Emerald Isle – Ireland

Hello everyone! After many hours of travel yesterday, we took a leisurely stroll through the Belfast city center, taking in the famous Europa hotel and the Belfast Wheel, a ferris wheel that much resembles the London Eye.

This morning it was on to our city bus tour. Our very informative guide told all about the former division between the Nationalists and Loyalists, which many associate with this part of the world. But the remnants of the strife are best seen on the beautiful murals that have recorded the history of this place. One could hardly tell from the normal comings and goings of the people on the street that this city had experienced worse days. Our guide made sure to point out often - “You see, nobody cares” - referring to the differences of the past.

Arguably the most excitement for the students came with our visit to The Queens University of Belfast. While this college is named for Queen Victoria and ours for Queen Charlotte, like the city of Charlotte, the students were very impressed by its sheer size and grandeur. It truly has that old world charm with its wide greens lawns and red brick exterior.

Tomorrow we are off to county Sligo in Ireland. Along the way we will explore the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. Many students plan to test their wills as they cross the rope bridge. All in all the weather has been a dream - none of the Irish rain has showed up yet and the warm sunshine has kept more jackets in bags than on bodies.