Catelyn Hutcherson
Celtic Connections Program
The time we've spent in Northern Ireland has been intriguing and informative. Through our friends from the Orange Lodge we have learned many things about the troubles that plagued the country for three decades. The devastation is still apparent not physically, but through the memories of those who were affected by it firsthand. Many lives were lost in the violence, something the people have not, and will not easily forget.
Belfast differs from London in that it reminds me more of an American city, such as New York. It's nonetheless been an unforgettable cultural experience to visit the local shops and pubs as well as interact with local people.
Sunday we visited the Ulster-American museum, which was as enjoyable as it was informative. Te park consists of a an inside and outside exhibit. The outside park was the highlight of the visit and it was made up of rebuilt houses that Ulster-Scots actually lived in after and before immigrating to America. The buildings were made from the same bricks, but we're moved to the new location. In several houses and shops workers were available to tell us how the people lived, and some were able to give information on the exact people who occupied them.
Monday and Tuesday were spent in the company of members of the Orange Lodge . We visited their hall, as well as visited a traditional drum maker and violinist. We also attended an Orange Lodge meeting, and watched traditional dancing. The time with them really brought insight into the troubles, and we visited a memorial garden to the families of those who were affected by the violence. The Orange Lodge very graciously provided food and transportation for us, and we were given a great deal of information on the lodge and their mission.
Wednesday we were taken to the Titanic museum and then a tour of the city. The titanic museum was on par with the Ulster-American museum. It was so much fun for all of us, and we were able to see the actual hard where the ship was built. I don't think any of us had ever seen anything like it, it was interactive and so much fun. The city tour was just as informative and we were shown it on a double decker bus. We were shown how political differences
Celtic Connections Program
The time we've spent in Northern Ireland has been intriguing and informative. Through our friends from the Orange Lodge we have learned many things about the troubles that plagued the country for three decades. The devastation is still apparent not physically, but through the memories of those who were affected by it firsthand. Many lives were lost in the violence, something the people have not, and will not easily forget.
Belfast differs from London in that it reminds me more of an American city, such as New York. It's nonetheless been an unforgettable cultural experience to visit the local shops and pubs as well as interact with local people.
Sunday we visited the Ulster-American museum, which was as enjoyable as it was informative. Te park consists of a an inside and outside exhibit. The outside park was the highlight of the visit and it was made up of rebuilt houses that Ulster-Scots actually lived in after and before immigrating to America. The buildings were made from the same bricks, but we're moved to the new location. In several houses and shops workers were available to tell us how the people lived, and some were able to give information on the exact people who occupied them.
Monday and Tuesday were spent in the company of members of the Orange Lodge . We visited their hall, as well as visited a traditional drum maker and violinist. We also attended an Orange Lodge meeting, and watched traditional dancing. The time with them really brought insight into the troubles, and we visited a memorial garden to the families of those who were affected by the violence. The Orange Lodge very graciously provided food and transportation for us, and we were given a great deal of information on the lodge and their mission.
Wednesday we were taken to the Titanic museum and then a tour of the city. The titanic museum was on par with the Ulster-American museum. It was so much fun for all of us, and we were able to see the actual hard where the ship was built. I don't think any of us had ever seen anything like it, it was interactive and so much fun. The city tour was just as informative and we were shown it on a double decker bus. We were shown how political differences