Learn more; http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/troubles
Learn more; http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00wrk40
In Belfast I took a Black Cab tour. The driver was sure to show me the murals and the wall dividing Protestant and Catholics. He explained living through The Troubles and repeatedly mentioned how young adults still remember losing family members in the violence. His most remarkable comment was regarding "no touch points". After explaining the wall and separate lives he simply said, there are no touch points. Nothing in common so people can learn about each other. I found it profound.
After an educational Black Cab tour I went to the city center and was fortunate to happen upon an international market.
On my drive back to Dublin I stopped in Drogheda-back in the Republic of Ireland. It also has a wall but from ancient times. It seems our lessons from walls have not been learned.
The hotel I stayed at was called the Scholars Townhomes. I thought it was relevant since my entire Ireland adventure came about because of an invitation from a scholar-Sam who is earning his masters in Dublin. Staying here also had me thinking of my son and daughter-in-law who are also successful scholars. It was a beautiful place.
A few final thoughts about Ireland;
The views are breathtaking
The food and drink are delicious
The people are remarkable
"A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.”
~ Moslih Eddin Saadi
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