Our First Weekend

We have now been in Belfast for a full two days of exploring, sight seeing, touring and taking in the culture of Northern Ireland.  It has been non-stop, and I think we're all feeling ready to settle in to a bit of a routine for the next week of visiting schools.

Saturday morning we got up early to a surprise from the coordinators Bridgette and Emily.  After a quick breakfast, we boarded a bus from our hotel down to the city center.  There, we transferred onto another tour bus, which led us, with guided commentary, to 18 different points of interest around the city.  The tour covered a variety of different spots, with an emphasis on historically relevant areas to the conflict.

(ABOVE) A mural depicting King William III in a Loyalist Community.

(BELOW) A mural on the Republican side of a Peace Wall depicting Catholics who lost their lives in the troubles.

(ABOVE) An exhibit at the Ulster Museum.  The Museum also featured an extensive exhibit on The Troubles.

(ABOVE) Traditional Irish Band Hyland Paddy and, (BELOW) taking in the music.

Tunnels joining Crumlin Road Jail and the courthouse across the street.  

Change stalls in the processing room of The Crumlin Road Jail.  The jail, originally built in 1845, was used by the City of Belfast until 1996 .  During the rise in conflict of the 1970's-1990's, the jail could not meet the demand and prisoners were transported to various prisons throughout Northern Ireland including the infamous Maze prison (Long Kesh).

On Sunday, we boarded another coach bus for a full day tour up the coast to The Giants Causeway

After a full day of sightseeing we happily returned to our rooms at Farset International in Belfast.  Tomorrow we will be meeting with ex-paramilitary leaders. 

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"EVERYONE IS EQUAL,

although those who realize it

are slightly better than those

who don't"