Bloomsday is a holiday celebrating the work of James Joyce, specifically relating to the novel Ulysses. This epic story takes place in one day - June 16th, 1904, hence the date. I snapped a few pictures today to let you see all the people in costume. Where we live, in Dun Laoghaire (and the neighboring Sandycove), are the main settings for this book so our 'village' was sort of the epicenter for people celebrating today. There are flags draping across the main road all through town, each store front did a window display dedicated to James Joyce, there were people standing on the streets reading Ulysses aloud and in some spots the novel was being played over loudspeakers.
It was a big deal!
Here's a link:
There were hundreds of people dressed in clothing from this era (both as James Joyce, and Nora Barnacle, his wife). We like her name, obviously. There were old cars from the turn of the century and old Rolls Royce's 'shuttling' people around (for free) to these literary stops. Anyway, it was a fun day and nice to see some real die-hard literary nerds. =) (make no mistake, Wayne, Norah and I will be joining them next year). I just wonder how many of them have ever gotten through Ulysses. Wayne has tried several times and swears it is impossible. I take him at his word given that he reads the most convoluted, dense philosophy and deciphers it perfectly. So, if he says it's a tough read, I know it's way out of my league.
Trek out to the James Joyce Tower in Sandycove (this is 2 Km.'s south of our place)
The James Joyce Tower, where some of the novel is set. (now the James Joyce Museum)
THIS: Is June 16th in Dublin Ireland. This, is our summer.
Nice summer day at the beach in Ireland.
We found this flag on the ground and Norah insisted on carrying it around. She's quite the patriot.
Daddy and Norah on the swing. Wayne was so sweet, (tomorrow is Father's day) and he said, "This is all I want for Father's Day - swinging with my girl". He's easy to please, this one. Don't worry I also got him a card. =)
2 comments:
rent the movie - so much easier than trying to wade through the book although I am not sure the movie is any better :/
you have to love the sweet raincoat Norah has on.
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