Sikh House of Worship

BY DARYL BJORAAS

Mistaken Identity — Ravidassi and Sikhs

BY DARYL BJORAAS

Fighting Irish Stereotype

BY DARYL BJORAAS

Final Back Story

BY DARYL BJORAAS

Unfortunately, I think this is the last time you’ll all hear from me for a while, so I’d better make it count.

As I type this final back story, so many thoughts about Europe come rushing back and start swirling around in my head. What a wonderful and unique experience I had on this trip. I feel so much wiser on a multitude of things. I’m still in shock that it’s over. I wish I could have stayed longer.

London.Sikh.Peace.March.2

BY DARYL BJORAAS

I finally completed my news package on the London Ravidassi Peace March. It took hours of editing, researching, recording and writing, but it’s finally done. It’s the first package on this trip that I’m proud of.

London.Sikh.Peace.March.

BY DARYL BJORAAS

Today, I found myself in search of a Sikh peace march that was supposed to take place at 11 a.m in London’s Hyde Park. Joining me in the search were my fellow colleagues Jim and Derek. We got to Hyde Park, the alleged place where these Sikhs were supposed to meet according to an online Web site that Derek had found.

We were grossly disappointed. Here we were, alone,  at 10:30 or 10:45 on a Sunday morning, with no signs of ANY protest in sight. Supposedly, there were going to be thousands in attendance. You can imagine the disappointment we were feeling after not being able to capture such a visual event.

Paris Reporting

BY DARYL BJORAAS

Greetings from Paris.

Today was my first full reporting day in France. It was an interesting one as my colleagues and I visited several spots in the city. The spot that I found the most interesting and where we spent the most time was Le Marais, a section of Paris that incorporated both the gay and Jewish communities. It was very interesting seeing these two cultures live among one another. I’m from a part of the world that doesn’t have a heavy influence of these minority groups, so getting to see their interaction was eye opening. Never in my life would I have imagined a place like this.

Doubts, Difficulties and Dublin (Part 3)

BY DARYL BJORAAS

I couldn’t tell you what time it is right now, but I know that I have to wake up very soon. If I had to guess, it would probably be around 5 a.m. The reason I mention this is because I’m overloaded. I just spent the last couple of hours finishing my news package editing and immediately started packing afterward. I’m so tired!

Doubts, Difficulties and Dublin (Part 2)

BY DARYL BJORAAS

They tell me the weather is always in a constant state of change here in Dublin. Unfortunately, I had to experience this the hard way.

Earlier today I found myself walking out of the Ballsbridge Inn, headed to an on-camera interview with Major General Vincent Savino at the National Museum of Ireland. General Savino was speaking at the museum as part of the new Soldiers & Chiefs exhibit. He was the only Irish historian in what seemed to be all of Dublin willing to conduct an interview in person rather than by phone or e-mail. I wanted my news package to be as visually appealing and credible as possible, so you can imagine the frustration, panic and rush I felt this afternoon.  

Doubts, Difficulties and Dublin (Part 1)

BY DARYL BJORAAS

I’ve spent a total of about three days in Ireland, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’m slowly becoming overwhelmed. Trying to come up with a story idea for a country and culture that I have a limited knowledge of has proved to be one of the more challenging things I’ve done in my journalism career thus far. Now I’ve always considered myself to be somewhat of a decent journalist, but lately this trip has me questioning my abilities. I’m not nervous about the shooting, the editing or even the limited amount of time I have to work on this project. What I’m nervous about is the level of understanding or credibility I have on reporting about this culture. Truth be told, I only know 72 hours’ worth. Although I’m learning with each day, I’m afraid it’s not enough for me.