UPD ‘08 - One Week In…

July 5, 2008

Its been a crazy week. Only now have I really got time to sit down and write about what has been going on because the 5.30am wake ups have been seriously kicking my ass. But kicking it in a good way…

As always, find all the photos from the trip here.

On Tuesday the group carried out the first of its Service Days which are basically public service to give something back to less fortunate communities. The first port of call was the Ministry of Caring Day Care centre on Jackson Street in Wilmington. This essentially started out as a day care centre for children from working-poor and homeless families and serves a rather large African American community. Our task was to basically organise the kids and then supervise them during play time, which was a great experience. A lot of these children have never met anyone from outside their suburbs so it is great to see them light up with interest when they realise you are from a completely different country. The morning spent with them was a really nice experience but it also served to show how certain elements of communities can get it hard sometimes and how we really have the ability to put in a little effort to reap massive rewards.

Later that day, we visited the homes of two religious groups in Wilmington. First we went to the Quaker Meeting House. Quakers refer to themselves as a Religious Society of Friends and while being a Christian organisation, they operate away from creeds and a hierarchial structure. Again, echoing my apathy at religion, it could be understood if I had not really cared for this but I think that if I was to begin on a quest of religious discovery I would be starting here. Its been a long time since I have came across a religious group who seem to operate in such a liberating way. Services are completely unstructured, there is no priest, no expectations. You are merely expected to live your own live in a simple and good way, to be charitable and interpret scriptures for yourself. I don’t know what you might think, but that kicks the ass out of any church any day…

After the Quaker house, we visited the local Muslim centre to be spoken to about Islam. This was a weird experience. Initially, as they spoke to us, I couldn’t help thinking that Islam was merely a re-hash of Christianity with different dieties and a new book. This is quite a bold statement though, so take it as simply a personal observation. When question time came around, the inevitable questions cropped up regarding the Islamic Militants operating across the world and how they are able to justify their actions via Islam. Well, this sparked some uncomfortable answers. While the man answering the questions did appear to be revoking their actions, he also appeared to make some comments that didn’t sit to well with me. This aside, the provided us with a plethora of fresh fruit and an interesting insight into their religion and the pilgrimmage that can accompany it.

That night we attended the local baseball team’s match against Lynchbourgh. They got beat 4-1 but it was fun to watch and we got crazy big fireworks at the end for 4th July. Baseball is a lot like cricket - you either love it or you hate it - but they do have a lot of between-innings randomness which makes for a laugh. Theirs nothing quite like watching a chicken and a moose dance to funk music on top of a dugout.

On Wednesday, we took our first proper group bus Journey to the wonderful city of Philidelphia. Our first stop of the day was Independance hall to see where the Declaration of Independance had been signed and where the basis of the American Political System was developed. I am not hugely into history or politics but it was a very interesting experience to be present in the same building that housed such a massive turning point in the history of the world. The building is excellently restored and, in places, preserved from what it was in the past.

After a quick lunch we visitied the Franklin Institute which is a great Science Museum in the heart of the city that houses some fantastic exhibitions, a planetarium and an IMAX. The exhibitions that jumped out at me most were a Giant Walk in heart, which was totally surreal, and a large room full of exhibits depicting the rise of electronics and their place in the world today. Apologies for lack of photos from here, like usual I had a retarded moment and forgot my flash.

After Franklin, we made a quick stop on the steps of the Philidephia Museum of Art, which as you all should know, is the location of the infamous Rocky Steps. After many macho sprints up the steps and jumping around with arms in the air crying ADRIAAAAANNNNN, I think it was out of our systems.

Our trip to Philly concluded with a wander down the infamous South Street area. This is a small, rather bohemian area of south Philly that shot to fame and popularity with its vibrant music and club scene in the 1970’s. In more recent years it sees a lot of tourism though and as such, has lost a lot of its atmosphere and appeal. This being said, it is still a great hive of activity and is popular amoung people of my age. I found an amazing record shop called Repo Records that had a great vinyl collection so I was in my element and came away with a few gems.

It was here that a fellow American Leader introduced me to her boyfriend, John Pacer. I think you should all check out his website, he is a great artist with a etheral and unique style. Find it here.

The following day was Thursday apparently. By this stage I was pretty spaced as I hadn’t stopped for three days and they had all melted into one. The group travelled to Cape Henlopen state park which is a nature park right on the ocean with immaculate beaches. Personally, like many pasty white Irish people, I HATE the beach. I simply rented a parasol and hid underneath it. With sand everywhere and suncream slapped on, I passed the time sleeping and listening to the new Sigur Ros album (which by the way is immense).

After the beach, we drove a little further to Rehobeth Beach and its Boardwalk. This is a thriving little beach town that attracts people from all over the USA in summer. The boardwalk is the oldest still existing on the East Coast and it is home to many little shops and eaterys. Time here was spent enjoying the views, atmosphere, pizza and ice cream which is pretty awesome if you ask me. I think it must have a lot to do with the first time I was in rehobeth 7 years ago but it will always be one of those places that perks me up and improves my spirits.

Due to the 4th of July holiday, this stop ended the week for the group as we all went off to our respective families to spent a few days relaxing. Last night, I watched some fireworks and went to a house party with my buddy Neil. Hardly the most rivieting way to spend independance day but after the week I have had, it was welcomed with open arms.

A week in and already and its great to see the group in action. Different personalities are starting to immerge and people are really showing their strengths. The Irish teens are settling with their families more and more each day, which is evident when they are spoken to and observed and this allows the project to flow freely without any problems. Its still exciting to watch and it can only get better…

UPD ‘08 Begins…

June 30, 2008

Ok, so if you have been in close proximity to me over the last few weeks, you will most likely have realised that I am currently in the United States working as a youth leader on the Ulster Project Delaware (UPD). I just arrived on Friday and 2008’s project has just kicked off.

UPD is a cross community project that brings 18 teenagers to America, 9 of whom are protestant and 9 of whom are catholic. They are then paired up with American teens and live with their families for a month. The project is the longest running Ulster Project in the USA and it promotes conflict resolution through character building, self awareness and the fouding of new and long lasting friendships. I myself took part in the project in 2001 when I was 16. I have since been back to Delaware 4 times and am again staying with my original host family, the Bells. These guys are some of the nicest humans you will ever meet and I truly feel like a part of the family.

I plan on keeping a few notes on this blog just to catalogue the month. As anyone reading this will know, I fail at blogs so hopefully I can continue this without any problems. I will put a few select photos among the text to support the words but you can view the entire photo set of the trip by clicking here.

On Saturday past we had the first of the Discovery Days for the teenagers. These are used as a way to increase teambuilding, build friendships and help to create trust within the group. We spent most of the day doing icebreakers to help the teens become aquainted but we also carried out some exercises to help accentuate cultural differences and promote an understanding around this.

Saturday night seen me get away from the teens to a kick ass keg party with my buddy Neil. Its always amazing to get to see him and hang out - his buddies are all great people so its always good to kick back with them and play some beer pong. I sucked at beer pong on Sat night but I think i just need some extra practice and 12 more beers.

On Sunday, we began the more religous aspect of the project. Two churches, one protestant and one catholic, become the host churches for the project each year and on Sunday morning we went to the protestant church. Now this is the point where I begin to become uncomfortable. I’m not a religous person and I sometimes find it hard to take church services seriously never mind see their point. As surprising as it is for me, I was kind of impressed with the service on Sunday. It was very short and to the point and the Pastor spoke well, more about destiny and purpose rather than a man and a cross. The congregation were very friendly and I met some nice people.

Sunday afternoon saw us in Old New Castle at Battery Park. This is where i stayed in 2001 and I really love Battery Park - it will always hold a special, serene place in my mind due to the many sunny evenings spent there years ago. The teens had an absolute blast and played a load of sport during the trip. It was actually so amazing to see how well they are all getting on already. Having already taken part in the project, I know first hand that it can take time for a group to settle but with this year’s crew, it seems to be happening fast and naturally.

Today (Monday) we took a canoe trip down the Brandywine River. I sadly do not have any photos from this as it was a little risky bringing my camera into the water. Suffice to say though, it was beautifully serene and relaxing. As well as damn tiring! I will try and get some photos from the people on the banks as this is something that needs to be seen to understand just how fantastic this river is.

Three days are completed and it is definately going well so far. The group are getting on perfectly and I am genuinely excited to see them flourish in the days ahead. Seeing teens come together like this is something i never thought would mean anything to me but it is genuinely fantastic.

The Attic Podcast

April 23, 2008

The Attic will now be podcasted weekly. I’ll be cutting down the show to roughly an hour or so and sticking them on the podcast feed. You can get a link to this on the right hand side of the screen there or you can get direct downloads from the podcast page.

Enjoi…

One Bit Art

April 22, 2008

Lately I’ve been pretty bad at writing things here on this site. I don’t really know why but I’m going to strive to try and stick up something interesting every week. If you actually read this then this will excite you surely.

I came across Tristan Perich last year and then I forgot about him again. Last week I pulled up his site One Bit Musicfor another look. This guy does some amazing work at merging the visual and audible side of his work into one beautiful piece of work. The guy basically programs and packages some basic enough electronics inside a CD jewel case and at the core of these electronics is a single microchip that is programmed to synthasise some pretty messed up 1-bit IDM. Anyone wanting to listen merely plugs some headphones into the side of the jewel case and presses the small button. Sheer genius. Check out his site and one of his tracks below.

Tristan Perich - Just Let Go

Queens Radio 2nd Birthday Party

March 3, 2008

Check it out guys, Queens Radio are having another Birthday Party!!

…AND SO I WATCH YOU FROM AFAR
THREE TALES
TEAM HORSE
& TAPASIA

WED 12TH MARCH

9PM kick off - 5er in - plenty of boozing and banter to be had.

See you there!!