It has been a long two days. Yesterday we went to Lunniagh (click for more photos) and walked the sand dunes, beaches, and rocks. My muscles were at the height of pain, however I enjoyed walking barefoot through the sands. We went approximately 6 miles, including climbing hills and jumping creeks. After the long walk and a toastie (panini made with bread), I was quite satisfied to sit and enjoy the diary.
Today Nuala and I began our tour of the other HSE programs that our manager oversees. We visited TOBAR and TACA, two national disabilities programs. We spent the morning with TOBAR, a facility for training those with intellectual disabilities (Down Syndrome, Autism, etc). After lunch, we visited TACA, a joint FAS (National Training Agency – the letters correspond to the Irish) and HSE community-based work placement program. They offer Employer Based Training, Community Occupational Support, and Supported Employment, three different scenarios to help those with mental and physical disabilities.
I was very impressed by the breadth of rehabilitative and training programs offered in Ireland; those with disabilities aren’t simply entitled to monetary support from the government, healthcare (universal coverage), but also a system of community-based and socially modeled programs to build confidence and integrate the disabled back into society. Where we in the States have laws in place to protect the rights of the disabled, the Irish not only protect their rights, but provide various options for those of differing abilities to enter meaningful employment and get back on their feet.
My favorite part of the programs I have had the opportunity to visit is something called Person-Centered Planning. All “clients” take a few months within a program to acclimate and complete a Keystage Quality of Life Profile. Clients, staff, and interested parties (family or counselors) meet to discuss a person’s strengths, weaknesses, and life goals. This information is then used to determine what programs are best suited to personal development. Each program has Core Modules to be completed (specific life or vocational skills) and then Optional Modules, which may range from Irish language or culture to computer skills. Each person receives the training that they most need.
This week I have really been in the thick of things with work. On Monday I took on a greater responsibility in the Solas program (I facilitated a planning meeting and held some one-on-ones), yesterday we had a staff meeting to discuss Health and Safety measures (which I chaired), and today I visited the other programs. I’ve been reminded that I’m not here simply for the walks, although they are fantastic. Mental health and disabilities is a really heavy subject that weighs on your heart. Tomorrow is a big day in the office as we’ve begun to use the wiki, I have a personal spreadsheet program to test with some of the participants, and we have to rewrite two of our defining pieces of literature.
In other news, Mom and Kelly arrive tomorrow. I have a packed week set out for them. This evening I was stopped by an older gentleman looking for directions (very possibly a Northerner escaping the weekend marches) and I was able to tell him where to go – a sign that I’m beginning to get way too comfortable here.
Also, some Irish cultural things that I’ve noticed and enjoyed:
- Irish time – five minutes late is on time
- Tea and toast – a staple of the diet, I have it multiple times a day
- The weather – is both “muggy” and “blustery,” leaving the ground “mucky”
- “Don’t let a tooth get in the way of a good story.” – fibbing
- “Good on you” – good job or way to go
- “It could be pissing from the heavens” – reference to the rain
- The dress code for work of various sorts is much more casual and an Irish person was astonished that appearing at work hung-over in the states would negatively impact your employment
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Thursday, July 10 at 9:35pm
Picture this in your mind’s eye. I’m a bit out of sorts after the last entry. I decide to walk the 2km to the beach. The air smells delicious, like fruit and salt. Halfway to the beach, I’m met by a horse in someone’s side yard. It approaches me and Katie’s equestrian lesson comes directly to mind: 1) check the ears (forward = friendly), 2) let it sniff me to get acquainted (no it won’t eat me), 3) approach from side. I give it a good rub and then proceed to the beach.
Upon reaching the beach, I take to the sand and walk toward the dunes, with an amazing mix of songs playing. If you don’t have these songs, download them:
- Bob Marley – Eveything is Going to Be Alright
- Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten (starting on the beach)
- Tom Petty – I Won’t Back Down
- Natalie Merchant – Wonder
- Les McCann – Green Green Rocky Road
- KT Tunstall – If Only (now I’m up on the dunes)
- Dispatch – Out Loud
- Yes – I’ve Seen All Good People (sitting at the top)
- Paolo Nutini – These Streets (trekking across the top)
- Jamiroquai – Use the Force (back on the beach)
- Regina Spektor – Another Town
- Peggy Lee – Just One of Those Things (in the water)
- KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See
- Boston – Foreplay/Long Time (back on the road)
- Keane – Somewhere Only We Know
When I reach the far end of the beach, I decide – why not – and climb the dunes. Unlike the packed wet beach, the dunes are soft and I sink with each step. I take off my shoes and start hiking about. The sun is descending above the mountains in the distant, just behind some clouds. I find the highest point on the dunes overlooking the beach and sit down. Yes is playing in my headphones and sand it blowing up around my legs. Perfect. I decide to trek on and walk along the top of a line of dunes and take some photographs.
Eventually I come back down, walk around the back of the dunes with the sun streaking through the clouds. The water is a deep blue and the clouds are shades of grey against a lighter blue sky. I begin to walk through the waves breaking on the shore (Nuala and Bernard would be shocked as I refused to step in the surf at Lunniagh) and then proceed to walk home barefoot (now Claudia is shocked as she reads this at her computer screen).
I must be the only person I know who visits the beach in a wool jacket and Ralph Lauren button-down. My jeans are wrecked from the sand and salt water. My spirits are absolutely refreshed and I feel incredible. There is no beauty like the mountainous Donegal shore at sunset (click for more photos).
**I am now informed that the beach is called, "the back strand."
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