Northern Ireland!

We took a three day trip up to Northern Ireland. So far this have been my favorite trip :) We spent our time there learning about the troubles, hearing from those who lived in them and were willing to share their stories and experiences. We got to see the two streets that all the troubles were about. We heard about the perspective of the troubles from a republican Catholic, as well as a former para-military member who is a protestant unionist. We heard the perspectives of those who want a United Ireland, and those who want to stay connected with the U.K. We saw the murals and learned the history or the troubles and the IRA. We heard testimonies of former drug addicts who are now serving the Lord at a church in Belfast. We saw the peace wall, and also spent time visiting the memorials of those lost during the Troubles, and of course we spent time seeing the city of Belfast. We had a tour of Stormont, the parliament building. We didn't stay long because there was a meeting in session. There was so much information, and not much time to digest all of what we were hearing, but thankfully we were able to talk through all of the emotions and understand what this country has been struggling with for so long. We have had many talks about the issues and learned more with dates and the Good Friday agreement (Peace Treaty).  

We took a day to be outside! Our hostel was right on the beach and it was beautiful in the morning. We traveled to Giant's Causeway, and hiked around there. We had out lunch right on top of Giant's Causeway. It's so amazing how those rocks can be formed like that. We then went to Carrick-A-Rede, a rope bridge and hung out on the island there. We spent the nights hanging out in the hostel and having a grand o time!

This was the last week before spring break, we again, where very busy with homework and reading for Irish Lit. The professor for that class is coming March 18th and then the time will be packed with lectures...so not looking forward to it. It's crazy to think that I only have 7weeks left, but still thats a long time. I had spring break this weekend and will write more about that later :) 

The beach! 

Giant's Causeway 

Carrick-A-Rede

The group at Giant's Causeway