Derry Life

I am beginning to get into a routine quite well here. We have one class a day for 3 hours at a time so my life only revolves around those for now. We are learning about not only the history and political troubles that Northern Ireland has faced but also the peace efforts and even international reconciliation techniques. We have a very hands-on class where we are learning practical mediation skills and for the 3 hours, that is mainly what we are doing through role plays. Tomorrow is Friday and in addition to our 5 classes, we will be starting our Traditional Irish Dance Class and next Tuesday start our Tin Whistle Class!

Last night we had our weekly group meal that we make together. It is nice to meet outside of class and just relax with each other. I think it really helps us to have some sense of 'normalcy' in a foreign country. Anyway we stayed up till past midnight playing cards as usual so that makes for today being a long day for me. This weekend we are talking about heading off to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, to spend Saturday/Sunday there. We will go again one day this month as a group but there is so much to see and do and with this beautiful weather we have been having (only 2 days of rain so far!) we need to go explore!  So wish us luck as we venture on our first trip on our own!  Best wishes.

Oh I almost forgot! Here is a picture of four of us girls in Pedar O'Donnells pub the other night!

This way you can see the whole pub, kinda.

And then a nice guy came and took our picture too!