Welcome to the July issue of our newsletter. Christopher Burke, a Galwegian residing in Colombia, has a longing for a Dunnes Stores outlet similar to the one in Knocknacarra in his residing country. However, the direct bond with local food producers is partly what keeps him in Colombia. He remarks, “While Colombia may not have the most sophisticated supermarkets, it compensates in other aspects.” He shares his view on the local oranges, often more green than orange, that don’t conform to any particular shape or size standards. In each town, the ‘plaza de mercado’ is the go-to place for fresh food, according to him. It’s common to see heaps of mandarin oranges and stacks of papaya halves. He proposes that for an economical and genuine experience, one should try the ‘papas sucias’ or dirty potatoes and shelled peas.
As the nation anticipates the approaching summer holidays, Paula Gahan, a flight attendant, shares her list of top five irritating behaviours patrons exhibit on a flight. She expresses her frustration over passengers who engage in conversations with the crew stationed in the galley areas. According to her, this misconception needs to be quashed for the wellbeing of all, and she doesn’t want any more colleagues to endure the inconvenience. As much as the passengers might believe it, the crew does not adore them, and she states that the crew would rather avoid them but is too polite to turn them away. Additionally, passengers claiming to fly more often than the crew and those tidying their tables post-meal, carrying everything to the galley prematurely, also make it to the list.
In this issue, Laura Kennedy shares her reflections on her recent 11 months stay in Australia and how it has altered her perspective on life. She admits, “In the lead up to migration, one often deludes oneself into believing hypothetical alternate versions of oneself.” She observes that her relocation has transformed her to a great extent. The favourable weather conditions and abundant sunshine have made outdoor activities more enjoyable for her. She further indicates that living in diverse settings helps one understand that your environment can influence and alter you.
In her reflective piece, Brianna Parkins criticises the generic millennial dreams of her 18-year-old self, which included presenting the television news and acquiring full-sleeve tattoos of hackneyed symbols such as clocks and lions. Now, she expresses gratitude that these dreams did not materialise, attributing her growth and identity to her Irish roots, which provided her with a richer culture than any trendy beverage could provide.
Peter Flanagan presents a vivid analogy of the anticipation leading up to the final game of the Euros tournament that had the attention of all of Europe, especially England. He equates the anticipation to an Ewok silently weeping on the Death Star as Darth Vader prepares to obliterate yet another planet. He recounts the surprising transformation of acquaintances into football enthusiasts, likening the experience to witnessing their intimate expressions.
Éamon Ó Caoineachán talks up the unifying power of Irish music, not only in Ireland but also overseas. He refers to the Gulf Cost Cruinniú festival in Houston, Texas, which attracts outstanding Irish musicians from across the globe. According to Katie Geringer, a renowned fiddler, the festival emerged from a group of local musicians’ desire to widen the scope for Irish musicians not only in Texas but also in neighbouring states.
In contrast, Isabel Auld who relocated from Ireland to the Caribbean to work for the United Nations in 2022, expresses that the transition hasn’t been as harsh as expected. Her roles in climate change and women empowerment keeps her busy, but the centuries-old Irish connection with Barbados, which harks back to the migration of bond servants during Cromwell’s reign, has made her feel closer to her Irish roots.
Thanks for your time.