An Clár!
This past Saturday, I attended the All-Ireland Hurling Semi Finals at one of the largest and most iconic sports stadiums in Europe, Croke Park. Having the opportunity to see Kilkenny square off against Clare live was thrilling. From research, I discovered that both teams heading in were evenly matched. However, my coworkers recommended to support Clare. While cheering on Clare during the match, I noticed how passionate both county’s fanbases were. It was truly a battle until the final minute which made the game that much more riveting. These gentlemen, who receive no pay for playing, sacrificed everything on the pitch Saturday. I tip my cap to all the players; they have my utmost respect. The heart and pride these players had for their county and the sport was incredible.
Titanic Belfast – The Titanic Experience
On Sunday, we traveled to Titanic Belfast, also known as The Titanic Experience, located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Situated on the very site where the Titanic was built, this museum offered an immersive experience showcasing the construction, launch, and tragic voyage of the Titanic. I enjoyed learning about the design process behind engineering this behemoth of a boat. At the time, engineers considered the Titanic to be unsinkable. However, there were errors in calculations. People learn the most from their biggest mistakes. Even though the Titanic sinking was a calamity, this event set the precedent for how to construct future ships.
Belfast: A City where Humans are Treated Like Caged Animals
Now don’t get me wrong, Belfast was a beautiful city. I enjoyed walking along the cobble stone streets and seeing the British-style architecture. However, from interacting with Northern Irelanders, I have noticed there is something about them that is off-putting. The Troubles most definitely burned a deep hole in Northern Ireland. The population carries the scars from it with them today. Despite there being “peace” in Belfast, I still sense tensions between Protestants and Catholics. People currently live separated. It makes me wonder if this conflict will ever end. Will Protestants truly respect Catholics or vice versa? Two factors I think contributing to the problem is the lack of education and poverty in the North. From education stems knowledge. It is knowledge the Northern Irish youth need to realize that division and violence for a country is not the key to economic success and prosperity.
Visiting Harp Bar in the Cathedral Quater
Rejuvenating Monday Hikes
Nature is life-giving and nurturing. In order to find my internal center, I find it therapeutic to seclude myself in nature. The weeks in Ireland can get extremely hectic. I enjoy taking days to be alone. It allows me to reflect on my previous life experiences. Our planet is a beautiful place; the Earth offers insight on how to be as a person. It is a sacred source of life; a living organism that is the common home for us and all the other living species. The natural parts of Earth are where true balance, harmony, and peace lie. These places on our planet are the only spots where I truly feel in touch with myself. The photos above were taken on solo walks when visiting the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.