First Impressions of the Emerald Isle

Greetings from Northern Ireland! My name is Caleb, and I am studying conflict transformation with several of my classmates here. Specifically, we are interested in studying the Troubles, a conflict that lasted from 1968 to 1998. Ireland is a land with a long memory of events both tragic and magical. In the last week, we have had the opportunity to experience many stories, sights, and sounds of this strange place. Here are few of my first impressions of the Emerald Isle.

Stepping off the plane in Dublin, I was exhilarated. Despite the stress of travel and lack of sleep, I felt excited and ready to experience all that Ireland had to offer. One of the first things I noticed was that all the signs and roadposts are written in Irish, a strange rhythmic language. Although less than a third of the population speak it fluently, the locals claim this Gaelic dialect is the best language for poetry, seduction, and curses. One of the first words one learns is "craic," meaning good times. Craic is had often in pubs with the company of friends with lifted spirits. 

After a day in Dublin, we loaded onto a bus headed to the town of Derry/Londonderry in the north. I spent the time watching the green hills roll by. Unlike the flat Midwest where I was raised, Ireland is land of many textures with low river valleys, squat mountains, and rugged coastlines. The air is fresher here and the trees are healthier. The entire country is steeped in green, even in the city where little flowers and moss poke out between cracks in the road.

Soon we arrived in Derry/Londonderry where we are spending most of our time. The city sprawls out through a valley, surrounded by lush green hills. The wide river Foyle cuts the city in two, spilling into the lough a few miles north. The city is composed of squat brick buildings and the city center is ringed by walls that are 400 years old. Here we began learning of Ireland`s long history. We heard of the Troubles, but also of medieval sieges and Celtic bonfires. It is clear to me that Ireland is a land that is rich in stories, and I am excited to learn as many as I can.