A Craicing fun night...

The past few days have been very busy, but wonderful. I have now seen every part of Belfast, either by foot or on car tour. We went to meet with the Clerk of the Presbyterian Chuch of Ireland (PCI) and the Youth Workers office one day. From there Doug left us on our own in the city center to find our way back to Thorndale. It wasn't as daunting of as task as we assumed. We decided since we'd broken the ice, being out on our own, we would go for our first Fish and Chips! We headed to Mannys, a place the past volunteers had all mentioned. We were startled by the process and the accents we found there. They packaged Lauren and my order together, which we didn't know. We felt stupid when they asked us why were still standing there, and caused a minor scene. On our way out, all faces turned to look at us and for the first time we experienced feeling like stupid lost outsiders. Lauren and I joked that we were never leaving the house again. Needless to say, our long awaited trip to The John Hewitt for ciders was post poned.

We have spent much time in discussion on and learning about The Troubles here in Northern Ireland. We have learned proper language to use with each side, whether to call them British or Irish, to call the place we now call home Northern Ireland or Ireland, and to strike sports conversation with rugby or hurling. I was struck by the amount of murals showing allegance to either side. We toured through West Belfast, a very Catholic side of the city, to see flags on every corner, murals on many many building sides, and huge walls called peace lines seperating rows of houses. It has hard to think that there are places in this world that still need walls to protect their children and themselves. On the same note, we drove down Shankill Road, where Brittish flags zigzag between the buildings on both sides of the street. Today we we couldnt get onto Shankill Road due to a band parade. The few breaks in the peace wall were gated off, in order to prevent disruption of the Protestant festival. I am excited to work with both sides of this conflict, to gain a better understanding of it, and to make some progress in reconciliation if only in one child's life.

Tonight, on a lighter note, we went to a Rugby match with Doug and his family. I had no clue really what rugby consisted of, so it was fun to watch and figure it out. The girls and I decided that it is a cross between American football and wrestling, with a punt from soccer thrown in every so often. We were surrounded by Irish men mainly, yelling ULSTER at the top of their lungs. It was very entertaining. The amount of groaning and complaining was humorous, I felt as though they never wanted the other team to ever even touch the ball... which is reality would make a very boring game. I know most of you are laughing at me, thinking of me during Carolina games. I know, I'm being very hypocritical right now! But its was a night full of craic (great fun).

I am working on getting some kind of picture site up, and will get the link out as soon as I do. YAV kids, Chicago will be on there too, no worries.

I hope things are well on your side of the ocean, which ever it may be!

This is me and my roomies at the match!