Rootical Sound System

...was the name of the reggae group I went to see last night. It's like the cosmos knew exactly what I needed. I felt like I was back in Vermont...free flowing skirts, heads of dreads, the scent of patchouli in the air. It was just perfect. My soul needed it, you know?

After several days of interviews, it looks like without the work visa, no work will be happening. Even the pub connection I had said he could be fined 10,000 euros and be put in jail if "they" were to find an illegal worker. Things have a funny way of working out. Luckily I have been pretty tight with my summer teaching money, so all is well. Jess, my friend from VT, will be coming over on the 6th of September and staying until the 20th (my original departure date). The plan is to get a longterm car rental and trek about for 2 weeks or so. It will be great, as I have yet to see a lot of the midlands as well as the east coast. A stop back up the Antrim coast is a must. So I continue to take it day by day here. Many day trips on my own...as well as evenings out with some new friends and acquaintances.

We're off to the Roisin Dubh for another reggae show tonight -- both Sandy and Patrick have the day off so it'll be good to have some housemate bonding time.

Non-alcoholic shots from galway

Galway Bay

St. Nicholas's Cathedral

down at the Salthill promenade

Not sure how these two crazies got into the mix?! Sandy and Patrick...my kind new friends that have an extra bed in Rahoon. If you are wondering...yes, Patrick has cling-wrapped Sandy a new gown.

I was thiiiis close to stealing these boats

employment in galway?

Is it possible? Based on my last weeks experience, it's not looking too hot. Every restaurant and pub in the city are first and foremost looking for a work visa. That's something that without dual citizenship is a bit tough to come by...anyway...I went into Salthill today to meet Owen (part-time solicitor in Dublin and Salthill, part-time owner of The Bal Pub), who has connection's with one of mom's good teaching friends from Boston. I was told to "call in at 11" (which, by the way does not mean to actually call, but rather stop by...the Irish never call someone, they phone...). So there I was at 10:45, a bit nervous, actually...only to be greeted by a nice receptionist who tells me that Owen won't be in until after lunch. So I frolic around Salthill for 3 hours, trying not to get too sunburned or sweaty before the "interview." I walk back to his office to have...get this...a less than 2 minute meeting where he basically told me to walk down to the pub and talk to the new manager. Don't get me wrong, he was very warm and welcoming for the entire 120 second encounter. Ok...so off to the pub I go. But of course, by the time I get there, the manager is out...not returning until 7 (Irish time=8/8:30). I left my name and number with a (far from charming) Polish bartender...but will take it into my hands to check back in tomorrow. Until then...

The idea of volunteering at a school come September is a possibility, as that could possibly lead to a paid position. I'm hoping to hear back from a production potter in Galway as well. Oh the possibilities for little ol' me.

Some pictures...and a check-in

Working hard to help out a wee one with her "masterpiece" down at Louis Mulcahy's studio
The new fashion trend in Clogher, Co. Kerry: pottery soiled navy blue overalls. So hot.
I didn't realize they had a marble statue in Cork made in my honor?!
The next cover of Irish American magazine ( a breathtaking spot we saw during our scary, yet beautiful drive through Conor's Pass)

So...it's been sometime. I should have posted some blogs over the weekend during my trek to Tralee, Killarney and Cork, but couldn't find it in me to leave the sun for a stuffy indoor internet cafe!

I currently find myself a bit overwhelmed, as the Galway Races are on this week, bringing thousands of more tourists into the city. What a change from quaint little Ballyferriter. I feel like there is so much to write of my past months experience down at the studio, but feel it difficult to sum up in a simple paragraph. That's what my journal is for, I guess. All of life's questions are still waiting to be answered (sorry Mom, no real epiphanies quite yet). My mission by Tuesday of next week: secure some work, whether it be at the pub or elsewhere, and get a place of my own. My friend Sandy (who, like my last housemate, hails from England) has opened her place in Rathoon, a 30 min walk west of the city, to me which has been incredibly kind of her.

Oh, before I forget, I have to write of my first "true" Irish cinematic experience. Last Tuesday, Giselle and I drove into Dingle City to do the usual grocery shopping and email checking...and stumbled upon an old cinema. We saw that Tuesday night at half eight (aka 8 thirty) the film club meets. So we buy our tickets to Black Snake Moan and head in. If any of you reading this have actually seen this incredibly awful movie...you're probably thinking..."why in the hell would a film club in Ireland waste their time on a Hollywood movie that basically consists of a scantily clad Chritina Ricci and a let down performance from Samual L Jackson?" I know. Despite the movie itself having no real entertainment value, it was the cinema itself that had the charm...ripped, yet very comfy blue seats, a huge golden velour curtain hiding the small screen, the free tea and (exceptionally strong...aka bad) coffee, and of course, who could forget the verbal preview of next weeks movie. Yup. With a homemade spotlight consisting of a light bulb in a metal can attached to an old coat rack shining down on his papers, the owner of the place reads aloud the plot of the movie. He then holds up the glossy poster for the film reading snippets of reviews by Rolling Stone, New York Post etc.

What a riot. And of course...only in Ireland.

Pictures from our drive out to Sleahead

Gizelle (my new English housemate) and I ventured out to Sleahead on Wednesday night. As we arrived the gray clouds came with us. My favorite shot thus far in my journey...
Now you know why they say there really are 40 shades of green here...

Within the hour the sun once again graced us (Sleahead Pier)

As my nana said, "you got a goose, you'll get a goose..."

Meaning..since I'm working the weekend, I had my choice of 2 days to take off during the week...and I, of course choose yesterday and today, the only 2 days with severe rainstorms! I've been out and about anyway here in Dingle all day...finally got to western union to cash in on my 2 stolen travellers checks. shit! the exchange rate is insane right now. I've no idea why all the Irish aren't spending their summer in the states the way things are going! at this rate, working at the pub sooner than later seems like the best plan. although(not sure if I already wrote this) i have decided to stretch out my stay here for another week. OK... i have a minute to spellcheck before i go over the 15 minute marker here in the cafe. more later...

Has it really almost been a month?

Clogher Beach - where I got "lost" for a bit today before heading to the studio and below...my journey on foot this morning...


So I've a new housemate...Gizelle (no, not Bundchen) from England. She's quite the character. She has it in her that in the next two weeks she'll teach me every English swear/slang that exists. I have yet to try to stop her. Conor has headed back to Limerick, so it's really nice to have her energy in the house...especially now since the tv, cd player, bongos and the "good" pots and pans are gone.

I've decided to extend my stay down here for another week. I originally planned to head back up to Galway on the 24th - I just can't go quite yet. I haven't got my fill down here, you know? I'm sure the pub work as well as the apartment can wait until the end of the month anyway.

The pottery studio still continues to impress me. I've decided to walk a few times a week...the 3 miles are just incredible, plus the exercise makes me feel less guilty about the evening Guinness consumption. I took a detour walking today and wound up an hour and 15 minutes late...I think the shots that I got were well worth being a bit late.