Ireland

(Hyoj)

So last week I went to the Ireland for the first time! …I attended a BiTriMulti training from May 13-17 in Dublin about youth exchanges through the Youth in Action program. The whole program was centered around a simulation game: finding “fake” partners, developing a “fake” youth exchange project, and then filling out a “fake” application for funding. The reason I put quotation marks around the word “fake” is because many of the people there were trying to find real partners and develop a real project. I was there more for the educational aspect, just wanting to learn about steps and methods in developing, organizing, and  implementing a project, so I did feel a bit out of place. Also, people there were quite a bit older; most were late 20′s…even 30′s. Anyway, besides saturating my brain with information, we also had a bit of time to do some sightseeing in Dublin. We went on a double-decker “hop-on, hop-off bus” tour, visiting places like Trinity College, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and many others. For me, it was great to just walk around the city. I like how every big city has a different feel to it; New York City, Frankfurt, Dublin…they are all big cities but completely different. Cool, yah? After walking around a bit, we ate at a restaurant with live Irish music and dancing (Riverdance & Michael Flatley style)

All in all, I’m glad I went. There were definitely some many awkward moments in terms of socializing with people, but then again, when aren’t there Here’s a picture of the BiTriMulti- Ireland gang… yes, we were a gang.

check out who's front and center! yeaaah, me.

Personal progress update: Today I had a meeting with the Amt fuer Multikulturelle Angelegenheiten, an organization that hosts and sponsors intercultural events. I presented my project to them and they are willing to give me funding!…and now I can let out a sigh of relief. *sigh*