14 July 2009
07 July 2009
I wish I could speak French
Today we arrived in the city of Paris! We left our hostel in London at around 4:45am. Soooooo early. Checked in for Eurostar by 5am (French stamp in passport = SWEET!) and left St Pancras promptly at 5:25. We had breakfast served soon afterwards. Omlette, sausage, hashbrowns, mushrooms, orange juice, and breads. And lots of tea! Yum! Soon after eating, both Erin and I fell asleep.
It was super easy to find our hotel. The concierge was a very nice Frenchman. We sat around the breakfast tables trying to decide on what we wanted to do since our room wasn't ready. Then right when we were about to walk out the door "mademoiselles!" Our room was ready. We finally made it back to the train station to buy metro tickets and went to the St Michel stop to take a look at Notre Dame. We found a cute little creperie on a side street on Ile de St Louis. Crepes are sooooo yummy! I got one with cheese, ham and tomato; Erin, just ham and cheese and we split a chocolat crepe. After that we met up with the advertised "Free Walking Tour" of Paris. Three and a half hours around all the major sites. This was quite helpful in giving us an orientation to the city. However, we forgot sun screen. This was bad news bears.
We literally saw everything we wanted to on the tour, except for Montmarte. Montmarte is for Thursday. After the tour, we strolled along the second most expensive street in the world, Champs Elysees (pronounced shamps lee-says) and got a good look at the Arc du Triomphe.
So...yeah. Tired and sunburnt. We are going to Disneyland Paris tomorrow. Yes, we are nerds.
Did I mention that Paris is awesome? Seriously, awesome. The architecture alone is incredible. I want to move here just so I can wander the streets and oogle the architecture. Nevermind, the language barrier. That has already produced some interesting results.
It was super easy to find our hotel. The concierge was a very nice Frenchman. We sat around the breakfast tables trying to decide on what we wanted to do since our room wasn't ready. Then right when we were about to walk out the door "mademoiselles!" Our room was ready. We finally made it back to the train station to buy metro tickets and went to the St Michel stop to take a look at Notre Dame. We found a cute little creperie on a side street on Ile de St Louis. Crepes are sooooo yummy! I got one with cheese, ham and tomato; Erin, just ham and cheese and we split a chocolat crepe. After that we met up with the advertised "Free Walking Tour" of Paris. Three and a half hours around all the major sites. This was quite helpful in giving us an orientation to the city. However, we forgot sun screen. This was bad news bears.
We literally saw everything we wanted to on the tour, except for Montmarte. Montmarte is for Thursday. After the tour, we strolled along the second most expensive street in the world, Champs Elysees (pronounced shamps lee-says) and got a good look at the Arc du Triomphe.
So...yeah. Tired and sunburnt. We are going to Disneyland Paris tomorrow. Yes, we are nerds.
Did I mention that Paris is awesome? Seriously, awesome. The architecture alone is incredible. I want to move here just so I can wander the streets and oogle the architecture. Nevermind, the language barrier. That has already produced some interesting results.
05 July 2009
Here I am in Arcadia!
Here is my informal review of Arcadia by Tom Stoppard as seen at the Duke of York's in London on July 4, 2009.
The actress playing Thomasina was a little disappointing. Her posture was atrocious and she had this way of bobbing her head with every emphatic word. She pronounced every word as if she were a child trying to make she she sounded like an adult. This would have been an excellent acting choice if she had changed at all during the production, since she is supposed to begin at 13 and 10 months and end at 16 years and 364 days. Her acting style did not grow with the character. Disappointing.
My favorite was Ed Stoppard as Valentine, and this is not because he is Tom Stoppard's son. He is simply a FANTASTIC actor and his portrayal of Valentine was superb. The way that I read Valentine was entirely different than what was portrayed. It was a delightful surprise. Valentine is much more sarcastic in life than on the page. Or maybe I was simply too dense to see it. On the page, Valentine seemed much more introverted or like he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to anyone else but his grouse. Stoppard's physicality really worked for the character. He looked introverted while also engaging the room with lots of energy. He would hunch his shoulders, with hands in pockets, head bent, yet whizz Bernard with some comment or another. It showed Valentine to be much more attentive to his surroundings than I read him to be. Or when he sat on the table that dominated the stage, he would sit in a prominent V shape - again, hunched shoulders, with his hands tucked between his legs. Or busily engaged in feeding his tortoise. It felt as though he were totally involved in his character.
Septimus was delightful! As a character, Tom Stoppard drew him (in my opinion) to be a sort of counter to Valentine. An introverted sarcastic bloke who just so happens to be incredibly intelligent. He was extraordinarily played. Every gesture, every facial expression built towards the illustration of the complex character of Septimus Hodge, the fancy of Hannah's work.
Hannah and Bernard were just as I imagined. Exciting, larger than life characters pitted against one another in the name of knowledge, or in Bernard's case, infamy. Excellent performances that lived up to the character written.
I've always thought that it would be fun to play Lady Croom. She looked as though she was having fun, and I certainly enjoyed it. Nothing notable, except for maybe the posh turn of voice she put on every once and a while to indicate her aristocratic status. I wished she might have used it more often. The costumes she wore were hmmmmm good! The colors were so vibrant and she wore her clothes with the dignity of a noblewoman.
The final scenes of Arcadia still baffle me. Maybe that's why I return to it time and time again. Searching for answers and meaning, just like Valentine, Hannah, Thomasina, Septimus, and Bernard. I think in the end, Chloe is the one who gets it right. The universe is determined, but when people fancy one another when they're not supposed to, everything changes. Sex, literature, grouse, game books, letters. What exactly is that mystery that Thomasina knows? Funny how doing the right and moral upstanding thing can destroy others. Funny thing that savant among idiots.
The actress playing Thomasina was a little disappointing. Her posture was atrocious and she had this way of bobbing her head with every emphatic word. She pronounced every word as if she were a child trying to make she she sounded like an adult. This would have been an excellent acting choice if she had changed at all during the production, since she is supposed to begin at 13 and 10 months and end at 16 years and 364 days. Her acting style did not grow with the character. Disappointing.
My favorite was Ed Stoppard as Valentine, and this is not because he is Tom Stoppard's son. He is simply a FANTASTIC actor and his portrayal of Valentine was superb. The way that I read Valentine was entirely different than what was portrayed. It was a delightful surprise. Valentine is much more sarcastic in life than on the page. Or maybe I was simply too dense to see it. On the page, Valentine seemed much more introverted or like he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to anyone else but his grouse. Stoppard's physicality really worked for the character. He looked introverted while also engaging the room with lots of energy. He would hunch his shoulders, with hands in pockets, head bent, yet whizz Bernard with some comment or another. It showed Valentine to be much more attentive to his surroundings than I read him to be. Or when he sat on the table that dominated the stage, he would sit in a prominent V shape - again, hunched shoulders, with his hands tucked between his legs. Or busily engaged in feeding his tortoise. It felt as though he were totally involved in his character.
Septimus was delightful! As a character, Tom Stoppard drew him (in my opinion) to be a sort of counter to Valentine. An introverted sarcastic bloke who just so happens to be incredibly intelligent. He was extraordinarily played. Every gesture, every facial expression built towards the illustration of the complex character of Septimus Hodge, the fancy of Hannah's work.
Hannah and Bernard were just as I imagined. Exciting, larger than life characters pitted against one another in the name of knowledge, or in Bernard's case, infamy. Excellent performances that lived up to the character written.
I've always thought that it would be fun to play Lady Croom. She looked as though she was having fun, and I certainly enjoyed it. Nothing notable, except for maybe the posh turn of voice she put on every once and a while to indicate her aristocratic status. I wished she might have used it more often. The costumes she wore were hmmmmm good! The colors were so vibrant and she wore her clothes with the dignity of a noblewoman.
The final scenes of Arcadia still baffle me. Maybe that's why I return to it time and time again. Searching for answers and meaning, just like Valentine, Hannah, Thomasina, Septimus, and Bernard. I think in the end, Chloe is the one who gets it right. The universe is determined, but when people fancy one another when they're not supposed to, everything changes. Sex, literature, grouse, game books, letters. What exactly is that mystery that Thomasina knows? Funny how doing the right and moral upstanding thing can destroy others. Funny thing that savant among idiots.
03 July 2009
commune
I truly am having a great time with Erin, but I can't help but miss my Corrymeela friends. At the beginning of this journey, the thing I thought about most is whether by joining this community, if I'd actually find Community. In the midst, I was sure that I wasn't welcome. Towards the end, I thought I found a place, though maybe not Community. Looking back, I'm sure of the fact that I found Community. And it makes me wonder a lot about the actual definition of "community." Because the community I had for a few weeks on the Northern Coast of Ireland, didn't look like what I expected it to. It just goes to show how little expectations do for anyone, and certainly for myself.
I have these vague thoughts of going back to Corrymeela, for that bittersweet taste of Community. But it's useless because the same people will not be there. And it's the people that make Community what it's meant to be and do.
I will not forget you, dear friends. Let us go in Peace.
I have these vague thoughts of going back to Corrymeela, for that bittersweet taste of Community. But it's useless because the same people will not be there. And it's the people that make Community what it's meant to be and do.
I will not forget you, dear friends. Let us go in Peace.
02 July 2009
tuckered out
Hi all!
Erin and I are in Dublin! Yay! Yesterday, we both arrived at our hostel later than expected because we had such a hard time trying to find it. I could find the place where my bus was supposed to pick me up to take me by the hostel. This resulted in draggin my suitcase through the streets of Dublin, saying to myself, "I think I recognize this" or "Oh, there's O'Connell Street!" Yeah...
Anyway, Erin and I got settled into our tiny tiny tiny room and then decided that eating something might be a good idea. And magically, Sarah and Casey showed up at our door! We wandered around Dublin and eventually just picked a random place: the Metro Cafe. Sandwiches and salads for all. And, as usual, what is listed as hot and spicy on an Irish menu, barely has a kick to it. It was lovely to see Sarah and Casey again. It's nice to know that even though we rarely see each other, we still get on just like old times :)
Erin felt like walking around, so we did. Sarah and Casey went to a pub and so we parted ways. I showed Erin Temple Bar (I <3 Temple Bar) where we got some Maud's Ice Cream and sat on the curb listening to Irish music pouring out of a pub. Sleepy z's set in, so we went back to the hostel, planned out our next day of tourism and headed off to bed.
Notable things: I had to use earplugs to fall asleep, as I am not used to city noise having been in the middle of nowhere for six weeks. I also lost both earplugs. At about 4am, both Erin and I were woke up by some horrendously loud thunder. Thunder, lightening, and buckets of rain.
Which - it was still raining when we got up this morning. We had only gotten a couple blocks down the street when we decided it would be better to turn around and change into more apropriate clothing and put some umbrellas in our hands. We then proceeded on the following itinerary:
After attempting to visit the cathedrals and deciding that it would be better to attend a service rather than pay to do, we went back to our hostel for email checking and naps. Naps turned into a two hour (for me, three hour, for Erin) affair with our pillows. Perhaps we will visit for Evensong tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a trip to Belfast! Huzzah!
Erin and I are in Dublin! Yay! Yesterday, we both arrived at our hostel later than expected because we had such a hard time trying to find it. I could find the place where my bus was supposed to pick me up to take me by the hostel. This resulted in draggin my suitcase through the streets of Dublin, saying to myself, "I think I recognize this" or "Oh, there's O'Connell Street!" Yeah...
Anyway, Erin and I got settled into our tiny tiny tiny room and then decided that eating something might be a good idea. And magically, Sarah and Casey showed up at our door! We wandered around Dublin and eventually just picked a random place: the Metro Cafe. Sandwiches and salads for all. And, as usual, what is listed as hot and spicy on an Irish menu, barely has a kick to it. It was lovely to see Sarah and Casey again. It's nice to know that even though we rarely see each other, we still get on just like old times :)
Erin felt like walking around, so we did. Sarah and Casey went to a pub and so we parted ways. I showed Erin Temple Bar (I <3 Temple Bar) where we got some Maud's Ice Cream and sat on the curb listening to Irish music pouring out of a pub. Sleepy z's set in, so we went back to the hostel, planned out our next day of tourism and headed off to bed.
Notable things: I had to use earplugs to fall asleep, as I am not used to city noise having been in the middle of nowhere for six weeks. I also lost both earplugs. At about 4am, both Erin and I were woke up by some horrendously loud thunder. Thunder, lightening, and buckets of rain.
Which - it was still raining when we got up this morning. We had only gotten a couple blocks down the street when we decided it would be better to turn around and change into more apropriate clothing and put some umbrellas in our hands. We then proceeded on the following itinerary:
- St. Stephen's Green
- National Gallery of Ireland
- National Museum of Ireland
- Trinity College, Dublin
- Temple Bar/Bagel Haven for lunch
- Chester Beatty Library
- Dublin Castle
- Christ Church Cathedral
- St. Patrick's Cathedral
- Dinner!
After attempting to visit the cathedrals and deciding that it would be better to attend a service rather than pay to do, we went back to our hostel for email checking and naps. Naps turned into a two hour (for me, three hour, for Erin) affair with our pillows. Perhaps we will visit for Evensong tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a trip to Belfast! Huzzah!
26 June 2009
21 June 2009
My opinion of this place has officially sunk so low to the point of being irredeemable.
Last night, we did a ghost walk with a group of teenagers. This means that they walk down to the ruins of a 16th century Friary and we tell them ghosts stories. Three of us went down early dressed in black cloaks. I was supposed to be the Black Nun and ring the bell to scare them.
Well, they weren't scared. Far from it. In fact, as soon as they saw me and heard the bell, the boys came running after me. They were pulling at my costume, pushing me, shoving me, and kicking me. They came at me three times. The only way I could keep them away was if I swung the bell at them, because no one wants to get hit by a heavy brass bell. I didn't touch anyone or hit anyone. After the third time of them coming and attacking me when all I was doing was trying to run away, I exploded and yelled at them: "if you touch me again, I swear to God..." that sort of thing.
And then I walked back to Corrymeela.
I'm going to be counting down the days until I can leave.
Last night, we did a ghost walk with a group of teenagers. This means that they walk down to the ruins of a 16th century Friary and we tell them ghosts stories. Three of us went down early dressed in black cloaks. I was supposed to be the Black Nun and ring the bell to scare them.
Well, they weren't scared. Far from it. In fact, as soon as they saw me and heard the bell, the boys came running after me. They were pulling at my costume, pushing me, shoving me, and kicking me. They came at me three times. The only way I could keep them away was if I swung the bell at them, because no one wants to get hit by a heavy brass bell. I didn't touch anyone or hit anyone. After the third time of them coming and attacking me when all I was doing was trying to run away, I exploded and yelled at them: "if you touch me again, I swear to God..." that sort of thing.
And then I walked back to Corrymeela.
I'm going to be counting down the days until I can leave.
16 June 2009
I think I'm tired.
Not physically tired. I've slept alright the past few days esp. since I had days off. I think I'm socially tired. I think I'm spiritually tired.
I think I'm tired of the routine of always meeting new people. The coming and going. Never spending enough time with people in order to feel comfortable. I hide, I shrink inside my shell. Waiting for the time to pass til I can go on with something else.
I'm tired of this conversation:
"Where in the States are you from?"
"California."
"Oh really? Where abouts?"
"I'm about an hour drive from LA."
"And do you study?"
"I graduated from university a year ago."
"And what did you study?"
"English literature and theatre."
"And are you going on to graduate studies?
"I'm going to start a master's program in the fall. I'll be doing costume design. Like theatre and stuff."
"WOW! That's neat. I didn't know you could get a degree in that."
(you along with everyone else) "Yeah, there are lots of schools that do."
Can't I just hang out with someone who knows me?
I think I'm tired of the routine of always meeting new people. The coming and going. Never spending enough time with people in order to feel comfortable. I hide, I shrink inside my shell. Waiting for the time to pass til I can go on with something else.
I'm tired of this conversation:
"Where in the States are you from?"
"California."
"Oh really? Where abouts?"
"I'm about an hour drive from LA."
"And do you study?"
"I graduated from university a year ago."
"And what did you study?"
"English literature and theatre."
"And are you going on to graduate studies?
"I'm going to start a master's program in the fall. I'll be doing costume design. Like theatre and stuff."
"WOW! That's neat. I didn't know you could get a degree in that."
(you along with everyone else) "Yeah, there are lots of schools that do."
Can't I just hang out with someone who knows me?
15 June 2009
sheep are weird
This whole weekend the sheep across the way have been louder than ever. Especially when it started raining. Really loud.
This morning Jessica woke up and went for a run. When she came back, she informed me that there were 3 sheep that greeted her when she walked out of Coventry. I can only assume that they had escaped and ended up wandering onto Corrymeela property. She said there was also a dead lamb on the beach. Someone needs to repair their fences.
This morning Jessica woke up and went for a run. When she came back, she informed me that there were 3 sheep that greeted her when she walked out of Coventry. I can only assume that they had escaped and ended up wandering onto Corrymeela property. She said there was also a dead lamb on the beach. Someone needs to repair their fences.
14 June 2009
the sky looks pissed. the rain talks back.
A storm is coming. I see it on the eastern horizon. Every couple of minutes there is a thunderclap. Even though it will mean being confined indoors, I hope it finds it's way to Corrymeela. Because it's more fun to sit inside with a cup of tea and listen to the rain pour rather than sit inside because you don't have anything else to do.
* * * * * *
As it turns out, it did rain. Poured and poured. I wrote that bit yesterday after I came back from a walk right before dinner. It started sprinkling at 7:30ish. But there was a group of us that were determined to go get ice cream. So we did. A young man by the name of Ethan, who was here for the week to interview as a long term volunteer next year, had a car. There were six of us in a five seater. We squished ourselves in there, but it was loads of fun. Maud's Ice Cream shop has probably some of the best ice cream in Ballycastle and maybe all of Northern Ireland. It is a chain ice cream brand so I guess that's not hard when they are all other Northern Ireland.
So by the time we ventured the one mile or so from Corrymeela to the centre of town, it went from sprinkling to pouring. We ran across streets and jumped over puddles and made it inside to the safety of the delicious sweet treat of Maud's. We laughed in the face of lightning. Smirked at the glaring eyes of the thunder.
When we got back, I convinced the group to play telephone pictionary, the beloved game of the Westmont theatre department 07-08. I also was persuaded to give 3 back massages. Word spreads quickly in these parts when all you did the day before was help out someone whose back hurt from vacuuming all day for housekeeping.
Today has been somewhat of a lazier day. I think I'm getting sick again. My throat hurt when I woke up this morning but it didn't look red until a few hours ago. I started reading the Cecelia Ahern book I got in Belfast, but I'm bored with it. The plot doesn't change much. The same stuff keeps happening to the characters over and over again. Even though the characters change, they are starting to annoy me more than anything else. High Fidelity was so much better.
I am flying back to America in a month. This is quite strange. What is also quite strange, I've been saying "grand" more and more. You'd think I was in Northern Ireland or something.
* * * * * *
As it turns out, it did rain. Poured and poured. I wrote that bit yesterday after I came back from a walk right before dinner. It started sprinkling at 7:30ish. But there was a group of us that were determined to go get ice cream. So we did. A young man by the name of Ethan, who was here for the week to interview as a long term volunteer next year, had a car. There were six of us in a five seater. We squished ourselves in there, but it was loads of fun. Maud's Ice Cream shop has probably some of the best ice cream in Ballycastle and maybe all of Northern Ireland. It is a chain ice cream brand so I guess that's not hard when they are all other Northern Ireland.
So by the time we ventured the one mile or so from Corrymeela to the centre of town, it went from sprinkling to pouring. We ran across streets and jumped over puddles and made it inside to the safety of the delicious sweet treat of Maud's. We laughed in the face of lightning. Smirked at the glaring eyes of the thunder.
When we got back, I convinced the group to play telephone pictionary, the beloved game of the Westmont theatre department 07-08. I also was persuaded to give 3 back massages. Word spreads quickly in these parts when all you did the day before was help out someone whose back hurt from vacuuming all day for housekeeping.
Today has been somewhat of a lazier day. I think I'm getting sick again. My throat hurt when I woke up this morning but it didn't look red until a few hours ago. I started reading the Cecelia Ahern book I got in Belfast, but I'm bored with it. The plot doesn't change much. The same stuff keeps happening to the characters over and over again. Even though the characters change, they are starting to annoy me more than anything else. High Fidelity was so much better.
I am flying back to America in a month. This is quite strange. What is also quite strange, I've been saying "grand" more and more. You'd think I was in Northern Ireland or something.
too cross to write
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.
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.
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!
15 May 2009
Ti, a drink with jam and bread
I need to cut back on my tea intake. I feel so very awake right now and it's almost pumpkin time.
14 May 2009
more departures and arrivals
Corrymeela! I am here!
There are recgonizable features, like Scotland in the distance, Fair Head on one side, the main building that everyone calls "the House," the tea, and the green. So much green.
What is not familiar are the people and the names and Coventry. Coventry is the volunteer building. Large lounges, decent rooms, excellent shower, a kitchen, a computer room, and a elevator. Oh, and did I mention Ikea? Coventry is FULL of Ikea. There are very few things that are not from Ikea in this building.
I'm in that awkward phase of not knowing what I'm supposed to be doing and not knowing who everyone is and just not knowing. I don't like to not know things. This place will certainly be a learning experience. It is very odd being on the volunteer side of things. I am the new face trying to find a place. On Eng Sem, we were a new group to Corrymeela, but we knew each other (so some extent) and we were familiar with the routine of moving place to place to place to place. As a group, you know where you are.
Tomorrow I am to do housekeeping 10a-3p and reception 5-9p. I don't know what I'm supposed to do for housekeeping and I'm told that reception on Friday evenings is very easy because almost no one calls.
Last night I hung out with Ruth and her friend Allyson. They made pasta for dinner and we watched Dr Horrible's Commentary: the Musical! which is currently stuck in my head. I had spent the day with Ruth walking all over Oxford, back and forth, forth and back, up and down, and side to side. Needless to say, I was tired. We also watched a few episodes of South Park online about Mormonism, Scientology, and the Jonas Brothers. The episode of the Jonas Brothers ended with a giant Mickey Mouse floating over Denver breathing fire. Terrifying? Yes. But you should watch it because it's very funny.
There are recgonizable features, like Scotland in the distance, Fair Head on one side, the main building that everyone calls "the House," the tea, and the green. So much green.
What is not familiar are the people and the names and Coventry. Coventry is the volunteer building. Large lounges, decent rooms, excellent shower, a kitchen, a computer room, and a elevator. Oh, and did I mention Ikea? Coventry is FULL of Ikea. There are very few things that are not from Ikea in this building.
I'm in that awkward phase of not knowing what I'm supposed to be doing and not knowing who everyone is and just not knowing. I don't like to not know things. This place will certainly be a learning experience. It is very odd being on the volunteer side of things. I am the new face trying to find a place. On Eng Sem, we were a new group to Corrymeela, but we knew each other (so some extent) and we were familiar with the routine of moving place to place to place to place. As a group, you know where you are.
Tomorrow I am to do housekeeping 10a-3p and reception 5-9p. I don't know what I'm supposed to do for housekeeping and I'm told that reception on Friday evenings is very easy because almost no one calls.
Last night I hung out with Ruth and her friend Allyson. They made pasta for dinner and we watched Dr Horrible's Commentary: the Musical! which is currently stuck in my head. I had spent the day with Ruth walking all over Oxford, back and forth, forth and back, up and down, and side to side. Needless to say, I was tired. We also watched a few episodes of South Park online about Mormonism, Scientology, and the Jonas Brothers. The episode of the Jonas Brothers ended with a giant Mickey Mouse floating over Denver breathing fire. Terrifying? Yes. But you should watch it because it's very funny.
12 May 2009
arrival to Oxford
Today seems long. Probably because two days have been smashed into one with the time change. I slept four hours on the plane and watched two movies: "Last Chance Harvey" and "The Young Victoria." Plane ride went smoothly, though we did land about a half hour late after taking off a bit late. I met a very nice Oxford undergrad student named Milo on the way to Oxford. He had flown in on my plane and was headed to the same place. He had come from LA because his girlfriend just graduated from Azusa Pacific and he went to the ceremony. Small world indeed.
I spent some time with Ruth and her Medievalist friends. We had a lovely dinner of Thai food and drinks at a pub called The Turf. (Mom -- they loved your cookies btw) I chatted with Robert from Corrymeela this evening and we arranged for him to pick me up at the airport because he will be in Belfast that day. This is a relief because the buses and train I was going to take are the last services of the day and there's the question of "what do I do if I miss one?" He also gave me a rundown of the next few weeks. I'll be doing housekeeping the first few days and early next week I will be working with 3 other volunteers to teach/do group activities with 26-27 primary schoolchildren. This will be interesting. Another week, I'm doing kitchen duty and I will be hosting a group on my own the first weekend in June. That's all I can remember from his rundown.
I think sleep is a good idea at this point.
09 May 2009
a root of all stress
Please pray that God would somehow provide the funds needed for this trip. As the time draws nearer, the expenses list seems to grow, and so does my level of stress...
I've recently been in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator at Corrymeela and am all set with the details of getting to Ballycastle and Corrymeela. I can't believe I'm about to go. There's so much I still need to do and my procrastination this week has not helped. Le sigh.
I've recently been in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator at Corrymeela and am all set with the details of getting to Ballycastle and Corrymeela. I can't believe I'm about to go. There's so much I still need to do and my procrastination this week has not helped. Le sigh.
05 May 2009
the countdown begins
One week from now, I will be on a plane headed for England.
It seems quite strange. How time has flown this month. This week will be filled with making lists and having questions buzz round and round my head like:
where did I put my power converter?
how do I get from the Ballycastle bus stop to Corrymeela?
will I be able to afford my hostel in Dublin?
will I manage to pack under 44lbs?
will I be able to make my student loan payments while I'm gone?
I may be going to a community, but will I truly discover community?
I'm looking forward to my time there. I'm grateful for the break from B&N. I have no idea what to expect, which makes me a little nervous. Or a lot nervous. I'm so very detail oriented and the not knowing part is challenging. But it is those challenges of life that make us better people, right?
It seems quite strange. How time has flown this month. This week will be filled with making lists and having questions buzz round and round my head like:
where did I put my power converter?
how do I get from the Ballycastle bus stop to Corrymeela?
will I be able to afford my hostel in Dublin?
will I manage to pack under 44lbs?
will I be able to make my student loan payments while I'm gone?
I may be going to a community, but will I truly discover community?
I'm looking forward to my time there. I'm grateful for the break from B&N. I have no idea what to expect, which makes me a little nervous. Or a lot nervous. I'm so very detail oriented and the not knowing part is challenging. But it is those challenges of life that make us better people, right?
10 April 2009
fundraising update part deux
Hi everyone! I've raised $640 so far. This is about two thirds of my need. I still need about $300 more to cover the rest of my travel expenses. If you still want to donate, please do!
06 March 2009
flight booked!
When I checked flight prices today, I discovered that British Airways prices dropped to $550! That's a $330 difference from American Airlines. I have a frequent flyer account with American, but $550 versus $880 is worth not accumulating the miles. And I like British Air a whole lot better.
So I bought my ticket! Leaving May 11 and returning July 14. After I'm done at Corrymeela, I'm going to hang with Ruth in Oxford for a bit, so that will be fun.
Now there is the London-Dublin flight and my buses to and from Ballycastle to book.
So I bought my ticket! Leaving May 11 and returning July 14. After I'm done at Corrymeela, I'm going to hang with Ruth in Oxford for a bit, so that will be fun.
Now there is the London-Dublin flight and my buses to and from Ballycastle to book.
01 March 2009
fundraising update
A huge THANK YOU to anyone who had donated thus far. I have raised $550 out of my $2,000 goal. I hope that more checks will arrive over the next week :)
08 February 2009
Welcome!
Hello everyone! Welcome to my Corrymeela Adventure blog!
This May, I will be flying to the UK to volunteer at a reconciliation centre called the Corrymeela Community. Corrymeela is located in Northern Ireland, County Atrium, in the seaside town of Ballycastle. As a volunteer at Corrymeela, I will be engaging with many different kinds of people. I will live and work at the Corrymeela Ballycastle Centre on the coast of Northern Ireland, doing whatever necessary to keep the center alive and ready for visitors. I will be spending six weeks in Northern Ireland and I’m really looking forward to my time there.
If you wish to donate money towards my travel expenses and to the Corrymeela Community, please send me an email for more information.
much love,
Lynne
This May, I will be flying to the UK to volunteer at a reconciliation centre called the Corrymeela Community. Corrymeela is located in Northern Ireland, County Atrium, in the seaside town of Ballycastle. As a volunteer at Corrymeela, I will be engaging with many different kinds of people. I will live and work at the Corrymeela Ballycastle Centre on the coast of Northern Ireland, doing whatever necessary to keep the center alive and ready for visitors. I will be spending six weeks in Northern Ireland and I’m really looking forward to my time there.
If you wish to donate money towards my travel expenses and to the Corrymeela Community, please send me an email for more information.
much love,
Lynne
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