We are 'home'-----finally

Dundrum Bay Holiday Homes are about as quaint as possible. Emily and I of course got the best room. We look out the window and see dundrum Bay. The tide comes in at 12 and 12 so when it is out you can actually walk out on the bay. Many of the locals walk their dogs out there. the town is quite small and frustrating already.... there is no internet here (that we've found). All of Ireland has Broadband but culturally, internet is not that "in".

We are in Downpatrick right now at the local library where we can use internet. We are all acting ridiculously deprived. It's silly really, but it feels like we've been without internet for years. So we are all happy for google.

We stayed in Enniskillen for a few days at the Clinton Centre Youth hostel. Turns out that building was bombed in 1987 and Bill Clinton was here for the reopening. Everyone here loves Billy (as they call him). Our literature professor, Derick Bingham, actually ministered to him following the "affair". Monica is also talked about very often. The Hostel and stay in Enniskillen was very nice. While we were there we went to Devenish Island which was the location for a monastery long ago. We were able to climb the round tower which was made up of four ladders and four platforms. I walked up with my friend Jeran who is scared of heights....so it was a rewarding trip.

We had that afternoon off, which was a much needed break of time schedules. We were able to go into the local pub and watch a rugby and soccer match. something incredible has been discovered on this trip... it's called honeycomb ice cream, or pooh bear ice cream. Seriously, it's really good. last night Emily, Alex, Luke, and myself seriously ate half a gallon. Happens.

Back to Enniskillen... We went to a Presbyterian church on Sunday and it was pretty much the exact same as an American Presbyterian church. The people were of course much friendlier as a whole, but they also just really like Americans. We stayed after and had tea (I had coffee....again). The people were very interested in where we were staying, where we were from in the States, what we were studying, etc....turns out it is hard to end conversations with Irish people. They really do love to talk. It's refreshing.

After church we headed to learn about W.B. Yeats. We crossed into the Republic of Ireland (not Northern Ireland) where he lived and it was the most beautiful place we had been...Of course, in my opinion. I fell in love with a flower called Alpine Meadow Rue (look it up).

We got to see his grave and some of the places that he loved and wrote about. Truthfully, I had never heard of him....but turns out I like his poetry. Being in the places that he loved really helped understand what he was writing.

We left Enniskillen and went of Belfast for the afternoon. In Belfast we basically just wandered. some shopped, but the group I was in just wandered. We ate at some restaurant that said it was known for its quality of food. But like every restaurant here.....the food just isn't that good. Belfast will be a great place to be...whenever we can get there...It seems like the place to be for our age group .

We got to Dundrum and were thrilled with our homes. It is nice to just have one roommate versus 3. Emily and I immediately pushed our beds together, opened the windows and just enjoyed being settled.

We were able to go to the Northern Ireland Parliament which was so strange. I've been to D.C. and was treated nothing like the way we were treated here. Of course, I'm sure these politicians all thought we were studying political science or something of the sort, but they were incredibly hospitable and welcoming. We were introduced to the political parties (there are four main ones and then an "others" category with 7 members of the 108 members of parliament). There are still very much conflict in the Assembly, but the way they are managing it is by having a prime minister and a deputy prime minister be of the two opposing parties. So it would be the same as having Bush and Kerry as presidents. It's interesting.

There are 2 unionist parties (would like to remain in union with the U.K.)
And 2 Nationalist parties (would like to gain unity with Ireland)

Two members of the UUP (ulster unionists party) took us around the ancient building and paid for us all to have tea (or coffee!). We sat around and were able to have great talks with these incredibly important people. so strange. Basil (love his name) said N.I. was the one country that truly loves the States and supports her. Basil and John both gave their numbers and emails for us to contact them if we need anything or just want to see more of the area. (for my parents...these men were much like a Mark Richardson...so it seemed)

Anyways......

We are starting to plan our fall breaks and Luke and I have both talked about trying to spend as little money as possible in Ireland so that we can actually spend money on that trip. Turns out it will be a pretty expensive trip wherever we go. So far the main talk is still of Italy. I'll go anywhere.

Until next time...Elizabeth