Blog 6: Digital Storytelling Script and Travelogue

Digital Storytelling Script

Music:	Marsha’s Down by Many
Digital Storytelling Script
As a child, I have always imaged taking the trek from Dublin, CA to Dublin, Ireland. Little did I know that on January 10, 2018, this dream would come true,	*dissolve* <baby photo> Description: Young Esther
Cork, Ireland Motto: Statio Bene Fida Carinis (Latin) "A safe harbour for ships" (English Trans.) Population: 125,000 Density: 3,400/km2	*dissolve* <IMG_8699> Description: Cityscape of Cork
As we settled down into our new home for the month, we began setting routines. Daily coffee runs and meals at the Jurys Inn were common occurrences.	*dissolve* <IMG_9249> Description: Esther and her coffee
Monday nights were spent at the open night run by Ó Bhéal. Five word challenges became an interesting challenge to us all as we sat in the back of the Hayloft, attempting to craft masterpieces.	*dissolve* <IMG_9758> Description: Pen and Paper from 5 word challenge
Through the numerous workshops, I began to explore writing as a hobby. Journaling and writing became a habit. From erasures to mixed media, I started collaborating with the class to craft masterpieces for the showcase.	*dissolve* <IMG_9289> Description: Mixed Media Class Photo
Mike Brown, from Platform 3 Photo taught us about the colloidal process used in 1951 in order to take black and white photographs. I was able to learn about the chemistry behind the process that excited the scientist within me far too much. I had the opportunity to put gloves on, a familiar process akin to a science lab at Saint Mary’s and take pictures of my classmates.	*dissolve* <IMG_2471> Description: Esther throwing chemicals onto metal plate
After working up an appetite from all those workshops, we were fed like champions. Fish pie in Kinsale, O’Flynn Sausages at the English Market, every donut from Sticky Finger, my stomach has been a happy camper this whole trip.	*dissolve* <IMG_2422> Description: Food picture
Prior to this trip, the only person I knew well was my roommate. I'm really glad I got to know all these talented artists and I look forward to seeing their works get published.	*dissolve* Description: Class Photo
Ireland, you have been an amazing host and I will miss waking up and looking out the window, soaking in the view of the River Lee. Until next time, Éireann, Slán.	*dissolve* <IMG_8796> Description: Cork Signage
End Credits	*dissolve* <IMG_9389> Description: Black and White Scenery

"Baby Cliffs"
Taken by Esther Woo

Travelogue

SPLASH. Aqueous sodium chloride smacks me in the face as I am taking in the breathtaking view. Goosebumps arise from my epidermis as the water strikes me in the face. Quickly, I turn around and shield my camera cause that is the most important thing for this trip.

1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione (aka caffeine)
Taken by Franchesca Sablan

CLICK. Once the ocean settles down, I turn back around to get a perfect shot. As I seek out the area for the perfect shot, I begin to make the trek to the edge. Step by step, I see the land in front of me vanish as I find myself on the edge. The shutter is released and before it opens, another wave leaps over the cliff and hits me.

TASTE. My lips are dry and I am quick to lick my lips. My salivary glands identify the salt water from the Atlantic Ocean. 

Bunratty Castle
Taken by Esther Woo

BREATHE. Inhale and take it all in. I take a deep breath and let the ocean breeze tickle my nose hairs. I get a waft of the salt water that roars below me.


REFLECT. If you had asked me a year ago if I would travel during January term, I would have called you crazy. I would have told you that I would not survive being in a foreign country for more than two weeks. Little did I know that going to Ireland this January would be the best experience at Saint Mary's yet to come. It is hard to recap all that has happened the past few weeks. From the number of pints of cider to the take away mocha consumed these past few weeks, I have been running high on life. I've been exploring and being adventurous through all the workshops that I've attended.

Colloidal Process
Taken by Franchesca Sablan

CHEMISTRY. The colloidal process is an exciting art that involves science, something I enjoy a little too much. Learning about the chemicals that go into the process and how the photo-chemical reaction occurs to produce a beautiful black and white image on glass or metal was by far my favorite workshop here. The hands on learning and opportunity to experiment on my classmates made this memorable.

WRITE. These past weeks have been challenging since I have never considered myself a writer. Writing was always something I did in school just enough to get by. However, during this trip, I maintained a daily journal where I would spend time and write everyday about my experiences. In addition, I went to numerous workshops in order to explore poetry and writing more.

I can't believe the journey is about to end on Friday as we head back to California. I could just stay in Ireland forever. I look forward to the day when I return to Ireland.

“From Inspiration to Collaboration” Workshop

Taken by Sarah Rafael Garcia