I really haven't had much time to get online and update everyone who's reading (thanks for letting me know by the way!)
And no Don I haven't tried bacon and cabbage - well, the bacon is ok... but I really dislike cabbage. The Guiness, I think, is much better than the states - it doesn't travel well. It's best in Dublin, but I can only have a half pint of it - it's got a very strong bitter flavor. And it's really rich.
And I'm totally healthy now everyone, no worries!
Mom, Dad and I have been exploring the Glen. We went to the Silver Strand the other day with Poppy and Lucy, two ladies from Northern Ireland that we met at the school. Mom and Dad hiked over a giant mountain about 3 miles away into the neighboring town. They went to the woolen mills and to see a dolmen - an ancient burial site.
Fiddle week has been pretty good... learning by ear is challenging, especially since I've been trained classically... but our instructor talks a lot, and it's often about the geneaology of the area and people and places nearby - which means nothing to me as I don't know any thing, any place or anyone that is particular to the area...
I think I may have been better suited to travel the country more to get more of the different styles of fiddling... I've been told I have quite a mix, which makes sense because in fiddle books they usually put quite the mix in, so one minute I'll play a tune from Sligo county and the next will be from Clare or Cork. I knew very few Donegal style tunes - they're almost all major and they are all very smilar to each other - after a while they all blend together... only every once in a while will you get one that sounds quite different.. its' challenging. And you feel somewhat out of place when you are trying to play in a session and a tune sounds like one you know but it's just different enough that you can't play well enough to keep up with the other musicians. It's frustrating.
It's mostly frustrating because it's not about ability here -which I've got in loads... to be perfectly honest, and I'll probably sound like a jerk saying it, but I'm more of an advanced technique player than most of the fiddlers playing in the area. I can get a better tone and I'm way more in tune than most of the locals. Here what seems to make you really good is knowing all these tunes - it's repetoire and quantity more than quality - although that does play a role too. The best of the best of the best are those that were classically trained but live here so they have the technique and the repetoire. They're GOOD. I wish I knew more so that I could play more...
Right now I need a break from the pubs... it's annoying... sessions start at 11pm and go on until 4 or 5am... and then everyone gets up for class or work at 10am. I can't survive on 3-4 hours of sleep so I play for an hour and then leave, so if they play any tunes I DO know it's usually later in the night and I miss it all... Argh.
Yeah, I think I've been here too long. I'm looking forward to going home. It's way too rainy.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Quick Post
Since I never have time to be on the internet while in the Glenn... well I would, but I'm always working the times that the computer lab is open... even today I stopped a little early so that I could post.
It's been the same since the last post really. Looking forward to tomorrow though - rents are coming and there's going to be a huge session at the Glen Head Tavern. Tommy Peoples' family is coming.
"Tommy Peoples (born 1948) is an Irish fiddler.
He was born near St. Johnston, a village in the Laggan district in the east of County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in Ireland. He has been a member of well known traditional Irish music groups, including 1691 and The Bothy Band as well as performing solo since the late 1960s. He plays with a unique virtuosic technique in the Donegal fiddle style. After moving to Dublin in the 1960s, where he was employed as a policeman, he subsequently moved to County Clare and married Mary Linnane, daughter of Kitty Linnane, long-time leader of the Kilfenora Céilí Band. He now resides in his home village of St Johnston. His daughter Siobhán Peoples is a noted fiddler in her own right.
Tommy Peoples is currently the Traditional Musician In Residence at The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal."
(Thanks Wikipedia!)
That last bit isn't right - he recently passed away. So his family has been coming down and playing with the locals - it's a trad music fiasco here. There are people of all levels and styles and it's great - they're all open to new players because of all the tourists coming in for the culture and language courses.
Last night I was at Biddy's and there was a session. I re-met a fiddler that I borrowed a fiddle from last time. He's a really nice guy. I also met Jerry - I stayed at his house in January when I was here. I saw his sons wandering around but never caught one of them to say hi. Might be awkward anyways.
I'm sad that I haven't had a chance to really take a walk and take pictures yet though. I've been working basically 9-5 and after that it's dinner, quick rest, then at 8:30 there's usually a concert then straight to a pub. And then daylight is gone - the day has flown by. I can't wait 'til I have more time to be out and about. I just like to explore at my own pace sometimes.
Anyways, I'm off to An Cístín right now (the restaurant next door to, and in conjunction with, Oideas Gael. The name literally means "The Kitchen") for some supper.
By the way, all this entering and picking up and glancing at children's books really really really makes me want to write one... and illustrate it. I wonder if I could become published... if the one's I saw were I'm sure I could (though I couldn't read them as they were all in Irish, oh well).
Just a thought.
I might get a chance to post this weekend, but I'm not sure. I defintely won't tomorrow... so, ttyl.
It's been the same since the last post really. Looking forward to tomorrow though - rents are coming and there's going to be a huge session at the Glen Head Tavern. Tommy Peoples' family is coming.
"Tommy Peoples (born 1948) is an Irish fiddler.
He was born near St. Johnston, a village in the Laggan district in the east of County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in Ireland. He has been a member of well known traditional Irish music groups, including 1691 and The Bothy Band as well as performing solo since the late 1960s. He plays with a unique virtuosic technique in the Donegal fiddle style. After moving to Dublin in the 1960s, where he was employed as a policeman, he subsequently moved to County Clare and married Mary Linnane, daughter of Kitty Linnane, long-time leader of the Kilfenora Céilí Band. He now resides in his home village of St Johnston. His daughter Siobhán Peoples is a noted fiddler in her own right.
Tommy Peoples is currently the Traditional Musician In Residence at The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal."
(Thanks Wikipedia!)
That last bit isn't right - he recently passed away. So his family has been coming down and playing with the locals - it's a trad music fiasco here. There are people of all levels and styles and it's great - they're all open to new players because of all the tourists coming in for the culture and language courses.
Last night I was at Biddy's and there was a session. I re-met a fiddler that I borrowed a fiddle from last time. He's a really nice guy. I also met Jerry - I stayed at his house in January when I was here. I saw his sons wandering around but never caught one of them to say hi. Might be awkward anyways.
I'm sad that I haven't had a chance to really take a walk and take pictures yet though. I've been working basically 9-5 and after that it's dinner, quick rest, then at 8:30 there's usually a concert then straight to a pub. And then daylight is gone - the day has flown by. I can't wait 'til I have more time to be out and about. I just like to explore at my own pace sometimes.
Anyways, I'm off to An Cístín right now (the restaurant next door to, and in conjunction with, Oideas Gael. The name literally means "The Kitchen") for some supper.
By the way, all this entering and picking up and glancing at children's books really really really makes me want to write one... and illustrate it. I wonder if I could become published... if the one's I saw were I'm sure I could (though I couldn't read them as they were all in Irish, oh well).
Just a thought.
I might get a chance to post this weekend, but I'm not sure. I defintely won't tomorrow... so, ttyl.
FIXED THE COMMENTS
Turns out default setting wasn't "Anyone" - it was only registered users. Now anyone should be able to comment! If you can, leave one on this post so I know who's reading!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tasks
So I finally got the rut down. Here at 10am, help set up for coffee break at 11:15 by bringing cups to the table (there's 150 people so that's a lot of cups). Then I go upstairs and enter Titles, series numbers, isbn numbers, publishers and dates, and descriptions into a file to post items into an online store. At 11 I go down and help in the kitchen with the mad rush that is coffee/tea break. Pouring, handing, washing, drying, conversing, general multitasking. After that I go back to the books or some other random task for about an hour then go out for lunch. Come back at 2, do more books, or if there's something else going on, like today the boss, Geordin (I think that's how you spell/pronounce it? Terrible, I know), told me to go see a quick fiddle concert instead. Then at 3 I help teach beginner tin whistle classes (I picked it up like that because I still remembered all the recorder crap drilled into me from 3rd grade). Another coffee/tea break at 4, but I get there late and leave early so I don't have to deal with the total craziness because then I go right back to teaching, or assisting. Then at the end of that class they always want an encore, and both the teacher and I fiddle so he's been playing them trad Irish, and I've been playing them trad American. Once in a while we'll play together too. Then I vacuum and clean (worst part of the job. I HATE it. HAAATTTEEE cleaning so FREAKING much). And then I go!
Today I came up to the computer room to type this up to let everyone at home know what I'm up to. I know I'm not on much now but that's because this is the only place with internet. Really annoying, but whatever.
My housemates are fantastic. Their from Wisconsin - UoW - M (University of Wisconsin - Milwuakee). Tanya and Cory - both really nice, down to earth girls. They're really easy to talk to, and just last night we were sitting there talking for almost 3 hours while making dinner and whatnot. Cory and I have a bit in common - we both love SciFi so we raved together about Firefly (of course). She even had a firefly shirt with her (NEED... birthday... coming...along with the full season! :) please?)
Finally got some laundry done and went up to the store today on my lunch break. Got some bread and chicken and pasta and sauce and peanut butter and eggs and milk and etc. That's a lot of ands...
I don't remember what the concert/event is for tonight but I'll probably head down for it. Last night it was a 45 professional play... but it was all in Irish, so I didn't go... I wouldn't have any idea what was going on, unless they had real life subtitles!
Anyways - parents are leaving on the plane tomorrow, right? See you on friday!!!!!! :)
Today I came up to the computer room to type this up to let everyone at home know what I'm up to. I know I'm not on much now but that's because this is the only place with internet. Really annoying, but whatever.
My housemates are fantastic. Their from Wisconsin - UoW - M (University of Wisconsin - Milwuakee). Tanya and Cory - both really nice, down to earth girls. They're really easy to talk to, and just last night we were sitting there talking for almost 3 hours while making dinner and whatnot. Cory and I have a bit in common - we both love SciFi so we raved together about Firefly (of course). She even had a firefly shirt with her (NEED... birthday... coming...along with the full season! :) please?)
Finally got some laundry done and went up to the store today on my lunch break. Got some bread and chicken and pasta and sauce and peanut butter and eggs and milk and etc. That's a lot of ands...
I don't remember what the concert/event is for tonight but I'll probably head down for it. Last night it was a 45 professional play... but it was all in Irish, so I didn't go... I wouldn't have any idea what was going on, unless they had real life subtitles!
Anyways - parents are leaving on the plane tomorrow, right? See you on friday!!!!!! :)
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Irish!
I just found this fantastic webpage on speaking Irish! Check it out!
http://www.erinsweb.com/gaelic1.html
http://www.erinsweb.com/gaelic1.html
Back in the Gleann!
So I decided to continue my journey, despite my incredibly terribly timed strep throat.
I'm glad I did. I got a good nights sleep (the first in a while because cities are WAY too noisy). 12 hours of sleep. At least 6 or 7 hours of which were uninterrupted bliss. I had to make a white noise track on my computer though - the silence was causing my ears to ring. So I made one with crickets, rain and the sea (I know they don't really make sense together, but it sounded nice and it put me to sleep).
I won't be uploading any pictures and whatnot (unless I get them from the internet) because I'm using public computers. I suppose I could bring my laptop in but that would be a hassle and I've also got work to do. I don't really have time to go fiddling with tracks, photos and movies. Not to mention it would slow down the already basic internet here. Instead I'll just keep you updated via text!
Got in around 7:30pm yesterday, maybe a little later and found out I was staying in this 3 bedroom 1 bath cottage next to the school. There are two other girls staying there - I've only seen one so far, the other girl and I seem to be running out on each other. Oh well, we mostly keep to ourselves anyways. They've been there for a while. I met some great ladies on the bus yesterday. One has been coming for a few years and the other it's her first time. There are so many people here. Apparently it's the best Irish language school in the country.
The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, herself is even here! Imagine that! This week is the advanced Irish language course, next week is the fiddle school (yay!). Liam said I'm welcome to come down and sit in on classes in the morning whenever I want. You betchya! I probably won't know what the heck is going on half the time but that's ok. Submersion is the best way to learn, right? I mean... that's how you learn as a child... We'll see.
Parents will be here on Friday! Looking forward to seeing them! There will be lots of fiddler's jamming here that night. I'm almost sure of it!!
I'm glad I did. I got a good nights sleep (the first in a while because cities are WAY too noisy). 12 hours of sleep. At least 6 or 7 hours of which were uninterrupted bliss. I had to make a white noise track on my computer though - the silence was causing my ears to ring. So I made one with crickets, rain and the sea (I know they don't really make sense together, but it sounded nice and it put me to sleep).
I won't be uploading any pictures and whatnot (unless I get them from the internet) because I'm using public computers. I suppose I could bring my laptop in but that would be a hassle and I've also got work to do. I don't really have time to go fiddling with tracks, photos and movies. Not to mention it would slow down the already basic internet here. Instead I'll just keep you updated via text!
Got in around 7:30pm yesterday, maybe a little later and found out I was staying in this 3 bedroom 1 bath cottage next to the school. There are two other girls staying there - I've only seen one so far, the other girl and I seem to be running out on each other. Oh well, we mostly keep to ourselves anyways. They've been there for a while. I met some great ladies on the bus yesterday. One has been coming for a few years and the other it's her first time. There are so many people here. Apparently it's the best Irish language school in the country.
The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, herself is even here! Imagine that! This week is the advanced Irish language course, next week is the fiddle school (yay!). Liam said I'm welcome to come down and sit in on classes in the morning whenever I want. You betchya! I probably won't know what the heck is going on half the time but that's ok. Submersion is the best way to learn, right? I mean... that's how you learn as a child... We'll see.
Parents will be here on Friday! Looking forward to seeing them! There will be lots of fiddler's jamming here that night. I'm almost sure of it!!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Ugh
I've been stuck in this hotel room for 3 days straight. You think I might be able to do something productive while stuck here but I can't - I don't have the energy or the concentration level. I can't even watch a movie for more than 20 minutes. I fall asleep every 2 hours for 4 hours... Wake up all sweaty. This sucks so much... I was so looking forward to this trip and now I'm miserable... And I'm terrified the meds aren't working.
I leave for Donegal and Gleann Cholmcille tomorrow. The closest doctor from there is probably the hospital at Ballyshannon - about 2 hours away. Ugh... if I don't get better that's where I'm going to end up, I know it. Though I have to say it was a tad easier to swallow chocolate ice cream today... But still... I can barely walk. This sucks so much.
I leave for Donegal and Gleann Cholmcille tomorrow. The closest doctor from there is probably the hospital at Ballyshannon - about 2 hours away. Ugh... if I don't get better that's where I'm going to end up, I know it. Though I have to say it was a tad easier to swallow chocolate ice cream today... But still... I can barely walk. This sucks so much.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Expensive Icecream.
I paid 12Euro to get a bowl of ice cream to my room today! SHEESH. It was all I could eat though. And there was no way I was going downstairs or out in general. I woke up at 7, read the rest of the book 7, Harry Potter, then went back to sleep at 8ish and didn't wake up again until 5pm...
Yeah I'd say I'm sick. It sucks so much.
I'm missing all the concerts I wanted to go to :(
Yeah I'd say I'm sick. It sucks so much.
I'm missing all the concerts I wanted to go to :(
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Whew.
Went to see a Doctor. Her name was Sinead. Really nice, and quick. It's definitely strep - got my prescription and ibuprofen and I'm good to go. She said the antibiotics should really kick in in 24-48 hours and I should be in less pain by this time tomorrow. I have to miss the Clo Iar-Chonnachta [kloe ire-kon oct ta].
"Cló Iar–Chonnachta is Ireland’s fastest growing traditional music label with a catalogue of over 200 albums. Directed by master piper and musician Ronan Browne, hosted by the well–known broadcaster and flute player Marcas Ó Murchú, this concert will feature Ben and Charlie Lennon, Tony O’Connell, The Mulcahy Family and John Wynne amongst others." - from the Galway Arts Festival website.
I'm really upset about this - I was looking forward to it a lot! But I need rest, water, and sleep. And maybe I'll order some ice cream.
Ireland has a public and private health care. I think I was in a private clinic, seeing as there was only like, 3 rooms and one doctor. It cost 50Euro for the consultation and 17Euro total for the meds. I don't think it's that bad - especially since my insurance doesn't cover stuff overseas I guess.
More updates later...
"Cló Iar–Chonnachta is Ireland’s fastest growing traditional music label with a catalogue of over 200 albums. Directed by master piper and musician Ronan Browne, hosted by the well–known broadcaster and flute player Marcas Ó Murchú, this concert will feature Ben and Charlie Lennon, Tony O’Connell, The Mulcahy Family and John Wynne amongst others." - from the Galway Arts Festival website.
I'm really upset about this - I was looking forward to it a lot! But I need rest, water, and sleep. And maybe I'll order some ice cream.
Ireland has a public and private health care. I think I was in a private clinic, seeing as there was only like, 3 rooms and one doctor. It cost 50Euro for the consultation and 17Euro total for the meds. I don't think it's that bad - especially since my insurance doesn't cover stuff overseas I guess.
More updates later...
This'll probably scare the crap out of my parents...
But I think I might have to see a doctor in Ireland. Today mostly, but coming on for a day or two was an extremely sore throat. And I think my tonsils are swollen. Ugh. It hurts real bad to swallow. And I think I had a fever yesterday in the evening... I'm going to buy a flashlight today so I can see the back of my throat. If there are white spots then I'm going to try and find a doctor - it's probably strep... and my glands are all swollen. If I was close to going home I'd just wait, but I have another 2 1/2 weeks and I haven't even started my internship yet (which is REQUIRED to graduate! Ah!). Drink plenty of fluids and rest I guess... Ugh. Just great... I wonder if my insurance covers over sea consultations...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Made it to Aran!
Well I made it over to Inis Mór [also known simply as Aran]!
What a simply beautiful place. It was a gorgeous day for it too! I could even tolerate the sea! I thought for sure, being the North Atlantic, I was going to have to sacrifice the contents of my stomach to Manannán [Celtic god of the sea]. Here's a bit of music reference for you: Cowell, wrote a piece called "The Tides of Manannán." Cowell is a modern composer so it may be completey different to most peoples ears but listen anyways. The tone clusters (the smashing of piano keys underneath) symbolize the rolling and turbulent waves of the North Atlantic while the Gaelic melody is played over the top. This piece belongs to a set of three pieces by Cowell depicting three Celtic legends; The Tides of Manannán, Hero Sun and The Voice of Lir.
I thought for sure I would want to rent a bike today but, I got over there around 1pm and had to leave on a 5pm ferry - only 4 hours. And knowing me, it would take me more than 4 hours to bike the length of the island and back (18 miles total) and stopping to see all the sites too...
Instead I took one of the local tour vans and he whipped us around the island in record time.
What a simply beautiful place. It was a gorgeous day for it too! I could even tolerate the sea! I thought for sure, being the North Atlantic, I was going to have to sacrifice the contents of my stomach to Manannán [Celtic god of the sea]. Here's a bit of music reference for you: Cowell, wrote a piece called "The Tides of Manannán." Cowell is a modern composer so it may be completey different to most peoples ears but listen anyways. The tone clusters (the smashing of piano keys underneath) symbolize the rolling and turbulent waves of the North Atlantic while the Gaelic melody is played over the top. This piece belongs to a set of three pieces by Cowell depicting three Celtic legends; The Tides of Manannán, Hero Sun and The Voice of Lir.
I thought for sure I would want to rent a bike today but, I got over there around 1pm and had to leave on a 5pm ferry - only 4 hours. And knowing me, it would take me more than 4 hours to bike the length of the island and back (18 miles total) and stopping to see all the sites too...
Instead I took one of the local tour vans and he whipped us around the island in record time.
Today was ok...
Woke up early and get an awesome full Irish breakfast at the hotel. I really like this hotel. Got my tickets for the week. Walked around for a while, then went to see the Laughter Loft at 1pm. It was pretty good (I didn't get some of the jokes simply because I'm not from around here, but the comedian did a good job at keeping it universal).
Then I stopped in at the same pub as yesterday and listened to a tenor banjo (only has 4 strings and a much shorter neck) and a wooden flute play some trad (what the Irish call Traditional Music). Then I walked around again for a bit before heading over to Róisín Dubh (Black Rose) for Adrian Crowley.
Oh boy... I left ten minutes early (told the person I was sitting next to I had to go to the bathroom). First thing, they bring out this girl who at first, is really cute and she has a neat style... but all 6 songs she played were THE SAME. Same tone of voice, same tempo, same tonality. It was SO boring... And usually the pre-act is similar in style to the mainstage... so now I'm kinda going "oh crap..." Well I could stand him for a while because he was a bit different from her but EVERY song he sang he like, spoke sung poetry. It got kinda annoying. And the cellist that was playing was doing the same thing... long drawn out notes. Nothing more than a quarter note... and then the girl came up again to play the drum which didn't vary at ALL. I could predict everything he was going to play. Now he's not BAD... it's interesting at first... but then gets very VERY VERY repetitive. So I ended up leaving a bit early because it was late, and the same rhythm to every song was putting me to sleep...
But before that (out of order I know, but I want to end on a good note!), I saw "The Execution of the King" at the King's Head Tavern. A parade of a few men, two kings, mourning and begging women, and an executioner stopped in front of the tavern. It was kinda cheesy but I'll post some of the video anyways. I apologize for shakiness - the crowd was huge and I was on my tip toes and holding the camera as high as I could to get a video. I wanted to see it later too because Lord knows I couldn't see the actual thing while in the crowd!
It got me thinking... hmm... history lesson? Click below to read on!
Then I stopped in at the same pub as yesterday and listened to a tenor banjo (only has 4 strings and a much shorter neck) and a wooden flute play some trad (what the Irish call Traditional Music). Then I walked around again for a bit before heading over to Róisín Dubh (Black Rose) for Adrian Crowley.
Oh boy... I left ten minutes early (told the person I was sitting next to I had to go to the bathroom). First thing, they bring out this girl who at first, is really cute and she has a neat style... but all 6 songs she played were THE SAME. Same tone of voice, same tempo, same tonality. It was SO boring... And usually the pre-act is similar in style to the mainstage... so now I'm kinda going "oh crap..." Well I could stand him for a while because he was a bit different from her but EVERY song he sang he like, spoke sung poetry. It got kinda annoying. And the cellist that was playing was doing the same thing... long drawn out notes. Nothing more than a quarter note... and then the girl came up again to play the drum which didn't vary at ALL. I could predict everything he was going to play. Now he's not BAD... it's interesting at first... but then gets very VERY VERY repetitive. So I ended up leaving a bit early because it was late, and the same rhythm to every song was putting me to sleep...
But before that (out of order I know, but I want to end on a good note!), I saw "The Execution of the King" at the King's Head Tavern. A parade of a few men, two kings, mourning and begging women, and an executioner stopped in front of the tavern. It was kinda cheesy but I'll post some of the video anyways. I apologize for shakiness - the crowd was huge and I was on my tip toes and holding the camera as high as I could to get a video. I wanted to see it later too because Lord knows I couldn't see the actual thing while in the crowd!
It got me thinking... hmm... history lesson? Click below to read on!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Also...
the times of these postings are all screwy. From this post on everything SHOULD be the time I posted it in Ireland. (5 hours PAST time on the East Coast of the US).
Galway isn't so bad!
Much better day today! Except for the crappy restaurant...
I got my tickets, saw a parade, walked around town, and went to a great pub for 4 fiddlers playing traditional music.
Mustard. The name of the restaurant. It looked nice - I was hoping to get a seat outside, which was right next to the river... but they said they had none left - totally understandable. I saw some 2 person tables near windows and figured they'd probably stick me in one of those. No. They figured since I'm all by myself I wouldn't mind being stuck in the dark corner by the water wheel (which all the kids in the restaurant insisted on running up to and then screaming that it wasn't working... parents did nothing even though they were six inches away from me being obnoxious). Ok, so maybe they want to give the good seats to people who will give them more money - fine. I can understand that even. But I ordered, a soup and sandwich combo and a coffee afterwards. Usually takes maybe half hour to 45 min to get and eat that right? No. 1 hour and 45 minutes. RIDICULOUS. I had to flag my waitress down to even get her to get a menu for me, order my meal and order my coffee. 15 - 20 minutes waiting in between each thing. After waiting 30 minutes for my bill I went up and got it myself. No tip whatsoever. It's like they plunked me down in the darkest corner they could find and then ignored me the rest of the time I was there. Terrible service - food was ok, but TERRIBLE service.
Besides that... I had a great day! The first thing I saw when I got into town was the parade, The Wild Hunt. It was great. It was also the EPITOME of steam punk style. Steampunk is this strange combination of 1800s wear and weird mechanics:
Fantastic! Here's some clips of it (just a few short ones, the whole thing was quite long):
After that I walked around town for a while and to the south into Claddagh (yes, just like the ring. It was actually first forged here! Hence the name!). It wasn't too impresive but I wandered out onto the piers and open quays. There are a lot of swans in Galway...
Later on I went to a pub called Tig Cóilí. I got in at 7 and the music started around 8:15 (had to get a decent seat you know). Then four fiddlers showed up - just them. The first thing that popped into my head was "what the heck? there's no rhythm section?!" But after they started playing I realized they didn't need it. Some of them would harmonize, others would play chords, and each played a slightly different variation which lent itself beautifully to creating this great rich and dense texture of sound. The stomping of feat provided percussion and the switching of bowing sound like strumming - what more would you need?
What better way than to end the day with rainbow?
I think I might take a day tour to the Aran islands on Tuesday. I don't have anything scheduled until 20:00 (8pm) and they are one of the last few strongholds of the Irish language and ancient traditions. I'll see if I can catch a session!
I got my tickets, saw a parade, walked around town, and went to a great pub for 4 fiddlers playing traditional music.
Mustard. The name of the restaurant. It looked nice - I was hoping to get a seat outside, which was right next to the river... but they said they had none left - totally understandable. I saw some 2 person tables near windows and figured they'd probably stick me in one of those. No. They figured since I'm all by myself I wouldn't mind being stuck in the dark corner by the water wheel (which all the kids in the restaurant insisted on running up to and then screaming that it wasn't working... parents did nothing even though they were six inches away from me being obnoxious). Ok, so maybe they want to give the good seats to people who will give them more money - fine. I can understand that even. But I ordered, a soup and sandwich combo and a coffee afterwards. Usually takes maybe half hour to 45 min to get and eat that right? No. 1 hour and 45 minutes. RIDICULOUS. I had to flag my waitress down to even get her to get a menu for me, order my meal and order my coffee. 15 - 20 minutes waiting in between each thing. After waiting 30 minutes for my bill I went up and got it myself. No tip whatsoever. It's like they plunked me down in the darkest corner they could find and then ignored me the rest of the time I was there. Terrible service - food was ok, but TERRIBLE service.
Besides that... I had a great day! The first thing I saw when I got into town was the parade, The Wild Hunt. It was great. It was also the EPITOME of steam punk style. Steampunk is this strange combination of 1800s wear and weird mechanics:
Fantastic! Here's some clips of it (just a few short ones, the whole thing was quite long):After that I walked around town for a while and to the south into Claddagh (yes, just like the ring. It was actually first forged here! Hence the name!). It wasn't too impresive but I wandered out onto the piers and open quays. There are a lot of swans in Galway...
Later on I went to a pub called Tig Cóilí. I got in at 7 and the music started around 8:15 (had to get a decent seat you know). Then four fiddlers showed up - just them. The first thing that popped into my head was "what the heck? there's no rhythm section?!" But after they started playing I realized they didn't need it. Some of them would harmonize, others would play chords, and each played a slightly different variation which lent itself beautifully to creating this great rich and dense texture of sound. The stomping of feat provided percussion and the switching of bowing sound like strumming - what more would you need?What better way than to end the day with rainbow?
I think I might take a day tour to the Aran islands on Tuesday. I don't have anything scheduled until 20:00 (8pm) and they are one of the last few strongholds of the Irish language and ancient traditions. I'll see if I can catch a session!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Galway is full of creepers...
So I get on the bus for Galway in Dublin... Great there's enough seats so that everyone gets a pair! Well then we start picking more people up on the way, and some creepy guy sits next to me. Didn't speak English well, and when I say creepy I mean creepy! He kept leaning towards me and his hand kept rubbing against my side the WHOLE trip. I was an inch from telling him off when we came into Galway. So creepy.
Then after checking into my hotel (which is right on the harbor) I was waiting to cross the street to check out this menu at a restaurant, when this guy came up to me. Started talking about wanting to buy me a drink sometime, looks like I'd be a good friend, can I get your mobile number, blah blah. Says he's from Galway and has a Jamaican accent hmm... Anyways he was creepin' me the hell out. I was trying to be polite and I think he finally got the hint to just give up. Then walking through Eyre square (still looking for a restaurant) another guy (true Irish this one) came up to me (with two of his friends tagging along behind us) askin' me stuff like where am I from, what am I doin' here. I asked him for a decent place to eat and he pointed out this pub. I headed in and he and his friends followed. He bought me a Bulmers and then another E50 worth of guinness for his friends! It was crazy. Was really chatty with me and then got his beer and gave me my Bulmers, told me to enjoy, and then walked completely away.
At that point I just chugged the Bulmers and left (it was crowded and noisy anyways). Of course, chugging a pint of alcohol in ten minutes when all you've eaten that day was toast and eggs 8 hours ago isn't the soberest of ideas. So I kept walking to find a restaurant and at this point I didn't want to be hit on, or whatever you might call it, anymore so I dove into the nearest one.
Well I happened to dive into a RIDICULOUSLY expensive one (think E16 for a bowl of pasta). I ended up getting two appetizers - muscle and coconut chowder (which was AMAZING and that's saying something because I hate coconut, but this was SO damn good) and fish cakes with thai flavored butter. Came to E17 but I think it was worth it, especially since I hadn't eaten much else today.
On top of that when I got to the ticket office (at 5:45) I discovered that it closed at 5:30. Ugh so I couldn't get my tickets for the show I was supposed to see tonight. I hope I get a refund! So now I'm back in my hotel for the night... I'm tired anyways. Maybe I'll transcribe some of the songs I've recorded.
Also it's cold here. Like, 50s. Brrrrr... long sleeves for sure tomorrow!
Then after checking into my hotel (which is right on the harbor) I was waiting to cross the street to check out this menu at a restaurant, when this guy came up to me. Started talking about wanting to buy me a drink sometime, looks like I'd be a good friend, can I get your mobile number, blah blah. Says he's from Galway and has a Jamaican accent hmm... Anyways he was creepin' me the hell out. I was trying to be polite and I think he finally got the hint to just give up. Then walking through Eyre square (still looking for a restaurant) another guy (true Irish this one) came up to me (with two of his friends tagging along behind us) askin' me stuff like where am I from, what am I doin' here. I asked him for a decent place to eat and he pointed out this pub. I headed in and he and his friends followed. He bought me a Bulmers and then another E50 worth of guinness for his friends! It was crazy. Was really chatty with me and then got his beer and gave me my Bulmers, told me to enjoy, and then walked completely away.
At that point I just chugged the Bulmers and left (it was crowded and noisy anyways). Of course, chugging a pint of alcohol in ten minutes when all you've eaten that day was toast and eggs 8 hours ago isn't the soberest of ideas. So I kept walking to find a restaurant and at this point I didn't want to be hit on, or whatever you might call it, anymore so I dove into the nearest one.
Well I happened to dive into a RIDICULOUSLY expensive one (think E16 for a bowl of pasta). I ended up getting two appetizers - muscle and coconut chowder (which was AMAZING and that's saying something because I hate coconut, but this was SO damn good) and fish cakes with thai flavored butter. Came to E17 but I think it was worth it, especially since I hadn't eaten much else today.
On top of that when I got to the ticket office (at 5:45) I discovered that it closed at 5:30. Ugh so I couldn't get my tickets for the show I was supposed to see tonight. I hope I get a refund! So now I'm back in my hotel for the night... I'm tired anyways. Maybe I'll transcribe some of the songs I've recorded.
Also it's cold here. Like, 50s. Brrrrr... long sleeves for sure tomorrow!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Irish Traditional Music Archives
I wish I could spend more time here...
The WEALTH of information is unbelievable! They had an entire volume of books on Irish fiddling bowing techniques! AH! In heaven I tell you! But I did some general research on stuff I was really interested in - like the different kinds of music and the different instruments used in Irish trad music and where they come from. It's also interesting seeing the different types of music from the different counties. Click below to read my notes (though they are a bit long, and perhaps sporadic, I was there for 4 hours! Gimme a break!)
I also learned today, that looking for a good place to eat cannot only be judged by the menus posted outside - one must also look for places WITHOUT CHILDREN. Or least ones with mothers who know how to discipline. 3 yr olds throwing a temper tantrum in a cafe because they don't serve pizza is ok. Having that temper tantrum last more than ten minutes, or even more so before the mother decides "Oh hey, people are angry. I'll bring you outside and try to talk you out of it" is NOT OKAY. Ah!
Also, I now have a pair of shoes I will NEVER wear again. I have blisters all over my feet :( One HUGE one on my pinky two (think the size of a nickel,and the height of about a quarter inch) and another on the back of my heel (size of a quarter, height of a half inch). GROSS. And painful. And annoying. Flip flops it is! I don't care what anyone says, they're comfy!
The WEALTH of information is unbelievable! They had an entire volume of books on Irish fiddling bowing techniques! AH! In heaven I tell you! But I did some general research on stuff I was really interested in - like the different kinds of music and the different instruments used in Irish trad music and where they come from. It's also interesting seeing the different types of music from the different counties. Click below to read my notes (though they are a bit long, and perhaps sporadic, I was there for 4 hours! Gimme a break!)
I also learned today, that looking for a good place to eat cannot only be judged by the menus posted outside - one must also look for places WITHOUT CHILDREN. Or least ones with mothers who know how to discipline. 3 yr olds throwing a temper tantrum in a cafe because they don't serve pizza is ok. Having that temper tantrum last more than ten minutes, or even more so before the mother decides "Oh hey, people are angry. I'll bring you outside and try to talk you out of it" is NOT OKAY. Ah!
Also, I now have a pair of shoes I will NEVER wear again. I have blisters all over my feet :( One HUGE one on my pinky two (think the size of a nickel,and the height of about a quarter inch) and another on the back of my heel (size of a quarter, height of a half inch). GROSS. And painful. And annoying. Flip flops it is! I don't care what anyone says, they're comfy!
How to Tell and Irishman from a Tourist
1) When it rains, all the tourists run for cover.
2) The Irish Prime Minister rides in the front of the car (next to the driver). They are the only nation in the world to do this.
3) When told they are leaving a pub in 5 minutes:
A tourist will: finish their pint
An Irishman will: panic and order 3 more pints
2) The Irish Prime Minister rides in the front of the car (next to the driver). They are the only nation in the world to do this.
3) When told they are leaving a pub in 5 minutes:
A tourist will: finish their pint
An Irishman will: panic and order 3 more pints
Perhaps a little kitchy...
But a learned a hell of a lot from the bus driver!
He was so informative - he spoke Irish, French and a bit of Dutch too! He was in the Irish military until he was 38 and he helped me figure out the license plates haha!
E.G. 00 D 3456 = a vehicle registered in 2000 in Dublin, and the chronological number of which it was registered - in this case it was the 3,456th car registered in that year.
-interesting I guess.
The Merry Ploughboy was great. Food was FANTASTIC - I got the beef, which I normally wouldn't do, but man am I glad I did! I got a goat cheese appetizer and everyone got an apple and berry crumble dessert. All so good. I was by myself and the people next to me, French, bought me a round of Bailey's - a toast and a smile are universal. I wish I could have bought them a round back... back I don't have 25Euro to spend on drinks unfortunately.
The band played some really really traditional stuff, but also played some really ... touristy stuff (think Danny Boy and Molly Malone). The dancers were fantastic and after the show the guitarist from the band came up to me. He said in his Irish accent "I knew there was one person here alone, and I thought to myself "I've got to meet this person and find out what they're up to!"" After finding out I'm here for school (and my finding out that he's one of the owners of the place) he invited me back, whenever I could, free of charge! (which is 55Euro!) I'm wondering if I could come back the night we get back to Dublin at the end of the trip... not sure yet.
Anyways, my bus driver, Willy, who I spoke with the whole trip, recommended some things for me to look for on my travels:
1)Sean-nós [Shan-nos]: one of the finest of the traditional Irish arts. It is often characterized by unaccompanied performance in Irish or in English; free rhythm, relative lack of vibrato or dynamic change, and especially by the use of rapid, melismatic ornamentation.
2)Sean-nós dance: a highly improvisational, low to the ground, rhythmic dance form in which the dancer is free to interpret the music. The dancer is the visual/ percussive expression of the musical tradition and musician and dancer are in conversation. Using hips and arms, the dancer beats rhythmic steps that are closely linked to the music and musician. Traditionally, a dancer danced solo on the hardwood of a half door or the round top of a barrel, as a result the steps are confined to a small space.
Another random tidbit - I also learned that the Irish for road, bóthar, [bo-har] literally means "the way of the cows," as most roads came from old cow paths.
I also learned another very important word on this trip: Sláinte [Slan-cha], meaning "health." It is usually used in a toast, shortened from Sláinte mhaith [Slan-cha why], meaning "good health." Most Irish will say it translates to "to your health!"
I'll see if I can get some audio clips up soon!
[EDIT]: Here's a clip!
This is a song done mostly on the Uilleann [ill-in] Pipes. Uilleann translates to "Elbow" and is adequately named so. It differs from the Scottish bagpipes in many ways.
For starts you HAVE to sit to play these pipes. Instead of blowing straight into the bag, a bellows is placed between one elbow and the body and the bag the other. You pump the bellows with your elbow to put air into the bag, and then squeeze the bag against your body to blow air through the chanter (the part on which the finger play). On top of this and moving your fingers to create notes, not only are there drone pipes but also harmonizing pipes. By place the heel of your hand, wrist, or free fingers onto the holes in these extra pipes you can create chords. Complex indeed. Most pipe players are such because the skill has been handed down to them from generations past. They are a sitting musical instrument, while their Scottish cousin is a war instrument - it's blazing sound heard for miles was to announce their march and strike fear into their enemies.
I also learned that Bodhrán is pronounced [bow-ron], the h makes the d silent. It comes from 'bodhar' meaning "dull sounding" or "deaf" in Irish.
Hmm... the bar below me is playing "Piano Man"...
He was so informative - he spoke Irish, French and a bit of Dutch too! He was in the Irish military until he was 38 and he helped me figure out the license plates haha!
E.G. 00 D 3456 = a vehicle registered in 2000 in Dublin, and the chronological number of which it was registered - in this case it was the 3,456th car registered in that year.
-interesting I guess.
The Merry Ploughboy was great. Food was FANTASTIC - I got the beef, which I normally wouldn't do, but man am I glad I did! I got a goat cheese appetizer and everyone got an apple and berry crumble dessert. All so good. I was by myself and the people next to me, French, bought me a round of Bailey's - a toast and a smile are universal. I wish I could have bought them a round back... back I don't have 25Euro to spend on drinks unfortunately.
The band played some really really traditional stuff, but also played some really ... touristy stuff (think Danny Boy and Molly Malone). The dancers were fantastic and after the show the guitarist from the band came up to me. He said in his Irish accent "I knew there was one person here alone, and I thought to myself "I've got to meet this person and find out what they're up to!"" After finding out I'm here for school (and my finding out that he's one of the owners of the place) he invited me back, whenever I could, free of charge! (which is 55Euro!) I'm wondering if I could come back the night we get back to Dublin at the end of the trip... not sure yet.
Anyways, my bus driver, Willy, who I spoke with the whole trip, recommended some things for me to look for on my travels:
1)Sean-nós [Shan-nos]: one of the finest of the traditional Irish arts. It is often characterized by unaccompanied performance in Irish or in English; free rhythm, relative lack of vibrato or dynamic change, and especially by the use of rapid, melismatic ornamentation.
2)Sean-nós dance: a highly improvisational, low to the ground, rhythmic dance form in which the dancer is free to interpret the music. The dancer is the visual/ percussive expression of the musical tradition and musician and dancer are in conversation. Using hips and arms, the dancer beats rhythmic steps that are closely linked to the music and musician. Traditionally, a dancer danced solo on the hardwood of a half door or the round top of a barrel, as a result the steps are confined to a small space.
Another random tidbit - I also learned that the Irish for road, bóthar, [bo-har] literally means "the way of the cows," as most roads came from old cow paths.
I also learned another very important word on this trip: Sláinte [Slan-cha], meaning "health." It is usually used in a toast, shortened from Sláinte mhaith [Slan-cha why], meaning "good health." Most Irish will say it translates to "to your health!"
I'll see if I can get some audio clips up soon!
[EDIT]: Here's a clip!
This is a song done mostly on the Uilleann [ill-in] Pipes. Uilleann translates to "Elbow" and is adequately named so. It differs from the Scottish bagpipes in many ways.
For starts you HAVE to sit to play these pipes. Instead of blowing straight into the bag, a bellows is placed between one elbow and the body and the bag the other. You pump the bellows with your elbow to put air into the bag, and then squeeze the bag against your body to blow air through the chanter (the part on which the finger play). On top of this and moving your fingers to create notes, not only are there drone pipes but also harmonizing pipes. By place the heel of your hand, wrist, or free fingers onto the holes in these extra pipes you can create chords. Complex indeed. Most pipe players are such because the skill has been handed down to them from generations past. They are a sitting musical instrument, while their Scottish cousin is a war instrument - it's blazing sound heard for miles was to announce their march and strike fear into their enemies.
I also learned that Bodhrán is pronounced [bow-ron], the h makes the d silent. It comes from 'bodhar' meaning "dull sounding" or "deaf" in Irish.
Hmm... the bar below me is playing "Piano Man"...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
So I went out for the musical pub crawl - which THANKFULLY wasn't all touristy. There was a small group, maybe 20 people... and two musicians - a fiddler and a guitarist, who also played bodhran. They were great and when they asked someone to come up and sing a song or something, well, I asked if I could borrow her fiddle. :)
Cue audio! Jerusalem Ridge on the Musical Pub Tour!
I screwed up the ending - I was so nervous! All these tourists and I was competing against the traditional players! But I think all were impressed :)
Here's a song that they did, I have yet to figure out the name:
So happy I went on this tour - if you want authentic go with this! These musician's also play in the sessions in the pubs around Dublin and know who's good and who's authentic. It's great - I plan on going to Boes, where there are usually a great fiddler, piper, and percussionist. Sessions usually start around 9pm, but really get rocking around 10:30 or so, after their "requirement" to the barman has been paid and their cigarette break has been taken.
I go to sleep tonight listening to "Drowsy Maggie" coming from the restaurant/pub below me. I love Ireland.
[EDIT] I am continuing to update this post as I get the files uploaded and useful... takes a while.
Cue audio! Jerusalem Ridge on the Musical Pub Tour!
I screwed up the ending - I was so nervous! All these tourists and I was competing against the traditional players! But I think all were impressed :)
Here's a song that they did, I have yet to figure out the name:
So happy I went on this tour - if you want authentic go with this! These musician's also play in the sessions in the pubs around Dublin and know who's good and who's authentic. It's great - I plan on going to Boes, where there are usually a great fiddler, piper, and percussionist. Sessions usually start around 9pm, but really get rocking around 10:30 or so, after their "requirement" to the barman has been paid and their cigarette break has been taken.
I go to sleep tonight listening to "Drowsy Maggie" coming from the restaurant/pub below me. I love Ireland.
[EDIT] I am continuing to update this post as I get the files uploaded and useful... takes a while.
Coming from JFK
What a LONG FLIGHT. Ugh. Especially when sitting next to this old broad shouldered British guy who refused to stay on his side of the seat and REEKED of wine... reminds me of a UK version of George Carlin's "guy in the Grateful Dead T-Shirt and the F*@! You hat!"
But anyways - it really was no problem. I was worried a bit about getting my violin on board but it worked out just fine. I just acted like I did it all the time and no one questioned me at all. I took an AirCoach bus from the airport into Dublin's city centre - I got off one stop more than I probably should have but whatever, just a bit more exercise. Bought me a "mobile," as they call cell phones over here. Got batters and some adapters - cuz I forgot mine :( Stupid. Fairly cheap though, 9 E. Not too bad.
There was a girl playing themes from the Titanic on her violin in the middle of the street... case open for tips of course - I've found quite a few people do that over here. I guess in some places you need a license for it - but not here.
So I finally got into the hotel room after the people at the front desk realized I fell asleep (and was probably snoring) on their couch. And now I'm typing this from my bed. It's a great room - only one floor up and just straight across the hallway - kinda noisy though; most rooms in hotels in Ireland don't have air conditioning so my window is half open right now. I must say though, it's quite nice - it's only around 65, 70 here. So windows open is just fine with me!
I can deal with the noise - especially after being awake for 24 hours straight, sitting next to a guy who took up 1 1/3 of 2 seats for 6 hours straight, walking around Dublin for 2 hours straight, and all the while having traveling ...sicknesses. Oh yummy. I've discovered I don't travel well... at least not by plane.
Anyways I need some rest if I'm gonna go on that musical pub crawl tonight!
But anyways - it really was no problem. I was worried a bit about getting my violin on board but it worked out just fine. I just acted like I did it all the time and no one questioned me at all. I took an AirCoach bus from the airport into Dublin's city centre - I got off one stop more than I probably should have but whatever, just a bit more exercise. Bought me a "mobile," as they call cell phones over here. Got batters and some adapters - cuz I forgot mine :( Stupid. Fairly cheap though, 9 E. Not too bad.
There was a girl playing themes from the Titanic on her violin in the middle of the street... case open for tips of course - I've found quite a few people do that over here. I guess in some places you need a license for it - but not here.
So I finally got into the hotel room after the people at the front desk realized I fell asleep (and was probably snoring) on their couch. And now I'm typing this from my bed. It's a great room - only one floor up and just straight across the hallway - kinda noisy though; most rooms in hotels in Ireland don't have air conditioning so my window is half open right now. I must say though, it's quite nice - it's only around 65, 70 here. So windows open is just fine with me!
I can deal with the noise - especially after being awake for 24 hours straight, sitting next to a guy who took up 1 1/3 of 2 seats for 6 hours straight, walking around Dublin for 2 hours straight, and all the while having traveling ...sicknesses. Oh yummy. I've discovered I don't travel well... at least not by plane.
Anyways I need some rest if I'm gonna go on that musical pub crawl tonight!
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