Introductions, Tall Ships, Saint Patrick and More

What a busy two days we've all had in Northern Ireland. After a four hour layover where I explored Philadelphia with my cousin, and a long sleepy flight, I was certainly ready to reach my destination. Yesterday, the rest of gang arrived from various parts of North America. Bridget from Minnesota, Hannah and Colleen from Milwaukee, Kathryn from Albany and Rory from Toronto. Each of these fine young people have come to learn about the message of Saint Patrick and act as a model of peace and prosperity between Northern Ireland and North America. What a lovely bunch!

After everyone arrived, we began our adventure to the North (we all landed in Dublin).

A nice spot of tea and a nap later, our hour long car ride ended at the most charming of housing accommodations. The Rosevale Farm Cottages were built in the 90's and are a perfect example of Irish warmth and hospitality.

Gorgeous right?

After another nap and a little unpacking, we ventured into Belfast to see the Tall Ships display. These ships raced at home point (not sure when) and then sat in the harbor, eager to be admired. The display was in Belfast Harbor and the Titanic Quarter (ICYMI - the Titanic was built in Northern Ireland). The white pointy building is the Titanic museum (supposed to be shaped like an ice burg...I don't know if that's funny or sad).

The Normadic is the last ship of the White Star line, it took people to board the Titanic at sea. We then enjoyed a lovely fireworks show (perfect since we missed the Fourth of July) and then went back home.

Which brings us to today! Beginning at the Saint Patrick Centre - the only centre 100 percent dedicated to Saint Patrick's legacy, and right next to his final resting place - and my, what a place. There is so much I don't know about Ireland's patron saint. He was kidnapped at 16, forced into slavery, then escaped, got stranded with some pagans, come back to Ireland and spread the word of the Christian God (no - there were no snakes) and then was accused on not being worthy to spread his message. Oy.

Millions of people celebrate Saint Patrick's day every year - the day of his death, by the way - and most people don't know a single thing about him or his message. He is a message for peace. Whether you are Catholic or Protestant in Ireland, it doesn't matter when it comes to Saint Patrick. His bridges the gap between cultures and religions and beliefs - and now we, the Young Ambassadors, are here to continue that message between Ireland (I believe the whole) and North America. Frankly, the world.

What a responsibility. But, the Centre does a fantastic job at spreading his ideas and bringing people together. Just today a group studying "Saints and Scholars" came through - of different beliefs, nationalities and ideas. I am sure I will have more to say on this topic later, but for now I am just impressed and reflective.

After the Centre, we took a hike up a mountain to see the tallest statue of Saint Patrick in the world (statues can never be on flat, easy to walk on plains, can they?) We also looked at several churches - including the first Christian church in Ireland - and we saw an old abbey that was used as a Game of Thrones filming location (see gallery for pictures). Then home and then, in a perfect ending, to the pub.

Tomorrow I will begin my first work day! I will be working with the Down Recorder - a weekly newspaper here in County Down. Time to dust off the AP Style book and see if what Cronkite taught me stuck. I am most interested in seeing how Europe covers news in comparison to America. Stay tuned!

I will upload pictures tomorrow!

Final thoughts:

I already knew I was in love with this country. But learning about the Northern history (of which I know little) and its connection to the South, and making the connections between my family line in today's world makes me all the more curious to see what this region and the world have in store. Often throughout the day, the phrase "Not all those who wander are lost," because by wandering, I found even more of myself and my roots.

Love,

Ciara