On Wednesday we journeyed to Derry/Londonderry. Those who have their internships in Derry met with their supervisors while the rest of us explored the city a little bit. We went to a couple shops, and then met up with the rest of the group and our tour guide for the rest of the afternoon. We walked around Derry and saw the peace wall that divides the protestant and catholic communities. They close the doors that connect the communities each night at 9 and have cameras placed everywhere. The political and religious murals are a sign of each community and there is a huge contrast between the two. We heard personal stories from our tour guide, and were in the heart of where Bloody Sunday occurred.
We also got to speak with a brother of one of the victims who died that day. He has now dedicated his life to educating people of those events that happened that day. He owns the Museum of Free Derry where there are loads of artifacts from that day. We than had the opportunity to hear his story about the process that has been going on the past years as far as the trial of those who killed people that day. None of the PARAS have admitted to killing anyone that day except for one. It was a very emotional, fact driven day, and it has taken and will take some time to process the reality of events that have occurred in Derry and the continuing struggle for peace that is occurring in Northern Ireland.
Yesterday we had the chance to hear Sean Farren speak about his involvement with the Good Friday agreement, and then today we just heard Ken Harland talk about the role of masculinity within this culture and the programs that he is involved in to help educate and work with marginalized groups. This weekend we all went out to the Anchor bar in Portstewart just about 10 minutes from portrush. We all had a lot of fun dancing and talking with locals. Then yesterday Erin, Abby and I went to Coleraine and tried to do some shopping but Erin and I were unsuccessful. Though we did find a semi-mexican restaurant on our way back to the train station called Cactus Jacks or something? It was the best we could do for our mexican cravings! They didn't have margaritas but we had chimichangas and nachos which were just as good! :D That night the gang went out to Kelly's night club which was jammed pack with people and about 7 different bars and music areas. It was a fun night filled with dancing! :D
This next week is our last week in Portrush. We have a day trip to Belfast on Wednesday, and those who have internships in Derry and Ballycastle leave on Friday, and the 8 of us who are in Belfast leave on Saturday morning. Should be another fun week in Northern Ireland!
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