For the last few weeks, I, along with a few hundred other students, have been studying James Joyce's Ulysses, and how it fits in the realm of modern Irish literature. Recently, the theme of cities functioning as independent characters has been prevalent both in my classes and day-to-day living. Physical buildings, natural landmarks and the pulse all flow into the feel of a city. In my second post, I speak of Dublin and trying to assimilate the newness of the city with my background. So here's the thing you gotta know: Dublin = a Character, not a Place.
Galway likewise has a distinct personality.
In one of my first archaeology lectures, the professor was trying to explain how artifacts travel world-wide, which is why we may see a concentration of an item in one area, but the further we move from the origin, the fewer items are in that area. To illustrate his point in a contemporary scenario, he used the example of a Claddagh ring, which supposedly originated in Galway.
"If every Claddagh ring on earth, was represented on this map by a red dot," he said, "then you would see the highest concentration in Galway, with the rest dispersed. The further away you are, the fewer of this symbol you would see. Here in Galway, everyone recognizes the Claddagh, but say you're in China. Maybe someone would see it and point it out, maybe not. Maybe if you meet another Irishman, they'll ask you about Galway."
Okay, okay, that's a paraphrase, but the idea is there. The Claddagh is uniquely Galway in its history and symbolism; hands for friendship, heart for love, and crown for loyalty. Many stories surround the ring's history, but its commonly accepted that it belongs to Galway. Also, the man credited for its creation is Richard Joyce. Just some trivia for you, in case you ever need to list off Irishmen with the last name of "Joyce". Apart from that, Galway's history is more romantic and/or romanticized than you would expect - which is surprisingly convenient for my purposes today, since Valentine's Day is on Thursday!
Thankfully, Galway isn't quite the Hallmark Holiday that we have in the US. Sure, there are cards, teddy bears, and chocolate, but the marketing is "tamer" here . . . generally. However, NUIG has events advertised for the students that will take place Thursday. The Film Society will be showing Magic Mike and . . . providing free condoms for students. BEFORE I get backlash for typing that, I'll point out that every single college I have been to, or have friends at, promote safe sex. I mention this for several reasons. First, to point out that college students, staff, and organizations generally function the same way - international and domestic, at least where I've traveled. Second, the fact that it always comes up during the second week in February should be noted, wherever people happen to be in the world . . .
Which brings me back to college life at NUI in Galway. My Thursday night will be rather tame, I think, and I'm perfectly happy with that. My plans for Valentine's Day begin with a date Wednesday night, and on Thursday I'm going out with my friends to a movie of some sort, after we exchange "Covert Cupid" candy (it's like Secret Santa, if anyone needs ideas). Might go out in the evening and enjoy more of Galway, but we shall see.
I love my classes (and clearly I go to them, mom) but if I was interested in JUST earning good marks, I wouldn't have made the effort to travel, now would I? Every day I get to know Galway and her people better, which is truly a gift.
Lots of love this Valentine's Day everyone! I hope to tell you about my weekend trip to Kerry next time!
♥C
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