Bridges and Giants and Castles, Oh My!

Since my last post I have written 4 more articles for the Down Recorder, including a feature on the Saint Patrick Centre and the Young Ambassador Program. They should be coming out next Wednesday - I will post when they do!

Friday we had our annual Young Ambassador BBQ. Board members and friends gathered at the Centre and we ate and chatted. Before we got to Northern Ireland, we were responsible for bringing a rock with us from our part of the world. With that rock, we participated in a prayer and then panted the rock in the "friendship garden." This garden represents all of the progress we have made and how much further we still have to go. Dean Henry Hall gave a lovely speech on Saint Patrick's legacy and the importance of his mission. Then Margaret Ritchie MP followed up and also discussed her work in parliament - I think I will be shadowing her next week!

(Thanks to Bridget for letting me snag these three photos above).

We finished up the lovely evening and then enjoyed a solid night's sleep - one of the first we - at least I - have had.

Yesterday was a day for exploration and adventure (and terrifying bridges).

First we went to Giant's Causeway - a volcanic rock formation along the northern coast. The legend is that the "Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool), from the Fenian Cycle of Gaelic mythology, was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Fionn accepted the challenge and built the causeway across the North Channel so that the two giants could meet. In one version of the story, Fionn defeats Benandonner. In another, Fionn hides from Benandonner when he realises that his foe is much bigger than he. Fionn's wife, Oonagh, disguises Fionn as a baby and tucks him in a cradle. When Benandonner sees the size of the 'baby', he reckons that its father, Fionn, must be a giant among giants. He flees back to Scotland in fright, destroying the causeway behind him so that Fionn could not follow," (thanks Wikipedia for helping me be lazy).

There are identical rock formations in Scotland across the way. Apparently Antrim (where the Causway is) was the subject of intense volcanic activity during the Paleogene period. Now the question remains - do you believe in legends?

After we went to the Causeway (such an intense hike, by the way), we went to the impressive (read terrifying) Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The bridge connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede and is 66 feet across and 98 feet above the rocks/water (yeah, nope).

We climed the steep hill (seriously, why can't tourist attactions be on flat ground with beautiful, strong men waiting to carry you?) and then got to the rope bridge.

My heart stopped. I am not really a fan of swinging bridges. In fact I can say with confidence I don't like them one bit. As we climbed down an intense set of concrete stairs, I looked into the - metaphorical - eyes of my nightmares. This narrow bridge is held together by rope, planks of wood, and strong wire at the ends. The edges are weaved together - large enough to where you can see the sea beneath you, but close enough to where it will catch you if you step off. Needless to say, that was a scary trek. But I made it across and it was well worth the journey. The view on the island is breathtaking. (I have a video which I will edit and post eventually...if it isn't oo ridiculous/filled with my screaming).

We enjoyed the island for about 30 minutes and then narrowly missed the rain before we made it back to the car. Then we enjoyed the rest of the evening before we saw a bonfire.

A bonfire you ask? No, not one for marshmallows and s'more making I'm afraid. You see, we are in the thick of marching season here - I will be dedicating a whole blog tomorrow to this topic as I feel it deserves its own post. Nonetheless, witnessing a Twelfth of July bonfire was a very surreal moment.

Today we went to a handleful of castles in the area and drove up the coast. The main attractions were Carrickfergus Castle and Belfast Castle. Then we drove around Belfast and saw the Peace Wall and the birth place of C.S. Lewis among other historical landscapes. The city was very quiet in preparations for tomorrow's big celebration.

All in all a busy few days. I will post tomorrow or Tuesday on the Twelfth celebrations and let you know how those go. Keep up to date with my Instagram as I post there frequently on little insight into my day.

Final thoughts: I am frequently amazed at how much history the Irish are able to take in. I remember always being in awe of how much my grandparents knew about their heritage - this country, north and south - have such pride in their history. It is something I find Arizona is lacking. I want to change that. And while yes, we are relatively knew in the scheme of things, we still have so much to offer the world and we should be yelling it from the roof tops! Pride goes a long way in the overall feel of a city I am finding.

Until next time.

Love,

Ciara