The Troubles

No, the title of this blog does not refer to us (although we can understand how you mistakenly came to that conclusion). We are referring to the Troubles faced in Belfast, Ireland. On Friday the 13^th, we visited Belfast and learned about the cultural conflict between the Protestants and Catholics. Our tour included visits to various murals depicting the Troubles, bonfire preparation areas (the protestants have a HUGE celebration of King William of Orange on July 12), and the “peace walls.”

Mural in Protestant area celebrating King William

The building of the bonfires well under way with a full month to go

Steph signing the peace wall

For those of you who didn't track on the details, a peace agreement was signed just 14 years ago (that’s six years after OJ was slowing driving that white Bronco). Even now, each evening the gates are closed and locked between the Catholic and Protestant residential areas. Our Paddy Campbell Black Taxi Tour guides Stevie and Peter were awesome and modeled the way in how hate can be turned in to friendship. 

Stevie and Peter assured us that life is good in Belfast and Guinness flows freely. To make sure they weren’t pulling one over on us we made visits to a few local pubs including the historical Crown Liquors Saloon. Should you have the chance, we highly recommend a visit (to Belfast).

Here’s to another 14+ years of peace and free flowing Guinness.