Cork City as seen from Elizabeth Fort
Just over 100 years ago, the Wright brothers flew the first successful airplane, powering through the air at 6.8 miles per hour only 10 feet above the ground. Their first flight lasted about 12 seconds. My flight, layovers not included, lasted about seven hours. On January 9th and 10th, I journeyed from Boston’s Logan Airport to Cork, Ireland, where I will be studying for the next few months.
The sun is shy in Cork. Moisture is always hanging in the air, and at least once a day, water will sprinkle down from the heavens. Although I left behind a forecast filled with snow storms, I couldn’t stop laughing as I watched it snow on the first day of my orientation. Apparently, Ireland doesn’t get snow. So you’re welcome, Cork. I brought it just for you!
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral (left) and me in front of the Cathedral's doors (right)
History seeps through the streets of the city. Everything is old from the towering monuments to the bricks in the city park. Cork began as a monastic settlement in the sixth century, allegedly founded by St. Fin Barre. To pay homage to the renowned saint (and fulfill our own curiosity) a couple friends and I ventured to St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Although built on the foundations of structures dating as far back as the seventh century, the cathedral that now stands is just over 150 years old. Nevertheless, the stories embedded in the sculptures, friezes, and stained glass are as old as Christianity itself. My personal favorite sculptures were the mythical beasts perched above the entryways. Of course, I cannot forget to mention the famous angel of resurrection. I can only pray it will help me resurrect a good work ethic for my new semester.
Behind the cathedral is a labyrinth, which is intended for prayer, meditation, and self-reflection. My friends and I set out to walk the path to its center. We were quickly joined by two young girls, who were visiting the cathedral with their parents. They giggled, tracing our footsteps on our spiritual odyssey. One must have reached enlightenment early, as she darted off before we made it to the center.
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral Labyrinth (left) and two statues skirmishing inside Elizabeth Fort (right)
Elizabeth Fort is a four minute walk west from St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. The fort was built in the 1600s and has undergone as many renovations as it has changed its purpose. Originally used for military defense, the fort had later functions as a prison and a station for the Irish police (also known as the Garda). Just recently, the fort has been opened for tourism. Inside are a few metal statues reenacting 17th century military duties such as skirmishing with other soldiers and looking depressed. However, the highlight for me rested at the top of the wall, where I could see the entire city laid out before me.
Globalization makes the world feel small. I live in a time when crossing an ocean is dubbed hopping the pond. I grew up in the same small town with the same tall trees for all 20 years of my life. Cork is different from home and no amount of googling could really tell me what I would see standing at the edge of Elizabeth Fort. I could see back in time to the cathedrals and the bell towers. I could see into the future with every street I’d walk down and every pub I would drop in to have a drink. I could look out at a city thousands of miles away from my home with thousands of faces waiting for me to learn their name. I’ve been in Ireland for over a week now, and I think Ireland has already found its way into me.
