A Fieldtrip to Belfast and moving to Derry!

Greetings!

I am now writing my blog entry from my very own room! Yesterday, 7 of the 13 group members packed up all of our belongings and moved to the city of Londonderry (also referred to as Derry for both political and convenience sake.) I again have a great living accommodation. My own bedroom, shared kitchen and bathroom, and most importantly internet! The only complaint I have so far are the various ‘alarms’ that go off in the middle of the night/early morning. Fire alarms, security alarms, and maybe even a car alarm. It seemed to be a reoccurring theme in the past 24 hours but I hope that soon will stop. The flat is located within the student accommodations at the University of Ulster Magee campus. We are about a block away from the main campus that is filled with older buildings and beautiful architecture.

Today we set off to explore the city. My flat is about a 20 minute walk away from the city center. My internship is located there so I am pleased with the short distance. There are plenty of cafes and great shopping that I’m guessing will be testing my self-control! There was rain today but nothing unbearable. I cannot even count how many times I was asked where I was from. To the many people I talked with none of them could understand the -30 degree weather and snow that Minnesotans deal with. I think they would prefer their rain any day. I’m looking forward to more exploring tomorrow but for the time being my legs are exhausted.

Although ‘the big move’ has been the highlight of my week, I want to quickly recap my experiences from the last couple of days.

We finished up our 3 week intensive classroom sessions last week. The days were long and the material was grueling but some of the speakers were quite fascinating. On Monday we were invited to lunch at the Coleraine Council Borough. We meet with a head politician and three ‘Good Relations Workers’ from various cities. It was interesting to listen and see first hand how city politics can function with many different parties represented.

Then on Wednesday morning we left bright and early for Belfast. The trip took us all over the very big city. To start the morning off right a couple group members and I enjoyed a delicious ‘Ulster Fry.’ My friend Anne called it ‘cardiac arrest on a plate’ but it was delicious. (the picture to the right is couple of the girls and where we dined!) Mom and Dad you will have to try one when you come and visit! The first part of the morning we had a walking tour given by a Nationalist. We walked up and down a Nationalist/Republican/Catholic area. The community seemed functioning and for the most part vibrant with business. After the tour we meet with a City Council member and party member of Sinn Fein. It was very
interesting to compare his ideas about politics with those of the council member that we meet on Monday, who was a Loyalist. I felt very privileged to meet with a man of such importance and history with the conflicts, and also very proud of our group for asking tough questions. I cannot say I was satisfied with his answers, however, that has sparked new questions that I seek to find answers! (the picture to the right is some of the group and the speaker outside of a Sinn Fein office) After lunch it was like we ‘crossed the border.’ We met with a former Unionist paramilitary for a tour in our van. We visited various Loyalists spots around Belfast. Within the Unionist paramilitaries and communities there is a lot of inter conflict. Our tour guide who was a former UVF member would not get out of the van in the predominantly UDA territory. This experience gave me a real sense for how much the tension still exists today. So now I have a better understanding that the conflict is by no means just between the Catholics and the Protestants but between each other. Our time with this man made me really think about forgiveness and reconciliation. He told our group first thing that he had killed 4 people and that he went to prison for it. Today he is working in an organization that promotes cross community action. It got me thinking that maybe people can change. (the picture down below is a frightening image and yet these are murals that are painted on houses in regular neighborhoods, this is one found in a loyalist neighborhood.) After that last tour we left the city in comparable traffic to Minneapolis and headed back to Coleraine.

Thursday, our last day all together flew by! We were a very lucky group of college students and were invited to the house of our program director for dinner. Nigel’s wife Janice made a delicious lasagna and exceptional apple crisp. The best part of the evening was visiting with their 1 ½ year old daughter Lydia. She is adorable. It was a really nice gesture for inviting all 13 of us and I know I appreciated the great home cooked meal while away from home! That evening was spent packing and saying goodbyes at a local pub with live traditional music. I only wish I could master that dancing before I come home. It looks like a blast!

That is about it for me as of now. I am continuing to have a great time and the next time I write will be after I start my internship with The Junction on Monday. I am very excited, nervous, and anxious all in one!

Sending love across the pond,

Sara