Sunday, November 10, 2013
Northern Ireland: The Final Chapter (Part 2)
I'm going to leave you with my favorite pictures from Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland: The Final Chapter (Part 1)
So, I'm going to wrap up my section on Northern Ireland here, because I set off for Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday, and tomorrow I'm going to be running around getting everything organized (as well as a scamper to Belfast to finally visit that city).
I'm not ready to leave Northern Ireland, but at the same time, I'm ready to leave Northern Ireland. I've come to love Northern Ireland a lot more than I expected. My time here has been memorable and they're experiences that I'll take to the grave with me. I've made connections that I hope will stay strong even after I'm back in the States. I've stepped out of my comfort zone. I've learned so much about myself and the culture that I live in. I've learned so much about the culture I've stepped into for such a brief period of time.
I'm happy about the things that I learned, and in a way, it's what I was supposed to learn. I'm in a weird place: I feel like I've learned what I was supposed to learn and am ready to jump into the next great adventure in South Africa, but that I'm leaving so much unfinished here and I'm not ready to leave Northern Ireland.
I don't think that I can really get over this feeling. The only thing I can do is to compartmentalize it and move along on this amazing journey.
I said awhile back that there was something about Northern Ireland, but I didn't know what that was. I'm going to attempt to vocalize it (well, put it down on paper).
Northern Ireland has such a duality to it: just when you think that you figured something out, it changes. They say there's an Irish question, but every time you think you have an answer, they change the question. I think that applies to this feeling.
It's so difficult to look out over the landscape and the cities and think "Holy Shit is this Beautiful", and have that followed with the sinking realization/remembrance that this place was a warzone: places blown up by petrol bombs, paramilitary groups ruling the communities and pressuring people to do things, people blown up and their blood covering the streets.
That duality aspect is something that takes awhile to wrap your head around.
But that's not the only thing I learned here in Northern Ireland.
1) I'm in the right majors. Being a dual Criminal Justice and Political Science major student, being immersed in issues that revolve around those topics energized me day after day. I can not wait to graduate and get a job that does the same thing everyday.
2) I can't just sit back and do nothing anymore. Far to many times I have seen things or felt the urge to do something and I did nothing. I can't do that anymore. I need to take action, to step up and make a difference.
3) I need to be more spontaneous and take more chances/risks. Far too often I play things so conservatively when I really don't need to. The saying goes "You're going to regret the things you don't do more than the things you do". I don't want to look back in 20 years and regret not doing anything.
4) You never really know something until you have an answer.
5) I am who I am, and I make no regrets for that.
6) Everyone has their own demons, and you have to realize and respect that.
7) The more you learn, the more you see, the more you hear, the less you know.
8) Remove the word "Can't" from your vocabulary. Half the battle is thinking you can do something.
9) I have to appreciate where I'm at now, not where I want to be. I am so concerned with my long-term goal that sometimes I need to slow down and appreciate what's happening in my life presently.
10) Everyone has a story you can learn from, if only you stop and listen.
11) "Truth exists, falsehood has to be invented" Sometimes you have to man up and admit when you did something wrong. It goes a longer way than beating the bush around.
12) You never know how much someone or something means to you until you can't be there/ have it.
13) Cherish those in your life, and make a more meaningful relationship with those already in it.
14) Some stories just have to be shared.
15) Some stories just shouldn't be shared.
16) "As a kid, you want to help everyone with everything. But as we grow as a person, we realize that we can't be a superhero. We need to concentrate our efforts and realize that everything we do, no matter how small, makes a difference."
And the Scariest Part?
If I learned all of this in Northern Ireland, What am I going to learn in South Africa? What's left that I don't already know?
I'm not ready to leave Northern Ireland, but at the same time, I'm ready to leave Northern Ireland. I've come to love Northern Ireland a lot more than I expected. My time here has been memorable and they're experiences that I'll take to the grave with me. I've made connections that I hope will stay strong even after I'm back in the States. I've stepped out of my comfort zone. I've learned so much about myself and the culture that I live in. I've learned so much about the culture I've stepped into for such a brief period of time.
I'm happy about the things that I learned, and in a way, it's what I was supposed to learn. I'm in a weird place: I feel like I've learned what I was supposed to learn and am ready to jump into the next great adventure in South Africa, but that I'm leaving so much unfinished here and I'm not ready to leave Northern Ireland.
I don't think that I can really get over this feeling. The only thing I can do is to compartmentalize it and move along on this amazing journey.
I said awhile back that there was something about Northern Ireland, but I didn't know what that was. I'm going to attempt to vocalize it (well, put it down on paper).
Northern Ireland has such a duality to it: just when you think that you figured something out, it changes. They say there's an Irish question, but every time you think you have an answer, they change the question. I think that applies to this feeling.
It's so difficult to look out over the landscape and the cities and think "Holy Shit is this Beautiful", and have that followed with the sinking realization/remembrance that this place was a warzone: places blown up by petrol bombs, paramilitary groups ruling the communities and pressuring people to do things, people blown up and their blood covering the streets.
That duality aspect is something that takes awhile to wrap your head around.
But that's not the only thing I learned here in Northern Ireland.
1) I'm in the right majors. Being a dual Criminal Justice and Political Science major student, being immersed in issues that revolve around those topics energized me day after day. I can not wait to graduate and get a job that does the same thing everyday.
2) I can't just sit back and do nothing anymore. Far to many times I have seen things or felt the urge to do something and I did nothing. I can't do that anymore. I need to take action, to step up and make a difference.
3) I need to be more spontaneous and take more chances/risks. Far too often I play things so conservatively when I really don't need to. The saying goes "You're going to regret the things you don't do more than the things you do". I don't want to look back in 20 years and regret not doing anything.
4) You never really know something until you have an answer.
5) I am who I am, and I make no regrets for that.
6) Everyone has their own demons, and you have to realize and respect that.
7) The more you learn, the more you see, the more you hear, the less you know.
8) Remove the word "Can't" from your vocabulary. Half the battle is thinking you can do something.
9) I have to appreciate where I'm at now, not where I want to be. I am so concerned with my long-term goal that sometimes I need to slow down and appreciate what's happening in my life presently.
10) Everyone has a story you can learn from, if only you stop and listen.
11) "Truth exists, falsehood has to be invented" Sometimes you have to man up and admit when you did something wrong. It goes a longer way than beating the bush around.
12) You never know how much someone or something means to you until you can't be there/ have it.
13) Cherish those in your life, and make a more meaningful relationship with those already in it.
14) Some stories just have to be shared.
15) Some stories just shouldn't be shared.
16) "As a kid, you want to help everyone with everything. But as we grow as a person, we realize that we can't be a superhero. We need to concentrate our efforts and realize that everything we do, no matter how small, makes a difference."
And the Scariest Part?
If I learned all of this in Northern Ireland, What am I going to learn in South Africa? What's left that I don't already know?
"The Parting Glass"
Of all the money that e'er I had
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They are sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and you should not
Good night and joy be with you all
Saturday, November 9, 2013
A Few Good Days
Hey ya'll!
Back from a couple day hiatus.
Thursday was my last day at the Pat Finucane Centre. Understandable, since we leave on Tuesday, but still.
A part of me feels like that the work I was doing isn't finished. And I know that I can only do so much and that I got through as much as I could, but I have a nagging feeling that I could have done so much more. And granted, I know that what I did helps in the long run, and even right now (an article I found tied in so well with the book that was launched by the PFC on Collusion that the local newspaper did an article on it), but I still wish I could have done more.
But at dinner last night, this quote was said and I think it made me realize that what I did was actually very helpful.
"As a kid, you want to help everyone with everything. But as we grow up and mature as a person, we realize that we can't be a superhero. We need to concentrate our efforts and realize that what we do, no matter how small, makes a difference"
I am super grateful for the opportunity that I had to volunteer at the PFC and work with some amazing people. Dr. O, before the trip, told us to take a gift to give to our placements as a going-away gift.. I decided that something Baldwin Wallace related, while it symbolizes the program, didn't really symbolize me. Don't get me wrong, I love BW and it's become an integral part of who I am, but I am always a Steel City Son. So I decided that I would give a Terrible Towel as a gift. Of course, Paul laughed at the fact that I was giving him a "tea towel", but they enjoyed the fact that I thought of leaving something. Paul then handed me a copy of Lethal Allies as a thank-you, signed from the Centre. And it's printed backwards and upside-down, so it's one of a kind.
BW also gave a donation of 150 pounds to the Centre to help keep the work they are doing up and running.
Friday was my day off. Which sucked, because everyone else was still working. I got so frustrated being couped up in the house and trying to write my paper that I ended up going to see Nicole and Angel down at their Service Placement, the Bogside Artist Studio. They're painting a mural in the backroom, and I must say it looked fantastic (and almost completed). I was sitting there and looking at the pictures on the walls of events that happened, and I was struck by one in particular. The painting was of Paddy Bogside (that's what one of the Bogside Artists called him) in front of the "Free Derry" Sign (the white wall one in the Bogside). It was almost like he was making a political speech.
Looking at this picture, I tried to imagine being at the start of the Troubles. At the Battle of the Bogside. How these people erected a wall and painted a big ol "Screw You" to the UK on it while the British Army looked on. How they took action and decided that enough was enough and they weren't going to live like that anymore.
And I thought to myself, If I was in a community that felt like we were being oppressed (rightly or wrongly), would I step up and take action? Would I be able to stand for what I believed to be right? Would I risk my life, and subsequently my family's, to take a stand?
Oh how Northern Ireland has made me think.
Saturday I went with Taylor and Devin to Dunluce Castle. We took a train up to Coleraine and then a bus that dropped us off at a stop that was Bushmills (the distillery might have been around there. I'm not sure). We had to walk about 2 miles to get to the Castle Ruins, which was not a big deal because 1) It was a gorgeous day and 2) Again, the scenery was breathtaking.
The ruins were cool. I mean, if you're a history person or a medieval person you'd be more excited, but to me it was the ruins of a house. But a really cool house.
The coolest party was the view from the castle. If you looked out you would see water (Naturally. It's on a coast), and to the left in the distance you could see a city. Dr.O asked if we saw Scotland, so I don't know if that was it or if we could actually see Scotland, but it was still a great view.
I still don't think that it's hit me that it's my last few days in Northern Ireland...
Back from a couple day hiatus.
Thursday was my last day at the Pat Finucane Centre. Understandable, since we leave on Tuesday, but still.
A part of me feels like that the work I was doing isn't finished. And I know that I can only do so much and that I got through as much as I could, but I have a nagging feeling that I could have done so much more. And granted, I know that what I did helps in the long run, and even right now (an article I found tied in so well with the book that was launched by the PFC on Collusion that the local newspaper did an article on it), but I still wish I could have done more.
But at dinner last night, this quote was said and I think it made me realize that what I did was actually very helpful.
"As a kid, you want to help everyone with everything. But as we grow up and mature as a person, we realize that we can't be a superhero. We need to concentrate our efforts and realize that what we do, no matter how small, makes a difference"
I am super grateful for the opportunity that I had to volunteer at the PFC and work with some amazing people. Dr. O, before the trip, told us to take a gift to give to our placements as a going-away gift.. I decided that something Baldwin Wallace related, while it symbolizes the program, didn't really symbolize me. Don't get me wrong, I love BW and it's become an integral part of who I am, but I am always a Steel City Son. So I decided that I would give a Terrible Towel as a gift. Of course, Paul laughed at the fact that I was giving him a "tea towel", but they enjoyed the fact that I thought of leaving something. Paul then handed me a copy of Lethal Allies as a thank-you, signed from the Centre. And it's printed backwards and upside-down, so it's one of a kind.
BW also gave a donation of 150 pounds to the Centre to help keep the work they are doing up and running.
Friday was my day off. Which sucked, because everyone else was still working. I got so frustrated being couped up in the house and trying to write my paper that I ended up going to see Nicole and Angel down at their Service Placement, the Bogside Artist Studio. They're painting a mural in the backroom, and I must say it looked fantastic (and almost completed). I was sitting there and looking at the pictures on the walls of events that happened, and I was struck by one in particular. The painting was of Paddy Bogside (that's what one of the Bogside Artists called him) in front of the "Free Derry" Sign (the white wall one in the Bogside). It was almost like he was making a political speech.
Looking at this picture, I tried to imagine being at the start of the Troubles. At the Battle of the Bogside. How these people erected a wall and painted a big ol "Screw You" to the UK on it while the British Army looked on. How they took action and decided that enough was enough and they weren't going to live like that anymore.
And I thought to myself, If I was in a community that felt like we were being oppressed (rightly or wrongly), would I step up and take action? Would I be able to stand for what I believed to be right? Would I risk my life, and subsequently my family's, to take a stand?
Oh how Northern Ireland has made me think.
Saturday I went with Taylor and Devin to Dunluce Castle. We took a train up to Coleraine and then a bus that dropped us off at a stop that was Bushmills (the distillery might have been around there. I'm not sure). We had to walk about 2 miles to get to the Castle Ruins, which was not a big deal because 1) It was a gorgeous day and 2) Again, the scenery was breathtaking.
The ruins were cool. I mean, if you're a history person or a medieval person you'd be more excited, but to me it was the ruins of a house. But a really cool house.
The coolest party was the view from the castle. If you looked out you would see water (Naturally. It's on a coast), and to the left in the distance you could see a city. Dr.O asked if we saw Scotland, so I don't know if that was it or if we could actually see Scotland, but it was still a great view.
I still don't think that it's hit me that it's my last few days in Northern Ireland...
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| Our Cow Friend that Stared Us Down as We Walked By |
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
"Well Don't You Look Official...."
Political Science Major Nerd Alert. Visit to Stormont, check!
(For all my non-political followers, Stormont is the Northern Ireland Parliament building)
So to get to Stormont from (London)Derry, we had to take the bus up to Belfast, then transfer to Stormont. Okay, not a problem, We've taken buses and trains everywhere. Problem? The bus we needed to take left at 6:10. AM.
The trip was fine (no good/embarrassing/disgusting travel stories here folks), but we ended up getting to Stormont an hour before our tour started. Hanging out in the Government Cafe with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)? Check. (Okay, sitting having a coffee when they walked in, got theirs, and left? Check.)
It was a pretty awesome experience. We started in the Senate room, which being used later that morning for a World War memorial. So we moved into an "education" room where we listened to a quick presentation before we got to meet and ask 3 MLAs questions. They were from the Sinn Fein party, Green party, and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).
It was awesome to get a chance to interact and talk with an MLA. The best part was that the tour guide said we asked some of the best questions she's ever heard asked. We brought questions that were substantial and that made one or two of the MLAs become taken aback. You could tell that they expected questions like "What do you do as an elected representative?" not "What kind of programs are you implementing to counter-act the unemployment and drug issues?"
So impressed with our questions that the tour guide emailed us for our suggestions on how to fix the Northern Ireland Government Process. Yup, we're kind of a big deal.
After Stormont, we walked outside around the building and the landscape was fantastic. I know, I keep saying that everywhere has fantastic landscapes. But seriously, everywhere does. With hills like the ones here, I would be more disappointed if the views sucked.
Anyway, we took a quick walk around Belfast (~3 hours), where we visited Queens University. Talk about a campus. The buildings' architecture were castle-esque, and the quads in between the buildings were so peaceful. Is this what an Ivy League school is like?
Oh, I almost forgot: we had knock off Chipotle (Boojum). Talk about satisfying a craving! And this place is the only place I have ever eaten at that had Valentina, the salsa/hot sauce I got in Alabama.
Story Time! I went to Montgomery, Alabama freshman year on an Alternative Spring Break on Immigration through the Newman Center at school, and we stayed in a house with some Sisters. The one night, Sister Veronica was using this hot sauce on popcorn (which sounds disgusting, but was life changing). On the final night, Sister Veronica gave me a bottle as a going away gift. I'm pretty sure I still have that bottle somewhere as a reminder of that trip.
Well, we got home, and it's time to sleep! Note to Self: 5 AM wake-up calls are terrible everywhere in the world, just slightly more worth it when you're in a different country!
(For all my non-political followers, Stormont is the Northern Ireland Parliament building)
So to get to Stormont from (London)Derry, we had to take the bus up to Belfast, then transfer to Stormont. Okay, not a problem, We've taken buses and trains everywhere. Problem? The bus we needed to take left at 6:10. AM.
The trip was fine (no good/embarrassing/disgusting travel stories here folks), but we ended up getting to Stormont an hour before our tour started. Hanging out in the Government Cafe with Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)? Check. (Okay, sitting having a coffee when they walked in, got theirs, and left? Check.)
It was a pretty awesome experience. We started in the Senate room, which being used later that morning for a World War memorial. So we moved into an "education" room where we listened to a quick presentation before we got to meet and ask 3 MLAs questions. They were from the Sinn Fein party, Green party, and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP).
It was awesome to get a chance to interact and talk with an MLA. The best part was that the tour guide said we asked some of the best questions she's ever heard asked. We brought questions that were substantial and that made one or two of the MLAs become taken aback. You could tell that they expected questions like "What do you do as an elected representative?" not "What kind of programs are you implementing to counter-act the unemployment and drug issues?"
So impressed with our questions that the tour guide emailed us for our suggestions on how to fix the Northern Ireland Government Process. Yup, we're kind of a big deal.
After Stormont, we walked outside around the building and the landscape was fantastic. I know, I keep saying that everywhere has fantastic landscapes. But seriously, everywhere does. With hills like the ones here, I would be more disappointed if the views sucked.
Anyway, we took a quick walk around Belfast (~3 hours), where we visited Queens University. Talk about a campus. The buildings' architecture were castle-esque, and the quads in between the buildings were so peaceful. Is this what an Ivy League school is like?
Oh, I almost forgot: we had knock off Chipotle (Boojum). Talk about satisfying a craving! And this place is the only place I have ever eaten at that had Valentina, the salsa/hot sauce I got in Alabama.
Story Time! I went to Montgomery, Alabama freshman year on an Alternative Spring Break on Immigration through the Newman Center at school, and we stayed in a house with some Sisters. The one night, Sister Veronica was using this hot sauce on popcorn (which sounds disgusting, but was life changing). On the final night, Sister Veronica gave me a bottle as a going away gift. I'm pretty sure I still have that bottle somewhere as a reminder of that trip.
Well, we got home, and it's time to sleep! Note to Self: 5 AM wake-up calls are terrible everywhere in the world, just slightly more worth it when you're in a different country!
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| Senate Room |
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| Chairman's Chair |
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| One of my favorites |
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| Belfast City Hall |
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| St. Malachy's |
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| the BBC! |
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| Queens University |
Sunday, November 3, 2013
More
Going back to Baldwin Wallace is going to suck.
I know, that sounds really bad, but just hear me out.
I have about 10 days left in Northern Ireland before I have to say goodbye. Unless something happens, Northern Ireland has, among many things, shown me that I chose the right majors: Criminal Justice and Political Science (with a minor in Legal Studies, but who's keeping track?)
Working at the PFC has immersed me in issues that, while not relevant to me personally, are relevant to my fields of study (Does that make it relevant to me then? Hmm....). To be able to be immersed in civil rights, human rights, and criminality issues day in and day out has been one of the best parts of this trip. Getting hands-on experience, no matter that it's just sorting through documents or talking with my co-workers, is giving me an inside look at not only how the Troubles were in Northern Ireland, but how an Non-Governmental Organization and organizations of the like operate.
And it's going to suck re-adjusting from going to work (that's what I like to call it) and being immersed in these issues, to sitting in classes listening to people lecture at me. As much as I am looking forward to all my classes (except that 7:45 AM Statistics class....), not doing hands-on learning everyday is going to be a rough transition.
But, more than that: I feel like I should be doing more. More than sitting in classes I need to take to receive a diploma. I should be doing something to help people. Doing something in my majors' field out in the real world.
I don't know if I can sit back and do nothing anymore.
I know, that sounds really bad, but just hear me out.
I have about 10 days left in Northern Ireland before I have to say goodbye. Unless something happens, Northern Ireland has, among many things, shown me that I chose the right majors: Criminal Justice and Political Science (with a minor in Legal Studies, but who's keeping track?)
Working at the PFC has immersed me in issues that, while not relevant to me personally, are relevant to my fields of study (Does that make it relevant to me then? Hmm....). To be able to be immersed in civil rights, human rights, and criminality issues day in and day out has been one of the best parts of this trip. Getting hands-on experience, no matter that it's just sorting through documents or talking with my co-workers, is giving me an inside look at not only how the Troubles were in Northern Ireland, but how an Non-Governmental Organization and organizations of the like operate.
And it's going to suck re-adjusting from going to work (that's what I like to call it) and being immersed in these issues, to sitting in classes listening to people lecture at me. As much as I am looking forward to all my classes (except that 7:45 AM Statistics class....), not doing hands-on learning everyday is going to be a rough transition.
But, more than that: I feel like I should be doing more. More than sitting in classes I need to take to receive a diploma. I should be doing something to help people. Doing something in my majors' field out in the real world.
I don't know if I can sit back and do nothing anymore.
Friday, November 1, 2013
The Scapegoats
We went to the Police Station today, and I'm re-thinking everything I knew about policing in Northern Ireland.
First off, this place was fortified. As in, it'll take a lot to damage these places. I guess years of playing the bad guy to paramilitary groups makes you advance your defenses. It was like an army barracks: perimeter barricades, reinforced everything, interior alarms, and innovative building designs to prevent blast damage from bombs. Oh, and not to mention the huge tower to survey the surrounding landscape to be alerted to oncoming attacks.
To be completely honest, I'm not that surprised. Police (formerly the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) before it became the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), before becoming the current Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Did I mention that the Irish love acronyms yet?) were the targets of paramilitary groups because they were seen as an extension of the Crown (of England). And when these organisations are fighting to break away from England, you're going to get some violence thrown at you.
The officer giving us the tour made a really interesting point: He said "When we got peace, we were in the community, without body armor. Slowly but surely, when people didn't see the peace process working as well as they hoped, attacks started back up. Things are nowhere near as bad as they were, but we're back to wearing body armor." Interesting.
We went outside to see the vehicles, and I think the only way to give an accurate description is to call them tanks. These things are heavily armored. Reinforced everything, flaps to prevent bombs from being slid underneath. These things were designed to go through hell and back. I'd believe it.
We were just sitting in the *tank* when we had the great idea to drag a riot shield and baton out into the parking lot. Which then ended up turning into a lesson in how to use a riot shield. Those things are also reinforced.
But don't worry, I now know how to use a riot shield if you attack me: high, low, kicking, swords, offensive, defensive.
The things you learn in Ireland.
First off, this place was fortified. As in, it'll take a lot to damage these places. I guess years of playing the bad guy to paramilitary groups makes you advance your defenses. It was like an army barracks: perimeter barricades, reinforced everything, interior alarms, and innovative building designs to prevent blast damage from bombs. Oh, and not to mention the huge tower to survey the surrounding landscape to be alerted to oncoming attacks.
To be completely honest, I'm not that surprised. Police (formerly the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) before it became the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), before becoming the current Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Did I mention that the Irish love acronyms yet?) were the targets of paramilitary groups because they were seen as an extension of the Crown (of England). And when these organisations are fighting to break away from England, you're going to get some violence thrown at you.
The officer giving us the tour made a really interesting point: He said "When we got peace, we were in the community, without body armor. Slowly but surely, when people didn't see the peace process working as well as they hoped, attacks started back up. Things are nowhere near as bad as they were, but we're back to wearing body armor." Interesting.
We went outside to see the vehicles, and I think the only way to give an accurate description is to call them tanks. These things are heavily armored. Reinforced everything, flaps to prevent bombs from being slid underneath. These things were designed to go through hell and back. I'd believe it.
We were just sitting in the *tank* when we had the great idea to drag a riot shield and baton out into the parking lot. Which then ended up turning into a lesson in how to use a riot shield. Those things are also reinforced.
But don't worry, I now know how to use a riot shield if you attack me: high, low, kicking, swords, offensive, defensive.
The things you learn in Ireland.
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| Barricade Walls-Outer Perimeter |
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| Surveillance Tower |
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| Police Car |
The Halloween Capital of the World
Imagine a room (let's say a dorm room. Pretty small, right?). Now pack 300+ people into it.
That's the best way to describe Halloween in (London)Derry.
For a city that claims to be the Halloween Capital of the world, they did not disappoint. I heard last night that the estimated amount of people that were at the parade was about 10,000. That's pretty insane for the location.
Our group was asked to perform in the Halloween parade by the Cathedral Youth Center (Robyn's Service Placement). We were asked to help Allan to drum in a little samba band. No big deal, I did High School Marching band, I've done this before.
I'm thinking it's going be a little parade through the Fountain (where the Cathedral Youth Center is located) and that's that.
WRONG.
Again, I underestimated Ireland.
This parade was insane. Right along the river, I would believe that there was 10,000 people strong. The place was packed. The only thing I can relate it to is a St. Patricks Day parade in the States, multiplied by...5? Everyone was in costumes, including us. (We were some pretty kick-ass tigers. Except Kuz. He was a very confused Giraffe with a Tiger face).
People take Halloween very seriously here: costumes are all out, the floats for the parade were similar to the ones in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and did I mention the amount of people? I don't think that I celebrated Halloween for a good 10 years, but I'm definitely glad I did this year.
After the parade we decided that we would go exploring to see how crazy the city got during this celebration. One costume change later (you doesn't want to wear a morph suit for Halloween?), we discovered that every place we went to (mainly Waterloo Street) was packed with people partying.
The interesting part was that while the police were out in force, they didn't really do anything (put that on the list of things to ask about). They stood back and observed. I guess they were just making sure things didn't get too out of hand.
Tomorrow we're off to a Police Station to learn about the PSNI and the difference between the States and Northern Ireland. Maybe they'll have some good stories from Halloween night.
That's the best way to describe Halloween in (London)Derry.
For a city that claims to be the Halloween Capital of the world, they did not disappoint. I heard last night that the estimated amount of people that were at the parade was about 10,000. That's pretty insane for the location.
Our group was asked to perform in the Halloween parade by the Cathedral Youth Center (Robyn's Service Placement). We were asked to help Allan to drum in a little samba band. No big deal, I did High School Marching band, I've done this before.
I'm thinking it's going be a little parade through the Fountain (where the Cathedral Youth Center is located) and that's that.
WRONG.
Again, I underestimated Ireland.
This parade was insane. Right along the river, I would believe that there was 10,000 people strong. The place was packed. The only thing I can relate it to is a St. Patricks Day parade in the States, multiplied by...5? Everyone was in costumes, including us. (We were some pretty kick-ass tigers. Except Kuz. He was a very confused Giraffe with a Tiger face).
People take Halloween very seriously here: costumes are all out, the floats for the parade were similar to the ones in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and did I mention the amount of people? I don't think that I celebrated Halloween for a good 10 years, but I'm definitely glad I did this year.
After the parade we decided that we would go exploring to see how crazy the city got during this celebration. One costume change later (you doesn't want to wear a morph suit for Halloween?), we discovered that every place we went to (mainly Waterloo Street) was packed with people partying.
The interesting part was that while the police were out in force, they didn't really do anything (put that on the list of things to ask about). They stood back and observed. I guess they were just making sure things didn't get too out of hand.
Tomorrow we're off to a Police Station to learn about the PSNI and the difference between the States and Northern Ireland. Maybe they'll have some good stories from Halloween night.
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