Another incredible week in Ireland!
Last weekend I went on a Paddywagon tour to Northern Ireland with Sierra. It was incredible. I have become so fascinated with Irish history since I have been here. Our tour guide gave us a great synopsis of the history of Ireland. It is so amazing to me that “the troubles” as they are called were so recent. When you think of Europe’s formation and its history of wars, it all seems so long ago, but things in Northern Ireland have only started to settle down in about 2002.
There is still a wall that is separating the Protestant and Catholic side that closes every night at 11. Though religion is what the fighting is usually attributed to, it was more about the division of Unionists and Loyalists, those who want Ireland to be a Republic and those who wish to remain under the rule of the Queen. As we were staying on the Protestant side of the “neutral” town centre, our bus driver had to move the van that said “Paddywagon” on the side to the other side of the city because of its Catholic implications.
I have learned so much about myself and about the culture. I have been continually impressed by the cultural awareness of the students here. They are always asking questions about America and love to tell me what they know about it. I have also met some people through travelling that seem so much more culturally aware than Americans. Americans seem to be very self-involved, only caring or paying attention to matters that affect us.
When we went on a tour to the north this last weekend, Sierra and I met a couple from Australia who were going on a 6 month holiday to travel around the world. To me, and I realize that I’m making a generalization, but many Americans that I have met see nothing outside of their town, city state, or country. I think this is such a valuable lesson for me to learn and to bring home.
When I have a classroom, it will be my job as an educator to make my students more culturally aware.
the tallest Celtic Cross in Ireland
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Slane Abbey
Derry was severely affected by "the troubles."
The Giant's Causeway
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Belfast City Hall
One of Belfast's famed walls. No matter where you stand, it appears that this man is aiming his gun at you...a constant reminder that someone is always watching you.
the gates close every night at 11:00, separating the Protestant and Catholic sides of town.
how the north feels about George Bush