Ashley Heffern is yet another Rwanda co-traveller turned IRIS co-worker (which really, is an equation for greatness). To say that Ms. Ashley is loyal - is an understatement. She's unintentionally hilarious, takes a-maz-ing notes, works hard, loves cows and Africa, and has a huge heart. It would be impossible to count the number of times her levelheadedness has lifted me from moments of pure ... ditz. This girl, her laugh, and her hugs- are going to change this world.
I only wish you all could hear her tell these stories herself. She's got a flare for storytelling :)
Ashley- being Ashley, didn't even take a picture of herself the ENTIRE trip. She's the beauty on the far right!
I traveled to Ireland (Europe) for two weeks. We traveled through both the Republic and Northern Ireland. Ireland is a place I've always wanted to visit because almost all of my family heritage if from there, so I finally decided to go for it!
Cultural facts, please:
Ireland's population is about 6.2 million, with about 4.5 million in the Republic and 1.8 million in Northern Ireland. It is an island with low-lying mountains covering much of the country. The country is primarily Christian with Roman Catholic being the denomination of about 73% of people on the island. Religion is a big issue, as it has been a source of conflict in the past. There are lots of churches missing their roofs because they were removed as an act of religious persecution.
The food was very European, but with many signs of more traditional practices. The potato is a staple (as you might have guessed) but seafood is common as well as different kinds of fresh bread and cheeses. We found that corned beef and cabbage (a 'traditional' Irish meal here in the States) is actually not Irish at all. They eat bacon and cabbage and many people think that early immigrants may not have been able to find bacon in the U.S. so they substituted corned beef.
English is the first language of the vast majority of Irish, with only less than 10% fluent in Irish (Gaelic). Gaelic is still an official language of Ireland and all public schools are required to teach it. There are certain areas that are considered Gaelic-speaking areas and school children will go there and stay with host families to become more proficient.
Ireland is very 'western' in terms of transportation - many airports and very good roads throughout the country. They also make good use of all their waterways through seaports and ferries to surrounding countries. Roads were very narrow and sometimes scary!
Most difficult cultural adjustments:
In all honesty, there really wasn't much cultural adjustment at all. Ireland is a lot like the U.S. The people were very friendly and welcoming, there wasn't much change in food, and transportation was easy!
Favorite story:
There are a lot of them! But one of my favorites happened on one of our last nights. The World Cup started while we were there and I was VERY excited about this. The Irish didn't make the finals, but they were still excited about the games as well. We did our best to watch all the matches and it was fun to cheer with our Irish friends. In order to understand this story, you have to know that not only did Ireland not make it to the finals, but they were beat out by the French. Now this in itself would have been upsetting, aside from the fact that the Irish strongly dislike the French to begin with, and to top it all off, the was won in extra time by a blatant handball by the French. They were not. happy. SO we were excited to watch the French/Mexico game at our hotel with friends. As the game starts we realize the entire bar is full of French people. The only people who were not French was our group and the bartenders. It was an exciting game and it was fun to watch the French get beat :)
Trip highlight:
The trip highlight was probably all of the amazing scenery. I'm from Northeast Iowa which is very hilly and green, so it reminded me a lot of home. It really made me realize why so many Irish immigrants settled there, it probably made them feel like they were at home.
What did you learn about yourself?
I think the thing that impacted me the most was how open and friendly everyone is. People would greet us on the street and would ask questions and were always helpful if we needed anything. There are a lot of stereotypes against Americans even in Ireland, but people were still friendly.
Another thing I noticed is there is very little diversity (although from what I understand there's more than there every used to be). This made me realize how much I appreciate diversity and how fortunate I am to live in a place where diversity is fairly, readily embraced.
Favorite souvenir:
I got my sisters matching Claddagh necklaces which represent a beautiful Irish tradition that I was happy to bring to my family. I also learned a lot about religious symbols and was able to bring one home for my mom.
Essential travel item:
I can't travel without my journal. It's the best way for me to work through struggles, document personal growth and cultural understanding, and just remember my trip! Oh, and I can't go anywhere without my neck pillow either :)
Where next?
Hopefully either back to East Africa or to South Korea to visit friends. Either one would be fantastic!
What is something you wish the WORLD knew about Ireland?
I think this goes back to the friendly and welcoming nature of the Irish. They also have great public transportation, which I think can be greatly improved in the U.S.
Thanks, Ashley! Happy weekend to all! xoxo
