I haven't talked much on this blog about the beginnings of my time here. Let me fill you in.
The thing that bothers me the most about Corrymeela is that it is marketed as something completely different than what it actually is. I would call this hypocrisy. Others would call it good marketing skills. My previous perception of Corrymeela was this place (with an almost magically quality to it) where people came and discussed the important issues surrounding the Northern Irish conflict. The staff, the volunteers, and the visitors were of course working with people and families who had been severely effected by the Troubles. Helping them through art and discussion etc to work through their issues.
I would say that this impression happens about 20% of the time. The rest of the time, the volunteers are working their butts off to cater to every whim of every visitor. Why do we cater? Because "we" want them to come back. Why do "we" want them to come back? Because they give "us" money. Money money money. Corrymeela is marketed to the groups that come through as this spectacular place with such a vision for peace and reconciliation and openness as a way of bringing more people in so they can pay the bills.
Those higher up in the Corrymeela system put so much emphasis on welcoming visitors and how it's the volunteers' duty to make people feel happy and accepted and welcomed, but no one bothers to think about the volunteers. When I first arrived, I was dropped off at my room and told "This is Jessica, she's your roommate. She'll show you where the linens are" and POOF all disappear. When I tried to speak with one of the volunteer coordinators about my frustration with the lack of welcome and feeling as if I didn't belong, I was told that they don't have enough time to do it themselves. It's not easy to find your place when no one really tells you what is going on or where to go or what to do. And all the other volunteers are busy doing what is asked of them that they don't have the energy to talk to the new person. There are two new midtermers here who have been put on the list for fire cover (those are the people who are supposed to respond to a fire alarm) but haven't been trained.
My solace has been the friendships I have made. That has been what makes it worth it. Having fun while working with the other volunteers is the best part about what I do here. Chatting with your group or finding out that the 10 year old Derry girl likes the same music as you. Playing jokes on other volunteers with the kitchen staff. The gold of Corrymeela is the people.
14 June 2009
pictures!
Slowly but surely, I will be uploading photos all day today.
Here's the link to the album.
Here's the link to the album.
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| Northern Ireland Adventuring! |
05 June 2009
say wha?
"Invite only" a term that makes it seem like I'm hiding something. But really, I'm not.
Here's what's happened: since I have used the word "Corrymeela" my blog has been targeted by Google. This means that there are several staff members at Corrymeela who have subscribed to my blog. I want to clarify to you, dear Reader, that I am not trying to hide anything from the Corrymeela staff. I could care less if they read this or watch the video blogs. My criticisms of Corrymeela are not anything that couldn't be said outloud here at the Centre.
What I can't handle is the Northern Irish (well, it probably exists in the South too) sense of humor. The staff thinks it's funny to tease me about what I write/say on this blog. This would be perfectly fine with me except for the fact that they do not talk to me unless it is to needle me about my video blogs. I love joking/teasing/sarcasm etc. when it's between friends. When it's from a practical stranger that you consider as someone more akin to a boss or employer, I don't like it. Not one bit. And that's because I am American and not Ulster. This blog was meant for family and friends anyway.
To conclude, for cultural differences, I am putting this blog under "Invite Only."
Here's what's happened: since I have used the word "Corrymeela" my blog has been targeted by Google. This means that there are several staff members at Corrymeela who have subscribed to my blog. I want to clarify to you, dear Reader, that I am not trying to hide anything from the Corrymeela staff. I could care less if they read this or watch the video blogs. My criticisms of Corrymeela are not anything that couldn't be said outloud here at the Centre.
What I can't handle is the Northern Irish (well, it probably exists in the South too) sense of humor. The staff thinks it's funny to tease me about what I write/say on this blog. This would be perfectly fine with me except for the fact that they do not talk to me unless it is to needle me about my video blogs. I love joking/teasing/sarcasm etc. when it's between friends. When it's from a practical stranger that you consider as someone more akin to a boss or employer, I don't like it. Not one bit. And that's because I am American and not Ulster. This blog was meant for family and friends anyway.
To conclude, for cultural differences, I am putting this blog under "Invite Only."
Belfast!
Oh, it's been a long time since I have updated you with any stories about my time here at Corrymeela. To quote my dear friend, Elizabeth Bennett, "I was too cross to write." Here are some bits about visiting Belfast this week!
Starting on Tuesday, it was my turn for time off. I heard that Elsa and Jessica were going down to Belfast for a meeting with a group that would be coming to Corrymeela. This meant that I could hitch a ride down to Belfast. Jessica was kind enough to arrange calling and emailing a family who are Corrymeela members, so we would have a place to stay. Their house was along a main road about a 40 minute walk from the City Centre. I guess a rundown of what we did will suffice, yes?
Left Corrymeela at around 5pm. We went to a Mexican place on University Road called Boojam. Very much like Chipotle, but way way better. It was great to have some flavorful food again. Then we went to the meeting. We got to the host family's home at around 8:30pm. They live around the Queen's University area of town. The husband and wife, Becky and David, offered us a glass of wine and we sat and chatted for a while. They have a really lovely home. It's part of that typical pattern of brick homes that are squished side by side, but with three stories and plenty of length. I slept in their entertainment room on the first floor (second floor to us Americans) where they had a pull out sofa bed. They offered us every convinience and gave us a key to their home. I could not imagine a better welcome into someone's home (nothing at all like the welcome I received when coming to Corrymeela. I was dropped off at my room and then disappearance).
The next day Jessica and I walked into the City. We met up with Elsa and went to the Victoria shopping centre. I found an H&M! However, Jessica, being the Bohemian-esque writer type that she is, despised going shopping and so we opted for wandering. We found a few used bookshops, where I was completely unable to keep my resolve not to buy anything. I bought High Fidelity by Nick Hornby and Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern. One of the bookshops was stacked so high with books that I felt as though they would topple at any moment. And the shop was huge. So very many books.
We got lunch at a place called Cecil's Sandwich Bar, recommended by Marc, another Corrymeela volunteer. I got a chicken curry sandwich for 1.90 pounds. It's was a large enough sandwich that I thought it would cost twice that. We sat in the sunshine on the lawns at City Hall with the rest of the city populace. The Northern Irish people take advantage of every moment of sun available to them, that's for certain.
We headed down Donegall Road that eventually turned onto University Road. Along the way we stopped at Ormeau Baths Gallery where there was a Polish art exhibit. Then we went to a coffeeshop where I delved into my book. High Fidelity is excellent, btw. I really liked the movie and the book is so great! I'm really enjoying the narrative voice of Rob. Anyways...
We were planning to have dinner with our host family, so we headed back. We accidentally took the long way back by not taking the correct path when we cut through the park across the street from the house. It took an extra 20 minutes and I was very tired by then. Becky made a delicious dinner of three different curries with rice and naan! Yum! We had dinner in the garden behind their home. The family was so welcoming and so hospitable, I felt like it was a bit of home.
We didn't do much that night, though looking back I wish we had. Apparently it was the Belfast City Council Waste Week which included a free fashion show of things that had been created out of recycled clothing. Totally my thing. But, we walked a long way that day and carrying three books and a camera was a bit much, so we didn't go. Instead, we figured out our way back on the bus system and watched a bit of TV with the family. Which, Becky and David have a couple of kids and they were very sweet and welcoming. They were not the type of pre-teens that sulk quietly as they stir their dinners into mush.
The next morning we went to the Botanical Gardens, which is more like a large park with a couple of greenhouses. There was a Palm House filled with palm trees and all of it's relatives and a Tropical Ravine. The Tropical one was glorious! You walked along a balcony that overlooked a dense forest of well tended tropical plants. Water was everywhere and dripped on your face whilst attempting to do artsy photographs. I had fun with the photos. I'm hoping to upload them to the computer and then to a gallery for you all this weekend. Stay tuned!
Matt, who gave us a ride to Belfast, also was very kind and gave us a ride home. When we arrived, I discovered that all groups had left. So what does this mean? Alcohol. Because when a group is on-site, people are on "fire cover" (meaning you are resposible for investigating and evacuating the site in the case of a fire aka no drinking). We walked into town to buy wine and beer and veggie snacks. We played a drinking game using cards called "Circle of Death" though it sounds worse than it is. That is if you play several rounds you will get very drunk. We only played three with about 12 people total.
Then we played Sardines. In the Main House. In the dark. I have not had so much fun since I arrived at Corrymeela.
And that was my week.
Starting on Tuesday, it was my turn for time off. I heard that Elsa and Jessica were going down to Belfast for a meeting with a group that would be coming to Corrymeela. This meant that I could hitch a ride down to Belfast. Jessica was kind enough to arrange calling and emailing a family who are Corrymeela members, so we would have a place to stay. Their house was along a main road about a 40 minute walk from the City Centre. I guess a rundown of what we did will suffice, yes?
Left Corrymeela at around 5pm. We went to a Mexican place on University Road called Boojam. Very much like Chipotle, but way way better. It was great to have some flavorful food again. Then we went to the meeting. We got to the host family's home at around 8:30pm. They live around the Queen's University area of town. The husband and wife, Becky and David, offered us a glass of wine and we sat and chatted for a while. They have a really lovely home. It's part of that typical pattern of brick homes that are squished side by side, but with three stories and plenty of length. I slept in their entertainment room on the first floor (second floor to us Americans) where they had a pull out sofa bed. They offered us every convinience and gave us a key to their home. I could not imagine a better welcome into someone's home (nothing at all like the welcome I received when coming to Corrymeela. I was dropped off at my room and then disappearance).
The next day Jessica and I walked into the City. We met up with Elsa and went to the Victoria shopping centre. I found an H&M! However, Jessica, being the Bohemian-esque writer type that she is, despised going shopping and so we opted for wandering. We found a few used bookshops, where I was completely unable to keep my resolve not to buy anything. I bought High Fidelity by Nick Hornby and Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern. One of the bookshops was stacked so high with books that I felt as though they would topple at any moment. And the shop was huge. So very many books.
We got lunch at a place called Cecil's Sandwich Bar, recommended by Marc, another Corrymeela volunteer. I got a chicken curry sandwich for 1.90 pounds. It's was a large enough sandwich that I thought it would cost twice that. We sat in the sunshine on the lawns at City Hall with the rest of the city populace. The Northern Irish people take advantage of every moment of sun available to them, that's for certain.
We headed down Donegall Road that eventually turned onto University Road. Along the way we stopped at Ormeau Baths Gallery where there was a Polish art exhibit. Then we went to a coffeeshop where I delved into my book. High Fidelity is excellent, btw. I really liked the movie and the book is so great! I'm really enjoying the narrative voice of Rob. Anyways...
We were planning to have dinner with our host family, so we headed back. We accidentally took the long way back by not taking the correct path when we cut through the park across the street from the house. It took an extra 20 minutes and I was very tired by then. Becky made a delicious dinner of three different curries with rice and naan! Yum! We had dinner in the garden behind their home. The family was so welcoming and so hospitable, I felt like it was a bit of home.
We didn't do much that night, though looking back I wish we had. Apparently it was the Belfast City Council Waste Week which included a free fashion show of things that had been created out of recycled clothing. Totally my thing. But, we walked a long way that day and carrying three books and a camera was a bit much, so we didn't go. Instead, we figured out our way back on the bus system and watched a bit of TV with the family. Which, Becky and David have a couple of kids and they were very sweet and welcoming. They were not the type of pre-teens that sulk quietly as they stir their dinners into mush.
The next morning we went to the Botanical Gardens, which is more like a large park with a couple of greenhouses. There was a Palm House filled with palm trees and all of it's relatives and a Tropical Ravine. The Tropical one was glorious! You walked along a balcony that overlooked a dense forest of well tended tropical plants. Water was everywhere and dripped on your face whilst attempting to do artsy photographs. I had fun with the photos. I'm hoping to upload them to the computer and then to a gallery for you all this weekend. Stay tuned!
Matt, who gave us a ride to Belfast, also was very kind and gave us a ride home. When we arrived, I discovered that all groups had left. So what does this mean? Alcohol. Because when a group is on-site, people are on "fire cover" (meaning you are resposible for investigating and evacuating the site in the case of a fire aka no drinking). We walked into town to buy wine and beer and veggie snacks. We played a drinking game using cards called "Circle of Death" though it sounds worse than it is. That is if you play several rounds you will get very drunk. We only played three with about 12 people total.
Then we played Sardines. In the Main House. In the dark. I have not had so much fun since I arrived at Corrymeela.
And that was my week.
26 May 2009
a three hour tour, a three hour tour...
Hi everyone! Here's the second installment of my video blog :D
Sorry if the angle is weird sometimes, it's hard to know when you're using a built in webcam.
(side note: I haven't seen a lot of pictures of myself since my haircut and I have to say that I like it quite a bit in this video -- haha)
This week, I'm in the kitchen. I'm not doing anything incredibly difficult. A little inside joke for myself (because no one else here has seen Firefly) -- they have blue latex gloves to use. Like the creepy men who are going after River in Firefly. Creepy creepy creepy.
btw, I'm wishing that I had brought more movies with me, or maybe some yarn to crochet with, or more books. There isn't a whole lot to do on days off. And most people just stay in their rooms once they have a break from groups b/c it's so exhausting. There are a couple of bookshelves here, but I haven't seen anything that interests me yet. I need to practice my figure drawing more too, but I feel awkward asking people if I can draw them. So I just end up drawing teapots and the like.
Sorry if the angle is weird sometimes, it's hard to know when you're using a built in webcam.
(side note: I haven't seen a lot of pictures of myself since my haircut and I have to say that I like it quite a bit in this video -- haha)
This week, I'm in the kitchen. I'm not doing anything incredibly difficult. A little inside joke for myself (because no one else here has seen Firefly) -- they have blue latex gloves to use. Like the creepy men who are going after River in Firefly. Creepy creepy creepy.
btw, I'm wishing that I had brought more movies with me, or maybe some yarn to crochet with, or more books. There isn't a whole lot to do on days off. And most people just stay in their rooms once they have a break from groups b/c it's so exhausting. There are a couple of bookshelves here, but I haven't seen anything that interests me yet. I need to practice my figure drawing more too, but I feel awkward asking people if I can draw them. So I just end up drawing teapots and the like.
25 May 2009
what to do with a rainy day?
I spent today's rainy rainy day inside. Besides the Monday schedule meetings, there wasn't much to do, so I updated my portfolio website. The theatre galleries are new. Enjoy!
EDIT: My images are having trouble uploading onto the server. All the links work, but the images don't want to upload. Soooo, everything is still old. It's too bad too because it looks a lot nicer now with so many awesome pictures of my two most recent shows. I will try uploading them again tomorrow.
In other news: my life has been taken over by bacteria/viruses. My cold has definitely gotten worse. Bugger. I'm planning on going to bed quite early tonight with the hopes that I will be much better tomorrow.
EDIT: My images are having trouble uploading onto the server. All the links work, but the images don't want to upload. Soooo, everything is still old. It's too bad too because it looks a lot nicer now with so many awesome pictures of my two most recent shows. I will try uploading them again tomorrow.
In other news: my life has been taken over by bacteria/viruses. My cold has definitely gotten worse. Bugger. I'm planning on going to bed quite early tonight with the hopes that I will be much better tomorrow.
24 May 2009
rainbows
Now's the time for a story that I meant to tell on this blog and completely forgot about. Ready? Go!
Last Monday (so almost a week ago) we went to a Corrymeela Community members' home. Rachel and Collin, if I remember correctly. They live on the other side of Ballycastle. Their home is beautiful. Rachel designed it and they built it themselves, which is incredible. Since they are near the top of one of the hills away from the town, they have full views of Fairhead, Raithlin Island, and Scotland! They took full advantage of this and one corner of the house is entirely windows.
Besides having a great time with Rachel, Collin, their dog, Fly, and the rest of the volunteer gang; there was a rainbow. There was a bit of rain over Corrymeela and the town centre and as we drove out, we caught a glimpse of a rainbow behind us. Sadly, I did not have my camera with me at the time. It was gorgeous beyond gorgeous. The second full length rainbow I've ever seen. The first was, incidentally, in the UK. When we visited Stonehenge. This rainbow spread across the sky and dove into the sea and occassionally reflected itself into a double rainbow. Breathtaking.
This is why rainbows are a gift from God. A reminder that depending on which way you look at the storm and the rain and the wind, there is always beauty to be found.
Last Monday (so almost a week ago) we went to a Corrymeela Community members' home. Rachel and Collin, if I remember correctly. They live on the other side of Ballycastle. Their home is beautiful. Rachel designed it and they built it themselves, which is incredible. Since they are near the top of one of the hills away from the town, they have full views of Fairhead, Raithlin Island, and Scotland! They took full advantage of this and one corner of the house is entirely windows.
Besides having a great time with Rachel, Collin, their dog, Fly, and the rest of the volunteer gang; there was a rainbow. There was a bit of rain over Corrymeela and the town centre and as we drove out, we caught a glimpse of a rainbow behind us. Sadly, I did not have my camera with me at the time. It was gorgeous beyond gorgeous. The second full length rainbow I've ever seen. The first was, incidentally, in the UK. When we visited Stonehenge. This rainbow spread across the sky and dove into the sea and occassionally reflected itself into a double rainbow. Breathtaking.
This is why rainbows are a gift from God. A reminder that depending on which way you look at the storm and the rain and the wind, there is always beauty to be found.
23 May 2009
Glamorous, ooo flounsay flounsaaaay
As I settle into this life of a volunteer at Corrymeela, there is a certain event that occurs where you begin to understand the hard work required of being a volunteer. This week was that event. I, with three other volunteers, had a group of primary school kids. They were delightful children, very unlike the Montecito children that were often in my care during my years at Westmont. Always respectful, many pleases and thank yous among the girls and boys. There were, of course, many times when scolding was necessary, but direction was always heeded. No serious problems. The teachers who accompanied were also wonderful. They often volunteered themselves to do the dishes for us, which after a long day was a blessing.
When you are hosting a group of children, there is not a lot of time for breaks. We serve them breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. The kids get free time usually directly after the meals, but we do the dishes. This means that you only sit down for about ten minutes in order to inhale your food. Immediately after dishes, there are activities that often involve running and yelling. Some of them involve battling the rain and wind. Such as the beach day where the rain blew in sideways as we walked to Ballycastle for ice cream. The last time I felt this exhausted was during the holiday season at Barnes and Noble. I think that I was so exhausted that I caught a cold. Huzzah. I probably also passed it onto my roommate, Jessica. We've called the germs our "third roommate."
I've had a good time getting to know the other volunteers. Went to the pub last night with a few of them. It was Lisa's birthday this week and so I bought her a tequila shot :) Working with the other three with the primary school was really wonderful. I thought we worked very well together, easily taking on roles and helping each other out without needing to ask. I feel like I've really gotten to know the volunteers on my team. It was not very easy to get to know everyone right as I arrived and I've soon realized this is only because everyone is busy all the time. There isn't time to chat in the middle of sessions and duties. Hosting groups is more than a full time job with 10-14 hour days. Coventry, the house where all the volunteers live, is a lovely place. Though I've noticed there is an odd sense of unsociability to the building. The volunteers do not often spend a lot of time in the common areas. I whole heartedly admire the long term volunteers. Their job here is not easy. I've only had one week of hosting a group and it's hard to imagine doing this for a year. Especially once the summer program starts in July. Apparently, there will be 192 children at Corrymeela the first week of the summer program.
I have the weekend off, which is very nice. I've convinced Jessica that she will watch Star Wars with me before we leave. She's never seen them before, which should be a crime against humanity. We watched A New Hope earlier today and will probably watch Empire Strikes Back tonight.
When you are hosting a group of children, there is not a lot of time for breaks. We serve them breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. The kids get free time usually directly after the meals, but we do the dishes. This means that you only sit down for about ten minutes in order to inhale your food. Immediately after dishes, there are activities that often involve running and yelling. Some of them involve battling the rain and wind. Such as the beach day where the rain blew in sideways as we walked to Ballycastle for ice cream. The last time I felt this exhausted was during the holiday season at Barnes and Noble. I think that I was so exhausted that I caught a cold. Huzzah. I probably also passed it onto my roommate, Jessica. We've called the germs our "third roommate."
I've had a good time getting to know the other volunteers. Went to the pub last night with a few of them. It was Lisa's birthday this week and so I bought her a tequila shot :) Working with the other three with the primary school was really wonderful. I thought we worked very well together, easily taking on roles and helping each other out without needing to ask. I feel like I've really gotten to know the volunteers on my team. It was not very easy to get to know everyone right as I arrived and I've soon realized this is only because everyone is busy all the time. There isn't time to chat in the middle of sessions and duties. Hosting groups is more than a full time job with 10-14 hour days. Coventry, the house where all the volunteers live, is a lovely place. Though I've noticed there is an odd sense of unsociability to the building. The volunteers do not often spend a lot of time in the common areas. I whole heartedly admire the long term volunteers. Their job here is not easy. I've only had one week of hosting a group and it's hard to imagine doing this for a year. Especially once the summer program starts in July. Apparently, there will be 192 children at Corrymeela the first week of the summer program.
I have the weekend off, which is very nice. I've convinced Jessica that she will watch Star Wars with me before we leave. She's never seen them before, which should be a crime against humanity. We watched A New Hope earlier today and will probably watch Empire Strikes Back tonight.
22 May 2009
terrible death whiny
If I intend on doing a video blog, I can't help but think of Dr. Horrible and the maniacal laugh. Enjoy this little unrelated clip.
btw, I watched Dr. Horrible with my roommate Jessica. It was fun. In only a few weeks I will hopefully infect the rest of the volunteers with Joss Whedon's brilliance, which will then spread to the rest of the world. Haha.
btw, I watched Dr. Horrible with my roommate Jessica. It was fun. In only a few weeks I will hopefully infect the rest of the volunteers with Joss Whedon's brilliance, which will then spread to the rest of the world. Haha.
20 May 2009
so that's, you know, coming along
Video blog time! A short little ditty. Tours of the volunteer house (it's called Coventry) will be coming up this weekend!
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