1997-1998

Whenever I feel like I'm a loser and feel like my life is mundane and going nowhere, I sometimes look at this certificate to gain some perspective.

Hands down 1997-1998 was one of the best years of my life.

It marked the first time travelling abroad and travelling solo. I was shitting bricks on the 24 hr flight from LAX to Kotoka International Airport. Of all places why pick Ghana and why for a WHOLE year? Why couldn't I have gone to Spain or England or France, like normal people?

Living in Ghana was like a reality check. It was a slap in the face that I desperately needed to wake me from my sheltered western world coma. The physical environment was harsh, as well as dealing with the unsanitary conditions. Conveniences were taken for granted as the most basic necessities such as electricity and water were difficult to obtain. It was emotionally taxing seeing people who had absolutely nothing, yet they are the kindest most hospitable people you will ever meet. I got malaria, and it was the sickest I have ever been. I didn't think I was going to survive the year. But I did!

It was worth it though, the positive experiences outweighed the negative and how many people can say that they've been inducted in a secret society vodou ceremony?

Remembering this part of my life is like looking at the life of a stranger. Did I really do this or was this someone else? Sometimes I'm amazed and proud of this achievement but now and then sometimes I think I was a fried chicken short of a picnic.

Although, I am older and not as fool hardy as I used to be, I must have that adventurous spirit left in me somewhere. If I can do something like this back then, why not now?

The year 1997-1998 is evidence that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. As much as I belittle my life, it is far from mundane and boring as I sometimes falsely claim it to be. The truth is...If you want your life to change you're going to have to take some risks and have the courage to jump. That's the key.

Loyalist Pop Songs

As an ethnomusicologist, I am amazed at the masterful renditions of American pop songs arranged in very creative ways to convey West Belfast culture and pride. The most popular is, of course, the masterpiece UVF anthem, a version of Tina Turner's "Simply the Best." But there are other delightful songs such as this remake of a John Denver classic, "Take Me Home Country Roads", elevated to its highest artform. Have a listen.

Wishlist: If You Knew Me, You'd Think This Book Was Written For Me

Lazy Easter Sunday

So Part 3 of Craig's birthday bash...

Last Sunday we woke up around 3pm! We were so exhausted from our action packed Saturday, that we decided to relax and kick it.

We took a stroll towards Hayes Valley for some grub and take in the sites along the way...

San Francisco City Hall

Environmental sculptures by Patrick Dougherty.

Even the homeless take holidays

Hayes Valley

Gourmet Burgers at Flippers

Dolores Street. Hilly, quiet and beautiful, it's shaded by palm trees and lined by grand old Victorians. Dolores Park remains a favorite for those who wish to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Mission.

Mission Dolores, the oldest building in San Francisco founded in 1776

Someone left a cheesecake for the Virgin Mary and boots so she can walk off the calories

Dolores Park

Later that night, we headed back to the Plough and Stars for their Sunday Traditional Irish Music session...

8 musicians jamming around the table. I apologize for the bad picture quality but the audio is great!

All was good in the hood until the next post...

The First Time I Fell In Love with Ireland

Sean-nós: A rare and beautiful artform

Last February, two months before I embarked on my journey, Ulsterman asked me what was the one thing that I would like to do when I get here (besides him).

Without hesitation I said, "Sean-nós!"

A bewildered Ulsterman replied, "Sean knows what? And who is Sean?".

"No!", I replied, "Sean-nós is an old song genre unaccompanied by instruments. It is the oldest form of traditional Irish music. Very rarely performed and an often misunderstood genre. Mostly performed in the West of Ireland, but can be found in villages in the countryside throughout the island, north and south."

Ulsterman relieved let out a resounding, "I see. Sean-nós it is then."

I was first introduced to traditional Irish music when I was studying Ethnomusicology at UCLA. We were given an elective to take at least one class on the music of Western Europe. I was stuck with the Traditional Irish Music class. I wasn't looking forward to it and thought it would be a snoozer. How exciting can fiddles and tin whistles be? That was until my professor brought his grandfather in who came all the way from Galway!

I remember a very tall distinguished looking gentleman wearing a tweed jacket walking across the lecture stage. He sat himself on the stool, took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and sang like I've never heard anyone before. It pierced right through me, and the cadences of his voice were echoing throughout the hall. It was so beautiful and I was so moved, I couldn't hold back my tears. It was amazing. Just him and his voice. There was a deep soulful genuine-ness to it. Pure and clean. No nonsense bullshit. When he finished his song, there was a 5 second silence which seemed to last forever. Everyone finally picked their chins off the floor and we gave him a well deserved standing ovation. That was the moment I said to myself, "That's it. I'm going to Ireland!"

Fast forward 9 years, I'm here in Norn Iron a year out and no Sean-nós. We travelled to Galway last May with intentions to see it, but we were trapped in the middle of nowhere in Fanore! The trip turned out to be a disaster and I resigned myself to the fact that it wasn't meant to be. I was gutted. I doubt I would be able to hear Sean-nos here in Belfast, I'd probably have to go to the countryside and even then it's not a guarantee that I will see it. Like I said, it's a rare sight because they only do it when it moves them. I'd be lucky to catch one.

***Ethnomusicology = the study of culture through music. Just in case you were wondering. :)