I knew little about the conflicts in Ireland until I arrived in Dublin. Yes, I had heard about the IRA and even wikipedia'd some information, but I never knew the magnitude of the conflicts which so recently took place in Northern Ireland. Taking a trip to Belfast and Derry really opened my eyes to so many events and so much history I would have been ignorant to otherwise.
In Belfast, the feel of the place was so uncomfortable. There were murals everywhere which sent messages of two sides of a past conflict; a conflict which still divided Belfast physically with a wall in the middle of the city dividing the Loyalist and Republican parts of the city.
Derry was amazing. Not only did I learn so much about the civil rights movements there as well as the tragic Bloody Sunday, but we got to have a question and answer session with the sister of a victim of Bloody Sunday who was murdered by British Paratroopers. Seeing video and hearing audio from Bloody Sunday really made the whole experience come alive for me, and moved me in a way. Not so long ago were people suffering, and still people were divided.
I did love the town of Derry though. It was one of those small comfortable places that you just automatically feel at home in. If I could recommend any town in Ireland to visit, it would be Derry.
We also did some sight seeing, which you will see pictures below.
I am also happy to say that Obama has won the presidency! This event has meaning of such magnitude I can barely wrap my mind around it. Who would have thought that my generation could have the strength to make real change. It was my first presidential election as well, and getting to see results I favor is wonderful.
This weekend I am going to Alghero, which is on the Island of Sardinia in Italy. I'm so excited, so stay tuned for a great blog entry!
Here are pictures from the weekend in Northern Ireland, including Halloween!
In Belfast, the feel of the place was so uncomfortable. There were murals everywhere which sent messages of two sides of a past conflict; a conflict which still divided Belfast physically with a wall in the middle of the city dividing the Loyalist and Republican parts of the city.
Derry was amazing. Not only did I learn so much about the civil rights movements there as well as the tragic Bloody Sunday, but we got to have a question and answer session with the sister of a victim of Bloody Sunday who was murdered by British Paratroopers. Seeing video and hearing audio from Bloody Sunday really made the whole experience come alive for me, and moved me in a way. Not so long ago were people suffering, and still people were divided.
I did love the town of Derry though. It was one of those small comfortable places that you just automatically feel at home in. If I could recommend any town in Ireland to visit, it would be Derry.
We also did some sight seeing, which you will see pictures below.
I am also happy to say that Obama has won the presidency! This event has meaning of such magnitude I can barely wrap my mind around it. Who would have thought that my generation could have the strength to make real change. It was my first presidential election as well, and getting to see results I favor is wonderful.
This weekend I am going to Alghero, which is on the Island of Sardinia in Italy. I'm so excited, so stay tuned for a great blog entry!
Here are pictures from the weekend in Northern Ireland, including Halloween!
Above: One of the 8 Geological Wonders of the World in Ireland: "Giant's Causeway"
Below: Me after crossing the rope bridge
Above: In Northern Ireland, and just past the ocean is the border of Scotland!
Below: There were so many people dressed up as Joker!
Above: My halloween costume: grrrrr.
Below: Don, placing his hand next to the bullet holes that were left in a wall in Derry...similar to those used on Bloody Sunday by paratroopers.
Above and Below: A monastery and a church, both in Northern Ireland.
Above: A cool painting of the Beatles in Belfast.
Below: In Derry, the Irish flag.
Above: Me crossing the Rope Bridge in Derry
Below: Me and friends at Giant's Causeway
Above: Me on the middle of the rope bridge!
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