Scotland

Sorry we haven't been on in awhile. Computers have been hard to find. I have 13 minutes and no more change, so here goes. We had a very interesting time in Northern Ireland. Belfast is a growing, changing small size city. The students spent a lot of time walking around, as it is very safe. We did have the opportunity to ride around and get a big tour...saw the Titanic building site, the major buildings, etc., but the most interesting was riding through the working class Protestant and Catholic neighborhoods. These are very close to the center and definitely poorer areas. They often border each other and there are walls in places the reminded me of former Berlin. There used to be checkpoints, but the gates are always open now, although the residents don't venture into each other's neighborhoods very often. There are flags up and lots of "in your face" murals in each area that make the opposite "side" unwelcome. We heard 2 young women speak about their experiences; one was just a small girl when her uncle was killed. They are both determined to have a better future for their country. Rather than a religious strife now, both explained that it is much more complicated and comes down to civil rights and economics. The Good Friday accords are working and they have had almost 11 years of peace.
After Belfast we went to the farthest northern point and the students went over the rope bridge. It wasn't as long as most of them thought it would be. We started off in wonderful weather getting a lot of sun, but a sudden shower took care of that! We then walked on the Giant's Causeway which was a fascinating geological feature caused by volcanic eruptions. We got lots of good photos there.
Today we took another ferry ride to Scotland and rode on the coach a lot. We actually spent an extra hour because the driver and our delegation manager couldn't find the restaurant and we ended up going past the same places a couple of times. We had a brief tour of Stirling, which deserves more time, but we don't have time to see everything. Tonight we are in a large resort where the students can walk around outside. Tomorrow we are off to find Nessie and see Collie puppies herding ducks to prepare for a lifetime of sheep herding. The next day we go white water rafting.
Everyone is great and spirits are high despite the rain...we are going for the record now of 19 for 19! You have given us great students. Time is up....Leigh