Global Citizens – GW Blogs from Abroad

IMG_7199_2 — Protesters blocking traffic

One of the most pressing issues in Ireland and one I do not fully understand is a proposal for water charges. From my understanding, the Irish government is proposing water charges for water use in homes across Ireland, a by-amount charge they do not currently receive, as it is viewed as a public resource. There has been a huge backlash from many citizens, either politically or fundamentally opposed to the idea, or who simply do not want to pay for water.

It seemed like an incredibly interesting debate at first. I have witnessed large protest marches and many people simply standing in the middle of busy downtown intersections, with honking cars for miles, with a sign saying “no water charges.” At some point recently though, these protests went from intriguing to comical to me. After hearing the government’s justifications, it just makes sense. Citizens in just about every Western country pays for water, and the charges could also be seen as potentially eco-friendly. But if it is hurting someone’s wallet, you know there will be some backlash.

I was actually fortunate enough to experience this debate firsthand. My cousin set me up with a visit to the Irish Parliament in Dublin city centre, called the House of Oireachtas, which consists of the Dail, or House, and Seanad, or Senate. There I was met by a member of the staff of my cousin’s TD, Derek Keating. I was given a guided tour of their House and Senate, which was a lot smaller and more intimate. We had a cup of tea at one of two bars inside of the building. I even got to sit in on a committee hearing regarding coverage on the national television station, RTE.

The coolest part of the visit, however, was sitting in on the Dail for Leader’s Questions. This is a procedure where a representative from each opposition party is given the opportunity to publicly ask the Prime Minister two questions. I got to witness the two main Irish political figures I was familiar with duke it out with words: Enda Kenny, Prime Minister, and Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein with strong IRA ties and a reputation stemming from “The Troubles” of the late 20^th Century. They were debating about, what else, Irish water. Adams did make some interesting points against the measure but he did not change my mind.

The visit to the Dail was interesting and gave me a better understanding of numerous issues in Ireland including the water argument. The day was topped off when I met the opposition leader, Michael Martin, on my way out of the building. My cousin told me that there is a good chance he will be the next Taoiseach, or Prime Minister. I will spend my final weeks here enjoying my water, but I would not be upset if I have to start paying for it!

By makenadingwell

This weekend I traded in paella for curry and flew back to London, my second hometown. Not only did I get the chance to hang out with my childhood best friend, but I also arrived just in time to see a football match between the U.S. and Colombia with a friend from GWU. Since I spent my summer and the span of the world cup in Colombia, I was thrilled to be surrounded by passionate Colombian fans once again. However, being at the match was a little confusing, culturally.

Sometimes I said “grathias” like I was from Spain and sometimes I cheered like I was from Colombia. I snuck back into a British accent when I was with my British friends but I chatted like an American with my GWU friend. I’ve read that we’re different with each person we’re with, but is that really the same with each place we’re in? Which country, let alone team, did I represent? At one point I think I even said “merci” to a cashier at a café by Tower Bridge.

It seems like every weekend, students studying abroad are darting between trendy cities, picking up more than just the currency. However I remember being a kid, moving between England and the U.S., and traveling all around Europe, and always feeling so self-conscious of belonging to the “appropriate” culture. I heard, “you’re American, why do you say some words weirdly?” or “you’re not British, why do you like the football team?” I always reminded myself that I was supposed to be American first and other influences were secondary. Even to this day, I still feel that pressure to prove my “Americanness.”

However I only had a Colombian jersey when I went to the Colombia v. USA match, my British accent came out purely unintentionally, and I said “claro” to people who clearly do not speak Spanish. After my third trip to London in three months, it’s become clear with each comparison that I can’t fight the culture from any country or city I spend time in. Two months into Spain and I no longer like to eat dinner before nine. I prefer tapas-style meals and I stare unwaveringly at people on the metro, admiring fashion or following interactions between groups. I respond to everything with “vale” or “claro,” and I no longer feel a rush to leave after eating at a restaurant.

Now back in Madrid, I even still say “crisps” and “cheers” and prefer a refreshing foggy morning like those in London. Likewise, from Colombia, I crave finding seasoned strips of mango or fresh empanadas on the street and love obsessive football fans. I too appreciate a well-executed preppy outfit or a good political debate during Sunday brunch, a clear change from living on the West Coast.

But there’s also the culture of travelling, of always carrying an apple and a granola bar and finding comfort in naps on buses and small backpacks that we’ve all grown accustomed to. Finally, after months of dipping between countries and exchanging stories every Monday morning with friends, its clear we carry a little more than just the stamps in our passports and the pictures in our instagrams and I could get very used to this.

Tag: Global Citizens

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