Rowan Tree and Red Thread

We had a good day out in Cork today. The Cork European City of Culture for 2005 began today with a bang, as fireworks are de rigeur for the wrap up of any such event. Before nightfall and the explosion, however, we took Rowan down into town for a stroll about in the crowd to sample the various entertainments that were to be had. We saw many white balloons released into the sky, to float away (symbolically no doubt) on the breeze. Rowan liked that. We watched a unicyclist juggle fire and pretend he was about to fall into the audience. Rowan liked that too. Best of all, however, were the half dozen or so stilt walkers dressed as bizarre bird-riding bedouins ambling down Oliver Plunkett Street. Rowan loved them. Sam had Rowan on her shoulders at that point and Rowan was better able to see these strange apparitions as they drew closer through the crowds. She was surprised, but delighted when one of them came over and made the bird nuzzle her with its beak. After that there was no stopping her. Sam had to chase and intercept about five birds in all, with Rowan staring in rapt attention as each one passed by.

I can only imagine what it was like for her open and non-judgmental mind. I don't suppose she could possibly know that they were anything other than what they appeared to be: 9ft tall birds with cloaked riders, in bright colours, parading down one of the busiest shopping streets in Cork. And why wouldn't there be such a thing, in her exciting world?

We got down to a percussion band afterward, but I can't help but think that Rowan might have found it a bit tame after her marvelous birds.