the zip-line. Anyway, after quite a few days of this, we finally packed our things and made our way to our host families in Derry.
The first night I was there, Saturday, I was immersed fairly thoroughly in the new culture as it was my host sister’s birthday. She turned 12 and we got cake and sang happy birthday. But more importantly, I got to spend time with the kids playing Mario-Cart, and even though I lost most of the races, I think they still enjoyed playing with me.
The next day I explored Derry, did some shopping, and mentally psyched myself up for a week of classes. We also celebrated Chez’s birthday, and went out for drinks and live music afterward, which is amazing in Derry. The next day, we had our first two classes, both of which we all (or at least I) really enjoyed. They are both about conflict resolution and Peace building theory. (I actually just had my third class, and, to be honest, I’m not really sure where one class ends and where another one begins.) The work isn’t to hard yet, but I’m worried about making the transition from the American system to the European system. The difference is that rather then assigning reading, you are given a list of books that you are to pick and chose from. Its a lot to look through, and I don’t want to judge a book by its cover, so what to read? Dinner with my family after that, which, as it turns out, is a really interesting thing to observe. (The food is also better then that crap I can cook.) On a more serious note, and something some others in my group seem to dismiss rather quickly, you can learn a surprising amount about a culture by observing families. Anyway…
The next day, yesterday, our first tin whistle lesson was cancelled, and so we had nothing to do but watch the inauguration. Most of us met in one of our host parent’s house and all watched in a living room together, and got to tell the parents about our thoughts on American politics. We were also served a excellent finger feast of chips and dip and somosas, (am I spelling that right?) which ended up being dinner for me. After that, I went home and to bed early. Not a terribly exciting day, besides the whole getting a new president thing. (I think I still need to watch last nights Daily Show and Colbert Report for it to sink in.)
And that brings us to today. Not to exciting so far. Just had the one class, and haven’t even gotten lunch yet. All in all, life is fairly straightforward so far. I still wouldn’t say that I know my way around Derry, and haven’t been exploring as much as I probably should. I’m hoping that will change come the weekend with some free time. On my ‘to do’ list is find some live traditional music and spend a day at a local primary or secondary school (no class on Tuesday until late Feb., so I will need to do that soon.) I would also like to spend more time directly with my family and observe them more closely. I will let every one know how that goes. I hope everyone else is doing well and enjoying life.
Finally, a belated happy birthday to my mum- Sorry I couldn’t be in the same place/ time zone. We will try for that in two years, yeah?
Until next time,
--Alex
P.S. I would also like to say hello to my friend who are enjoying New Zealand at this moment. It was really good to hear from Amy and Topher, the latter of whom I would like to wish luck as he is hiking the path to the top of Mount Doom. Keep me up to date, and tell Bill I say hi!
Monday 19 January 2009
Hello everyone, and Welcome to my blog. As you all know I am currently residing in Northern Ireland. Sorry it took me so long to get this up and running. I didn’t have Internet access for a few days after finally arriving and getting settled. But here I am…
Any way, since I have so much to talk about already, I will just let you know that I am in Derry and at the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus. I had my first Class today and just finished lunch and ‘exploring’ the city during my walk back. I've moved in with my host family two days ago and, so far, have been getting along fine with them. Have to go now so I am not late for Class, but I will write back soon with all the details of my trip.
Any way, since I have so much to talk about already, I will just let you know that I am in Derry and at the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus. I had my first Class today and just finished lunch and ‘exploring’ the city during my walk back. I've moved in with my host family two days ago and, so far, have been getting along fine with them. Have to go now so I am not late for Class, but I will write back soon with all the details of my trip.
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