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I'm quite ashamed of myself for not posting sooner. "Diz iz nut possible!" as the French would say! The last month + has been pleasantly jam packed. Particularly the last two weeks with my very special visitor in town. So, let me back-track a little and first off post the Christmas blog (with lots of pictures) for my lovingly nagging family and then I'll get to some more serious issues (with lots of text that they like to skip over!). My time at l'AFVP, French Association of Volunteers for Progess, has been enriching so far but in a much different way than at l'ASSFAM. I'm looking forward to sharing some reflections with those interested readers.
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HOLIDAYS WITH THE MCNALLY FAMILY
I must admit, I was close to in ecstasy upon debarking the plane and hearing english voices. It was almost as if I could feel my brain instantly decontract. And as I waited for my sister in the airport (always late, that girl!), I found myself unconsciously seeking out the color green. I laughed once I realized what I was doing. How silly… as if leprechauns would start popping out at any moment.
Sarah lives in Dublin with a handsome Irish lad named Daire. They have been dating for a good while now and I was so pleased to be invited to spend the holidays with his family. I met them once before in Chicago when we all went sailing out on lake Michigan and watched fireworks just yards from the barge. Lovely people.
The first day I arrived I got to check out their town. Dublin seems like a fun place. Lots of young people, pubs, street entertainment, parks and charming Trinity college. It was all the more festive with the cheery holiday decorations and sounds.
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DUBLIN
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I was completely entranced by how this puppet master made his stringed figurine come to life... as was the little boy just one head taller.
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SKERRIES
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The next day, after stopping off at Grandpa’s place for a good laugh and a hot cup o’ tea, we went to the family home in Skerries. I can’t explain nor can I capture in pictures the warmth and beauty of this small town hugging the craggily rocks of the sea. I quickly understood why I felt such calm and sweetness exuding from Daire… it reflects perfectly the spirit of his home town. Kindness and sincerity are the rule rather than the exception, whether you are a long time inhabitant or a mere passer-by. I was also fascinated by the social structure… there are no boundaries between ages or gender. Everyone is welcome to share a pint and lots of laughs at the local pub.
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The house is a perfect retreat… set back from the road, huge fields of grass, warm fireplace… singing, instrumentals coming from different rooms, delicious smells pouring out of the kitchen, and always, always a pot of tea ready to be shared.
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JOYEUX NOEL
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Christmas was as special as any of past… Sarah and I were treated to a full stocking, an amazing Christmas dinner and an unreasonable amount of chocolate.
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CHRISTMAS DINNER
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JUST GORGEOUS...
I’d have to say my favorite memory of Skerries are the long ballads along the coast. The bright green grass contrasted with an eerie gray, fog covered horizon is as enchanting and inspiring as it is mystical and mysterious.
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The boat culture is deeply embedded in this old fishing town. Daire’s father is an avid sailor… even does competitions. The McNalllys all enjoy being out on the ocean. It requires a lot of teamwork, but this family does it with ease and grace. The harbor is full of boats of all shapes and sizes… making for a colorful landscape... or rather, waterscape.
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Yes, I'll never forget my Irish Christmas... And I'm holding Brian (papa McNally) to his offer of teachin me how to sail if ever I get around to making another visit! (I hope so!) Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind welcome. And now, a few more pictures to share :-)
gorsh, how sweet.
3 ducks
the stinky dock... would you two cut it out with all the smoochie-smoochie!
For Sarah, its treedeeetion
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