Irish lore colored the journey

Irish lore colored the journey
Word@TimesRecord.Com
Shades of Green — By Katharine Rose Gergosian, Special to WoRD

Looking out my kitchen window at the fresh fallen snow, it is hard to believe that just last week my eyes rested on the city streets of Cork, Ireland. My semester-long experience has drawn to a close.

When I first began this column, I needed a title. In my search, I came across a bit of lore about the color green. The Irish believe there are 40 different shades of green throughout Ireland. This phenomenon sparked my interest. It seemed only fitting to name the column "Shades of Green."


What I did not realize is how the quest to find some of these shades would define my journey. My lighter side found whimsy in discovering yet another hue as I went through my day.

There was the dark, earthy green of the moss that covered the stone walls along the River Lee. Every day, I followed the river as far as I could until I reached the gates of University College Cork. This same color greeted me at the door to the International Office where I met many wonderful people who helped me adjust to my new home.

There was the deep, bottle green of my grocery bag. Now when I look at it, I can smile as I remember my first confusing trip to the Tesco supermarket. I can also think back to the many nights I had the opportunity to cook with my friends. With brimming totes in hand, we walked from the market to our apartment house where we created meals together.

There was the intense blue-green color of the majestic Lakes of Killarney. This same color appears on the painted benches overlooking Cork where I often stopped to sit. It is also the same color as the gingerbread trim on the convenience store where my friends and I enjoyed coffee and scones.

There was the bright, emerald green of the grass in the main quad at University College Cork. I spent many hours reading and enjoying the outdoors under the stately shadow of the castle-like building and clock tower. This same color appears in the glass pieces embedded in the walls on the way to campus. It could also be found in the blinking lights of the street-crossing signs.

There was the evergreen color of the small Christmas tree my friends and I bought for our holiday celebration. This would be our last party before heading home. The kitchen was decorated with lights and homemade snowflakes and and tissue-paper bows. We baked cookies from favorite family recipes that came from different parts of the world.

Leaving Cork, I was again reminded of these many shades. There on the plane, sitting on the tarmac, was a bright kelly green shamrock proudly displayed on the tail. As the plane flew over the ocean, I caught my last glimpse of Ireland. Patches of jade and emerald flooded my view.

Returning to this land where green slumbers under a blanket of cold white crystals, I am thankful for my time abroad. I missed my family, friends and my way of life in Maine, so I am glad to be back. I will not forget the people I met, the things I learned, or the wonderful experiences I had while I was away. Before long, spring will arrive with its pale new grass, but the deep greens of Ireland will stand clear in my mind.

Katharine Rose Gergosian is a 2005 graduate of Mt. Ararat High School and a junior at the University of Maine at Farmington studying secondary English education. She recently spent a semester abroad in Ireland at the University College Cork. As the recipient of the George J. Mitchell Peace Scholarship she is devoted to sharing her experiences with others and bringing cultural awareness to those on both sides of the ocean. She can be reached at katharine.gergosian@gmail.com.