I spent the following morning watching Ted Kennedy's service before departing. I found it very moving. The things I discussed with Ellie (sister) and Toby (her partner) were the elegant balance the ceremony struck between addressing the general public and those close to Kennedy, as well as the balance between mournful of the loss and celebratory of his humanity and work.
This morning, I arrived at Dublin International Airport and navigated my way to the town of Dun Laoghaire, where I checked into my hostel. I was immediately struck by how familiar everything felt. Even compared to the UK, Ireland feels much more like home than any other place outside the states that I've ever been. I've been reading a book on Irish culture by Terry Eagleton (thanks Brigid!) and while he does comment that many things are just like the United States, I did expect a bit more of a shock. Little things happen that remind me where I am of course: signing and architecture is a bit different, and the accent is a constant reminder, but I'm constantly surprised by how many things are just the same, or equivalent. I've been thinking all morning of supposed differences and trying to imagine those that I haven't observed.
They drive on the opposite side of the street, but do they still make the inside turn on red?
I had only just dropped my suitcase off when the spirit of adventure whisked me out the door and into town, where I found a festival celebrating cultures from all over the globe!
The first festival element of note was a small tent for an anti-poverty organization called Concern. They are currently running a campaign against child labor, and today's booth was set up to facilitate kite decorating for children (12 and under). The explanation given to me was that since these children can't vote, it's their way of showing solidarity for other children in India, Pakistan, Sierra Leone and Kenya (among others).
[Thanks to Lizzy Noone from Concern for the information. All photographs with permission of present guardians]
This was a beautiful activity, especially in relation to cultures like India and Pakistan with strong kite flying cultures. The kids also filled out postcards to send to children in developing countries where child labor is prevalent. The main focus of the campaign is to educate, raising consumer awareness to encourage Europeans to research corporations before buying from them (especially in the garment industry).
The sign that reads "Children belong in school" reminds me to consider what kinds of things child labor does for education and socialization more broadly - and this is something that I talked to people about at the World Social Forum in January. It's also something that I consider in the states, even in less severe and less forced situations. My roommate and I have discussed whether or not it is ethical to put your children to work at a family business. I do understand the value of teaching responsibility. But, at the same time, I consider there to be something sacred about the play that occurred in my life before I knew a world of work. And, that's not to say that once a child helps out at a parent's job he/she is done playing forever, but there might be some value to keeping these eras separate, at least for a little while.
The rest of the festival included music, dance performances, and of course lots of a street vending.
[A food service worker takes her lunch break at a festival dining cart]
[A clown at the festival crafts inflatable creations for an appreciative youngster]
[Street musician]See http://www.flickr.com/photos/stuartvincent/ for more photos!
I do have lots more to say about these things, but for now my internet time is about to run out and I have many things to accomplish before work on Tuesday.
In honor of the late Edward M. Kennedy:
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
but I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
