Photos of Friends and Dublin

Sometimes pictures capture the funniest things - take a look at Kathleen & Dennis waiting for the Luas train - honestly I didn't plan it but the animal makes it appear as if the shot was intentional. Picture #2 is Trinity College, #3 is the Luas train, and #4 a view of Dublin with Christ Church in the background.

Dublin City

In the 1980’s I spent a good portion of a summer studying and researching in Dublin. A geography professor from the University of Northern Colorado, Kevin C. Kearns, was a prolific writer of all that was Irish. An opportunity to research craftsmen of Dublin seemed too good for an undergrad to pass up. Now over 20 years later I return for a weekend visit. Friends Dennis and Kathleen Deery from Wisconsin are living in the Smithfield neighbourhood, where I interviewed and photographed ferriers so long ago. Surprisingly Smithfield still holds the monthly horse fair. Funny how circles complete themselves.

Kathleen and Dennis are defining their expat lifestyle in this metropolis. Compared to year one in the lovely seaside village of Tramore, Dublin is a shift. Their urban dwelling is a 500 square foot flat that housed three of us in a cozy sort of way. I admire their adaptability and appreciate their friendship.

We explored much that I remembered some was familiar some was not. Bewley’s café looks to be in the same location and the Shelbourne Hotel bordering St. Stephen’s Green was lovely on this warm Friday morning. Today Dublin is a thriving city with crane tops denoting economic growth. Double the size of Edinburgh, Dublin is filled with an energy that is vastly different from the incessant panhandling I remember. There is an energy that was palpable Friday evening when we strolled close to the River Liffey in hopes of a good dinner. A bowl of Japanese buckwheat noodles was the perfect way to bring closure to my Friday evening. Saturday afternoon Dennis and I went to Howth and hiked around a bit while Kathleen prepared yummy tid bits for a party that evening. I was warmly welcomed into Alan & Bre’s lovely refurbished Georgian home.

Although I am appreciative of the rapid nature of air travel, I felt challenged this morning navigating the Ryanair ticket counter. I was asked to step out of line only to get into another and pay the UK departure tax, then back into the original line to obtain my boarding pass. She said it was fine to come to the “top of the que” once I obtained my receipt. Even with Ryanair permission, I felt odd walking to the head of the line. Fortunately there was a young guy in the front that understood and graciously let me go ahead. Three busses, one train, and one plane are all that it took to make the trek back to Dalkeith today. Now tucked into Room #116, I am happy to lounge a bit, anticipating mid-term examinations and John’s arrival on Friday.

Sense of place

I have good intentions of walking daily in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is challenging given the frequency potatoes are available as part of our diet here at the House. It is not uncommon to have macaroni & cheese, garlic bread, and chips at one meal. I know “poor me” having most meals prepared and all I need to do is have my red plastic tray out to receive the daily meal. It is communal living at its finest. Henry “our chef” is a character. A rough and tumble sort of chap, always trying to engage the students with a hearty “You al’right?” to which an appropriate response would be “Fit to hellish”. He badgers them with comments about their hangovers, late evening romps, etc. Although it may be somewhat accurate of a few students it is not characteristic of the majority. Many have commented that this group is a serious, committed, socially conscious one. In fact this past Thursday afternoon the majority spent time clearing portions of the Esk River of debris. Piles of bicycles, toys, prams, etc were dredged out of the river. Several garbage bags full of trash were also collected. They did this as a gesture of taking care of our home. I am proud of these students, their spirit and sense of place. Walking over the bridge that crosses the Esk I could see more debris that looked buried in the silt. It is an ongoing issue, flagrant disregard for the beauty of place.

My thoughts as I walked out of the grounds today and up the road to Woodburn were related to the American way of travel – we are dependent on our automobile for what we do on a daily basis. Here my primary mode of transport is on foot and public bus. So where I go to do errands (“fetch messages” as the Scots would say) has an element of pre-planning. Walking and riding the bus require me to ask questions I normally wouldn’t think about in the US: What do I need? Where will I get it? How heavy is it? Will it fit in my recyclable Tesco bag or backpack? I suspect friends who live in large cities and do not have a personal vehicle are faced with similar questions. I like having to reconsider ways of meeting needs and exploring. My travels are limited; I do not have the means to explore far and wide on a daily basis. However I find ways to create a sense of adventure on these daily jaunts. There is always something new to see and experience.

These past 2 weeks contained family interactions – some wonderfully anticipated, some unexpected. Niece Jane and her beau James departed yesterday after some r & r at the house prior to finishing music gigs in London. They seemed to enjoy all that the grounds offered, mentioning it’s the most rested they’ve felt since arriving in the UK. I am happy that Jane has someone in her life that loves her dearly, is a gifted musician in his own right, and a happy employee of Qualcomm working on cutting edge abstract software development. I learned about the continuum of abstract and pedestrian software to a point of being duly impressed. Their plans to relocate to San Francisco are exciting although they recognize the effort of re-establishing careers and connections will be challenging.

Today is a beautifully warm and sunny with a stiff breeze. Although much work waits, I hope to get out and enjoy the day.

Music, pubs, and Andy's family of friends

This past weekend, fondly referred to in our academic calendar as a travel weekend, I spent in London. For those who do not know, my youngest brother (Andy) lives in the Notting Hill neighbourhood in this urban Mecca of 11 million.

I was rather late in booking travel and found airfare more economical than rail. Although I love the relaxed pace and experience of rail, I am mindful of my expenditures. Easy Jet is one of the many discount airlines operating in Europe and their blaze orange colour is easy to spot in busy airports such as Gatwick.

Andy was thoughtful in providing me with instructions for bus #52 from Victoria station. If all worked according to plan I would disembark within a few blocks of his flat. Directions in hand, I boarded the bus only to find that Ladbroke Road is a huge thoroughfare through London. Unlike my first experience in Dalkeith, I got off the bus early, a little too early. After many mobile phone calls, walking instructions, and circling each other around several blocks we found our way to each other. I spent the better part of Thursday walking around this lovely neighbourhood. Holland Park is delightful. We met up at King’s Cross early evening and walked to the venue hosting Jane Lui’s first gig in London. My niece has her second cd out and is currently doing some gigs here. Her performance brought the house down (exclaimed her totally biased aunt).

Friday I walked the Portobello market and enjoyed exploring the stalls and vendors. Friday evening we met up with several of Andy’s friends and trotted off to hear Sun Volt at the Lumminaire in the Kilburn area. A venue that packed several hundred of us into a space that was made for less. I was pleasantly surprised by how polite people were as they walked to the bar to fetch a pint, stand to listen to a set, or chat with their neighbour.

Saturday was a day spent eating breakfast at the Greek café in Andy’s old neighbourhood. Hugs from the owners when they realised I was part of Andy’s family. We were joined by friends Shephali, Andy, Pat, Jen and their pug Mini. A few games of pool at a local pub, then off to Sean & Lorraine’s for the England rugby tournament where we met several more couples and babies Lucca and Dillon. It was nice to be in a home and more importantly England won. A surprise to all.

Yet another pub to meet up with Pat, Jen and pug Mini. I am reminded how often pubs are used as gathering places for friends. As an older sister I am of course concerned by the frequentness of imbibing and wonder how Andy and friends seem to manage their high flying careers (many are venture capitalists, marketing, & business development professionals).

We ordered Thai food to be delivered Saturday evening and enjoyed a seemingly mellow evening chatting and enjoying each others company. I am fortunate to have a fulfilling relationship with my brother. My heart is warmed knowing he has people in his life who love and support him.

I am now back at work in full swing. Ready for the week that lies ahead. Niece Jane will be here for a few days – she is in need of a break from her concerts and Dalkeith will be the perfect resting spot. Provided there is heat in her room…and the weather remains relatively warm.

Siblings

This past week John has been here visiting. It is beyond words trying to describe how incredibly uplifting it was to be together here in Scotland at Dalkeith. To affirm after 20 years of togetherness that we fit nicely into each others lives is an understatement. Aside from reconnecting the other reason the Chiang, Welch, Lui crew travelled to Scotland was for golf. That’s the fearless foursome at the 18th hole on the New Course of St. Andrews after a day of gale force cold wind. The other pictures capture the essence of brother sister relationships. We are fortunate indeed!

Pictures...

Visuals typically enhance the stories of people places and things. So this blog posting will have several along with brief commentary. I must begin with the day students arrived. Take a look at the expressions on their faces! They are piped in by Mr. Frank Orr who has been greeting our WIS students for over 20 years. Complete with uniform after he finishes he provides a salute for all. It is very touching to witness.

The Scots love their dogs – this is Cameron, ranger here at Dalkeith grounds with his 3 dogs. One he refers to as a “subterranean” canine – the golden literally swims underwater to pick up rocks. Cameron travels everywhere with his 3 dogs. The palace grounds number over 1500 acres and people are here constantly walking their dogs. Many have three. The pet cemetery at Edinburgh castle is more testament to the affinity for dogs.