Vecka treton

This week as I am still home, I will continue with a culture blog, comparing Vȁxjӧ to home. After spending some days in Sligo, Jackie and I went to Belfast before our return to Sweden. When we arrived I showed her the city of Belfast; City Hall, Queens University and of course, the shopping centres. I have never actually walked in around queens and so I guess I learned a little of our culture. We compared the huge Queens, to the tiny Linneuniversitet where we study here in Vȁxjӧ.

The next day Jackie and I went to see the new Titanic museum. It was quite busy and so we just looked at it from the outside. Although a tragic event, it’s great to have the Titanic linked with Ireland; that it was built there. People from all across the world can come to and visit the birth-place of this historical ship.

I also brought Jackie to see some murals; to see some of Ireland’s history. I told her about some events that I have learned about, and of course there are many with I don’t know of. I spoke about sectarianism and how it still exists in many parts of Ireland. She was fascinated to learn of our cultural background and about the history of our country. We went to visit both communities involved and compared all the different art-pieces, something which was very interesting for me too. As Sweden is such a clean country, I doubt we would see any such pieces around the streets and neighbourhoods. It is well kept and always looks clean. I realise that some murals in Belfast are not art-work as such but are out to scrutinise the differences between communities. Again, Jackie was able to learn of some historical events which occurred in our country, and sadly which still does in some cases. Jackie then spoke about the aboriginal community in Australia, and how they are also often mistreated because of cultural differences. It’s clear that everywhere we are there will be cultural differences however, some of us have trouble accepting these.