Good morning!
I'm kind of stressing as my internet in my flat has died, and I have to get two papers e-mailed to Nigel by this afternoon. I have a meeting in a bit here at work, so I'll see if I can get a flash drive loaned to me afterwards and if I can get a chance to run home. Sigh! Nothing can be easy.
Besides that, I realized on my to work this morning that I need to clarify a few things about where I am and what I'm studying. I really have no idea who all reads this blog and what knowledge is out there, but I want to say a few basic facts just so everyone is on the same page. Lately when I've been chatting with people from home, I realize there is very limited knowledge on the topic of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Here we go:
1. I'm in Northern Ireland, not Ireland. They are different countries. It's on the same island, but it is a small section made up of 6 counties known as "Northern Ireland" or "Ulster" and is part of the United Kingdom.
2. Very basically, this is what the roots of the conflict is about. Many People from the Republic of Ireland (largely Catholics) want Northern Ireland to be unified with them, and many people in the North and from English descent (largely Protestants) wish to have Ulster remain part of the United Kingdom. It's partially a religious conflict, and it's partially a national pride/identity conflict. It is all extremely messy and complicated, and Nigel says "If you're not confused here, you don't know what's going on."
3. Ulster is made up of approximately 60% Protestants and 40% Catholics, and Catholics have been gaining a steady increase over the past years. This can partially be blamed on many Protestants migrating to England, and the fact that a lot of Catholics have qualms with contraception. This is all very general and not true for everyone, but Protestants are widely regarded as "unionists," meaning they want Northern Ireland and England to maintain their union, and the more extreme unionists are referred to as "loyalists." Loyalist is a broad term that can mean something more extreme than unionist. Loyalists generally aren't afraid to use violence and extreme measures to fight for their cause.
On the other hand, Catholics are widely regarded as "nationalists", meaning they feel as though their identity lies in the Irish heritage and want Ulster to be returned to the Republic of Ireland and the UK to stop interfering. More extreme nationalists are known as "Republicans".
4. The IRA and the UVF/UDA are the two main sects of paramilitarism. These associations have been called "terrorist groups" and have often been responsible for much of the violence in Northern Ireland. There's been over 3,000 troubles-related deaths, and almost everyone here knows someone who has been injured or killed in the last 50 years.
5. The "Good Friday Agreement" in 1998 was the main agreement to end the conflict. It followed a cease fire of the IRA and the UVF/UDA, allowed all criminals in prison due to troubles-related crimes to go free, and included various other compromises. This was the one of the first major steps towards peace in the country, but there is still an extremely long way to go.
6. Although the Good Friday Agreement was signed 10 years ago, many barriers still stand in the way of peace here. Schools are mainly segregated-Protestants go to state-run schools and Catholics to private, Catholic schools. "Peace walls" are large walls that run through neighborhoods in cities and are put in place to reduce contact between the two communities, as their neighborhoods are mainly segregated. There are about 30 "peace walls" in Belfast. About 5% of schools are integrated, and mixed-marriages are still at a low percentage as well. Many children only associate with people from their own community and there is a certain "fear of the outsider". Like I said before, all of this is very basic and certainly doesn't apply to every person and opinion here, but in terms of general issues, these are some that I've witnessed.
I didn't know any of this before I came here either, and I'm not trying to sound intelligent and/or superior. I'm not really sure why I don't remember any of this being talked about in school growing up-maybe I was sick the day they decided to mention the Troubles, or maybe we spent more time on other subjects and this one was forgotten or not a priority. Either way, it's been a prominent conflict in the world and I wish I could've had the chance to have been educatd about it earlier.
There's more I should say, but as I am at work I should probably do work related things. I must pop into a meeting in a few minutes, so I'll try to get my internet worked out at home and update later. Hope this finds everyone well!
Cheers,
Karen
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
as of late
Pretty much the cutest cappuccino. ever.
The River Lagan
We live here :)
we wish.
A common motif, so it is.
<3 k.g.
Very funny, Belfast.
I awoke this morning to…dun dun dun….
a blizzard outside my window. Naturally. For a moment I thought I was perhaps dreaming, or maybe my whole trip here was a dream and I was actually still at home.
Neither were true. Belfast did decide to play a dirty trick on us this morning and dump pounds of snow on the city-just in time for my morning walk to work. Sigh. I feel like I’ve been talking about weather a lot lately, but in all honesty this is the most pschytsophrenic precipitation I’ve ever seen.
Anyway, enough about that. My flatmates and I made “breakfast for dinner” last night, and it was truly brilliant. French toast, scrambled eggs, jo-jo potatoes, toast with jam, and coffee were on the menu. I also decided to home-ify our flat and purchased a tablecloth and candle, which I think everyone appreciated. We’ve been having a bit of an issue with dishes around these parts, so I took the initiative to tape our “Group Contract” over the sink and circle the bullet point that states “Respect the living space.” Passive aggressive? Maybe a little, but if I have to wash anyone else’s carcass-crusted pan I swear I’m going to vomit all over. And make someone else clean it up. Besides the dishes, our flat dynamics have been getting on well. We generally all sit down to eat together at mealtimes, and Brie made little signs for our bedrooms with our names on them. Pretty adorable. We’re like a little family.
I’m allowed to make my own work schedule, in general. Most of the work I’m doing is entirely independent, so I can arrange my schedule to my liking. We’re required to work at least 28 hours per week, so for the time being I’ve chosen T-TH from 9-5 and F from 9-1. I also have the option to go up to the other office in Ballycastle for a night or even a whole weekend to work, which could pretty much knock off my whole weeks worth of hours. I also have the opportunity to “shadow” the primary school worker, which would entail going into a school for a day and working with children primarily on the issue of religious diversity.
Alright I must depart. I’ll add some new picture later on.
-Karen
a blizzard outside my window. Naturally. For a moment I thought I was perhaps dreaming, or maybe my whole trip here was a dream and I was actually still at home.
Neither were true. Belfast did decide to play a dirty trick on us this morning and dump pounds of snow on the city-just in time for my morning walk to work. Sigh. I feel like I’ve been talking about weather a lot lately, but in all honesty this is the most pschytsophrenic precipitation I’ve ever seen.
Anyway, enough about that. My flatmates and I made “breakfast for dinner” last night, and it was truly brilliant. French toast, scrambled eggs, jo-jo potatoes, toast with jam, and coffee were on the menu. I also decided to home-ify our flat and purchased a tablecloth and candle, which I think everyone appreciated. We’ve been having a bit of an issue with dishes around these parts, so I took the initiative to tape our “Group Contract” over the sink and circle the bullet point that states “Respect the living space.” Passive aggressive? Maybe a little, but if I have to wash anyone else’s carcass-crusted pan I swear I’m going to vomit all over. And make someone else clean it up. Besides the dishes, our flat dynamics have been getting on well. We generally all sit down to eat together at mealtimes, and Brie made little signs for our bedrooms with our names on them. Pretty adorable. We’re like a little family.
I’m allowed to make my own work schedule, in general. Most of the work I’m doing is entirely independent, so I can arrange my schedule to my liking. We’re required to work at least 28 hours per week, so for the time being I’ve chosen T-TH from 9-5 and F from 9-1. I also have the option to go up to the other office in Ballycastle for a night or even a whole weekend to work, which could pretty much knock off my whole weeks worth of hours. I also have the opportunity to “shadow” the primary school worker, which would entail going into a school for a day and working with children primarily on the issue of religious diversity.
Alright I must depart. I’ll add some new picture later on.
-Karen
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Working Woman
Happy Monday! Today was quite eventful, as it was the first day of my two month long internship at Corrymeela Centre in the Botanic District of Belfast. I never pictured myself as the 9:00-5:00 desk job type, but I have to say it really wasn't that bad.
Since Laureen and I both work in the Botanic District, we decided to walk together on our first day (and hopefully every day, if our schedules are the same). We left the flat together at 8:15 this morning, business clothes clad and umbrella in hand. It's only natural on our first day of work it would rain. Despite the precipitation, the morning trek into the city was quite peaceful, and we both felt very professional as we marched down the city streets right alongside business men and women with briefcases and umbrellas. Aw.
I arrived at work at 8:50 not surprised to find that I was the first one there. When we had asked Nigel what time to arrive if we were supposed to "start work at 9:00", he looked at us like we were crazy. "In the states, it would be typical to maybe arrive ten or fifteen minutes early to work," said Laureen. "Usually starting at 9:00 means being at your desk working at 9:00. Nigel said the Irish are much more relaxed, and really that 9:00 a.m. means you should probably stroll in sometime before 9:30. I guess I'm too American, and I wanted to make a good impression on the first day, so I didn't listen to his advice. In turn, I sat at my desk twiddling my thumbs for about 20 minutes before anyone else showed up. Oh well. I got acquainted with my desk (yes, my very own desk!) and computer/printer. As my mom says "You know you've made it in the world when you have your own stapler."
Where I shall spend two months of my life:
The work day was fun. My coworkers were all extremely kind, and I have to laugh a little because it almost could be called Marcdaniel Salon: Ulster style. Out of about 15 coworkers, 14 are female and in their 20's and 30's. The only male is the director of Corrymeela, David, who works on the very top floor and keeps to himself most of the day. Down below in the estrogen filled floors 1 and 2, I listened all day to Ulster women chatting about "the price of my morning scone and tea went up," "I'm gaining weight, I may need to diet a wee bit," "having a 'nip' outside for some fresh air", their hometowns near London and Bangor, and the "good craic" from the weekend (all in Irish and British accents, of course). "Craic" is a term we all had to become familiar with really fast over here since it's used so frequently. I swear, everything is "good craic". It was confusing at first, but basically it just means it was "good fun" or a "good atmosphere". Hard to explain. You can pretty much just throw it in to describe any fun situation, however, and no one will question you. Good craic.
Besides the Ulster women gossip, the work day included me doing research on the internet for new ways to attract volunteers and donors to Corrymeela. I'm going to learn how to update the website later on this week, and my supervisor wants me to create a "FAQ" for volunteers, a more attractive layout that may grab younger people's attention, and a few other random bits and bobs. The day wasn't very structured, but she assured me once I got into the swing of things I will start to get very busy.
I grabbed a tea and scone for lunch around 1:30(what is happening to me?), and finished up the work day at 4:30. All in all, it was a successful day and I'm feeling very comfortable with the fact that I'll be spending a lot of time there. My job seems interesting and important, and my coworkers were very happy to have me around. The only downside of the day came when I had to walk home, and I discovered after being sunny all afternoon it had begun to rain again. Not a light, soft rain, but a violently windy umbrella-breaking rain. I fought my way home through wind and through my umbrella turning inside out a few times, but I made it and am now back in Flat #3 with sweatpants on and my north face fleece zipped up to my neck. Sigh, the life of a young professional.
Adios!
-Karen
Since Laureen and I both work in the Botanic District, we decided to walk together on our first day (and hopefully every day, if our schedules are the same). We left the flat together at 8:15 this morning, business clothes clad and umbrella in hand. It's only natural on our first day of work it would rain. Despite the precipitation, the morning trek into the city was quite peaceful, and we both felt very professional as we marched down the city streets right alongside business men and women with briefcases and umbrellas. Aw.
I arrived at work at 8:50 not surprised to find that I was the first one there. When we had asked Nigel what time to arrive if we were supposed to "start work at 9:00", he looked at us like we were crazy. "In the states, it would be typical to maybe arrive ten or fifteen minutes early to work," said Laureen. "Usually starting at 9:00 means being at your desk working at 9:00. Nigel said the Irish are much more relaxed, and really that 9:00 a.m. means you should probably stroll in sometime before 9:30. I guess I'm too American, and I wanted to make a good impression on the first day, so I didn't listen to his advice. In turn, I sat at my desk twiddling my thumbs for about 20 minutes before anyone else showed up. Oh well. I got acquainted with my desk (yes, my very own desk!) and computer/printer. As my mom says "You know you've made it in the world when you have your own stapler."
Where I shall spend two months of my life:
The work day was fun. My coworkers were all extremely kind, and I have to laugh a little because it almost could be called Marcdaniel Salon: Ulster style. Out of about 15 coworkers, 14 are female and in their 20's and 30's. The only male is the director of Corrymeela, David, who works on the very top floor and keeps to himself most of the day. Down below in the estrogen filled floors 1 and 2, I listened all day to Ulster women chatting about "the price of my morning scone and tea went up," "I'm gaining weight, I may need to diet a wee bit," "having a 'nip' outside for some fresh air", their hometowns near London and Bangor, and the "good craic" from the weekend (all in Irish and British accents, of course). "Craic" is a term we all had to become familiar with really fast over here since it's used so frequently. I swear, everything is "good craic". It was confusing at first, but basically it just means it was "good fun" or a "good atmosphere". Hard to explain. You can pretty much just throw it in to describe any fun situation, however, and no one will question you. Good craic.
Besides the Ulster women gossip, the work day included me doing research on the internet for new ways to attract volunteers and donors to Corrymeela. I'm going to learn how to update the website later on this week, and my supervisor wants me to create a "FAQ" for volunteers, a more attractive layout that may grab younger people's attention, and a few other random bits and bobs. The day wasn't very structured, but she assured me once I got into the swing of things I will start to get very busy.
I grabbed a tea and scone for lunch around 1:30(what is happening to me?), and finished up the work day at 4:30. All in all, it was a successful day and I'm feeling very comfortable with the fact that I'll be spending a lot of time there. My job seems interesting and important, and my coworkers were very happy to have me around. The only downside of the day came when I had to walk home, and I discovered after being sunny all afternoon it had begun to rain again. Not a light, soft rain, but a violently windy umbrella-breaking rain. I fought my way home through wind and through my umbrella turning inside out a few times, but I made it and am now back in Flat #3 with sweatpants on and my north face fleece zipped up to my neck. Sigh, the life of a young professional.
Adios!
-Karen
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Famous places, Famous people
Hello. It's been a good couple of days here in the city, and I can't believe I start working tomorrow. It's kind of scary to think about! The walk from our flat to my work is about 35 minutes, so I guess I don't have to feel guilty for not working out here, eh? Also I guess if I'm planning on wearing heels to work I'll have to put them in my purse for the walk.
Here's a few pictures of my flat:
My new room! I love it.
Belfast bathroom-I'm in love with this shower. Reliable hot water=heaven.
The 8 of us share this kitchen/dining area. Yes, that tiny white fridge on the right hand side has to accommodate all of our food!
Yesterday we woke up early and explored a bit. We walked all around the city centre, did some shopping, and witnessed an amusing scientology protest. The streets of Belfast were absolutely packed-I felt like I was in a video game of some sort trying to battle my way through the crowds. After a few hours, Brie and I opted to walk home (about 45 minutes) and relax while the rest of our gang headed to a pub to watch the Ireland vs. England rugby match. It sounded fun, but sleep and food were high on the priority list for Brie and I at that point.
You can see the Belfast wheel and the City Hall in the background.
I got a good night's sleep last night, and the REAL excitement came this morning. Six of us decided to go a Presbyterian church this morning. Not just any old Presbyterian church, may I say, but THE church that Reverend Ian Paisley preaches at. Yep, the leader of Northern Ireland for 30+ years. At the end of the service, he came over and introduced himself to the six of us (It was no secret we were outsiders, the church was small and everyone was extremely dressed up besides us). He shook all of our hands, signed autographs for us, and allowed us to take a picture with him. As much as I really hate to say it, he seemed like a nice guy. Just not the best leader N. Ireland could have had. Anyway, it very exciting to meet someone we've been learning about for a month in class. Laureen has the picture, so once she puts it up I'll be able to share.
Alright, that's all I've got for now! Ciao!
-Karen
Here's a few pictures of my flat:
My new room! I love it.
Belfast bathroom-I'm in love with this shower. Reliable hot water=heaven.
The 8 of us share this kitchen/dining area. Yes, that tiny white fridge on the right hand side has to accommodate all of our food!
Yesterday we woke up early and explored a bit. We walked all around the city centre, did some shopping, and witnessed an amusing scientology protest. The streets of Belfast were absolutely packed-I felt like I was in a video game of some sort trying to battle my way through the crowds. After a few hours, Brie and I opted to walk home (about 45 minutes) and relax while the rest of our gang headed to a pub to watch the Ireland vs. England rugby match. It sounded fun, but sleep and food were high on the priority list for Brie and I at that point.
You can see the Belfast wheel and the City Hall in the background.
I got a good night's sleep last night, and the REAL excitement came this morning. Six of us decided to go a Presbyterian church this morning. Not just any old Presbyterian church, may I say, but THE church that Reverend Ian Paisley preaches at. Yep, the leader of Northern Ireland for 30+ years. At the end of the service, he came over and introduced himself to the six of us (It was no secret we were outsiders, the church was small and everyone was extremely dressed up besides us). He shook all of our hands, signed autographs for us, and allowed us to take a picture with him. As much as I really hate to say it, he seemed like a nice guy. Just not the best leader N. Ireland could have had. Anyway, it very exciting to meet someone we've been learning about for a month in class. Laureen has the picture, so once she puts it up I'll be able to share.
Alright, that's all I've got for now! Ciao!
-Karen
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