ireland part 2

Hello all,

I am writing this from Derry, in Northern Ireland, which I am visiting for one night as part of my paddy wagon tour! Derry is a raw, interesting place, which has a very troubled history (it's the site of the infamous bloody Sunday in which about 11 protestors were killed). We've been given a lot of the political history of the place, with a walking tour of the historic town walls. What's really strange to see however is the voluntery segragation that occurs here. The Protestants live on one side of the river, and a small number live in a community with a massive fence around it. The troubles are very fresh in people's minds, so about 5:30 onwards the streets are absolutely dead quiet. Apparently even 7-8 years ago the streets we walked today looked like a war zone with tanks etc. Also the British army posts, which looked over the Catholic areas, have only been removed a month or so ago.

The tour today left Dublin and went to see the head of Oliver Plunkett, which was stored in a church. We also stopped at a 1000 year old celtic cross and Slane Castle, which we had to take pictures of through a fence. We had lunch in Armagh and then arrive in Derry about 4pm. Tomorrow we're off to the Giant's Causeway and heading to Belfast tomorrow night, which should be really good. The tour is full of bloody Australians, with a few random nationalties through in for good measure!

Anyway, back to what I've been up to. Since last Wednesday the weather has been amazing, even the Irish are shocked at how nice it is. The weekend was wonderful on the boat, swimming in the Shannon River and working on my tan!!! On Saturday we had a wonderful dinner at the Oarsman, which was arranged as a 21st for me by my rellies over here, who I barely knew. The Mahers, Judy (my aunt) and Gerry (her husband) and Ros, Boz and I attended. It was good craic and the food was amazing! On Sunday night I met up with Kara's parents, they are lovely.

I spent Thursday and Friday last week in Dublin, seeing the book of Kells, which is absolutely amazing- the intricacies of the illustrations are awe-inspiring, the Guinness storehouse (which was also great- seeing how they make Guinness and getting a free pint on top of the factory!). I also saw a museum about the history of Dublin and a fascinating exhibition about the 1916 easter rising. So much history here, I am in Heaven!!!

Anyway apologies for the short post, there is a large queue for the one computer. Everyone wants to use it before the irish music starts in a nearby pub at 11pm. So hope you're all well!

Best Wishes,

Anneke