Varadkar opens up

Boko Haram kidnapped 60 people in Cameroon, 35 people were killed in a Syrian plane crash, while Cherif Kouachi, one of the brothers involved in the terrorist attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, was buried yesterday. Yet none of these made headline news. Instead, Leo Varadkar’s sexuality dominated the leading news headline on RTÉ’s 9 o’clock news last night and on front pages of Irish newspapers this morning.

Are there more blatantly obvious and serious issues in the world? Yes. Is the sexuality of a cabinet minister really worthy of front page news headlines all over the country? No. Yet, that’s what you’ll find if you happen to glance at any newspaper or online news website today.

If a politician is heterosexual the widely held view is that it is no one’s business except his or hers. So why do we, as a self-proclaimed liberal country, struggle so much to adopt the same attitude if a politician is homosexual?

The fact that the next potential leader of Fine Gael or indeed potential Taoiseach felt he even had to address his sexual orientation on national radio shows we are not as liberal a nation as we might like to think we are, nor have we progressed as much as we say we have.

It is not an ideal situation but, in a country like Ireland where homosexuality was deemed criminal less than a quarter of a century ago, Leo Varadkar coming out is not a small step but a giant leap for the Emerald Isle. The power of someone as high profile and well respected as the Health Minister openly coming out cannot be underestimated in a society where so many people feel they cannot come out and express who they really are.

Like Obama will always be known as the first African-American president of America, Varadkar will always be known as the first openly gay cabinet minister. However, speaking to Miriam O’Callaghan he said it will not define him, yet it may always be noted:

“It’s not something that defines me, I’m not a half-Indian politician or a doctor politician, I’m not a gay politician for that matter, it’s just part of who I am.”

To live in a society where coming out isn’t a momentous and difficult task for people is a society we can only hope for. Leo Varadkar must be commended for speaking out. His decision to freely discuss his sexuality will hopefully help pave the way for many people and can only be described as a positive and game-changing step for Ireland.

Embracing Erasmus

 

In January of this year I moved to Glasgow to begin my Erasmus semester abroad. Although it was only across the water, packing up and moving to Scotland was still a daunting decision. The girl that left for Scotland in January couldn’t find her way around an airport, lift her own luggage and was too afraid to ask for directions. The same girl that returned to Ireland five months later was a far cry from the often shy and quiet girl that left. Somewhere along my Erasmus journey I changed. Living abroad strengthened me, matured me and changed me for the better. It gave me independence like never before, allowed me to appreciate what and who I have in my life and it altered my perspective on life and how I choose to live it.

Embarking on a new experience abroad is, undoubtedly, an amazing opportunity. The idea of setting up a new life abroad is an exciting prospect and one that should be looked upon with enthusiasm and positivity. However it is perfectly normal to feel isolated and alone during the first few days of moving away from home. For many students it is their first ‘proper’ experience living away from the comforts of home and fending for themselves. Once the initial excitement subsides loneliness often creeps in and throwing yourself headfirst into a new environment is daunting. Being away from your nearest and dearest can be challenging.Ireland to Scotland would be, albeit for just a few months.

There is no Irish mammy around to land your dinner on the table in the evening, no reliable taxi man (dad) to collect you from the nightclub at half two on a Saturday night, you even miss having no annoying younger siblings around to fight with. Living away from friends and family was a lot harder than I anticipated and during my first few weeks abroad I felt l would never settle. I had misjudged how difficult the transition from Ireland to Scotland would be, albeit for just a few months.

It took me a while but eventually I realised it’s not meant to be easy. Moving to another country, starting a new university and making new friends is a lot to take in. I realised it was ok to feel a little bit lost and unsure and I also realised that it’s perfectly ok to ask for help. As American author Henry David Thoreau once said; “Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves”.

How right he was. It was in between doing the grocery shopping myself for the first time, improving my cooking skills, washing and ironing my own clothes and getting lost on numerous occasions while wandering around the city of Glasgow that I changed. I became the person I needed to become. I gradually became more and more independent. I learned how to handle weird and wonderful situations I found myself in and I learned to appreciate people and places I may have taken for granted at home. One of the most important things I learned was how lucky and blessed I am to be able to live the life I do, study the profession I love and take advantage of wonderful opportunities afforded to me such as studying abroad.

My advice to anyone lucky enough to be considering Erasmus would be to grab it with both hands. The benefits of studying abroad extend far behind the classroom walls and can really and truly have a positive impact on your life.

My Erasmus journey has left me with an insatiable hunger to travel and experience different cultures and customs around the world. Erasmus gave me a renewed confidence to try new things, travel to different places and, as I continue to grow, my destinations will hopefully continue to change.

The rebirth of Belfast

Once considered one of the four “B’s”, alongside Bosnia, Beirut and Baghdad, as a place to avoid, Belfast has transformed itself beyond recognition. Today Belfast is a prosperous, thriving and successful city. The economy of the city is once again blossoming; new industries are being created and it proudly boasts one of the largest, brightest and most-educated workforces in the world. Investment into regeneration projects in recent years has seen the city of Belfast really come to life. The administrative capital and largest city of Northern Ireland is now one of the most visited cities in the U.K. and second most visited city on the isle of Ireland.

Tourism in the city has seen a huge boost in recent years with attractions such as the Titanic Quarter, Ulster Museum, Belfast City Hall and the Victoria Square shopping centre enticing tourists in their droves.
For anyone visiting the city, Titanic Belfast is a “must-see”. Located in the Titanic Quarter, alongside the historic site of the iconic ship’s construction, Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor centre. Visitors journey through an interactive exhibition of nine galleries in the exemplary six-floor building and can relive the full story of this world renowned ship; from her conception in Belfast, through her construction, launch, voyage and ultimate fateful end. Tickets are reasonably priced ranging from £7.25 per child and £15.50 per adult. Children under five go free and there are also special discounts available for students, senior citizens and families.
As well as housing Titanic Belfast, the Titanic Quarter also boasts one of the sets of Game of Thrones, where production for seasons one, two and three were filmed. So if you are a Game of Thrones fan and happen to be holidaying in Belfast you are in luck. This summer the Game of Thrones exhibition will take place at the Belfast Waterfront from 11^th-15^th June. The exhibit, which is free of charge, is designed specifically for fans of the acclaimed TV series, and aims to bring the captivating and magical world of the show to its viewers. This is the second year the exhibit will run in Belfast and, if reviews of last summer are anything to go by, fans are in for an unforgettable experience.

As well as enjoying the sightseeing and cultural attractions Belfast has to offer, if you’re looking to fit in some retail therapy, look no further than the Victoria Square shopping centre. Located in the heart of the city centre, this state-of-the-art shopping complex is home to over 70 stores including Hollister, House of Fraser, River Island and Tommy Hilfiger to name but a few. Opened in March 2008, this is a partly enclosed, partly open air shopping centre, offering customers a vast array of eateries such as an oyster bar, Spanish Tapas bar, McDonalds and O’Briens as well as many coffee shops, cafes and grill bars. If it’s not shopping you crave Victoria Square also has an impressive Odeon cinema, with eight screens, located on the second floor of the shopping centre.

If none of these eateries tickle your fancy then the Golden Mile will sort you out. Starting at Great Victoria Street, it offers a vast array of restaurants, bars, pubs and nightclubs to suit everyone.
For those interested in the history of Belfast and Northern Ireland, the Ulster Museum is the perfect place for you. Like the Titanic experience, this is an interactive museum, designed to showcase the history, art and natural sciences of the North. Entry is free so if you can visit it is definitely worth it.
Another historical attraction worth seeing is Queen’s University. Located in the city, Queen’s University Belfast, was founded by Queen Victoria in 1845 and is the ninth oldest university in the U.K. The Welcome Centre, based at the university, is an ideal spot for tourists as its offers a regular programme of exhibitions and serves as an important information stand for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

If you are holidaying in Belfast for a little bit longer and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day then a trip to the Giant’s Causeway is the solution. Although it is situated in quite a remote area on the Antrim coastline, it draws in almost three quarters of a million visitors every year to admire its breathtaking landscape.

 Belfast has something to offer everyone and, if you are thinking of making your summer holiday a little more local, then a trip to the North is the perfect answer.

Today Belfast, and Northern Ireland as a whole, is a far cry from the troubled and conflict-ridden area it once was. Today the people of Belfast are discovering pride in their country. They have found a new cultural vitality and optimism and are eager to share it with the rest of the world. Today they are confidently looking forward to building a future together.

Taking a trip across the water...

Scotland isn’t that far from Ireland. It's just a stone throw away. However, some things haven’t made it across the Irish

Sea yet and since arriving in Bonnie Scotland I’ve figured out there are some questions Irish people just cannot escape from...















The Accent

Yes, I know you love the Irish accent. No, I will not say “thirty three and a third” again.


The Geography

“Oh you’re from Ireland. Do you live in Dublin?”

There are, in fact, 32 counties dotted around Ireland so why do you insist we all come from Dublin? Yes it’s the capital but there is more to Ireland than The Pale.


The Culture

“Can you Irish dance?"

Upon hearing you are from Ireland, this is one of the first questions you are asked. Like all Irish children I learned how to Irish dance when I was about seven years old. This does not make me the female version of Michael Flatley nor does it mean I will perform a rendition of Riverdance for you.


The Language

Slang words like “shifting” and “nagan” have failed to make their way to Scotland. I am met with a blank stare and a queer look when I utter these words. To the Scottish, “shifting” is simply “pulling” and nagan ceases to exist.


The Irish Language

We learned it throughout primary and secondary school yet, unfortunately, the majority of Irish people will struggle to speak what is technically their native language. When asked by anyone outside of Ireland what you can say as Gaeilge the I-learned-this-off-by-heart-when-I-was-in-primary-school “'An bhfuil cead agam dul amach go dtí an leithreas?" is one of the favourites.


Thanks to some advertising genius in Carlsberg if we're feeling brave these few lines can also be heard;

"Agus madra rua! Is maith liom cáca milis.
Agus Sharon Ní Bheoláin.
Tá geansaí orm.
Tá scamaill sa spéir.

Tabhair dom an cáca milis!”





The Alcohol

The presumption that Irish people can be found stumbling along the street, drink in hand, proudly singing The Fields of Athenry, is not as true as you may think. In fact the reality is pretty sobering and might disappoint those who would like us to maintain our stereotypical Irish drinking reputation. Yes, we like to drink and get drunk and have a good time. That doesn’t mean we are raging alcoholics that want to go out every single night of the week.


The Phrase

“Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!”

A phrase no one has actually ever said in Ireland. Yet the very moment you announce your nationality to someone you can be sure they will respond with this phrase. And if they don’t say it, they’re certainly thinking it.


The Leprechauns

Not to burst your bubble or anything but these mythical little creatures are just that. Mythical. Contrary to what you might believe these small fairy folk do not walk around Ireland sprinkling magic dust as they go. Although some of it might not go astray at the moment. Did someone say recession?


The Red Hair

Although the stereotype will say that the majority of Irish people are born with ginger hair and freckles, reality states otherwise. Only 10% of the Irish population actually has red hair. In fact, Scotland has the highest percentage of redheads with almost 13% of the population donning this hair colour. Approximately 40% of the Scottish population carry the recessive redhead gene. Ireland is slightly higher with almost 46% of people carrying the gene.


The Potatoes

We don’t just eat potatoes, despite what you might think. We also eat spuds and poppies too.