The Third Week

It perhaps was the hardest week, or maybe second hardest next to week four, as we began it with a whirlwind of activities and trips. During this week we would head to Derry, Heard stories from a lady who also sang and did more music playing. It was a great week.

One of the highlights of the week was the final bodhran class. I had the privilege of meeting a gentleman who inspired me in many ways. Spiritually, mentally and physically as he told me stories of his past. It is interesting to get such inspiration from someone who has seen much in their life.

Another highlight was getting a deeper look into the Celtic Calendar and having an internal light go on. So much of it I have studied alone, or with Jill, that it was definitely a bonus to get an academic viewpoint on it. It has caused me to really question some dogmatic practices of several organized religions.

We finished the week with a trip to Northern Ireland which felt like a different place entirely. The city layout, the people's attitudes and the lack of Gaelic surprised me, even though I knew what to expect. It was not a place to get stories as many still harbor deep resentment towards the Nationalists.

The whole week seemed to paint two very different tales of the Irish. On one hand you have the Nationalists who are relearning their language, their heritage and their ancient past, while on the other hand you have the Loyalists who seem rather content on forgetting that segment of Ireland's history and Identity. It left me bewildered by a feeling of separation.