Saskia in Ireland

Another project...

2011-09-18T20:28:00.000+01:00

Started this blog as a newbie in Ireland...six years along the way and after a gap of a few years, I feel a fresh start is needed. So while I mightn't be updating this blog any longer, a new project is in the pipeline. No dairy No eggs, is about my life as a working mother of one (soon to be two) in Ireland and my love for food and cooking. Hope to meet you there!!!

Out of the Blue....alive and kicking!

2011-09-02T19:21:00.005+01:00

That's what you call...out of the Blue...Second of September 2011!!!!!

And believe it or not...Still in Ireland...still in Cork...still working for the same company....and MORE IMPORTANTLY....STILL WITH THAT GUY...who is the proud daddy of our little princess Mia and will be an even prouder daddy some day soon in November when our second little girl comes along.

More to follow soon.....

Josh

2006-03-14T14:33:00.000Z

Saw Josh Ritter for the first time last year, in Ghent. A duo gig with Rufus Wainwright. Was a bit disappointed about Rufus, but Josh blew me away.

Was all excited so when I discovered that Denis likes Josh’ music at least as much as I do. And I was thrilled when I found out Josh was playing The Everyman Palace. We got tickets straight away. Were looking forward to the gig for a while. Yesterday the big night.

We went for a Sunday spin in the afternoon first. It’s a big thing in Ireland. People get into the car after Sunday dinner (around 2pm), drive somewhere with a view, park the car, get the Sunday Papers out and relax –even fall asleep- for a while. When it gets dark back home for tea.

In the car so, up to the West…for another beach….Long Beach, near Clonakilty. Was a bit cloudy and bit of a breeze, but after a horrible Saturday, no reason to complain as at least it was dry. Went for a walk, up and down the beach. Challenging the sea…no wet feet whatsoever…up to the dunes (grass, no sand)…admiring the surfers (fair play to them…water is bloody cold this time of the year – Denis is trying to talk me into it, but I might just stick with a swim in the ocean…in the summer). Back to the car. No Sunday Papers this time, but Denis did bring a flask of coffee and apple pie. Back to Clonakilty after, for a pint of Beamish in one of the locals. Instead of taking the main road, we took one of the back roads heading into Bandon. Great excitement. A group of about thirty men of all ages, gathered together at both sides of the road. Wasn’t really clear first what they were doing there, except from staring into the car. Grass-stalks on the road made it clear –at least for Denis. Road bowling it turned out to be. Just looked it up in my Lonely Planet: “the object of this sport is to throw a cast-iron ball along a public road (normally one with little traffic) for a designated distance, usually 1km or 2km. The person who does it in the least number of throws is the winner. The main centres are Cork and Armagh and competitions take place throughout the year, attracting considerable crowds”. Grass-stalks are used to mark the different throws. Was witness of some real Irish culture so.

Were back in Cork City around six, just enough time for (homemade, fresh, dairy free) pizza before heading into town. Am going out with a real Irishman, so there was no way we were just going to get into the Everyman Palace after parking the car. Pint of Beamish first. In the Shelbourne, pub next-door. We missed part of the supporting act, but it didn’t bother me, seats were numbered, so no reason to panic. After all, it was Josh we were coming for. As said, I did see him before in Belgium, but this gig was in nothing comparable with the one I saw last year. Josh’ career took off in Ireland a couple of years ago. His Irish tour was completely sold out. The Cork audience were having a ball. The show was fully seated. One of the nicest venues I’ve been to lately. Not too big, but with a balcony. Purple and turquoise. Real opera house atmosphere. Seated so, but even the guy on the seat next to me, falling asleep during the concert and stubborn on his seat during the first standing ovation, ended up rocking out during the encore. Don’t know what it is, well…actually…might know what it is that makes a Belgian audience so different from an Irish…the pints…I guess. Belgian people are sooo polite. Especially when it’s a seated gig. The audience yesterday was ready to rock. Josh opened the gig on his own, just one spotlight, himself and his guitar. A very intimate song, from his new album. But before the song was over, he was joined by his fellow musicians –a drummer, pianist and a bass player. Had a bit the feeling the bass was too loud the first couple of songs, felt like Josh was struggling a bit with his voice. But it didn’t take him too long to put that right. He started with some songs of his new album, but his big hits were played soon enough as well: Bad Actress, Hello Starling, Kathleen,…The Irish are great singers, especially after a few pints. The interaction between Josh and them was amazing. The stories he told in between hilarious. His folks were in the audience, which made this show even more special. And it was his last one of an eight weeks tour. No wonder he got a standing ovation. And an encore. Josh got his show perfectly planned out. The perfect mix of quite and more up-tempo songs. Sing-along and intimate moments. The lightshow was modest, but efficient. Just enough to support the songs. He did sing a song in complete darkness as well…telling us to pretend we were just listening to the radio.

The show exceeded all our expectations. Blown away. Have a few more concerts (The Human League, Roesy, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Aslan) to look forward to this month…but think this one might turn out to be the best one anyway. Denis was driving, so straight back to the car after the gig. Was a great night. A great weekend in general. Just what I needed. Something to take my mind off job hunting for a while. Because I was ill last week and missed the start of a new job in a call centre. Have to wait another month. But hope I find something else before. Need a regular income as soon as possible. Today rather than tomorrow.

Saskia

wee bit update.....sincere apologies!!!!!!

2006-02-22T10:38:00.000Z

Am trying to sort things –and myself- out. One of the stuff on the “what to do list” was this blog. Have neglected it for too long. Sincere apologies.

Am lying in bed, Tom Dunnes on Today FM, live from Whelan’s with Gabriela y Rodrigo. They sound ‘fecking’ crazy. Going to their show in Cork at the end of next month. Can’t wait. Is one of the three gigs I’m looking forward to; Josh Ritter on 11th March and The Human League on 18th. All three in great company.

Back since a week from a short visit home. Ready for the next phase of my Ireland adventure. ‘Cause I’m not an EVS volunteer any longer. My project ended nearly 3 weeks ago, the new volunteer, a girl from Spain has already taken over my office. And me, I’m still unemployed, looking for a job in Cork. Because I’m definitely hanging around here for another while.

Don’t really know where to start my update, a lot happened since Christmas. New Year’s Eve was a good night, with an even better sequel. Don’t want to sound too corny, but am happier than ever. He (tall, Irish, doesn’t drink milk ;-) ) took me away for my birthday. To a nice hotel in Baltimore, West-Cork. For the weekend. Never been spoiled so much as this year. Have seen more of West-Cork in the last few weeks than in the whole year before. A new beach every weekend. Love his cooking. His company. Couldn’t imagine a better start of the 2006!

My visit back home went very well, although it takes every time more to get used to Belgian live again. Got to know my godchild a bit better. Cached up with my youngest sister, who perfectly timed it to get ill while I was home. She didn’t had to go to school so and we spend time together playing board games; watching DVD’s. I even read her Harry Potter. Was busy organising administrative stuff during the day. Only went out once, the Friday. In Antwerp. With two friends. Was good. Different from Irish nightlife though. But good.

Was back home in Cork soon enough. Didn’t take me more than an hour to get used to it again. Last weeks’ weather was horrible, but great now: at least ten degrees, blue sky, sun. Spring. Birds whistling in the morning, in the evening. Can’t wait for the summer to arrive.

Saskia

Christmas

2006-01-03T16:02:00.000Z

It’s all over. Or nearly…we didn’t take down the Christmas decoration yet…brings bad luck…you’re supposed to wait till after Little Christmas. But it’s back to work anyway. My first Irish Christmas, first Irish New Year…turned out slightly different than expected but did had a wonderfull time. Did feel home sick the Wednesday between Christmas and New Year, but that one off-day was more than compensated by some great days and nights before and after.

Christmas started the week before the holidays. Went for pre-Christmas dinner with some kiwi friends at Luigi Malone’s, had a pre-Christmas drink with the housemates (except the French one, for some reason he never showed up…we drunk the Bailey’s we got from the landlady whithout him so). We were playing Christmas music all week, talking about Christmas all week, making plans all week. High Hopes so.

As tradition within the Council goes, we left work at noon on Friday. Tried to do some shopping, but town was crazy. Mostly men, rushing to find that “one special present” last minute. Madness. Saturday morning was for vegetable shopping. Picked up our 10-pound-turkey as well. Cleaned the house, prepared the kitchen for some massive cooking. ‘Cause Tracy and I were about to stuff our very own turkey. Didn’t take us more than three hours to get all the vegetables, cranberry sauce and the turkey ready. Quick shower, prepacked meal and ready to go to the pub…for what was supposed to be the biggest pubnight of the year. Boy…were we disinformed. Walking through Oliver Pluncket Street at 8.00 o’clock, half of the pubs…CLOSED!!!!!Ended up in the Old Oak so, just as there wasn’t really another option…looked like this was going to be a bit of a dissapointment. Couldn’t believe even the Old Oak would close at 10.30 pm!!!Just standing at one of the tables, in an unusual quite pub. Started chatting with some Cork guys. Heared them out about Christmas Eve, St. Stephen’s day, New Year’s Eve. We didn’t feel like going home early so ended up at their place. No regrets…after all they were buying us drinks all night. Real gentlemen so.

Next morning up at crack of dawn…there was a turkey to be put in the oven. Kiwi friends would arrive at two and calculated according to the “turkey-rule”, it should be in the oven for at least five hours. It was way more tempting to just stay were I was, but Tracy called me down whithout compassion. Fair enough…we didn’t want to mess this up. Felt wrecked all day, but was worth it after all. The turkey was a huuuuge success. Just a pity the roasted vegetables didn’t go as crispy as we wanted them…blame the oven for that. Christmas pudding with fresh straw- and other berries and custard as dessert…mmmhhh…We ended up watching a New-Zealand music DVD.Was definitely an interesting experience. Although I by times only understood 80% from what was said (but then….the kiwi’s do have the worst accent of the world – at least that’s what French guy claims), I did enjoy it. Got a phone call from home later that night…apparently my dad was playing Luka Bloom…hihi…He must really really miss me. Ended up in bed at nine that night…not very cool, but was just knackered.

Sinterklaas

2005-12-06T09:09:00.000Z

It’s the sixth of December today. Sinterklaas-day so. Used to be all excited by it as a kid…and euh…still am a bit…apparently they never heard of such a think in Ireland, nor in New-Zealand, Canada, Norway, France or even….SPAIN!!!!!

Told my housemates about it. I’m thinking of surprising the girls when Bili and Joos are over here. Asked them to bring some chocolate and stuff. Am looking forward to it.

Went for a drink last night with some Spanish friends. When I came back around twelve, I noticed that one of my shoes was gone…was all pissed of…thought one of the guys did that….but it was actually in front of my room…with a nice little letter from one of my housemates in it…I did had a bit of Sinterklaas so :-D

Saskia

(looking forward to see the Liverpool-Chelsea game and a Christy Moore-tribute band tonight)

Christmas Fever

2005-12-05T16:24:00.000Z

Was walking in town after work, last Friday night. It was busy all right. Crazy actually. It’s getting more and more clear that those Irish people are mad about Christmas. Like everyone in Europe I guess…nothing weird there. The thing is…the Irish…are unbelievably organised about it. And that’s news for sure. ‘Cause all who are following my “adventures” in Ireland through this blog, know that the average Irish citizen is everything but organised. They don’t really get the “time” concept, they don’t take “rules” too serious and they definitely don’t stress out for things that can be done tomorrow as well.

Except what Christmas concerns so. I overheard at least three different conversations last Friday night. All about the same thing: “have you done all your Christmas shopping yet?” Don’t be shocked now…but the answer was in all cases the same….YES!!!!! I met some guys, young fellows six weeks ago and they already discussed what they were going to give for Christmas….to the neighbours (a box of biscuits for the nice ones, something more nasty for the others). That was in October!

At the end of November, the greater part of Irish population has accomplished the big Christmas mission: spending loads and loads of money on I-pods, mobile phones, X-boxes, perfumes, ties, computers, cud’s etc…And marketing knows that…where all the ads and brochures and flysheets and special offers were about presents the last couple of weeks, there is a clear trend noticeable from the first week of December on…because after present shopping the next challenge rises up….food!!!!!It’s all turkey, ham, pudding and chocolate nowadays. You would be stupid (or not having a big freezer) to wait buying your turkey, if you can get it now for half the price.

After the food comes the “what am I going to wear?” issue. Girls and women are already discussing what to wear for the Christmas work party. Pressure is huuuuge. It’s all glitter and glamour…and black…the only colour in the windows is black…very convenient for me so…although I’m a bit worried about the glitter aspect…definitely have to work on that. Haven’t solved the shoe-issue yet either.

You’re expected to already know what to give, what to eat, what to wear. Preferably all worked out in a tight schedule, knowing how many people you’re inviting, what time they’re coming, where they’re sitting at the table, …

Christmas fever so….Tracy and I are the only ones staying in the house with Christmas and so far we resisted going with the stream…but last night…we got our very own real Christmas tree!!!!!After all it is December now. We invited some other kiwi’s over to help decorating. Great fun. We have the whole lot: the baubles, angel’s hair, lights and even…fake snow. Tracy put a Santa Claus and some bright lights in front of her window as well. We even started planning Christmas lunch. At our place, with five other kiwi’s. Everyone will bring something to eat. We’ll organise a Secret Santa. YIEPIE.

Mum, dad, sisters, do you start understanding now why I really wanted to spend Christmas in Ireland? It’s just a unique opportunity I didn’t want to miss!!! Christmas in Ireland is just so much more fun than back at home. It all started last week with “switching on of the Christmas lights in Cork City”. Than there is the Solas festival of Lights, celebrating the return of light according to the old Celtic tradition. There is Christmas Eve, when all Ireland goes mad (a Santa Claus hat is a must that nite), because the next day all pubs will be closed. There is St. Stephens day (second Christmas day), everyone going mad because the pubs are open again. After that the countdown to 2006, with major fire works just around the corner. And it all finishes on the 6th January, with Little Christmas (Nollaig na mBan), when the Irish men take on all the household duties and give their spouses a day off (wonder if we should tell our male flatmates about this ;-P. It’s the day when the long-suffering Mná na hEireann (women of Ireland) go out to relax and celebrate together. YIPIE….ISN’T LIVE IN IRELAND JUST WONDERFULLLL?????

Wee bit update

2005-11-29T15:55:00.000Z

Tuesday, after one o’clock in the afternoon and I’m still waiting for Bill to pick me up. Knew he was going to be a bit later this morning, but if I knew it would be after lunch I definitely would have taken the bus. ‘Cause this waiting is quite boring to be honest. Can’t really do anything, as he can show up every minute. Did some cleaning…stupid fool I am. Gave up on asking to put the dishes away, keeping the kitchen and the bathroom more or less tidy…much easier to do it myself.

Tuesday so, still a bit tired from the weekend. Was a great one. Not all as planned, but definitely worthwhile. I went to Galway with Ruth, a Spanish friend. EVS as well. Am going to miss her when she leaves in three weeks, that’s for sure. One of the disadvantages of living abroad and meeting other foreigners I’m afraid is to have saying goodbye all the time to friends going back home.

Galway so. But first there was the posh work dinner. In Green’s, one of the best restaurants of Cork. Arrived around eight o’clock. Went for the Irish look that night: hair straightened, black low cut top and black trousers. The only thing missing were the high heels…have a big shoe issue…spend many an hour looking for new winter shoes, but so far without success. Still wearing the same shoes as eight years ago…Problem is that sole is all worn out and when it rains I always end up with my socks soaked.

After a drink before, we got seats at one of the tables. Next to a South-African guy, near to Ruth and facing my boss. Dinner was an eye-opener. The “energy” people in Ireland are quite good craic. This dinner was far from boring. The food was great as well. Although I did make a wrong decision regarding the main course. I never ever had duck before in my life and so wanted to give that a try…turned out to be a HUGE casserole with not only duck, but also pork and…sausages. An overdose meat so. Didn’t even finish a quarter of it. Although it did taste all right. Dessert was very nice, but didn’t manage to finish that either. Beside a “shoe”-issue, I do have a “weight”-issue as well. Went to the hairdresser last week and promised my family to send some pictures of my new look over, but euh…they’ll have to wait a while, ‘cause I just can’t face their comments on how much weight I gained over here last weeks (don’t really know why, but assume that happiness makes me eat more). I am working on it anyway…sit-ups every night, weightlifting…give me two weeks and I’m back to normal. Anyway…that’s the reason why I didn’t finish my dessert so. Tried the wine, a huge risk as I never know if I’ll get an allergic reaction of it or not –especially embarrassing on events like this- but nothing strange happened so enjoyed that anyway. Think we were ready to leave the restaurant around eleven. Wanted to meet up with some friends in town, but went for a drink with Alex, the boss first. Ruth asked her boss if it was safe enough to go out with Alex and Seamus just said something like “it’s all right Ruth, but drink very, very slow”. Nice lesson. Went to the Bodega, where Alex was supposed to meet up with eight other country side boys. Was a bit weird. Oh yes, Alex told me before that he considered it as his task for the coming two months to find me an Irish husband…he he…I guess that was his first move in the whole mission…But we didn’t stay too long as there was another guy somewhere in town waiting for me. And wanted to meet up with my housemates as well. So as soon as we got the chance, we sneaked off and headed to Preachers. Only stayed there for about an hour, as Tracy had to work next day and the lads had to catch a plane early on Saturday morning. Back on the street at one o’clock so. If we would have been mature enough at that moment, Ruth and I would have joined Tracy back home, as we as well had to get up early to catch the 7.25 bus to Galway. But some of the Energy people were still in The Savoy. So that’s where we went to instead. First time I paid to get into a night club, but it was worth it. Somehow, Emma and Françoise managed to get the VIP room for themselves, which was handy enough. After the wine and a couple of beers, I was brave enough to get on the dance floor, where we stayed for the next hour or so…till closing time was there of course. Within fifteen minutes we’re standing outside again, and as everything was just closed Ruth and I walked home (euh…after passing the chippers of course). It was after three before we were home, so we wisely decided to aim for the 8.25 instead of the 7.25 bus. Which we did indeed.

…Bill just rang…it’s nearly two o’clock now and I’ll have to go to the office for a couple of hours…shit…well, and least I can post this first update so…’cause I got some bad feedback from family that there are too many gaps…euh…think especially my twinsister is a bit dissapointed I never wrote about their visit to Ireland…I plead guilty….

Snow

2005-11-25T13:50:00.000Z

Exactly one month too early...25th November and it is snowing in Ireland. Nothing impressive in Cork, guess we're too close to the ocean for that, but enough to have some nice winterlandscapes on the way to Mallow. Had a front seat view on the early Cork-Galway bus to work. And before when I passed St. Lukes around 7, they were just erecting a big Christmas tree...Definitely some Christmas spirit in the air today so.

Am all set for the weekend...am leaving early...as I started at eight this morning and I'm here all on my own. Alex and Colette in Cork City for Annual Meeting of the Energy Agencies, Bill off. Finished the thing I wanted to finish and am ready to go so. Have posh dinner tonight for work and we definitely go out afterwards. Plan is to take the 7.25 bus tomorrow morning to Galway. Can't complain so....live in Ireland is still great.

Enjoy the weekend!!!!!

Saskia

Short update

2005-11-24T12:06:00.000Z

Realise I haven't updated this blog for a while...everyone probably thinks I'm still dealing with the loss of our cat...euh...not really the case...am happier than ever in Cork. Met some great people recently and am having a ball overhere. Some crazy weekends behind me, more of the same coming up. Will be Christmas and New Year very very soon (am not flying home for the celebrations, but everyone is more than welcome to come and see me overhere).

Saskia

Lancelot

2005-10-17T11:15:00.000+01:00

Just got an e-mail from my mum....Lancelot...the cat who bit her died last Saturday...I had taken care of him together with Nina for the last week. We really thought he was getting better. When I left, he was able to walk again...he didn't bleed anymore. But his kidneys and blather were totally obstructed again on Saturday. Another operation would make no sense. There was only one option: an injection. I know it's only a cat...but feel very sad...after all the bad luck last week...

Saskia

Murpy's Law

2005-10-17T09:43:00.000+01:00

Am in Charleroi-Airport. Feel like crying. Just can’t believe it….my flight is delayed for at least 50 minutes. Which means I won’t make it in time to Heuston-Station to catch the last train to Cork. Don’t really know what to do now. Don’t feel like spending another night at the airport. Have to work tomorrow. Am already exhausted.

I definitely learned my lesson: no more surprise visits home anymore. Because this delay is actually just an apotheosis of a trip turning out so different than I imagined it to be, when I booked my flight in August.

Weeks and weeks I was picturing myself getting home on Friday night, ringing the doorbell with a huge bunch of flowers, to surprise my mum for her birthday. Just couldn’t wait to see her face….my hell of a trip turned out slightly different though.

First, there was the General Strike. Reading Belgian newspapers all week, anxious to get stuck in Charleroi, as public transport was going to be down. Never really thought they would cancel my flight though. Till I phoned Ryanair Thursday afternoon to find out they actually did…Lucky enough they rescheduled the flight to the next morning; without any extra charges. Leaving on Saturday at 6.30h. No other possibility than spending the night at Dublin airport. They should put extra benches over there; ‘cause trying to get some sleep on just one seat is desperate. Didn’t sleep a wink. But the plane got there in time anyway. Arrived in Charleroi around nine in the morning. Where my dad picked me up…had to tell him about the surprise earlier because I just couldn’t make the effort after that long night to sit on the train for another two hours. Before driving home, we visited Anaïs and Janne. The big smile I got from my godchild definitely made it all worthwhile. The frustrations, disappointments, tiredness.

We arrived home around noon. Found my mum…on the couch…with her finger all bandaged. She was surprise to see me…I hope. But we didn’t really had the chance to enjoy it…as she was on her way to E.R. For the finger. It was all swollen and she had a red stripe on her arm…an infection. Happened the day before. One of our cats, Lancelot, had troubles with his kidneys, so my mum rang the vet. She was holding Lancelot, while the vet was examining him. He must have pushed on a very painful place, ‘cause in a self-defensive reflex Lancelot bit the nearest finger he saw. Which happened to be my mum’s. Mum to her G.P. so, to renew her tetanus injection and get antibiotics. But looking at her finger next morning, it didn’t really seem effective. To the E.R. so. I was going to take a shower in the meantime. Plan was to go to shopping afterwards…sounded nice….didn’t it?

Had take my shower, prepared lunch, just waiting for my mum. Till we got a call from my dad. They were going to keep my mum at the hospital. Diagnose: lymphangitis, a difficult word for blood poisoning. Serious infection, pretty dangerous actually….can be fatal if you don’t go to hospital in time....Bad luck indeed that Lancelot’s body contained the dangerous bacteria. Instead of shopping in Antwerp city, I found myself at University Hospital that afternoon, visiting my mum.

Initially we got the impression she would only have to stay for the night. Were we wrong again. Sunday morning the verdict was staying till Monday, a bit later they said at least five days. Saw my whole weekend being ruined. Just couldn’t bear the thought I would only have seen my mum in hospital. So I changed my flight. To Thursday night. Just so we would have the chance to go for lunch, just mum and I, before I had to leave. Was I wrong again. Had to say goodbye to her today….in the hospital. It is only tomorrow they’ll let her go. Never got the chance to take her out for lunch. Am disappointed about it of course.

I of course enjoyed the week at home as much as possible. Had a great night out on Saturday. And another one yesterday. Although I nearly had to cancel that one as well. My youngest sister Nina was cycling to music school last night and hurt herself when a tree branch she hadn’t seen in the dark, got into her eye. I cycled to the school as fast as possible, she was all in tears. Just couldn’t leave her like that at home. Especially because she was so good all week, helping me out with house holding. It was only when she convinced me she –still in tears- was going to be all right on her own, I left eventually. Was late for the first half of the Switzerland-Ireland soccer game, but rest of evening was great (although Ireland didn’t make it for the World Cup 2006). My parents think I’m completely brainwashed…spending the two evenings in Antwerp City in Irish Pubs. It just happened to be like that…Can’t help it.

As said, I did enjoy the week and greater part of that is because of my youngest sister Nina. Fair play to her. Hadn’t seen her for more than half a year. She changed an awful lot. From now on I’m the smallest from all siblings. Nina overtook me as well ( although she is eleven !!!!!!!!!!! years younger). Quite a shock. She was great. Helped me. Always in a good mood. Respect. She’s going to a Top Sport School in Antwerp. Selected for an intensive volleyball training. She is doing very well. Has long days, leaving the house at quarter to seven every morning. I couldn’t do it. Nina, thanks for a great week. Looking forward hearing from you in your next letter.

Well, am still waiting for the plane…not knowing yet what to do tonight. Am not sure Alex, my boss, will really appreciate it when I call him to tell I’m not coming into work tomorrow. Because I have to spend another night at the airport. I just can’t afford to get a taxi into Dublin, book a hostel and another taxi to Heuston-Station tomorrow. This trip was already more expensive than planned.

Sunday afternoon. Did indeed spend that night at Dublin airport. After calling Alex and Bill. They seemed pretty all right with it. Oef. I of course didn’t sleep at all. Just couldn’t find a good position to fall asleep. My stomach ached as well. Couldn’t get to Heuston-Station early enough. I should have taken a proper look on the train schedule….First train from to Dublin to Cork was 5.30h….on Mondays only. Why the hell don’t they put that a bit bigger in the brochures. Taking a taxi, arriving at the station way too early, standing outside (!!!!) in freezing weather for more than half an hour. Finally doors of the station open….was way too quite over there….there was actually no one there, except me and a creepy old man. Found out the first train on all days, except Mondays is only at 7.10h. Had to spend another hour and half in an icy, deserted station….Got on the train eventually. Don’t remember too much from the drive to Cork. Just that they had some troubles starting the train….but didn’t even realise it really….couldn’t care about it any more. Was back home around eleven. Straight to bed. Slept till about six. Woke up….bit confused about where I exactly I was. Found out all my housemates were out for the weekend. Looked like it was going to be a long boring weekend. Spend the weekend acclimatize to Ireland again. From tomorrow on I throw myself in Irish life again. Today I’ll give myself some to time to write some letters to family and friends…after that only English. No more brooding about last week and how disappointed I am about the way it turned out. Next four months I’ll focus on Irish life, try to find a job for after February, so that I can stay till next summer.

Saskia

Helix

2005-10-15T09:39:00.000+01:00

Went to Luka's DVD recording a couple of weeks ago. Rena asked me for a review for her website. Thought I might as well post it on mine as well.

Rena asked me to give my impression on the Helix gig. It’s nearly three weeks ago, but thinking back to it, I think I’m still able to give a pretty accurate description of my experiences that night.

Am a Belgian, living in Cork for the last eight months (currently not planning to move back home). This was definitely not my first Luka Bloom concert. To be honest, think I saw Luka playing more this year alone, than all years before. Can’t help it that he’s performing so often in Ireland, can I? And what about being back in Belgium for a short visit to my twin sister and her newborn, exactly at the time when he’s performing in Brussels. Couldn’t skip that one either, could I? The last time I saw him before the Helix gig was in Cobh. Was a magical evening. Just a small room, an audience of about 150 people. It felt like sitting in a living room. With windows on two sides of the room. View on the harbour. Seeing the sunset behind Luka. The sky first turning pink, after that beautiful blue and eventually black. Some great songs, I never heard him perform live before. Lonesome Robin one of them. A new song about the IRA declaration and my all time favourite Exploring the Blue. It was the first time in a while I saw Ruddy back on stage. Great surprise. The whole Cobh gig was definitely a foretaste of what Dublin was going to be. Less hot though.

I asked my boss that Wednesday to leave a bit earlier from work, to catch the three o’clock train from Mallow to Dublin. Rain was lashing down. Was wearing brand new white sneakers…should know by now that white isn’t very suitable for Irish weather conditions. Thanks to the Luka team I could bring a friend to the gig. Since I moved into the house, Luka’s music can be heard in nearly all rooms and the kitchen. After taking them to one of his gigs, three of the four housemates call themselves fans as well. I asked Laura, a Canadian girl to go with me. I met here on the train. We were all set for a great evening out.

We arrived in Heuston-Station around half five. Time was a bit tight, so we just had a quick bite in the station, before getting on our way to the Helix. Looking on the map, it didn’t seem too far away from Marino Institute, the college I had some trainings earlier this year. So we decided to take the 123 bus that direction and walk the rest of the way. We were lucky it was dry by then, ‘cause the walk was definitely longer than we expected. First test for my brand new white sneakers….blisters on both feet indeed.

We were in time anyway and Anne and Claire made us feel welcome immediately. There was plenty of time before for a drink. After a quick visit to the bathroom, we were all ready for the real thing. Anne gave us two seats on top of the stand. On the right-hand side. Opposite of the Lukalisters. We had a great view, on both the stage and the audience. Happy enough so…till we later that evening realised we must have gotten one of the hottest seats as well…high in a black corner. Well, it was all worth it. After a short welcoming by Claire, Luka came on stage and the evening started off. I don’t remember the set list any more, have never been very well in it, but am sure Rena has it all typed out on the website. I think it was quite similar to the one in Cobh. But the atmosphere was very different. It was all devoted fans that night in the Helix. Many had travelled a long way to be there that evening. All and everyone of us knew this was a once in a lifetime occasion and we were all definite making the most of it.

My housemate and I had been to John Spillane’s DVD recording in Cork as well, but comparing the two would be unfair. It was evident that John had to manage with way less resources than Luka. The amount of camera’s, lights and people running around that evening in the Helix was a bit overwhelming. Frightening is a bit strong, but still… It took me a while anyway to really get into it. Can imagine it must be pretty nerve wrecking for Luka as well…knowing it all had to happen that very one night. But once again Luka proved to be a professional and after a while we all forgot (almost) about the camera’s.

The opportunity to sing along came pretty early in the evening and it was obvious straight away this audience was well able for it. Am not a very good singer, so limited myself to miming the songs (on every live DVD there is always one person in the audience just sitting there while all the rest is signing along…me nor my housemate Laura wanted to be that person….therefore the miming). I loved to hear him play Lonesome Robin again. And we were lucky enough to hear some of the songs twice….Exploring the Blue and The man is Alive two of them.

The concert in the Helix was the longest I’ve ever been to. The most tiring as well. Never knew just sitting, listening and clapping could be so laborious. And hot. People started taking off jumpers, scarves and unnecessary accessories. After a while all sorts of “fans” appeared: tickets, passports, diaries,…Guess it made the whole experience even more unique. For the one time we shared Luka’s experience on stage…leaving the room for the short break, it looked like all and everyone of us had just given a great stage performance himself… I think it was nearly half eleven before the questions-and-answers- part began. And it was after twelve before I finally found myself a taxi to find some friend’s home in Dublin. After searching for the house for almost an hour finally in bed, to get up again (couldn’t find the house and forgot to put Lilliane’s number in my mobile phone) a couple of hours later to catch the seven o’clock train to be at work in time (or nearly, was half an hour late). Plan was to go to see Roesy in Cyprus Avenue that evening, but was wrecked and opted for an early night instead. Which I still regret…hope to see him another night.

saskia

Break the records!

2005-10-03T12:45:00.000+01:00

I am aware of the fact that I didn't update my blog for the last month. Not that nothing happened last month...no, September was actually great.

There was the magic weekend of the 10th and 11th. The weekend Cork wrote history, by breaking many records.

First there was the Ceili Mor dance record....exactly 8371 people danced "the Siege at Ennis" in the streets of Cork. I was one of them. Michael Flatley himself was flewn in by helicopter to lead the whole event.

After rehearsing for almost half an hour, I more or less got the idea of the dance and felt ready to do the real thing. Standing as one of the four in my row, we where all set to meet our opposite dancers. It's hard to explain but the idea is that the four dancers of the same row stay together and actually meet the row faced opposite to them. As your row always shuffles up, you actually end up dancing with half Cork. It was great fun indeed.

We did beat the record indeed. Dublin, Ohio is not longer...The Rebels once again proved why they live in the Centre of the Universe.....next year another attempt...don't want to miss that...so I guess I'll stay a bit longer.

Kerry 1-19 Cork 0-9

2005-08-31T09:53:00.000+01:00

Am not a big expert in GAA, but you don’t have to, to know that Cork’s performance this afternoon was shameful. They were there on the field today, but that was literally the only positive thing there is to say. When they were six points behind of Kerry, there maybe still was a little hope they could catch up, but after a Kerry goal and so 12 points behind the whole match turned into an exhibition game by Kerry on how Gaelic football is supposed to be played. An anti-climax of this year’s football season for Cork. All Corks hope now on the hurling team. They fortunately did make it to the All Ireland finale. Looking forward to that in two weeks.

The weekend is nearly over again. A good one. With another great Luka show. Got on the guest list. Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh is a great venue. It was like a big sitting room. With windows on two sides of the room. View on the harbour. Seeing the sunset on the background. The sky first turning pink, after that beautiful blue and eventually black. Luka played some great songs, he didn’t perform live for a long time. Lonesome Robin, Love is a place I dream of, a new song about the IRA declaration and my all time favourite Exploring the Blue…The atmosphere was great. The audience was completely into it. After the concert we went for a quick drink before taking the train back to Cork city. The train turned out to be a bus at the end. Some technical problems. Back in town around twelve. Mia, a Finnish ex-housemate was spending her last night in Cork so we went out for a drink in An Brog. Must be so weird, to leave Cork after living here for eight months. Made us realise how quick time is going. Am definitely not looking forward to the day I have to leave as well. Cork is just such a great place to live. Feel really at home here. Can actually not believe I’m already six and a half months in Ireland. Have the feeling it was only a couple of weeks.

Saskia

My mum did best...fair play to her...part 3

2005-08-30T12:01:00.000+01:00

I know I still didn’t tell everything about my mums visit over here. After further reading, you’ll definitely understand why it took me so long to do so.

As I said before we were spending some days in Killarney and the plan was to go for a big cycling trip on Wednesday. And so we did. Had some trouble finding the beginning of the Kerry Way, but once we were there everything went all right. We started enthusiastically. At least for the time being. Although I did realize there was a slight difference between my mum’s form and mine. Euh….no, it was not her cycling a bit behind…but I could still follow. Road was still going flat. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the beginning of the Gap of Dunloe. That was indeed the challenge of the day. A small road winding up between the Kerry Mountains. It was there my day of hell started. It is a bit hard to admit but indeed….I couldn’t keep up with my mum. The first few moments I still tried to hide it by stopping every five minutes to ‘take a picture’, but after 1/3 of the gap behind us I just couldn’t do it anymore and whereas my mum was still sitting ON her bike, pedalling up the steep hill, I just gave up and WALKED miles behind needing all my energy to push my bike up the hill. Of course I felt a bit stupid. We reached the summit eventually, but that didn’t mean the end of my suffering. My mum is definitely more confident on the bike than I am. She was descending the other side of the Gap in high tempo while me again miles behind, using the brakes, deadly afraid to slip.

I did make it. We had lunch in Killarney National Park. Recovered from the efforts. Find my courage again. And became a bit overconfident about the whole cycling thing…so we decided to go for another trip, try to get to Lady’s View…a very bad decision. The only way to get there is via the N72. On one side of the road high rocks, on the other side bushes and a dangerous looking ravine. The road was steep. No chance to stop, as traffic was dangerous out there. Hell all over again. Had a little break at one of the viewpoints. Met some other Belgians again. My legs were shaking. My backside was aching. Still another 5 km to go. We did make it at the end. Went for a glass of wine at Muckross House. Managed to cycle back to the B&B. Must have been a funny sight…I couldn’t sit ON the saddle, was just too painful…so was standing on the pedals for the whole drive back. I was shattered like I was never ever before. Took a long and hot shower and went for dinner in Killarney town after. It was the last day of the holiday but I just couldn’t find the energy to go out for some drinks. So we went back to our room early. Had a cosy evening inside. And went to bed very, very early.

Next day I walked like a crippled. We visited Ross Castle and enjoyed our last morning together. Was weird to say goodbye to my mum at the bus station. Her bus to Shannon was leaving half an hour before mine back to Cork. Was pretty emotional. Was a great holiday. Found out things about my mum I didn’t know before. And so did she about me…I guess.

Saskia

Mum knows best, part 2

2005-08-08T09:36:00.000+01:00

Sunday 7th August. It is becoming a real habit. Sunday night, early in bed with a cup of tea next to me. Listening to the radio, typing away on my laptop. Am exactly six months in Ireland now. Strange thought. Everyday from now is one less left, like a countdown. Don’t know if I’ll stay longer or just go home and try to find a job in Belgium. From today on, I better try to think about that from time to time. Have to sorted that out as soon as possible.

Had a great weekend. Didn’t do anything special during the day, but went out last night and it was great fun. Went together with Tracy and a couple of New Zealand people. They left quite early and Tracy and me closed the evening with a bunch of Scandinavian guys. Don’t have a clue what time we were kicked out off The Bailey, but we got home safely anyway. Each accompanied by a nice guy, mine was Swedish, Tracy’s Norwegian. The Swedish guy had to content himself with a good night kiss (after buying me a couple of drinks earlier), the Norwegian one was probably a bit luckier spending the night here. Will they call again?

Have to continue the report on my mum’s visit now. As said, listening to the radio, although one of my housemates music is drowning out. Gave him some of my Christy Moore cd’s. It’s always a bit weird hearing YOUR music in someone else’s room. Especially when they try to sing along.

Second day in Cork so. We were going to go to the English Market in the morning. But before that I had another important point on the agenda. A jeans. My old one is full of wholes so I definitely needed a new one. No better shopping assistant than my mum. Found one in…FCUK. Thanks mum. After a soup of the day in one of the few outdoor cafes Cork has (the weather was indeed great on Monday) direction English Market. My mum loved it. We bought some great food for the night. And had some coffee and cake upstairs. Great atmosphere. They even came around with the coffeepot, filling your cup again. As mentioned earlier, the plan was to go to Cobh in the afternoon. But my mum woke up with a serious pain in her hip the other day and wasn’t able to walk very far. She felt guilty about it. I just felt pity for her. We decided to take it easy instead and just stayed in Cork. After all, my mum loved the place. Shopped around a bit and back to the house for an aperitif in the garden. Glass of Italian wine, olives and sun dried tomatoes. Felt like being home again. Have to do that more. After an early dinner, we went upstairs for a mother-daughter evening in my room. Sitting together in my bed, watching pictures first, a movie after. Listening music. Chatting, laughing, giggling, eating chocolate (Jazus, really sounds a bit cliché, doesn’t it?). We were not really up to go out again and just stayed home so. Around eleven I just took some pillows of the couch, the ‘sleep-over-duvet’ of the house and installed for a night on the floor next to my mum, snoring away in my bed. Strengthening the family ties, that’s what my dad would call it.

I wanted to give my mum a good impression of what Ireland is about and after Dublin and Cork I was going to take her for two nights to Killarney. I booked a room in Bloom Slieve Manor. We took the bus early on Tuesday morning. The guesthouse was definitely all right. A big room with a double and a single bed (left my mum the honour to occupy the double one), clean bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities and television. We went to Killarney town first, to gather some information on renting a bike, bus tours etc. Don’t know if one of you readers is planning to go to Killarney, but if so be cautious not making the same mistake we made. There is a big Tourist Information Office in Killarney. And there is a Tourist Information Centre. The last one, that’s were we ended up first. It’s not what it pretends to be. We should have noticed from the very first moment we entered. Two old ladies sitting behind a desk. They certainly gave us the impression not having left that desk for the last thirty years. Wearing the type of blouses probably fashioned enough in the seventies. They were not there for pleasure. They were there to sell ignorant, naïve tourists a ticket for their bus tour on the Ring of Kerry. So, still not realizing we were not in the real Tourist Information Office we went to the desk and start asking one of the ladies about the possibilities of cycling the Ring of Kerry. Booking us for a bus tour, that was what they had in mind. Understandable they advised against cycling. Not in words but using a much stronger kind of communication, body language indeed. I had been in Killarney once before. Together with Julia. Suddenly remembered her showing me the Tourist Information Office. Somewhere on a corner. Near a big square. So thanked the lady politely and dragged my mum outside. Mum, this is not the real Tourist Information Office, there must be another one. Which we found eventually. Having the information we needed, we decided to go for an exploring walk at the lakes around Muckross House on Tuesday and a big cycling tour the next day.

Saskia

Mother knows best....part 1

2005-08-02T09:30:00.000+01:00

Am listening to Radio Rnag, Irish radio so, don’t have a clue what they are talking about, but do like the music. And the host, John Spillane. I think he’s funny, even if I don’t understand a single word of what he is saying.

My mum visited Ireland for the very first time last week. Up to me now to write about it. It was definitely a great week. An eye opener as well. For both my mum and me. It was the first time ever we spend a week together, just the two of us. Think we both discovered things about each other, we were not aware of before. At least, I did.

Both mum and I were quite busy the week before she arrived, so the journey wasn’t prepared in detail. The general idea was to spend one night in Dublin, three in Cork and two in Killarney. And so we did.

I took the bus to Dublin on Friday morning. I definitely wanted to pick my mum up at the airport. Watched ‘Love Actually’ the week before and was therefore prepared for an emotional reunion like they do it in the movie. But went for a Cappuccino in the bar first, to get my nerves under control. Had still about fifteen minutes left, when I discovered my mums plane had already landed. Got a small panic attack, because I absolutely wanted to see my mum set foot on Irish soil for the first time. Rushed to the big automatic sandblasted sliding doors and as she didn’t appear in the next ten minutes I was really convinced I missed her. Waited another ten minutes, next to a nervy young fellow with a bouquet of roses waiting for a more romantic reunion, when my mum finally appeared. It was emotional indeed. My dad would call it “Hove’s way”(that’s the small town my mum comes from, not that different from the place my dad comes from, but nevertheless such a big issue).

It was quite late, so we immediately took the Airlink Bus to town. We were going to spend our first night in Dublin, in a hostel. Ashfield House was expensive. The room wasn’t impressive at all. Had to share it with two other women. Was a bit worried about that. But there was no need for it, as my mum didn’t snore at all….that night. Dublin was busy, very busy. We went for a quick bite in a nice, not too expensive restaurant in Talbot Street. Wanted to show her Temple Bar. I know Temple Bar is not really Irish, especially not at this time of the year. No surprise so, my mum remarked that everyone was speaking Spanish. But it was a great experience anyway. We had some pints there and got plenty of opportunity to admire Irish dress code, or the lack for it. I am already used to it, but I think my mum’s first evening out in Ireland was a bit of a culture shock. And don’t understand me wrong, it’s not as if my mum is an old fashioned, conservative housemother. My mum definitely knows what fashion is about (that’s her job after all) and she definitely knows as well how to deal with the pints. We did stay till last order and went back to Ashfield House for our first night of the holiday.

I visited Dublin a couple of times before, but never went to Kilmainham Jail so that’s where we went the next morning. After nearly three weeks without rain it was raining that Saturday. I am living in Ireland for almost six months now and so far I never met any Belgians. But it was like my mum brought half of the country with her last week. First on my way to Dublin on the bus, in front of me a Flemish girl with her mother (a “midlife crisis one”, wearing a K-way, too short and definitely too tight cycling pants and sports shoes). And five minutes after the tour in the Jail started, I suddenly realised we were actually surrounded by Belgian, Flemish speaking people. We managed to end up in a group of “Anders Reizen”, one of those organisations in Flemish-speaking Belgium, organizing “alternative holidays”. The tour itself was really interesting. James, our guide was all right looking, and definitely knew what he was talking about. It was a bit less clear for us, as we got so much information in such a short period. Did buy a History of Ireland today at Waterstones. Just give me another month and I know everything about the Easter Uprising and Irish Independence. After all, as a Master in Contemporary History, that’s exactly what people expect of me, isn’t it?

The rest of the day, we just wandered around. We went window shopping in the expensive shops of Dublin and had a tea with scone in Bewley’s, at Grafton Street. Around five we returned back to Ashfield House to pick up our luggage and took the bus down to Cork. Was prepared for a five hour long sleep, leaning against my mums shoulder, but reality turned out differently. Bus was very crowded and so we couldn’t sit next to each other. Didn’t even had a window seat. The trip was hell. The smell of fast food, candies, coffee. Some hyperactive child, crying nearly all the time in front of us. Great was my relief when around half ten we finally arrived at Parnell Place. Rain was lashing down, my mum was having some pain in her hip so we took the taxi home. Had another cup of tea and straight to bed after that. Just can’t understand one of my housemates is taking that bus nearly every weekend to see her boyfriend in Glendalough.

I love living in Cork. I had two days now to convince my mum of the city’s charms. She already gave in after an hour. My mum loooooved Cork. Despite the rain lashing down the whole Sunday. In the morning we went to the exhibition of Sebastião Salgado, named Exodus. Very impressive. One of the people working at the gallery lived in Antwerp himself for a couple of months. He loved shopping in the “Nationale Straat”. Definitely explained why this guy was dressed like three times more trendy than the average Irish guy in Cork. Even his glasses were special (I have a big issue with glasses since I live in Ireland. You who already met me, know I have a pair of black ones myself and for some reason Irish people always have to make remarks about them. Am getting really tired of it.) After the exhibition we went for a quick lunch and after that to The Old Oak, to watch the hurling match. Cork playing in the quarter finals of the All Ireland. There through. Go Cork, go Cork. Think my mum did like it. The atmosphere etc. The friendliness as well. Waterford jerseys sitting next to Cork jerseys without fighting. Back home we enjoyed a healthy salad and got dressed for a night out in Cork. Showed my mum The Lobby (R.I.P.), the legendary live music venue, closed down yesterday night and Sin E, for some great traditional sessions. Night before I slept in one of my housemates room (she was in Plymouth, for a real military ball), but as she was back had to sleep in the living room that night. On an airbed. My mum upstairs in my room. Plan for the next morning was The English Market and some shopping in the morning and maybe Cobh in the afternoon.

To be continued......have a great week

Saskia

Holiday

2005-07-21T16:59:00.000+01:00

I am taking a holiday, to show my mum a bit of the country. We'll spend one night in Dublin, three in Cork and two in Killarney. We are dependent of public transport, so avoiding mass tourism is going to be impossible. But nevertheless I'm definitely going to enjoy the whole week.

Saskia

Andrea Boccelli

2005-07-18T12:26:00.000+01:00

Fear not…I didn’t go to see him….although he did come to Cork last Friday. He was performing in Collin’s Barracks, a military domain just behind the corner. Jazus, you should have been there. It was like there was a major bomb alert. The whole area was blocked, no cars were allowed between five and twelve in the evening. Gardai on every corner…a helicopter passing every ten minutes….Fecking madness. For a concert, I mean. And two miles away, at one of the busiest crossroads of Cork, the traffic lights were out of order. On a Friday evening, at rush hour. No gardai there. Probably all too busy making sure that the Italian singer got to Collin’s Barracks safely. Just wondering what makes Andrea so special he needs to disorder the whole town on a Friday night. Does he have something, Nick Cave, Van Morrison, Diana Ross or Brian Wilson don’t have, when they performed at The Marquee (just a tent on the banks of the Lee, no domain surrounded by concrete walls and barbed wire).

Saskia

Ps: I played the lotto for the first time in my live. Euromillionairs…I was 200% positive it was me going to win the 81 million euro….sigh…not.

The Marquee

2005-07-18T11:05:00.000+01:00

Cork 2005…..and The Marquee….will remember it for a while. Went to see two big Irish legends there. Van the Man last Thursday and Christy Moore yesterday evening.

Both concerts were unique in their own way. Got a ticket for the Van Morrison concert as a present from my dad. Bought the Christy ticket myself.

I arrived at The Marquee just on time that Thursday night and was full of expectations. But also a bit worried. ‘Cause I had heard stories about Van Morrison being in a bad mood and leaving early, or playing with his back to the audience….didn’t want to have that of course. But there was definitely no need to worry. He played for more than an hour and a half. Most songs were from his latest album, but he played some classics as well of course. It were his musicians who opened the gig and halfway during the second song, Van the Man appeared on the stage. He got a standing ovation right away. The audience was quite noisy, clapping the whole time, shouting, standing up to get another pint or having a smoke….so different from a Belgian audience, just politely sitting in their chairs, only applauding àfter the songs. There were some flashes from cameras as well. But it didn’t seem to upset Van at all. He even came back for a short encore. People went mad. Jumping, dancing, shouting. It was a great experience, sitting amongst 6000 other Van Morrison fans. It was also a strange experience, Van Morrison dissapearing from time to time, the roadie running on the stage every five minutes to whisper something to one of the musicians. They definitely have to be the best improvisers ever and are probably working for the most difficult boss on earth. But they definitely know how to cope with that. Thanks again dad, for giving me the opportunity to see Van the Man live at last.

Yesterday night another legend so. Went together with the French housemate. I wasn’t very impressed by supporting act Freddie White.The Marquee was quite noisy as well. Think we were all just waiting for Christy to appear. And he did, together with Declan Sinnot (who by the way looked so much older than on the Planxty DVD from last year). It was amazing. Christy is a legend in Ireland, that’s for sure. The audience just sang along with àll the songs. After every song a loud applaud. But the thing that struck me most were the quite songs. You literally could hear a pin drop (something even Van Morrison didn’t succeed in). I think it is his charisma, that made Christy the legend he is today. People just adore him. He did play some of my favourite songs, including The City of Chicago (with thanks to Luka Bloom), the Biko Drum, Joxer, Missing you, Lisdoonvarna, Black is the colour, Yellow triangle and Ordinary Man. Will remember this concert for a while. Definitely.

Saskia (seriously suffering from hay fever)

A restless night

2005-07-06T10:36:00.000+01:00

Had a restless night. Went to bed around eleven, but couldn’t sleep. Turning about in my bed, pondering…Even “Before Sleep Comes” couldn’t bring relief. There is a reason for that. Have a VIV (very important visitor) coming in two weeks. It’s making me a bit nervous, because she is only staying for six days and has never been in Ireland before. The expectations are obviously very high and I definitely want to show her what Ireland is about. But is a difficult task: only six days, a low budget and no car. The experience has to include Dublin, nature, the Ocean, Guinness and some craic of course. Sounds easy, but is definitely not. I don’t know if there are many Irish people out there reading my Web log, but tips are very welcome.

I already took a look in a housemates’ travel guide (Europe on a shoestring). It’s a typical ‘Europe in a nutshell’ guide….and not very useful so, as I definitely want to avoid mass tourism.

Was actually reading what they told about my own little country.

“Belgium is a bizarre little place. Called ‘Europe’s most eccentric country’ in one breath and ‘boring’ in the next; this is the place to come if you want something a bit offbeat”

“These days it [Belgium] is a bit like a teenager – world weary, unruly and avant-garde all rolled into one”

“The trial of suspected [sentenced by now actually!!!!!!!!!] murder and paedophile Marc Dutroux brought Belgium into the international spotlight” [still can’t believe that’s actually in a travel guide, jazus. It IS SAFE to bring your kids out here on a holiday people]

“And in world tennis, Belgium shines”

About people and culture, they say:

“ ‘National’ character is elusive – many Belgians think of themselves first as Flemish or Walloon, and then as Belgian” [have you ever tried explaining the whole federal system of Belgium to a foreigner? Desperate.....even my colleagues still don't know the difference between Flemish and Dutch (they still don't get it, it is the same language), why people speak French in Brussels....desperate].

Food:

“Belgians love food. They are reputed to dine out, on average, more than any other people in the world.”

“Meat and seafood are abundantly consumed, as are frieten/frites –chips or fries. Belgians swear they invented chips and, judging by the availability, it’s a claim few would contest” [so forget about French fries, that was just another act of misplaced French chauvinism]

“And then there’s chocolate. Belgians have been quietly making some of the world’s finest chocolate for well over a century. Filled chocolates, or pralines, are their forte.”

“On the drinking scene, beer rules. No other country in the world boasts a brewing tradition as rich and diverse as Belgium. Somewhere between 400 and 800 beers exist”

On my hometown Antwerp:

“ A city with attitude [where do they get that from???????] luring fashionistas, foodies and party queens alike, Antwerp is an essential stop (that’s exactly what I tell everyone I meet abroad). Worldly and seedy, historic and hip, Belgium’s second-biggest [that’s like Cork, isn’t it?] city is currently basking in a third Golden Age that has made it one of Europe’s most fashionable getaways.

And then something I was I didn’t expect to read in a tourist guide either:

“On a different note, it’s also the breeding ground for extreme right party Vlaams Blok; which campaigns against immigrants.” [Not very good advertising for a city, isn’t it? Dear reader, I really want you to know that the major of the sinjoors (that’s how real Antwerp inhabitants are called) are AGAINST Vlaams Blok (actually renamed as Vlaams Belang after they were found guilty of racism: new name, but business as usual, unfortunately)].

And something about Gent, where I lived two years:

“Compact and unpretentious, this lively university city has all the things that make Flemish towns great –historic architecture, fab restaurants and sublime chocolate shops – minus the crowds of Bruges and the attitude [there it is again…..] of Antwerp.”

But nothing usefull about Ireland…..sigh…..Euhm, mum....don't worry, I definitely sort it out....I just want the best of the best for you!!!!!!!Looking forward having you six days for myself......

Saskia

short update

2005-06-30T10:19:00.000+01:00

Nearly three weeks since I last updated my website. A lot happened ….There was the “mid-way-training” in Dublin, a weekend in Glendalough and two Belgian friends coming over for a visit. Brought them to Kinsale, they saw a little bit of Cork and they heard John Spillane in the Spiegeltent.

I had my first Irish Breakfast ever and also tried Fish and Chips for the first time. Next culinary adventour will be Irish stew in Ireland. Only had it in Irish Pubs in Belgium so far.

It’s back to normal since this week. Hard to get used to it, but I manage. Writing a text for the Cork County Council Website on “Saving Energy”. Nearly finished it. Next thing is finishing a thing for schoolkids on “Renewable Energy”.

Bill is in Geneva for the week, so I drive with Pat to and from Mallow every day now. Means starting at eight and finishing at six. Will save the extra hours and take an extra day of one of next weeks. Life is hard, isn’t it?

So far for now. Hope to hear or see you all soon….

Saskia

p.s.: Next big thing on the calendar: VAN THE MAN live at The Marquee. Thanks to my dad who financially sponsored this event for me.

Pictures

2005-06-09T13:21:00.000+01:00

If you follow this link, you should be able to see the pictures of a friend of mine. She took them during our first training in Dublin about two months ago. On the pictures all EVS volunteers who arrived in februari. Was a great week. Next week more of that, another training in Dublin.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=12r35vzo.17rtj52s&Uy=osriup&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=1

Saskia

Morning Call

2005-06-09T12:30:00.000+01:00

Overslept this morning. Didn’t even went too bed late yesterday. Just forgat to switch on my alarm clock. Normally there is the Norwegian housemate, waking me up by making his “morning noises” (trust me, you don’t want any more details here), but he had a day off today. So my mobile phone rang at 8.46h.

-Bill: ”Where are you Saskia?”
-Me: “Euh…in my bed…think I overslept.”

Well, after all, we’re even now, as Bill made me wait more than an hour last Friday, because he too overslept.

Saskia

Ps: Ireland won (0-2) yesterday against a very poor playing Faroe Islands. ‘t Was only Laura and me watching the game. The three boys were sitting in the kitchen, chatting away like three old housewives. Definitely not Irish, those three ones. Sad thing it is indeed.

Thirteenth

2005-06-08T12:52:00.000+01:00

Another amazing gig last night. Went together with two of my housemates. The concert started with an hour delay; as Irish custom requires. Supporting act was Louise Killeen, girl from Offaly. Together with her brother and friend. Not too bad though. They just looked a bit nervous. An Cruiscin Lan (which means something as the half full pint, Julia told me) is a beautiful venue. Pretty small. Think there were only about eighty people in there. Found three bar stools at the front. Good view so. As said, the supporting act was all right, but we were waiting for the big man himself of course. So when he appeared around nine, the real show could start. Was something wrong with the sound during the first three songs, but after Paul sorted that out, the gig took a flying start. Great songs, great stories, great audience. Saw the man just a couple of weeks ago in Brussels, in a big venue, at least 1.500 people, but those eighty Cork people effortlessly beated the big Belgian crowd in singing and creating great craic. Sang along not only with “Sunny Sailor Boy”, but also “City of Chicago” (which is even subject matter for the Leaving Certs students), “I’m not at war with anyone” and “Black is the colour” were well known songs by the audience. Think the show ended around half eleven, after an encore including “Acoustic Motorbike”. The barman had already flickered the lights for last orders. So our man told him he was actually “only warming up”. Had a short chat with him after the show. Definitely one of the best shows I saw him doing so far. And think my housemates are converted as well; from now on only Luka Bloom music in the kitchen….at least the next days.

John Spillane is coming to Cork again on the 22nd. Bought tickets this morning, while waiting for Pat to give me a lift to Mallow.

Saskia

Ps: fingers crossed for Ireland tonight. There playing against the Faroe Islands for a qualification in the World Cup. Hope there more lucky than Saturday in Landsdown Road, after giving away a 2-0 lead before the end of the first half. Next 45 minutes were really boring. Well…at least what the football concerned…the Israelic goalkeeper was showing off his actors skills more than once and that definitely brought in some entertainment. Never seen a more pathetic goal keeper in my live. He should have send off after his first “act”, but it was only in the fourth minute of the extra time that he got a yellow card of the Greek referee. Jazus.

Horses

2005-05-30T11:57:00.000+01:00

You do eat horses in Belgium, isn’t it? Peter asked me during tea break. All the attention on me. Euh….yes, we do. Is that strange? Suddenly realised it maybe is strange indeed. Never on a Cork menu I saw horse steak. What does it taste like? Does everyone eat it? Euh….it’s just red looking meat. A bit tough. Before my parent’s became sort of vegetarians, we had it every Friday for dinner. With backed potatoes and pepper sauce. And a salad. Or we put thin slices of smoked horse on our sandwich. “Paardje” (little horse), we called it. Think I was lucky Alex, the boss, wasn’t around for tea at the moment. He is really into horse racing, ye know…..

Saskia

Ps: for the historians amongst us, think Belgian people started eating horse meat around the period of World War II, during the winters of starvation. Apparently it tasted much better then expected, as people are still eating it nowadays and even are willing to pay a lot of money for it.

Irish Radio

2005-05-26T21:55:00.000+01:00

Even public broadcasting channels in Ireland have ads every half hour. There is not one single channel were they don’t have those silly call-in programs. Imagine, there are only five million Irish living in Ireland. But there are at least ten radio channels were they can get their personal opinions and problems of their chest. Think after one year living here, listening to radio every day, I’ll have heard every single Irish here at least once on air.

But luckily enough there is John Kelly with his high quality Mystery Train. Listening to it right now. From Monday till Thursday every night at half eight I listen to John’s music program. With his own determined music choice. He just played a track from Ali Farka Tourré’s next album. Reminded me of my first music festival ever. Still my favourite festival. Sfinks Festival it’s called, the largest World music Festival of Belgium. Think I was only ten or eleven at the time. Went together with my dad to see Ali playing. Remember it as it was yesterday. Can even remember the taste of the fish soup my mum made before we went to the festival field. ‘t Was a lovely day, the sun was shining. I remember me eating my soup, standing in the garden. The concert itself made quite a big impression on me. Together with my dad in one of the front rows. All those people around me dancing. Black people, white people, sunburned people, weird people, hippie people, normal people as well, drunk people, sweaty people, people barefoot, people with funny hats,… and me and my dad. Although I think the concert probably finished after an hour, it lasted the whole evening in my memory. ‘t Was after getting dark when the gig was over. Never missed the festival since. Went there at least one day every year. Saw lots of amazing performances there. It’s kind of a tradition now at home. Every last weekend of July the whole family spend the weekend together on the festival field. Even my youngest sister, think she was only four when she joined for the first time. ‘t Was just last year that I for the first time in years missed the festival. ‘Cause I was on a holiday in….Ireland. Am not going to be there this year either. Ireland again. Just realised all that now, by listening the Ali Farka Tourré song. Music…great thing it is indeed.

Going to enjoy the rest of the Mystery Train now. Have a nice weekend out there. And all those lucky Belgian people, enjoy the 34°C. Think the warmest I had here so far is 20°C. Today. No rain either. But is nothing compares to Belgium so. And it was actually me all the time saying that the weather in Ireland wasn’t that different from Belgium.

Saskia

Irish Time

2005-05-25T10:03:00.000+01:00

Still not used to the Irish concept of time either.

Got a phone call from Bill this morning. Are ye already on your way down? Indeed I was. All right, no problem, see ye so in two minutes. And he hang up. Waa, panic, only two minutes to get in town. Need at least 15. So I forced myself and walked, run actually, as quick as I could to Saint Patricks bridge. All sweaty and sore shinbones (I always get that when I go downhill to fast, feels like a cramp, really painfull) No Bill there of course. Two Irish minutes equals about twenty Belgian minutes. Just forgot about that.

Saskia

Cork Night Life

2005-05-22T00:25:00.000+01:00

I’m still not used to the Irish way of going out. The drunken madness, the curfew, the way people are dressed,…

Went to a blues concert on Friday. With one of my housemates, Catalan guy Joan. I was invited by a colleague of work, Bill. The one who drives me to and from work most of the time. ‘t Were a couple of his friends giving the concert. Two guys from the Czech Republic. I’m not really into blues music, but as Bill put me on the guest list, I didn’t had to pay and so I decided to give it a try anyway. No regrets at all.

The concert was supposed to start at nine o’clock, but as there was not too many people yet, they postponed it for another hour. Ten o’clock so. Went to a folk pub before, Joan and me. For a quick pint. At ten back to the Everyman Theatre. Bill was smoking a cigarette outside. Looked a bit wrinkled, not only his shirt that he clearly forget to iron, but the whole of him. ‘T was obvious he already had a heavy night behind him. He introduced me to some of his friends, bought me a pint and that was it. I started chatting with his housemate and his friend, a girl from Leipzig. Nice people. Think the show eventually started around half ten (for the Flemish readers: half ten is 10.30h, not 9.30h, very confusing thing, but you’ll get used to it). Two older guys; a singer and a bassist. Great stuff they played. Don’t think I’ll ever really get into the blues, but as a live act it is definitely worth seeing it. Great craic indeed. The crowd was quite international, loads of Spanish and Italian people. Not that many Irish I reckon. Already before the start of the gig, a good few of them were tipsy. And the drinking obviously continued during the music. Had one pint too much myself, but definitely still remember everything I did and said and was still able to walk in a normal way. Bought my colleague a pint back, looked like he was already far gone. Couldn’t stop grinning in a strange way. Asked me if I wanted to join the after party in one of his mates house. Because I was in Cork now for quite a few weeks and needed to meet other people blablabla. Prefer other occasions to meet new people then a place were everybody is just dead drunk. I mean, I really love going out for a pint, have a chat and a laugh, but think I’ll never get used to the immoderate Irish version of it. It’s just a fact that after half eleven, you’ll have to look very hard to have a chat with a more or less sober person. What is the point of meeting new people when they are just so pissed they in no way remember you the next day? And then there is the closing time of course. The musicians were in great form and were like working to a climax, when one of the bouncers switched on the lights for last orders. Every one to the bar for last pints and ten minutes later the show was over. Oh, do I miss the Belgian way of going out sometimes. Just drink in a nice and easy way, leave the pub whenever you want, not getting kicked out at one o’clock by a scary looking bouncer dressed in black.

All right, Irish nigh life definitely has his charms as well. That’s after all one of the reasons I’m living here now. Cause think there is no other country in Europe I think where you can find live music in the pubs every night. And there is really something as craic. The atmosphere in a good Irish pub is unique. People are easy going, always ready for a chat. Pubs are definitely the main place for social live. It’s just that after a certain hour, you have to be more cautious. Because those bouncers are there for a reason. People under influence of too much booze, tend to get more aggressive from time to time, you know.
But don’t understand me wrong so, I really love living here. I like going out and enjoy Irish pub life. It’s just that I still have to get used to the differences. And one thing is for sure: I’m already more Irish then the Irish in drinking tea, but never I’ll be able to beat them in drinking the stronger stuff. And I definitely don’t have the intention to do so.

Getting dressed now, still in my pyjama’s (Thomas thought I was just dressed in an Irish way). Have to go to the book shop. Just finished ‘Hundred and one Days’ of Asne Seierstad, about a journalist living in Baghdad just before and during the war. A must. Think I’ll buy one of her other books ‘The bookseller of Kabul’.

There is an early trad session in Sin E tonight, think I’ll go there with Thomas. And this afternoon probably watch a DVD, Joan is going to rent one. The weather isn’t too good at the moment, just taking a lazy Sunday so.

Saskia

Ps: saw two funny Irish movies recently, were free DVD’s in the Irish Sun (which I only buy when there is free DVD’s in it, honestly). Especially ‘The most Fertile Man’ with James Nesbitt is hilarious. But ‘Spin the Bottle’ wasn’t too bad either.

Pps: Just heard Greece won Eurovision. Didn’t see the final, did see the semi final and felt really embarrassed about the Belgian entry. We had a laugh about the Norwegian song, as Finn is from there. It became suddenly very clear for all of us, that not only Finn, but Norwegian people in general are completely mad.

Back in Ireland

2005-05-16T13:08:00.000+01:00

Spend ten days in Belgium with Anais and my little godchild and had a great time. Had the chance to see some of my friends back after three months. And I claimed two hours of my mums precious time to go out for lunch. There was even another Luka Bloom concert. Great stuff.

Back in Ireland since last tuesday. Started the week here in a very euphoric way, but had a bit of a hard time in the weekend. Had no real plans , spend way too much time in bed and had therefore too much time to worry. I'm gonna miss little Janne, that's for sure. Luckely enough the weather was great on sunday, spend almost the entire afternoon reading in the garden.

Monday now, beginning of another week. Think I'm ready for it. Nothing special on the agenda, but hope to do something nice next weekend. We'll see.

Greetz, hope to hear from you all soon.

Saskia

Janne

2005-04-28T12:51:00.000+01:00

Janne is born today at 11.30 am Belgian time.

She had a difficult start but is all right now.

(weight: 3,350 kg, length: 52 cm, blond hair)

Greetz,

very proud godmother Saskia

Little cousin

2005-04-25T13:47:00.000+01:00

For those who asked: still no little cousin. Anais is suffering false contractions for the last couple of weeks. Her gynaecologist told her two weeks ago that it could be there any day now. She (and the rest of us) got really excited by that news. I nearly slept last week. Just because of the nerves. Last friday still no little girl. So the gynaecologist told Anais to induce the labor on tuesday, which is tomorrow. Tuesday big day, that's what we thought.This morning Anais called her gynaecologist again, she will not induce till next week. AAARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Think my sister is getting mad. And my mum and I as well. Am only in Belgium for a couple of days and will be very frustrating if my little godchild isn't born when I arrive Saturday.

Fingers crossed it is for (one of) next day(s).

Saskia

John Spillane

2005-04-25T09:52:00.000+01:00

Sunday afternoon, ten to one to be more precise. I got a message on my web log from my mum asking what happened in April. Made me indeed realise that it is ages ago I posted an update. But here it finally is.

Am listening to ‘Hey Dreamer’ of John Spillane. A Cork singer. Went to his show last Saturday. Was blown away once more. Made me realise again how important music is for me. Don’t know how to explain it without getting into clichés. But it is like I always get new energy after going to a good gig. Is for me the most ideal way to relax. Discovering new singers, great musicians,….I convinced one of my housemates last week to join me for the gig. Thomas, the French guy. Think he was quite impressed as well. He too was listening to the new CD nearly every day of last week. Told Thomas also about my “favourite all times”…..he borrowed some of his CD’s last week and insisted after listening to them that I order tickets as soon as possible for his next show. The sixth of June, in Cork City. Yes, Luka it is indeed. Laura, the Canadian girl is going to accompany us that night as well. Already looking forward to it. Will be great fun. But first his show in Brussels of course. Am going home next Saturday. My little godchild is still enjoying the save existence of her mother’s womb, but at the latest Tuesday the little one will have to make the big step. Can’t wait to hold her, to meet her. She’s keeping us waiting for the last three weeks, we are all way too nervous, expecting her every moment. Think she has at least one characteristic in common with her mum; it looks like she is a small stubborn one, doing the things only when she feels like doing them.

Back to the John Spillane show. Was in Cork Opera House. Second time I went to a gig there. Saw Christy Moore and Luka Bloom there last summer. Thomas and I had a seat on the second row, right in the middle. Perfect. As always in Ireland, the show started a little later than it was supposed to. The gig was sold out. John Spillane, the Cork man was playing a home game. The audience was quite young, in their twenties and thirties. The more “fashionable” class of Cork. As soon as John appeared on stage, he got their attention for a hundred percent. He started the show with some ‘fairly depressing songs’ and switched over to some happier ones after that. Between the songs he took the time to tell about himself and his songs. He did that in such a peculiar way, with a very explicit Cork accent that you just had to laugh. When I asked my colleague Bill earlier that week what John is about he just said: “he is soooo funny”. And funny he was indeed. Beside a great musician this guy definitely is a stand up comedian as well. That’s for sure. He brought a lot of ‘mystery guests’ with him. Amongst them also an actor. He read a very funny (although dramatic as well) story about a carpenter making his own coffin. Because of that, the first part of the show was a bit like a cabaret. I wasn’t bored for one second. John definitely knows how to set up a show. After a short break, in which Thomas bought me a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, John came back and introduced his other mystery guests. A girl from Dingle named Pauline Scanlon. I was blown away hearing her doing the background vocals on ‘beautiful tears’. Was definitely a “goosebumps-moment”. There was the poet Louis De Paor, who made an impressive contribution to the tribute song to Rory Gallagher and recited some other Gaelic poets as well. I just love the sound of the Irish language. The mysterious sounds harmonize perfect with the fairy tale image of Ireland. Another guitarist as well. Can’t remember his name. Just know that he also plays in the Irish group Lunasha. Great musician. Looked a bit as James Nesbitt, the Northern-Irish actor, to me. Where the first part of the show was a varied mix between music and word, the second part was really concentrated on John’s music and his singing. The show became more intense. The way the different mystery guests accompanied him, was sublime. It is no wonder though that John couldn’t finish his show without a standing ovation, an encore, another standing ovation, another encore ‘just for the craic’ and a final standing ovation. Great stuff. John and the other musicians enchanted the audience for almost three hours. Had a great time. As I was suffering a serious cold last week, Thomas and I just went home after the show. I didn’t feel like going for a drink. Felt quite bad actually. But am healthy again now. Ready to see my little niece.

Saskia

Mariza

2005-03-31T13:27:00.000+01:00

Went to see Mariza, a Portuguese Fado singer yesterday evening. Was a great experience. I saw her once on Belgian television, a couple of years ago. Wanted to check her out live now.

Concert was at the Savoy, a venue in Saint Patricksstreet. People had to queue outside for nearly twenty minutes before they get in. And so did I. There were no numbered seats, but I was quite lucky, as I found myself a chair on the second row. As things go in Ireland, most Irish prefered to take some alcohol in the concert hall. Unfortunately they are not all that clever and at least two people in my direct neighbourhood managed to knock over their pint. I do understand now why in Belgium people are not allowed to bring drink in the room.

From the moment Mariza came on stage, everyone became silent. Yes, everyone, not everything, as the bloody airconditiong was making an anoying noise during the whole concert. A quite frustrating thing, if you are enjoying the kind of music where the moments of silence are nearly as important as the moments of singing and playing. Can not understand they didn't switch off that stupid thing. There was no need for it at all. Was actually quite freezing.

Mariza sings Fado from both the North and the South of Portugal. She has a great voice, a great expression and with her long black dress and her bleached hair, she left a big impression on me. It's amazing how she played with the audiance. They were quite when she wanted it and clapped their hands when the music needed it. She brought some amazing musicians with her. Especially the basist from Mozambique was great. His solo was just top. Loved the percussionist as well.

After a standing ovation, they all came back for an encore. Was even more impressive. Mariza ordered her musicians to unplug their instruments and they came all together in the front of the stage to sing a 'song for us to cry'. She didn't used a microphone either. But still everyone could hear here. Massive voice. Unbelievable. I think she is coming to Brussels one of the next weeks, just go and experience fado yourself. It is definitely a must.

Saskia

Dublin and the arrival training: day one

2005-03-22T00:35:00.000Z

It's 12.40 at night. I'm in the Marino Institute of Education for my on arrival training. Dublin it is. We have free internet here. Great stuff. No Irish students, as it is a holiday. Only us, EVSers. Just back from the pub (it's monday evening, so they close early). First day here was ok. Although I think the training is gonna be a bit boring for the rest. First "night"activity was bowling. Not really Irish. First time I did it. And......beat all they others (think I'm a natural talent) But the people are nice.

Spend the weekend in Cahir with Ruth and her French friend Alex. It's a bit akward to write about it today, cause Ruth is sitting next to me. But I definitely had a great time. A wild night in the pub. Just a local one. Was great fun. Met some nice people (sometimes it is indeed an advantage to live in a one-horse town, as it is really easy to meet other people). For the first time I experienced the "closing-pub-time" with the national anthem. I read about it in a lot of tourist guides and stuff, but never experienced it myself. But they did indeed in Cahir. And they were really serious about it. 't Was definitely not for the tourist. Around one o clock every one stood up and with their hands on their back when they started singing. Even the most drunk people looked well enough to do so. Great experience. Most people left afterwards, but I think it was already four when we did as well. Through a side entrance, after one of the girls watched if there were no guarda passing. Really funny.

The moving thing to Cork went quite well. Only living there for one short week, but I already start to feel at home there. Live with other international people. The Norwegian one is a bit weird, euh....yes nerd...but the others are nice. One girl from Canada. We spend Saint Patrick's day together. And Ruth and Alex came to Cork as well. Was a bit dissapointed about the Parade. But the athmosphere in the pubs was great. I always thought my name was boring, but as I always got compliments from Irish people (boys) because of my name, I don't have another choice than just start liking it myself. Hihihi.

So far for now. Not really sober at the moment. As soon as I have some time, I'll put some other pictures on the net. Hope to hear you all soon (especially the Leuven Kliek was a bit quite so far).

Saskia

Pictures of Belfast

2005-03-08T13:18:00.000Z

I managed to get my pictures of Belfast online. If you click following link, you normally would be able to see them: http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=129i7fn7.nybw94j&x=1&y=g0j4sf.

Hope you like them. Looking forward hearing from you all.

saskia

Fourth Irish Sunday

2005-03-07T09:29:00.000Z

The fourth Sunday I spend in Ireland is nearly finished. Another great day it was. Think it was nearly fifteen degrees, no wind, blue sky and loads of sunshine. Just can’t get over it. This is the fourth time that I’m in Ireland and despite all the ‘bad weather warnings’, I always had pretty good weather. Am starting to believe that it is just me. Because so far, the weather gods are definitely with me.

Julia and I went to Killarney today. It’s a funny thing, those Sunday trips. I stay in bed late, take my time to shower, have breakfast and than there is Julia proposing to drive somewhere. Killarney it was today. As she has some serious troubles with her hips and back, she most of time stays in the car. To enjoy her music and read a bit in the biography of Bill Clinton she got from her son Michael. So she just dropped me of at one of the entrances of Killarney National Park. Up to me to discover and explore. Reminds me always of my previous holidays in Ireland, travelling on my own through the country. And especially when the sun is shining as it was today, it isn’t hard to get in a holiday mood. It was really a pity I didn’t had a camera. Last weekend I borrowed the one from my office. But didn’t think about it this weekend. A shame. Killarney National Park is just amazing. Impressive. Walked to the waterfall. Nice walk. I only spend a short time in Killarney today, but I’m definitely coming back during the holidays. There is a nice hiking and cycling path around Kerry (the Ring of Kerry it’s called) and I definitely want to check it out. So if someone of you guys felt called to accompany me on a ‘couple-of-days-hiking-trip’, know you’re definitely welcome.

I have other big news for you all. Finally found a place to live in Cork City Centre. It’s a house about ten minutes outside the city centre. On a hill. I have to share it with four other people. A guy from Norway, one from Scotland and another from France and a girl from Canada. Only met the Norwegian and the Scottish one last Saturday. They looked all right. The house looked nice as well. My room is really small, but there is spacious kitchen (with washing machine and dryer, microwave). Besides there is a dining room and a sitting area with television and video. There even is a small garden, so we can have barbeque in the summer. Have to pay 65 euro a week plus bills for electricity and gas. Not too bad for Cork City. Although I definitely have to find a part time job for the weekends, as I’m only getting 115 euro a week from the Energy Agency. Ireland is amazingly expensive. Anyway, mail, post-packages (Belgian chocolate: the darker the better!!!!) and the latest gossips can be send to:

Saskia Van Goethem

Saint Luke’s

7 Mount View Terrace

Ballyhooly Road

Cork City

County Cork

Ireland.

I’m moving in next Monday (the 14th), so that I can spend Paddy’s day in the big city. Looking forward to it. Although I’ll miss Julia. ‘Cause she really took care of me those first weeks. I wanted to buy her that book on Eastenders, but looks like it is sold out in every bookshop in town. Gonna buy here some ‘Winning Street’ scratch cards. She loves watching that lottery game on television and it’s always more exciting watching a game if there is maybe a very small chance that you possibly have the prospect to win something. Or not.

It’s late now. I need some sleep. Here you all soon. Enjoy the week.

Saskia

Belfast Part 2

2005-03-06T09:27:00.000Z

Last summer when I was in Ireland I climbed Croagh Patrick. It was one of the most gruelling things I ever did in my live. ‘Cause I wasn’t prepared for it at all. I left the youth hostel in Westport thinking ‘let’s just climb that bloody mountain and take some pictures of the place where Saint Patrick chased the snakes from Ireland’. It took me actually more than two hours to get to the top and getting down was even harder. But it was indeed worth being on that particular place where Ireland’s patron saint had been hundreds and hundreds of years before to free Ireland from the snakes.

So, great was my consternation when Jonny announced Sunday morning that we were going to go the place where…..Saint Patrick chased away…..the snakes. We were miles and miles away from Westport, so it was quite clear to me that he was talking about another mountain than the one I climbed. And indeed, rumours go round that it wasn’t Croagh Patrick, but a place called Slemish where Saint Patrick performed the miracle. Rumours indeed, ‘cause Jonny, I’m still not convinced. But I’m indeed grateful that you drove us there, as there is now not the slightest doubt anymore about me being to the place where Saint Patrick. Feels great anyway.

After the obliged picture in Slemish we drove back to Jonny’s place. Taking a shower, drinking a nice cup of tea and getting ready for a very exciting sport afternoon. Well, for the boys anyway. Katie and I weren’t too keen on spending the whole afternoon in a crowded pub to watch rugby and the Liverpool soccer match afterwards. So the boys dropped us of at the Ulster Museum. We spend a good bit of the afternoon there. ‘t Was nice. They have a varied collection, from paintings from the old Flemish and Dutch masters, till the first Egyptian mummy outside Egypt and a good bit on Irish history as well. Meanwhile Ireland beat England in the Six Nations Cup, which was great indeed. We arrived in the Globe when Liverpool started the overtime against Chelsea (although I’m not for one hundred per cent sure if it was Chelsea. Was it?). Till about ten minutes before the end of the match it looked like Liverpool was going to win and that we were going to get some very happy guys back home, but then there was the own goal. A shame indeed, and it got even worse as Liverpool eventually lost the match with 2-3 (or 3-2, don’t even know which team was visiting. Shame on me again). Jonny was disappointed. Think they deserved to win the game.

Anyway, there wasn’t too much time for grieving as there was still another big thing on the program. Luka Bloom indeed. Again indeed. So we went back home, where Jonny’s mum served us a delicious spaghetti and than back into the car, towards the Waterfront Hall. The concert hall looked very modern, very spacious, impressive. Luka was playing in the Studios. I found us a nice seat on the fourth row. The show was good. Although he played nearly exact the same set list as in Dublin, the atmosphere was completely different. No drinking here. Full attention. A very modest audience. Which made it very intimate. No standing ovation (there was one in Dublin), only one encore (there were two in Dublin), but nevertheless a great show. And he did play ‘I’m a bogman’. The song the three of us were waiting for, especially after the macabre experience we had there the day before.

I was kind of expecting the weekend to be over after the concert, but I was definitely wrong there. So after the gig back in the cab, towards Jonny’s local pub again. When we arrived there, the door was already closed. But people were still in, so after a short chat with the ‘very dangerous looking bouncer with the earphones’ Jonny managed to get us in. We were just in time for ‘last orders’ (a very peculiar Irish (and English) phenomenon: just order as much as you can, ‘cause there is no chance to get another drink after that call). And still the party wasn’t over. Back to Jonny’s kitchen. Where I had…..my…..first…..dancing lesson. Yes mum and dad, me dancing in a ‘stranger’s’ kitchen. After Darren and his fiancée left, Jonny’s mum and Pat just started to dance. I initially opted for the safe way: sitting in the corner of the kitchen, sipping my white wine, taking a picture from time to time. But the more drink there was served, the more obvious it became there was no way for me to escape the ‘dance floor’. And I did enjoy it. And indeed I was a bit clumsy at the start. But who cared? The five of us were kind of drunk, so it was just a matter of having a good time. And I definitely had. The hours flew by and before we knew it was half past five. I had to catch my bus at eight. As there was no time left to enjoy a good night’s rest, we just took a one-hours’ nap and get up again at a quarter to seven. Jonny’s mum had breakfast ready for us (she didn’t went to bed yet). Isn’t she great?

I nearly missed my bus back to Dublin ( the driver wasn’t very happy about waiting for me running to the ticket office to buy a ticket). The way back was hell. I hoped to sleep, but just couldn’t. Suffered a small hangover. Had to change bus two times and was afraid to miss my stop by falling asleep. Anyway, I arrived in Mallow around five, which wasn’t too bad. I had kind of planned to have a quick sandwich and get into my bed. Suffering from a headache, I wasn’t in the mood for chatting at all. But I forgot about Julia of course. So the minute I entered the house she started firing questions on me about the weekend. “How was it? Did you spend a lot of money? Isn’t amazing how quick time goes? How was the concert? Did you find a place to stay in Dublin”. I know she was just interested but it just wasn’t really what I needed at that time of the day. So I politely answered some of her questions and sneaked upstairs after about an hour. Fell asleep at six ‘o clock and slept till my alarm woke me up the next morning for another day at work.
A great weekend it was indeed. Although we didn’t see too much of Belfast itself, I definitely had a great Northern Irish experience up there. It was more than a hospitable welcome. The Antrim Coast was just amazing. Was overwhelmed by the weather. I know people in Belgium are suffering a very severe winter at the moment, but weather last weekend was just amazing. Blue sky, no wind, the sun shining. Think “the bad weather myth” is just a story the Irish made up to keep those bloody tourists out. And right they are.

Saskia

Belfast part 1

2005-03-04T09:33:00.000Z

Thursday, June Tabor on now. Went to the Social Welfare Office in Mallow today. And guess what? After about two minutes everything was sorted out. Amazing, isn’t it? Tried to open a bank account as well, but that was expecting too much at the same time. As long as I don’t have an permanent residence, they won’t open an account for me. Well….guess I’m getting used to it.

As most of you know, I’ve spend my weekend in Belfast. So I guess you’re all waiting for a report. To be honest, it feels a bit awkward. Cause for the first time in the short existence of my little website, I have to write a report about time I’ve spend with people who are going to read about it here themselves. Feels a bit strange. But I’ll try to be honest and sincere anyway.

Belfast-report: part 1
Starts in Dublin. Cause I already booked a seat in Vicar Street for Luka’s show a couple of weeks before I arrived in Ireland. It was only at the last minute that I decided to go to the show in Belfast as well. Two shows in four days it was indeed.
I arrived in Dublin after a bus trip from almost five hours. Weather wasn’t very nice that day, so I spend most of the time exploring the different shopping centres of Dublin. Went back to the hostel around six to have a quick meal, meet some people there and get dressed for the concert. Had a bed in an eight-bed-dorm. But were only two of us there that night. Me and……a middle aged….man…..from…..Cork. He was really in the organic food stuff, so we had a topic of conversation as I worked in an organic food shop for a short time myself. I even didn’t had too many problems understanding him. ‘t Was only at night when I tried to fell asleep that I realised that it is indeed a bit of a strange idea to share the room with a completely unknown older guy. Guess I was lucky, as he even didn’t snore. The only strange thing he did was taking all kind of organic pills and medicines when he woke up.
The show in Vicar Street was great. People were allowed to drink during the concert (we were sitting at small round tables). And when Irish people are not thirsty, they are always in the mood for some real craic. So they start singing along with guest appearance Alyanya and they continued doing that when Luka performed Sunny Sailor Boy and other great songs. Really enjoyed the show. Met Niall and one of Luka’s sisters after the show. And had a quick visit to the VIP room, where I saw Christy Moore in the corner of the bar (think Jonny still is a bit envious of that).

Next day I got up quite early, took a shower and…..discovered four text messages on my mobile phone from the same sender. Dirk….that he cancelled his flight last minute. A shock it was indeed, as we had planned to meet each other a couple of hours later in Belfast, together with Jonny and Katie. But he had a good reason for not coming and I took the bus to Belfast anyway. A bit anxious, ‘cause I only met Jonny a couple of weeks before I left Belgium as he is a friend of Dirk. And it were actually only those particular occasions where there was a lot of drinking involved that I really spoke to him.

I met Katie and Jonny in the most bombed hotel of Europe (there was indeed no need to tell you guys this before). The plan was to have a quick drink there and go for a car drive through Belfast city. Instead we went for a nice lunch in a very modern launch bar and for another drink in one of the other ‘you’ve must seen’ bars in Belfast. Afterwards we just drove to Jonny’s place, as we were all a bit (or very) tired. Jonny’s mum received us with open arms. I got my own single bedroom downstairs. It was Jonny’s youngest brother’s birthday, so I soon was going to find out how they celebrate someone’s birthday in Northern Ireland. First of all, there was loads of food. There were some nice people as well (including some work colleagues of Jonny’s mum, Darren’s fiancée and her Scottish father). There was music. And there was drink of course. Around half ten they called a cab to continue the party in Jonny’s local pub. To his own big disappointment it was relatively calm there, but there was a nice atmosphere anyway. Around one ‘o clock some heavy looking bouncers with earphones kicked us all out, which obliged us to get back in the cab and continue the party at home again. Don’t remember what time I went to bed, wasn’t too bad. Katie went to bed as well. Jonny tried to do the same, but instead…his mum found him a couple of hours later in…..the…..bath. Sleeping peacefully and completely dressed.

Next morning we managed to get in the car around eleven to go for a trip to the Antrim Coast. Passed through Carrickfergus (Van Morrison is singing about it) first. Jonny had some problems to find the Coastal Route, but after a quick stop at his favourite toyshop for an ice cream (sorry Jonny, don’t remember the name of the shop. Rivka or something it was) we finally get there. High light of the day was of course The Giant’s Causeway. It’s one of the Unesco World Heritage sites. And also one of the thousand places everyone should visit before he dies. But that was only in the afternoon. The first big stop was at the Carrick-a-Rede Rode Bridge. In spite of several signs on the road telling us that the bridge was closed, we only believed it when we actually stood in front of the closed gate. A bit of a disappointment maybe, but on the other side also a relief as I’m not a real hero on heights. And we enjoyed the view anyway. Driving on we passed several small coastal towns. When we passed the bog we got out the car again. ‘Cause Katie wanted us to experience the elasticity of the peat ourselves. It didn’t work out very well. And instead we did a quite macabre discovery. Just a couple of metres from the road we found several skulls of sheep or goats, and bones and pieces of fleece as well. Like there had took place a ritual slaughtering. Very creepy. Back to the car. There were still two main things on our to do list: the Giants Causeway and the Bushmills Distillery (thé oldest legal whiskey distillery of the world). As we were a bit short of time we could only do one of them and so……we went to the Giants Causeway (what else did you expected?). I was really impressed. Think we ‘couldn’t come at a better time’. The sun was shining, it was not too cold, no wind and there were not too many tourists either. I’m not going to dwell on the geological explanation of how the Giant’s Causeway was created. ‘Cause that’s all twaddle for people who won’t believe that the Irish giant Finn MacCool build this way to get to Scotland to fight his rival Benandonner.

After the Giant’s Causeway we started to feel hungry and as Katie had an appetite for seafood Jonny decided to take us to a restaurant called The Salmon Leap. Before we just dropped our stuff in Jonny’s mum’s caravan (yes indeed Belgian shivery people, we stayed at the end of February in Northern-Ireland in a CARAVAN! Isn’t life and Irish weather just beautiful?). As we didn’t make a reservation we went for a pint in expectation of a free table. Reading the menu it seemed they didn’t had that many seafood at all, so I ordered lamb (I’m getting used to the meat now) with vegetables and one big backed potato. The salmon was prepared in a Chinese way, which didn’t appeal to me at all. After dinner back to the caravan. There was plenty of wine there (although I couldn’t even finish half a bottle of it). Played cards. Was quite fun. I went to bed early. Tired.
As I’m now too, so I’m afraid Belfast Part 2 is for after the weekend. Hear you all soon.

Saskia

Irish bureaucratie

2005-03-02T09:31:00.000Z

Wednesday evening, Linda Thompson singing away in my discman. Had another typical Irish experience today. Before I can look for a job in Ireland I need a Personal Public Service number (the famous PPS as they call it here). Made several phone calls last week, to find out where I had to go to get it. And what kind of documents I needed to bring. Today with Bill towards Cork City. Queued more than an hour at the Social Welfare Office. Felt strange, me sitting between all those East-European immigrants. Realized what it really means to be a stranger in a foreign country. It turned out that I was at the wrong office anyway (or what did you expected?). Needed to go to the local office in….Mallow indeed. Spend the whole afternoon queuing for nothing. Second attempt to get my number tomorrow. Irish efficiency they call it.

Another Sunday evening it is

2005-02-21T13:27:00.000Z

Another Sunday evening it is.

Experienced the original meaning of the concept Sunday Driving today. Went with Julia for a real drive around the country side (she even took some Irish hoom-pa-pa music to listen to in the car). Seems to be a favourite way of spending the sunday afternoon in Ireland (after watching sport, preferably in the pub). Julia showed me the village she spend the most part of her live, we went to the graveyard to watch her parents and her first husband’s grave (we actually drove with the car into the cemetery, and parked in front of the grave, a strange thing to me, but completely normal here) and went to Millstreet afterwards. Millstreet, a very famous place, ‘cause in 1993 EuroSongFestival was organised here. This weekend the place to be for all Westlife fans, as they are performing here three nights in a row. By the way, I’m following the pre selections of this years festival every sunday evening together with Julia, don’t think Ireland is going to survive the qualifying round.

Although my first impression of Julia was a bit caricatural , we go quite well together at the moment. We even had a very deep conversation about live and things saturday afternoon. Think I have to be very grateful that I have someone this first weeks to look after me. She made me real Irish food again this weekend. Saturday bacon and cabbage, today roasted chicken, with roasted potatoes, carrots and peas. During the week I cook myself, cause my stomach would never survive a daily doses of it.

At work everything is quite all right. After a bit of a difficult start, I found out that the Mediterranean ‘mañana’ also exists in Ireland (Julia told me that even one of the Spanish EVS girls felt a bit frustrated at the beginning). Irish time is flexitime. It makes just no sense to try to rush a matter (so don’t expect the bus to be in time, when the driver first wants to finish his cup of tea). I have to take the things as they come. As long as I keep that in mind, I’ll manage well I think.
I spend the whole week just reading about energy, energy, energy. First have to get used to the English terminology, before I can really start to do me own thing. My task at the County Cork Energy Agency is to work on public awareness about topics as energy, sustainable living, renewable energy. How I put that in practice is completely up to me. I’m not accountable to anyone. In other words, it’s completely in me own hands how successful and valuable this year is going to be.
There is only one minus and that’s the financial side of the project. There will be no other option for me than find me a parttime job for the weekend, cause Ireland is just so incredibly expensive. But even that can turn out quite good, as it is another opportunity to meet people and get some work experience.

This working week is going to be a very short one, as I’m taking off on Thursday, Friday and Monday. Thursday the bus to Dublin to see Luka Bloom in Vicar Street. Friday I’m travelling to Belfast. Going to spend the weekend there with two great guys I met in The Dubliner in Antwerp. Looking forward to it. It’s promising to be a great weekend, as Jonny is going to guide us around in his hometown. A real Northern- Irish experience. And the icing on the cake: all together seeing Luka Bloom on Sunday night. Monday morning the bus back to Mallow, a trip which will take me about nine hours. Ideal to catch up some sleep.

Monday evening

2005-02-18T13:44:00.000Z

Monday evening, back from another day of work. Went not too bad. Although the morning was a bit boring. And I still felt a bit left to my fate. Cause although the conference is over now, they still have a lot of important things to do. Bill took me apart for only fifteen minutes this afternoon. Well, it went not that bad, but think I’m a bit disappointed. Have a meeting with Alex, the big boss, tomorrow. Hope it will clears up a few of my questions. Still don’t know how the financial side of the projects is going to be. Quite important.

Spend another night watching Coronation Street and East Enders. And that famous Daniel O’ Donnell man (think he’s the Irish Will Tura). -Anyway, the grandmum-side of the Irish culture doesn’t have a lot of secrets for me anymore. Think it’s high time I find me some more to me age people now -. Tried to type in the mean time, but didn’t work out very well, Julia chatting around about the characters all time. Looks like that old, misty and snowy television is her live (think she is a TV licence dodger, only three different channels, one of them with a lot of snow). But she is a nice lady, she definitely is. Sunday she drove me to Blarney. It’s a small town just between Mallow and Cork and known for its castle. Unfortunately, we only arrived around four, so I haven’t paid the seven euro to see the castle, as one hour is way too short. Met a Canadian girl last summer, who I spend the weekend with at Dingle, who told me about Blarney Castle. She was really impressed, so I think it’s worth coming back later in the year. Julia made me bacon and cabbage for sunday lunch, the real Irish stuff it was. Liked it. Wasn’t that bad at all. Although my stomach still isn’t used to all the meat. Promised me mum not putting on weight and I’m really trying me best, but it is really hard when living together with a lady who considers it as her most important task to stuff me up.

Went to Cork on saturday. It was a relief to mingle with other city people again. And the weather was gorgeous, really blue sky and about 10 degrees, witch isn’t too bad for winter, is it? There only was a strong wind, but no complains at all. Just went for some shopping. Bought a new Lonely Planet of Ireland (Laurie, you can have mine on the one condition that you’ll come to Ireland this summer) and a survival guide for immigrants in Ireland. There’s a lot of handy practical tips in it. Just wandered around the rest of the afternoon. There was a march against the new waste policy of City Cork. Not very impressive, only about a hundred people marching. Cork European Capital of Culture still has a lot of work to do, to attract people of the continent, I think. There is indeed a new bus station, the main streets look alright and the tourist information centre is well occupied, but think they have to make another huge effort to convince people like me dad to actually book a flight, get on that plane and come over for some cultural activities. Not saying that Cork isn’t worth a visit, but think it is still far behind lovely Antwerp and Ghent.

Hope I don’t make a disappointed impression to you all. Cause I’m feeling quite all right. Still have to get used to the whole Ireland thing, but till now there were no real off-days at all. Already start to feel at home here (although you must not expect me to look like the average Irish girls here, way too much make-up and way too American looking). I’m here now for seven days, but it really feels like I’m here already for a much longer time. Still have to work on my Irish accent (actually, was better for me to live in Donegal w h e re t h e y s p e a k r e a l l y s lo w).

Hope to hear you all soon ( don’ have a address yet, but post packages with Belgian chocolate and the latest Belgian gossips can be send to my office: County Cork Energy Agency, attn. Saskia Van Goethem, Spa House, Mallow, County Cork, Ireland).

First Report

2005-02-18T13:14:00.000Z

Sunday evening, nearly eight o’clock. Sitting on me bed, with me laptop on me laps (that’s why they’re made for, isn’t it?). Wearing a warm knitted jumper and jeans. Listening to a brand new CD I bought today. Couldn’t resist buying ‘Bringing it all back home’, a collection of modern music with Irish influences (including Richard Thompson, Elvis Costello, The Waterboys, Emmylou Harris, Hothouse Flowers and…Luka of course). The first weekend in Ireland is nearly over. One week here, still another fifty one to go (have to keep telling my self that I’m living here the whole next year, still feels a bit surreal).

The trip to Ireland went not too bad. Although saying goodbye to mum and Anaïs was more emotional than I expected. To be honest, from the moment I arrived at the airport, I had a hard time not bursting into tears. Not a big hero, am I. When I’m back in Belgium, my twin sister will have her first daughter. My first godchild. Felt weird. Had some problems at the security checkpoint as well. That stupid security gate went off every time I went through it. Forget about me shoes, have some metal things on it. Felt a bit like a fool. Had a windows seat. Great, isn’t it? Well, unless it’s a ‘wing-windows seat’ of course. Before we take off, the captain wished us a nice flight and ….asked if there was a doctor on board and if so, if he/she would come to the front of the plane. Never found out what happened in the front, but nothing serious I reckon. After one hour and nearly fifteen minutes we arrived at Dublin airport. Had some trouble to get all my luggage together, must looked like a hinny. The bus drive to Mallow went not too bad as well, although I was glad I finally arrived after more than seven hours. Had to change bus twice, and believe me, that’s not an easy thing to do with three pieces of way too heavy luggage. Between Dublin and Limerick, I was accompanied by an old fellow, I could hardly understand. He was just mumbling the whole trip. But nevertheless our conversation ended in a nice conclusion: you’re far way better off living as a single. Nothing good about having a relation. Way too complicated. My first Irish lesson was a smart one, wasn’t it? At the bus stop in Mallow, I was welcomed by Alex Grassick, my boss and a colleague named Ciara (pronounced like the one in Luka’s song, you know). Alex brought me to me landlady, who was waiting for me with a bunch of sandwiches. Julia is her name. Still living with her for the moment. Have me own room here, with a single and a double bed. Also have a huge wardrobe. Not that I’m using it, ‘cause most of me clothes are still in my bag. Don’t want to settle in here, really want to move to Cork City as soon as possible. Julia is nice, she definitely is. A bit like an old nanny. Just not my cup of tea. She is a real soap addict. Have to watch East Enders, Fair City and Coronation Street with her. Well, it gives us a topic to talk about any way. ‘It’s like a bunch of friends and family’, she said to me. ‘It is something to look forward to during the day’. Felt nearly sorry for her. Besides the soaps there are the papers of course: the Irish Sun (with a nude picture on page three, every day again), The Sunday,…the whole lot of tabloids indeed. ‘Het Laatste Nieuws’ and ‘Het Volk’ are high standard quality papers, comparing with those one’s. Nothing than gossip and some local news, mainly about car accidents and medical errors.

Tuesday was my first day at work. Arrived in a hell of a busy week. Maybe a bit of a bad timing. They hardly had any time for me. Too busy doing the last jobs for the Conference they were organising. Had to help them out, but I actually felt a bit useless. I did some routine jobs, as sticking labels, burning more than two hundred cd’s and making parcels for the attendees of the Conference. Send me home early on tuesday. Next day was another stressfull day for the colleagues, a bit less for me, as the didn’t had any routine jobs for me left and they were too busy making lists of attendees and things. Worked till half nine (is nine thirty here, not eight thirty: very confusing thing) in the evening. They kept telling me about how sorry they felt about me arriving in such a crazy time blablabla. Promised to welcome me in a proper way next week (tomorrow it is, looking forward to it).

The Conference itself was a success. I hadn’t a task myself, so I could just follow the whole thing, like I was one of the enrolled attendees. There was another EVS student as well. Ruth from Spain arrived one month earlier and is working in the Energy Agency of Tipperary. Especially the first part of the Conference was quite interesting. Was about Fuel Poverty. Discovered that there actually is a big difference between Belgian and Irish way of housing and living. The other parts were a bit too technical for me, sometimes hard too understand. There were speakers from both over the country and from abroad. Some of the accents were really strong. Although I was warned by some friends I met in Antwerp, I wasn’t prepared to the Cork accent at all. To be honest, communicating with me colleagues is really hard at the moment. They speak really fast out here, it makes no sense to me at all. If they talk to each other I sometimes don’t even have the slightest idea what they’re talking about. From next week on, I really have to make them stop talking so fast (Julia told me to make a little flag with the word ‘Slow’ on it, and just swing it when things go too fast). Especially Alex is hard. Bill is quite all right and luckily I have to deal with him most of the time.

The Conference involved a lot of drinking and eating as well. There was a tea break, there was lunch, there was another tea break, there was dinner and another drink. Took my stomach some time to get used to the huge amount of meat the Irish eat. And it looks like the Irish are not only fast in speaking and drinking, but in eating as well. The Conference Banquet was a four course meal, but already finished after about one hour. I couldn’t keep up with the rest at all. Starter (vol-au-vent, with mushrooms), soup (mushrooms), salmon with mashed potatoes, broccoli and carrots and an awful dessert. The wine wasn’t too bad at all (from Chile). Had a half of every portion I think. The salmon was quite good (although you had to keep an eye on your vegetables, which were served in a separate plate, before you knew someone of the staff took them with them again). Ruth and I had some great table company. A lad from the UK and an Irish one. The UK one was 2metres and three centimetres tall and was working for SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland). The Irish one was one of the guest speakers and didn’t looked Irish at all. Seemed he was only half Irish, the rest of him was Italian. An Italian looking bloke, without the annoying manners of an average macho behaving Italian and a nice Dub accent. What would you whish more? Went to the bar after dinner. To have my first pints of Guinness since I arrived in Ireland. Was a bit drunk, but had a great time. Ruth’s English is really basic and the lads tried to explain her some English sayings. Trying to get her ‘He’s is a pain in the arse’ saying was hilarious, but ‘better a big fish in a one horse town, than a small one in a two horse town’ was even more funny. In particular when Tim, the giant of the UK, imitated a horse to make the one horse town thing clearer. I still have to smile about it, writing this down. Really love the British sense of humour. We went to bed after closing time and nearly fell asleep next morning at the Conference. But so were the other attendees, as they all stayed too long in the bar.

To be honest, I didn’t had too much contact with my work colleagues so far. Went for some drinks with them as well, but because of the fast speaking, I just couldn’t anticipate in the conversation. I really hope I can make another start tomorrow. Hope the office will quieten down. Think I will get along the best with Bill. Looks like he is a musician himself and he knows a lot of musicians in Cork. Really hope he brings me in contact with some of them. Cause I really want to do something with my recorders. He’s going to help me with finding a place to live in Cork as well. Looking forward to move out from Mallow. Cause this is a real one horse town. Nothing to see or do here. And although Julia is really nice, she sometimes is a bit compelling as well. I need my space. I’m used to live on my own, you know.

I’m getting tired. Want to read a bit (bought the Da Vinci Code, bad idea, ‘cause once you start, it’s really hard to stop reading).