Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Roots

Oh hay there! I have a question for you all. Do you think my mom and I look alike?


Yeah...most people don't. Wah wah! My mother is 100% Irish, which (because of math) makes me 50% Irish. Man, I love being Irish. We have like THE best music ever. Proof:

All God's Creatures


The Wild Rover


Boulevogue


These songs always strike such a strong chord in my heart. There are certain melody lines, certain inflections, in Irish music that are like no other music. The songs are so sincere and meaningful and heartfelt. Or, in the case of All God's Creatures, so hilarious.

And man, maybe Ireland isn't known for its food, but there are a few choice items that are so ridiculously amazing if done right. The other night, Genia and I went out to celebrate being Irish and spilt two dishes at Brocach: corned beef & cabbage and fish & chips. So delicious. Unfortunately, some of the more delicious things in life do not photograph well in a dark environment on a new camera I haven't quite figured out yet, so you'll have to observe these and use your imagination. And just trust me that they were absolutely delicious.


Here's my drink: a Murphy's. Look closely at the foam - see anything?


By the way, the people at Brocach say the name is Gaelic for "badger den." My mom says they're making it up. I believe her. But hey, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is pretty lovely.


I'll be traveling to Ireland this summer for my cousin's wedding, and I'm so excited to go. It's been awhile, and I miss it terribly. As kids, we spent many summer weeks in Ireland; I feel like I grew up there. My mother's entire family lived (and still lives) there, and I feel lucky that we got to know all my cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandmother as well as we have despite the distance. And Ireland is so beautiful. You know all those rumors about the rolling green hills and beautiful mountains and rocky cliffs and green everything? Well, they're all true. Ireland is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Besides the natural scenery, there are ancient churches and castles by the side of the road anywhere you go. It's amazing. Check out these pictures from my sister from our last trip there in 2007.












There is a feeling, an energy, a smell...something, that is so different from here in the US. Maybe it's memories of childhood and growing up, or maybe it's the lushness of the land, or maybe just different air. Whatever it is, I miss it and I love it, and I cannot wait to go back there. This trip is really going to be a special one for me.

Lastly, I'll leave you with this. On St. Patrick's Day this year, why not make it a little less about the booze, and a little more about the Irish? Seriously. Celebrate my homeland and my people, but stay classy about it, okay? I mean, if a bunch of rowdy Arab men can do it, you can too!

15 comments:

SophisticatedBrew said...

AWWWW geeez, you are so cute. Beautiful post Reem, I love your people.

Reem Tara said...

Thanks yo! I bet they'd love you, too. Maybe someday we'll go together. Probably our band should tour there.

Anonymous said...

Woah woah woah! Just looked at this again - didn't even catch the 4 leaf clover in the foam. I've heard of foam art in coffee drinks but not beer. My beer nerd hangs its head in shame.

Reem Tara said...

SHAMROCK, Sandy!!! Shamrock! Not 4-leaf clover! Come on now, get Irish. =)

Kyle said...

My mom's 100% Irish too! Slainte, great post.

Reem Tara said...

Slainte to you too, Kyle! I think we're still neighbors, so if your television ever falls on you, just keep yelling until I come rescue you.

bhannas4 said...

Love you and the whole Irish/Iraqi clan -love reading your blog too - happy happy St. Patrick's day xoxo

Anonymous said...

Like!

-Sean O.

Kyle said...

I'll be able to rest so much easier tonight knowing I have a rescue plan. That and the Jameson.

miriam said...

Love it all - the food, music and photos...You and yer ma have the same mouth!
Glad you will get to go back, too.

jx said...

At the Delhi airport, there was a Guinness booth and the poor Indian sales clerk was dressed up like he was Irish. I tried to be convinced but it just wasn't happening.

And that one Arab, furthest to the right, does actually kinda look Irish a little. I think it's the twinkle in his eye.

Reem Tara said...

Thanks, lads! @Kyle, I gotchu. Don't ever worry again. @Jess, that's ole cousin Pete. Twinkle indeed...he'll be flattered.

Tara said...

I remember being at Brochach with your mom and asking the waitress what it meant, your mom was all nice and smiling when the waitress said and as soon as she walked away your mom was like uh no way, no it doesn't. awesome

Reem Tara said...

Oh yeah, Tara, you were there! That's my mom for you, polite, good manners, honest as hell, and 150% true to her Irish roots!

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nice post!love your people and your food.The images are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing.