Overall, this was a great trip. I know I felt resentment in the weeks before going because I don't get paid for leading the program. It's not a vacation. It's work. Yet, I was able to get into somewhat of a vacation mode -- I was, after all, in Ireland!
The flight on Thursday leaving Dublin was delayed 2 hours. Someone was sick -- not a medical emergency from what I could tell -- so we sat on the tarmac for almost an hour before we could turn around and go back to a gate. Customs had to meet the person to clear them back into the country. Then, because we'd sat so long, the plane had to be refueled. Passengers seemed calm, though, taking it in stride.
The delay meant that I missed my 3pm connecting flight to Roanoke. Luckily, there was one at 5. I made it home by 11:30pm with enough time to get everything together for the ropes course program on Friday.
Shadow and Emma have stuck next to me everywhere I go in the house for the past 3 days. Every time I sit down, Shadow is on my lap. I know he was lonely and is happy to have us all back.
In checking ODU email today, there was a message from someone at Trinity regarding a complaint. I don't know yet what it is. I'm sure that it's never happened before, though, and I wonder what it is and who it was...
It's good to be home.
Suzan
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Days 12 & 13 Endings
Is it really already two days later AND a day before I leave?
The days have been full of activity and we have one final event -- a group dinner -- tonight. Tomorrow, I'll be up at 5 to leave for the airport by 6am.
Here's a little catch-up on yesterday:
It was our day to visit various counseling-related sites around Dublin. One of the students, Jordan, and I went to Aftercare Research Counselling (Cancer Support) House. Except there are 2 houses and the one that thought we were visiting wasn't the one we actually visited! The two volunteers, Eithne and Dympna, who very graciously showed up around, were enthusiastic about the services and the programs offered.
Jordan and I arrived early (2pm for a 2:30 visit) and spoke to a woman who was waiting to attend a meditation and guided imagery class. It's taught by a fellow who is a reflexology practitioner -- one of the services that clients can access. We didn't have a chance to meet any of the counselors, but were told about some of the other services that clients can choose: acupuncture, EFT (as in the Emotional Freedom Techniques that I have been trained in!), meditation, stress management, group support and more. There's nowhere in the States that I know of that has this kind of space and these kinds of services.
I wish I had thought to take photos of the house. It's actually 2 victorian-era row houses. Beautiful spaces and lovely, warm decoration. It's clear that the organization has access to good funding.
Our 25-minute taxi ride cost 11 Euros. We took the train back for 3 Euros... Now I know how the train system works!
Once we returned to Trinity, I went in search of a paper store (www.daintreepaper.ie) that Ale (one of our guides) had told me about. It was a bit of a hike past most of the tourist area, but I first stumbled on an art supply store that's been in business for over 50 years (and there's dust in the shop to prove it!). I purchased a few pieces of colored paper as well as hand-made paper to finish the thank you cards I'd started.
I eventually found the paper store and found some awesome ON SALE items for collage work (which ended up in the cards above), but the most wonderful find was the "secret garden" Cake Cafe in the courtyard behind the paper store!
Today, after our closing activities with the students, Jill, her hubby Tony, and I went back to have tea (the cafe only serves breakfast, lunch & tea).
On the left, you can see bikes under what looks like a lean-to. Behind the bikes is a series of art pieces in panels by a Brazilian artist:
Materials include a stack of books, a multitude of keys, chipped china & pottery, CDs, piano keys, records, old coins, silverware, bottle and jar lids, and so many more things. It was a collage-artist's dream!
We ended the evening attending Riverdance at the Gaiety Theater. No photos, though. What an extraordinary show!
Students loved it. And it's one of my many "favorite" parts of this trip.
I was up late last night, in production mode, working on the thank you cards. I'm surprised that I'm not sleepy now...
Our group dinner tonight is at the Odessa Restaurant. Our guides, Ale and Seona, will have a fun quiz for everyone, then I'll come back to pack the remaining odds-and-ends for the trip home.
I'm ready to return. The coming semester is already calling to me to begin, even though it doesn't actually start until the 26th.
Mostly, I miss my critter tribe, Emma and Shadow, as well as my connections with friends.
Yours in Magic, Wonder and Miracles,
Suzan
The days have been full of activity and we have one final event -- a group dinner -- tonight. Tomorrow, I'll be up at 5 to leave for the airport by 6am.
Here's a little catch-up on yesterday:
It was our day to visit various counseling-related sites around Dublin. One of the students, Jordan, and I went to Aftercare Research Counselling (Cancer Support) House. Except there are 2 houses and the one that thought we were visiting wasn't the one we actually visited! The two volunteers, Eithne and Dympna, who very graciously showed up around, were enthusiastic about the services and the programs offered.
Jordan and I arrived early (2pm for a 2:30 visit) and spoke to a woman who was waiting to attend a meditation and guided imagery class. It's taught by a fellow who is a reflexology practitioner -- one of the services that clients can access. We didn't have a chance to meet any of the counselors, but were told about some of the other services that clients can choose: acupuncture, EFT (as in the Emotional Freedom Techniques that I have been trained in!), meditation, stress management, group support and more. There's nowhere in the States that I know of that has this kind of space and these kinds of services.
I wish I had thought to take photos of the house. It's actually 2 victorian-era row houses. Beautiful spaces and lovely, warm decoration. It's clear that the organization has access to good funding.
Our 25-minute taxi ride cost 11 Euros. We took the train back for 3 Euros... Now I know how the train system works!
Once we returned to Trinity, I went in search of a paper store (www.daintreepaper.ie) that Ale (one of our guides) had told me about. It was a bit of a hike past most of the tourist area, but I first stumbled on an art supply store that's been in business for over 50 years (and there's dust in the shop to prove it!). I purchased a few pieces of colored paper as well as hand-made paper to finish the thank you cards I'd started.
I eventually found the paper store and found some awesome ON SALE items for collage work (which ended up in the cards above), but the most wonderful find was the "secret garden" Cake Cafe in the courtyard behind the paper store!
Today, after our closing activities with the students, Jill, her hubby Tony, and I went back to have tea (the cafe only serves breakfast, lunch & tea).
On the left, you can see bikes under what looks like a lean-to. Behind the bikes is a series of art pieces in panels by a Brazilian artist:
Materials include a stack of books, a multitude of keys, chipped china & pottery, CDs, piano keys, records, old coins, silverware, bottle and jar lids, and so many more things. It was a collage-artist's dream!
We ended the evening attending Riverdance at the Gaiety Theater. No photos, though. What an extraordinary show!
Students loved it. And it's one of my many "favorite" parts of this trip.
I was up late last night, in production mode, working on the thank you cards. I'm surprised that I'm not sleepy now...
Our group dinner tonight is at the Odessa Restaurant. Our guides, Ale and Seona, will have a fun quiz for everyone, then I'll come back to pack the remaining odds-and-ends for the trip home.
I'm ready to return. The coming semester is already calling to me to begin, even though it doesn't actually start until the 26th.
Mostly, I miss my critter tribe, Emma and Shadow, as well as my connections with friends.
Yours in Magic, Wonder and Miracles,
Suzan
Monday, August 12, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Day 11 Presentations
Today was a stay-at-Trinity-and-listen-to-presentations kind of day. I started it with an overview of Complementary, Alternative & Integrative Therapies with a segue to "energy experiments" and an introduction to Emotional Freedom Techniques. I always have such a great time watching students begin to experience completely new ways of sensing and experiencing things.
My colleague, Ketta (Dr. Narketta Sparkman) presented on diversity, specifically the influence of pop culture on how we perceive the LGBT population. She compared how the US, Thailand and Ireland medial/pop culture present issues. I loved how she picked videos to help demonstrate her points. Plus, she used a really cool presentation software that I want to know more about!
Our 4 doctoral students (3 from ODU) presented as well. I enjoyed how they chose poetry and music to show the influence of oppression, substance abuse and other issues. Ireland has its fair share of poets, writers, musicians and story tellers, so it was particularly relevant for the institute participants.
After all the presentations, I went to a bookstore, Hodges Figgis, close to Trinity with Jill, her husband Tony and Ketta. If we hadn't been so hungry, we'd have all stayed there for many hours! I was in search of books on Irish fairy tales and mythology. One book that our guide from yesterday recommended was actually on a bargain-basement sale shelf! And another one (This is How it Ends) has a description on the back that starts, "Bruno, an American, has come to Ireland to search for his roots." I just HAD to buy the book!
The only pretty photo I have is my dessert from tonight. I had Shepard's Pie for dinner and I (of course) couldn't resist the chocolate fudge pie with ice cream and little heart-shaped cookies:
Yum!
So, what's the magic I noticed today? It was in the eyes and reactions of the students as we were doing the "energy experiments". I also asked them if they wanted to have an "energy activation" -- multidimensional healing -- and all of them were game. Even though they were able to activate each other, many came to me for the experience. One who I wouldn't have expected had the most profound experience, too.
Yay!
It's getting late. Tomorrow isn't as busy. Students visit sites and then we go to a River Dance show in the evening.
Fondly,
Suzan
My colleague, Ketta (Dr. Narketta Sparkman) presented on diversity, specifically the influence of pop culture on how we perceive the LGBT population. She compared how the US, Thailand and Ireland medial/pop culture present issues. I loved how she picked videos to help demonstrate her points. Plus, she used a really cool presentation software that I want to know more about!
Our 4 doctoral students (3 from ODU) presented as well. I enjoyed how they chose poetry and music to show the influence of oppression, substance abuse and other issues. Ireland has its fair share of poets, writers, musicians and story tellers, so it was particularly relevant for the institute participants.
Kristi, Gina & Paul in the background; Brett is at the front.
After all the presentations, I went to a bookstore, Hodges Figgis, close to Trinity with Jill, her husband Tony and Ketta. If we hadn't been so hungry, we'd have all stayed there for many hours! I was in search of books on Irish fairy tales and mythology. One book that our guide from yesterday recommended was actually on a bargain-basement sale shelf! And another one (This is How it Ends) has a description on the back that starts, "Bruno, an American, has come to Ireland to search for his roots." I just HAD to buy the book!
The only pretty photo I have is my dessert from tonight. I had Shepard's Pie for dinner and I (of course) couldn't resist the chocolate fudge pie with ice cream and little heart-shaped cookies:
Yum!
So, what's the magic I noticed today? It was in the eyes and reactions of the students as we were doing the "energy experiments". I also asked them if they wanted to have an "energy activation" -- multidimensional healing -- and all of them were game. Even though they were able to activate each other, many came to me for the experience. One who I wouldn't have expected had the most profound experience, too.
Yay!
It's getting late. Tomorrow isn't as busy. Students visit sites and then we go to a River Dance show in the evening.
Fondly,
Suzan
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Day 10 Boyne Valley
Hill of Tara Lough Crew Trim Castle
Today has to be my favorite day of this trip so far!
We had beautiful weather, with a cool breeze, extraordinary clouds, and gorgeous landscape.
Our first stop was Hill of Tara, with its thousands of years history, steeped in mystery from earlier ages and their rituals and myths. It truly is a magical place!
Photographs don't capture the grand, sweeping views. From this "hill", you can see several counties and the mountains that delineate Northern Ireland from the Republic.
From here, we wound around pastures and small towns to reach Lough (pronounced "low") Crew (http://www.meath.ie/Tourism/Heritage/HeritageSites/LoughcrewCairns/). This 5,000 year old site required a steep path to the top, where "cairns" -- enclosed, human-built caves -- were constructed at the top of the hill. No one really knows how or why it was built, but the precision of its structure is incredible.
My favorite quote from our guide Keith: "Mind your step. The grass can be a bit slippy."
More breath-taking views!
Even the panoramic photos don't do them justice... The was a lightness to the place and I feel rejuvenated from being outside, in nature.
We had lunch at a cafe, then made our way to Trim Castle. The roads were even more narrow, winding and lurching with potholes as well as the rise and fall of a road in the hills. I know several had to take Dramamine!
The castle was where the movie Braveheart was filmed. Built in the 1200's it still holds the splendor and impressiveness of the original structure.
Tomorrow we have presentations, starting with mine on Complementary, Alternative & Integrative Therapies. I've got some additions to make this evening.
Loving Ireland,
Suzan
Today has to be my favorite day of this trip so far!
We had beautiful weather, with a cool breeze, extraordinary clouds, and gorgeous landscape.
Our first stop was Hill of Tara, with its thousands of years history, steeped in mystery from earlier ages and their rituals and myths. It truly is a magical place!
Photographs don't capture the grand, sweeping views. From this "hill", you can see several counties and the mountains that delineate Northern Ireland from the Republic.
From here, we wound around pastures and small towns to reach Lough (pronounced "low") Crew (http://www.meath.ie/Tourism/Heritage/HeritageSites/LoughcrewCairns/). This 5,000 year old site required a steep path to the top, where "cairns" -- enclosed, human-built caves -- were constructed at the top of the hill. No one really knows how or why it was built, but the precision of its structure is incredible.
My favorite quote from our guide Keith: "Mind your step. The grass can be a bit slippy."
More breath-taking views!
Even the panoramic photos don't do them justice... The was a lightness to the place and I feel rejuvenated from being outside, in nature.
We had lunch at a cafe, then made our way to Trim Castle. The roads were even more narrow, winding and lurching with potholes as well as the rise and fall of a road in the hills. I know several had to take Dramamine!
The castle was where the movie Braveheart was filmed. Built in the 1200's it still holds the splendor and impressiveness of the original structure.
Tomorrow we have presentations, starting with mine on Complementary, Alternative & Integrative Therapies. I've got some additions to make this evening.
Loving Ireland,
Suzan
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Day 9 Giant's Causeway
I'm pretty sure that if I had been home, I wouldn't have been willing to get up early AGAIN to hop on a bus only to drive 2-3 hours back to where I'd been yesterday...
Which is what happened today. I signed up for a tour of the Giant's Causeway, which makes a stop in Belfast. (Oh, and by the way, AFTER we were on the way, the driver informs us that there was rioting last night in Belfast. "It's the rioting season," was among the comments. And, "Don't worry, we'll be safe. The riots happen in neighborhoods, not the City Center." Comforting.)
It was a free day and 4 of our group went on this tour: Narketta, Lenora, Mary Catherine and me. At the bus stop, we met an Argentinean 20-something guy, Frederico, who had originally planned to go to the Cliffs of Moher (a completely other coast), but had somehow missed his bus. He seemed to take it in stride and ended up having a good time tagging along with us.
Passing through Belfast, we head to the coast, stopping first at the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge that spans a chasm with a 100-ft drop into the sea. Thrilling!
The Scotland coast is easily visible (and makes me want to go there!).
This northern coast of Ireland is rugged and breathtaking. The ride was well worth it!
(A little confession: I [as well as 6 others] was 30 minutes late getting back to the bus from the rope bridge. The driver had the "don't be late" talk with everyone as we were heading out of Dublin, but there were lines to get on the bridge from each direction and honestly, I was so smitten with the landscape once we'd crossed the bridge that I didn't even remember we were on a time-table.)
A stone's throw away is the Giant's Causeway, rich with fairy tale stories and more heart-stealing scenery. (See http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/.)
I love the myth and folklore of the Irish! Such storytellers...
As we left the area, we stopped "for a wee photo" of Dunluce Castle, which has been named among the "most romantic" castles. The story goes that as the owners were serving dinner, the rock face supporting the kitchen slid into the sea, killing all but a boy who had hid under a table.
It DOES have a gorgeous silhouette, doesn't it?
On the return trip through Belfast, we stopped for a whole hour! Actually, it's longer than I've ever had to walk around the city center in the 3 years I've been coming here. The driver said something about "Victoria Square" and without knowing what he was actually talking about, we went in search of it. Turns out that it's a shopping mall with an amazing dome that is worth going up to.
We mistakenly thought another square was our stopping point... so the adventure was in going to the tourist information office, finding a map, then winding our way to the square. This time, the 4 of us had 2 others in tow: Frederico as well as a Denver-based engineer, Y, who I had befriended at the rope bridge.
The book I started reading on this bus ride is fascinating and full of "magic" strategies for shifting one's state and reality. I'll write about it soon!
Mollie, the next time we work in clay, I want to make these:
Having a grand time,
Suzan
Which is what happened today. I signed up for a tour of the Giant's Causeway, which makes a stop in Belfast. (Oh, and by the way, AFTER we were on the way, the driver informs us that there was rioting last night in Belfast. "It's the rioting season," was among the comments. And, "Don't worry, we'll be safe. The riots happen in neighborhoods, not the City Center." Comforting.)
It was a free day and 4 of our group went on this tour: Narketta, Lenora, Mary Catherine and me. At the bus stop, we met an Argentinean 20-something guy, Frederico, who had originally planned to go to the Cliffs of Moher (a completely other coast), but had somehow missed his bus. He seemed to take it in stride and ended up having a good time tagging along with us.
Passing through Belfast, we head to the coast, stopping first at the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge that spans a chasm with a 100-ft drop into the sea. Thrilling!
The Scotland coast is easily visible (and makes me want to go there!).
This northern coast of Ireland is rugged and breathtaking. The ride was well worth it!
(A little confession: I [as well as 6 others] was 30 minutes late getting back to the bus from the rope bridge. The driver had the "don't be late" talk with everyone as we were heading out of Dublin, but there were lines to get on the bridge from each direction and honestly, I was so smitten with the landscape once we'd crossed the bridge that I didn't even remember we were on a time-table.)
A stone's throw away is the Giant's Causeway, rich with fairy tale stories and more heart-stealing scenery. (See http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/.)
I love the myth and folklore of the Irish! Such storytellers...
As we left the area, we stopped "for a wee photo" of Dunluce Castle, which has been named among the "most romantic" castles. The story goes that as the owners were serving dinner, the rock face supporting the kitchen slid into the sea, killing all but a boy who had hid under a table.
It DOES have a gorgeous silhouette, doesn't it?
On the return trip through Belfast, we stopped for a whole hour! Actually, it's longer than I've ever had to walk around the city center in the 3 years I've been coming here. The driver said something about "Victoria Square" and without knowing what he was actually talking about, we went in search of it. Turns out that it's a shopping mall with an amazing dome that is worth going up to.
Top left: Narketta & Mary Catherine. Bottom left: Lenora. Right: Y from Denver.
We mistakenly thought another square was our stopping point... so the adventure was in going to the tourist information office, finding a map, then winding our way to the square. This time, the 4 of us had 2 others in tow: Frederico as well as a Denver-based engineer, Y, who I had befriended at the rope bridge.
The book I started reading on this bus ride is fascinating and full of "magic" strategies for shifting one's state and reality. I'll write about it soon!
Mollie, the next time we work in clay, I want to make these:
Having a grand time,
Suzan
Friday, August 9, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Day 8 Belfast
Our bus was to have arrived by 8 this morning. Students have been on time and early, so I was a little anxious when I didn't see our bus along Nassau Street. I'd been given the driver's cell number, but when I called, it just rang and rang. A quick call to our tour company rep was a reminder of just how different the Irish are when it comes to time.
Thankfully, the bus arrived at around 8:15. With a different driver. And the one whose number I'd been given called me back as we were heading out. They had switched but hadn't let anyone know.
After a nearly-three hour drive to Belfast (with a "quick" stop for gas, with one toilet and students who didn't realize that Northern Ireland doesn't use the Euro -- fortunately, I had a pocket full of shillings!), we picked up our guide, Peter Collins. Peter is a professor at Queens University in Belfast, having grown up in the city. As he filled us in on the climate (there had been riots about a week or so ago) as well as some of his personal history.
We drove around Belfast for only about 1.5 hours, but stopped at one place that has murals and passed through both Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods divided by 30-foot walls.
The murals depict various social and political events -- past and present as well as Irish and other countries where solidarity is felt. It's amazing how long people hold onto old hurts and how much violence and trauma people have experienced.
Peter wasn't alone in his comments that people LIKE the walls. They give them a sense of security and safety. We in the US just can't fathom the depth of the conflict that people in Belfast feel.
And neighborhoods are clearly marked, clearly delineated. A Catholic would be forced out of a neighborhood of Protestants and vice versa.
We ate lunch at the Crown Bar, the oldest in Belfast, built in 1826. Lunch was filling: I chose fish & chips (hadn't had it yet) and a brownie with ice cream for dessert. Yum!
After lunch, we visited the headquarters of the Integrated Schools organization, formed by very brave people who have a vision of unity and peace. Children in Northern Ireland attend very segregated secular schools, often not meeting -- and therefore getting to know -- children of other belief systems (again, Catholic vs Protestant). These people have worked for 3 decades toward an integrated school system and have made some headway, but only 7% of schools are integrated! It shed some light on our own "integrated" school systems and some of the assumptions I/we make...
It's late and I have another early morning tomorrow. It's our one free day and I'm going to the Giant's Causeway on a Paddy Wagon day tour (http://www.paddywagontours.com/tourView.php?id=55).
Enjoying my time here,
Suzan
Thankfully, the bus arrived at around 8:15. With a different driver. And the one whose number I'd been given called me back as we were heading out. They had switched but hadn't let anyone know.
After a nearly-three hour drive to Belfast (with a "quick" stop for gas, with one toilet and students who didn't realize that Northern Ireland doesn't use the Euro -- fortunately, I had a pocket full of shillings!), we picked up our guide, Peter Collins. Peter is a professor at Queens University in Belfast, having grown up in the city. As he filled us in on the climate (there had been riots about a week or so ago) as well as some of his personal history.
We drove around Belfast for only about 1.5 hours, but stopped at one place that has murals and passed through both Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods divided by 30-foot walls.
The murals depict various social and political events -- past and present as well as Irish and other countries where solidarity is felt. It's amazing how long people hold onto old hurts and how much violence and trauma people have experienced.
Peter wasn't alone in his comments that people LIKE the walls. They give them a sense of security and safety. We in the US just can't fathom the depth of the conflict that people in Belfast feel.
And neighborhoods are clearly marked, clearly delineated. A Catholic would be forced out of a neighborhood of Protestants and vice versa.
After lunch, we visited the headquarters of the Integrated Schools organization, formed by very brave people who have a vision of unity and peace. Children in Northern Ireland attend very segregated secular schools, often not meeting -- and therefore getting to know -- children of other belief systems (again, Catholic vs Protestant). These people have worked for 3 decades toward an integrated school system and have made some headway, but only 7% of schools are integrated! It shed some light on our own "integrated" school systems and some of the assumptions I/we make...
It's late and I have another early morning tomorrow. It's our one free day and I'm going to the Giant's Causeway on a Paddy Wagon day tour (http://www.paddywagontours.com/tourView.php?id=55).
Enjoying my time here,
Suzan
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Days 6 & 7
The days are starting to fly by. I'm still a little fuzzy-headed with some congestion, sore throat and coughing. Not so bad that I can't keep moving, though.
Yesterday, we had a fabulous speaker, Conor McNamara. He's an expert in Irish history and culture and it's clear that he has a passion for the subject. His talk is a good foundation for the coming days.
We had a quick lunch, then a bus ride to County Wicklow and Glendalough (pronounced glen-da-lock), one of the earliest christian monastic sites. The site sits at the base of 2 lakes, in the middle of a national park. It was among my favorite places in the last visits here because it's a refreshing change from being in the city and I get to be in nature for a chunk of time.
Once we leave the city limits, we're in the rolling hills of the countryside. I just love the patchwork quilt of farmland!
Here's Glendalogh:
While we were out of the city, he had dinner at Johnnie Fox's, Ireland's highest-elevation pub. It's a fun evening with good Irish food, music and dancing. Later, we go to Dublin's Riverdance show, so it's a great preview for that. We arrived early, so I pulled out the watercolor paints and spread them out on one of the tables. The students LOVED it!
Today, we had 2 counselors as guest speakers. One dear man, Padraig (pronounced poor-ig) O'Morain, who has also been a columnist. He has a beautiful way of seeing and phrasing things and I love hearing him talk. I only wish I had gotten a photo of him... He's been a counselor for over 30 years, and it wasn't his first career! Same with Chris Murphy. Both have lead the counseling movement in their own way here in Ireland.
We had the afternoon free, so I walked (about 3 miles) with my colleagues Jill, her husband and Narketta to the Guinness Storehouse/Brewery. None of us wanted to go on a tour, we just wanted to go to the gift shop, only in order to do THAT, we had to each buy a tour ticket at about $20 per person! I figured a photo in front would be enough:
It's easy to walk here and most things are close. I really like being able to go and do without much effort. We could have taken a city bus to the brewery, but we walked along the river and enjoyed the time together.
I'm noticing that only now am I releasing the habit of feeling the need to BE SOMEWHERE. With this free afternoon, the only time limit was meeting the group for dinner at 6. I actually took a brief nap before heading to the brewery. It's taken a week to start to unwind.
Dinner tonight was at the Trocadero restaurant.
The food was WONDERFUL! Chicken stuffed with pesto on top of whipped butternut squash.
And pecan pie -- not nearly as sweet as true, Southern PE-can pie -- for dessert.
Isn't that pretty?!?
Tomorrow, we go to Belfast. It's another highlight of the trip for me, although for different reasons. The area still has unrest, with some riots in the last few weeks. In an interesting twist, they tend to leave tourists completely alone...
More soon!
Suzan
Yesterday, we had a fabulous speaker, Conor McNamara. He's an expert in Irish history and culture and it's clear that he has a passion for the subject. His talk is a good foundation for the coming days.
We had a quick lunch, then a bus ride to County Wicklow and Glendalough (pronounced glen-da-lock), one of the earliest christian monastic sites. The site sits at the base of 2 lakes, in the middle of a national park. It was among my favorite places in the last visits here because it's a refreshing change from being in the city and I get to be in nature for a chunk of time.
Once we leave the city limits, we're in the rolling hills of the countryside. I just love the patchwork quilt of farmland!
Here's Glendalogh:
While we were out of the city, he had dinner at Johnnie Fox's, Ireland's highest-elevation pub. It's a fun evening with good Irish food, music and dancing. Later, we go to Dublin's Riverdance show, so it's a great preview for that. We arrived early, so I pulled out the watercolor paints and spread them out on one of the tables. The students LOVED it!
Today, we had 2 counselors as guest speakers. One dear man, Padraig (pronounced poor-ig) O'Morain, who has also been a columnist. He has a beautiful way of seeing and phrasing things and I love hearing him talk. I only wish I had gotten a photo of him... He's been a counselor for over 30 years, and it wasn't his first career! Same with Chris Murphy. Both have lead the counseling movement in their own way here in Ireland.
We had the afternoon free, so I walked (about 3 miles) with my colleagues Jill, her husband and Narketta to the Guinness Storehouse/Brewery. None of us wanted to go on a tour, we just wanted to go to the gift shop, only in order to do THAT, we had to each buy a tour ticket at about $20 per person! I figured a photo in front would be enough:
It's easy to walk here and most things are close. I really like being able to go and do without much effort. We could have taken a city bus to the brewery, but we walked along the river and enjoyed the time together.
I'm noticing that only now am I releasing the habit of feeling the need to BE SOMEWHERE. With this free afternoon, the only time limit was meeting the group for dinner at 6. I actually took a brief nap before heading to the brewery. It's taken a week to start to unwind.
Dinner tonight was at the Trocadero restaurant.
The food was WONDERFUL! Chicken stuffed with pesto on top of whipped butternut squash.
And pecan pie -- not nearly as sweet as true, Southern PE-can pie -- for dessert.
Isn't that pretty?!?
Tomorrow, we go to Belfast. It's another highlight of the trip for me, although for different reasons. The area still has unrest, with some riots in the last few weeks. In an interesting twist, they tend to leave tourists completely alone...
More soon!
Suzan
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Day 5 Pub Crawl
Students arrived yesterday and we met briefly with them, then headed to a pub for a welcome gathering. Now, lest you think that going to Ireland involves going to pubs for drinking, let it be known that a pub is like a restaurant in the US. They are community gathering places, places where bands might play, and where history is steeped in the walls.
Our day started with guest speakers from the Ireland Association for Counseling & Psychotherapy. We're in one of the classrooms at Trinity. Not exactly an attractive room, but it will be "home" for the next 9 days.
Many of our meals are at "the Buttery" -- a small cafeteria -- within the walls of Trinity college. We had breakfast (interrupted by a fire alarm) and lunch there today. I skipped the bus tour of Dublin this afternoon so I could rest. My throat is still sore and hoarse, so I'm still not at 100%.
I ate dinner in my room, then went to meet the group for a "Literary Pub Crawl". It's lead by 2 actors who intersperse history of the city along with reciting pieces from Dublin's famous authors. The 2 1/4-hour tour goes to 4 different pubs with enough time in each to drink a quick beer or take a look around. There's a quiz at the end of the tour where the winner receives a t-shirt and runner-up a little bottle of whisky. In the past years, someone from ODU has won the t-shirt; this year was no exception. Of course, it helps that the only people on the tour tonight were our students!
I have a dilemma. As one of the trip leaders, I have to address a couple of issues with 5-6 students. It's a significant enough number that it's affecting the program already. Even though we talked yesterday to determine group guidelines, and one of those is being on time, these 5-6 students have been late for the past 2 times the group has gathered for something. And I have to admit that I'm surprised at these students' behaviors. But maybe I shouldn't be...
Even though I took a 3-hour nap, I'm sleepy and ready for bed. I trust that some solutions for easy resolution will come. (Sometimes it DOES work to "sleep on it"!)
My intentions for tomorrow:
1. From a place of compassion AND firmness, speak with students about their behaviors.
2. Paint when we visit County Wicklow & Glendalough.
3. Be gentle with myself.
4. Remember to notice magic!
Yours,
Suzan
Our day started with guest speakers from the Ireland Association for Counseling & Psychotherapy. We're in one of the classrooms at Trinity. Not exactly an attractive room, but it will be "home" for the next 9 days.
Many of our meals are at "the Buttery" -- a small cafeteria -- within the walls of Trinity college. We had breakfast (interrupted by a fire alarm) and lunch there today. I skipped the bus tour of Dublin this afternoon so I could rest. My throat is still sore and hoarse, so I'm still not at 100%.
The pub crawl starts at The Duke.
I ate dinner in my room, then went to meet the group for a "Literary Pub Crawl". It's lead by 2 actors who intersperse history of the city along with reciting pieces from Dublin's famous authors. The 2 1/4-hour tour goes to 4 different pubs with enough time in each to drink a quick beer or take a look around. There's a quiz at the end of the tour where the winner receives a t-shirt and runner-up a little bottle of whisky. In the past years, someone from ODU has won the t-shirt; this year was no exception. Of course, it helps that the only people on the tour tonight were our students!
I have a dilemma. As one of the trip leaders, I have to address a couple of issues with 5-6 students. It's a significant enough number that it's affecting the program already. Even though we talked yesterday to determine group guidelines, and one of those is being on time, these 5-6 students have been late for the past 2 times the group has gathered for something. And I have to admit that I'm surprised at these students' behaviors. But maybe I shouldn't be...
Even though I took a 3-hour nap, I'm sleepy and ready for bed. I trust that some solutions for easy resolution will come. (Sometimes it DOES work to "sleep on it"!)
My intentions for tomorrow:
1. From a place of compassion AND firmness, speak with students about their behaviors.
2. Paint when we visit County Wicklow & Glendalough.
3. Be gentle with myself.
4. Remember to notice magic!
Yours,
Suzan
Monday, August 5, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Day 4 Half Marathon
Well, I (mostly) finished!
Here's what happened... Apparently the Irish and other European countries are MUCH less forgiving of those of us who walk less than 4 miles an hour. A couple weeks ago, I received an email -- as did everyone else who registered for this 1/2-marathon -- that the time would be strictly enforced. A bus would be bringing up the rear, scooping people up who weren't able to make the time. That was a major source of my nervousness about this race. I haven't been able to maintain that time for an entire 13.1 miles. Which is one of the reasons why I waffled about participating.
Last night, I looked at the course and decided that if I needed to drop out, about mile 7 would be the closest place to get me back to Trinity. I didn't count on being so far behind, though, and eventually decided it wouldn't be so bad to be picked up by the bus that was creeping behind us. I was actually relieved when someone jogged up to me to say that it would pick me up around the bend inside Phoenix park! He added that we would be dropped off further up the course, "so you can finish strong." Wow!
I'd been having this image of the bus being like Pac-man, gobbling up people who got too close...
So, when I hopped on the bus, I was cheered! Everyone was laughing and having a good time, taking it easy on themselves. What a concept!
Ironically, it was about mile 7 that I was picked up. And the Pac-man bus spit us all back into the race at around mile 10.
It was still an effort to keep up a pace, but I met up with an Irish woman, Maria, who had passed me, then jumped on the bus shortly afterward. She kept a pretty steady time. At one point, I lost her and she showed up next to me. She'd "stopped to use the loo" so I commented on missing her. She was encouraging and we walked together the remaining 2 miles. (Jan & Bridget, I really missed you in this race! No ice cream, Bridget... And I certainly walked "like a rock", Jan!)
I got a medal. It's heavy, too!
The way I figure it, I really DID walk a total of 13.1 miles, if I add walking to & from the race.
Jill was the last person to finish. She had worried about her knees yesterday and, after she also was picked up by a bus, when she got off, her left knee went a little wonky. She was determined to finish the race and limped in with her husband on one side and me on the other. She had dedicated the race to her sister, Joy, who passed away earlier this year.
Ok, I've tried to eat something but can only take one bite before I semi-choke. THAT's never happened before! I know I need to keep moving today, but I wanted to get this down before things get busy. Students have arrived and we're all meeting a little later today.
Have a fantastic day!
Suzan
The race start. Jill & me. The Pac-man bus.
Here's what happened... Apparently the Irish and other European countries are MUCH less forgiving of those of us who walk less than 4 miles an hour. A couple weeks ago, I received an email -- as did everyone else who registered for this 1/2-marathon -- that the time would be strictly enforced. A bus would be bringing up the rear, scooping people up who weren't able to make the time. That was a major source of my nervousness about this race. I haven't been able to maintain that time for an entire 13.1 miles. Which is one of the reasons why I waffled about participating.
Last night, I looked at the course and decided that if I needed to drop out, about mile 7 would be the closest place to get me back to Trinity. I didn't count on being so far behind, though, and eventually decided it wouldn't be so bad to be picked up by the bus that was creeping behind us. I was actually relieved when someone jogged up to me to say that it would pick me up around the bend inside Phoenix park! He added that we would be dropped off further up the course, "so you can finish strong." Wow!
I'd been having this image of the bus being like Pac-man, gobbling up people who got too close...
So, when I hopped on the bus, I was cheered! Everyone was laughing and having a good time, taking it easy on themselves. What a concept!
Ironically, it was about mile 7 that I was picked up. And the Pac-man bus spit us all back into the race at around mile 10.
It was still an effort to keep up a pace, but I met up with an Irish woman, Maria, who had passed me, then jumped on the bus shortly afterward. She kept a pretty steady time. At one point, I lost her and she showed up next to me. She'd "stopped to use the loo" so I commented on missing her. She was encouraging and we walked together the remaining 2 miles. (Jan & Bridget, I really missed you in this race! No ice cream, Bridget... And I certainly walked "like a rock", Jan!)
I got a medal. It's heavy, too!
Along the course. Maria & me, post-finish.
The way I figure it, I really DID walk a total of 13.1 miles, if I add walking to & from the race.
Jill was the last person to finish. She had worried about her knees yesterday and, after she also was picked up by a bus, when she got off, her left knee went a little wonky. She was determined to finish the race and limped in with her husband on one side and me on the other. She had dedicated the race to her sister, Joy, who passed away earlier this year.
Ok, I've tried to eat something but can only take one bite before I semi-choke. THAT's never happened before! I know I need to keep moving today, but I wanted to get this down before things get busy. Students have arrived and we're all meeting a little later today.
Have a fantastic day!
Suzan
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Two Weeks in Ireland: Day 3
Have you seen the movie or read the book, Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks (http://www.roundirelandwithafridge.com)? It's a story of a guy -- a comedian -- bombing in his career, who made a drunk-bet with a friend and found himself traveling around Ireland with a small fridge in tow. I saw the movie a few years ago through Spiritual Cinema Circle and loved it. Little did I know at the time I'd be making multiple trips to Ireland.
The story shows his transformation from tight-laced to go-with-the-flow, from grouchy to grateful. All because he thought Ireland was a magical place, where anyone could hitch hike carrying a fridge. (YouTube has an hour-long video with him telling his story and his philosophy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy7TdJHX1OA.)
Last year, when I found out there was a book, I looked for it in the first place our bus stopped in a small town somewhere in County Wicklow. I slipped into a used bookstore and asked if they had a copy. (They did.) How quickly that manifested!
Today has been an easy day. Breakfast at "the Buttery" where I met up with Narketta, Jill and Tony. My throat is still hoarse and it's a strain to talk, but I'm feeling ok.
Jill had scouted for times of mass at St. Theresa's church and I was up for anything, so I tagged along. On the outside, the church looks small, but it's HUGE. Those Catholics know how to decorate, too! Ornate.
I had to leave the service, though. The priest used a massive amount of incense and about the time it wafted back to where I was sitting, I had a coughing fit that left my eyes watering.
Lunch with Narketta at Bewleys Coffee Shop (http://bewleys.com/bewleys-grafton-street-cafe) on Graffton Street. Great tomato soup with rich brown bread.
And because I had planned to paint, I returned to my apartment because it was raining. Actually, it's rained a little bit each day, but this time it didn't let up.
I'm getting started on the thank you cards that the students will sign for our guest speakers....
I thought I'd curl up and doze a little, but Narketta knocked on my door inviting me to walk to the Dublin Castle. It's Sunday and by the time we got there, it was closing. Outside, in the main courtyard is a set of sand sculptures that are in progress. Just as we were leaving the artist returned to work on another piece.
We walked for another hour or so and saw this sign:
Which made me a little nervous. I have decided I will at least start the race. I don't know if I have the energy to finish it. And that's ok. (I really would like to have that finisher medal, though...)
My intentions for tomorrow:
Pay attention to what my body needs.
HAVE FUN!
Get lucky. :) Hey, I'm in IRELAND and there are leprechauns here!
Love,
Suzan
The story shows his transformation from tight-laced to go-with-the-flow, from grouchy to grateful. All because he thought Ireland was a magical place, where anyone could hitch hike carrying a fridge. (YouTube has an hour-long video with him telling his story and his philosophy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy7TdJHX1OA.)
Last year, when I found out there was a book, I looked for it in the first place our bus stopped in a small town somewhere in County Wicklow. I slipped into a used bookstore and asked if they had a copy. (They did.) How quickly that manifested!
Today has been an easy day. Breakfast at "the Buttery" where I met up with Narketta, Jill and Tony. My throat is still hoarse and it's a strain to talk, but I'm feeling ok.
Jill had scouted for times of mass at St. Theresa's church and I was up for anything, so I tagged along. On the outside, the church looks small, but it's HUGE. Those Catholics know how to decorate, too! Ornate.
I had to leave the service, though. The priest used a massive amount of incense and about the time it wafted back to where I was sitting, I had a coughing fit that left my eyes watering.
Lunch with Narketta at Bewleys Coffee Shop (http://bewleys.com/bewleys-grafton-street-cafe) on Graffton Street. Great tomato soup with rich brown bread.
And because I had planned to paint, I returned to my apartment because it was raining. Actually, it's rained a little bit each day, but this time it didn't let up.
I'm getting started on the thank you cards that the students will sign for our guest speakers....
I thought I'd curl up and doze a little, but Narketta knocked on my door inviting me to walk to the Dublin Castle. It's Sunday and by the time we got there, it was closing. Outside, in the main courtyard is a set of sand sculptures that are in progress. Just as we were leaving the artist returned to work on another piece.
We walked for another hour or so and saw this sign:
Which made me a little nervous. I have decided I will at least start the race. I don't know if I have the energy to finish it. And that's ok. (I really would like to have that finisher medal, though...)
My intentions for tomorrow:
Pay attention to what my body needs.
HAVE FUN!
Get lucky. :) Hey, I'm in IRELAND and there are leprechauns here!
Love,
Suzan
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