When I returned home yesterday around 5:30, I was alerted to the fact that I just missed a bomb scare in the city by a few minutes. This place, I tell you.
I don't mean to scare folks at home, nor do I want to focus this blog around the current negative events of Northern Ireland. I do however feel the need to share what is going on here from my perspective, since I think the news can be misleading and difficult to understand without some background information on what life and attitudes are really like here. As awful as it sounds (my flatmates agree), I'm somewhat glad I'm in this country at present state. Paramilitary violence and sectariasm are large issues in the world and I feel that growing up in MN has left me feeling very removed from some of the harsh realities in life. Don't get me wrong-I'm extremely greatful for my peaceful and happy upbringing, but it is in a way refreshing to live on the other side of the world and experience the things that are happening here right now. Err..I feel like that's going to be taken the wrong way. Anyway! To make it clear: I'm NOT happy this is happening, I'm very disgusted with the violence and attempt to disrupt the peace that everyone has been working for for ten years, but if I were to choose a time to be here I'm glad it's now. I think the good majority of people here have faith in the peace process and believe everything's going to get taken care of (myself and my class included).
I have to admit I've never been in a more anxious office than I was in yesterday. The first two hours at work were designated for sharing information and opinions and getting questions answered. You never realize how diverse a workplace is until political views come out!
This situation is just so unique. People aren't sure what to make of children putting flowers by the graves of the victims and asking for explanations, as the last military personell murdered here happened before these kids were even born. One of my co-workers has a son who when told there had been a "terrorist attack" in Antrim asked why they came here from the middle east. So crazy.
2 more subjects on current events in NI, then I shall move on to happier things:
-the CIRA took responsibility for the police officer's death on Monday night. The CIRA is another splinter group (much like RIRA) from the Provisional IRA, meaning once the Peace Agreement happened they took the stance that the IRA had gone soft, broke off and formed a smaller group, and vowed to continue the goal of unifying Ireland unfortunately by means of extreme measures. Some people are speculating the RIRA and the CIRA are merging together, and some are just saying since RIRA fessed up to the killings on Saturday the CIRA wanted to prove they still had a little kick in them as well. Who really knows. Neither would be extremely great.
-A silent protest in Belfast is taking place at the City Hall at 1:00 this afternoon. I have to work, but I'm not sure I would attend if I could. Even though I obviously agree with the protest, all I can think about is the fact that Bloody Sunday started with a "peaceful protest/march". So horrible. I'm sure it will be 100% fine. Knock on wood. Several times. Laureen's going, so we'll all get to hear what her experience is like when we get home.
OK, enough depressing topics. I think we're all getting worn out with this stuff. On a happier note, my job is going well, I'm adjusting well to the city, and my flatmates and I are becoming dang near family.
-We made a "Flat #3 Meal Planner" and have the week's menu up on the wall with a signup sheet. We have been cooking and eating together almost every night :)
-I found a tasty coffee shop (O'Brien's) that I have been frequenting on my way to work every morning. Lattes are £1.85, which really isn't bad, and my goal for the semester is to try to get Mr. Barista to respond when I say "Have a nice day" and walk out the door. He has yet to reciprocate. Oh yeah-you don't tip coffee baristas here, so that's kind of nice, but perhaps is aiding to the reason he is so bitter.
-I'm learning to value the time it takes to walk to and from work. It's a good time to take in my surroundings and get lost in my own head after a busy day at work or before a rambunctious evening in the flat. There's a wee market on the way, so I get the opportunity to buy fresh produce on a daily basis rather than buying frozen. So nice!
-I'm starting to love my co-workers. The woman with the desk next to me's name is Astrid, and she's absolutely divine. She's half Norwegian and half Northern Irish and always has really interesting perspectives on everything. Unfortunately she's sick today *looks over at empty desk with sad face*. The receptionist's name is Bernie, and she's constantly checking on me to see if I need a "wee cup of tea". I don't know how these people drink so much tea-it's literally a cup every half hour from sun up to sun down. Blegh. Then there's Angela, Joanne, Anne, Emma (the faith and life worker with crazy dreadlocks), Nicola, and Ciara who taught me the i with the accent above it in the Irish language is called a "Fada". Not sure if that's how you spell it, but there you go. Lots of females around here. Now that I think about it, that seems to be quite a motif in my life after working at a hair salon for three years and living in a sorority for two.
Alright, I must get cracking at the website. Hope everyone is well,
-k.g.
I love menu planning : )
ReplyDeleteAnd I understand what you are trying to say. You are an incredible person, Karen, just stay safe. I am thinking of you always and missing you like crazy.
Love,
BAW