Located in the public space of the Apple Market in Waterford city, the Brno-Waterford Gateway opened last week, offering a real-time, unfiltered livestream, inviting people of different cultures to meet above borders and differences.
The area is now home to a dolmen shaped portal, which will connect to another portal in the city centre of Brno in the Czech Republic. The Gateway was officially opened on Friday, November 22, at 3pm.
The portal follows in the footsteps of the recent Dublin portal to New York City, which despite an initial shaky start and perhaps some overexcitement from certain users, the idea caught on and created an endless amount of memorable, light-hearted moments between those facing each other face on from across the globe. Waterford has now adopted the idea, and we caught up with locals a few days after the official launch, to get an update on how it is being received.
Kenza and Anne
Kenza was very excited about the addition to the Apple Market, saying, “I remember there was also one in Dublin where you could see people in New York. I think it’s amazing!”
Kenza also offered to give the viewers in Brno a display of the best of what Waterford and Ireland has to offer with an Irish dance for them to enjoy!
Anne said: “The technology is amazing and it’s lovely for the area. We have friends in Czech Republic so we were going to contact them and organize to see each other; I think it would be amazing!”
Members of the Caulfield and Fenlonfamilies added: “I think it’s deadly. We’re from New Ross and I’d like to see one in Wexford. Next year I’d like to see one linked to Australia, because everyone has so many friends and family there.”
Jodie Wall and Sophie Swift
Jodie Wall said: “I think it’s amazing we love it!
Sophie Swift added: “This is my third time visiting it!”
