Today is our second class!

Social psych is not exactly what I expected, that is not at all a bad thing either. I had no idea how similar it could be to international relations. It is very interesting.

The jet lag is finally starting to catch up with my immune system, but I am striving on! I don’t want to miss a second of this beautiful town.

Last night we went to hear some traditional Irish music. When I was told about this, I was thinking some young rockers playing Irish sounding music. This was not anything like that. This event consisted of about 15 older men and a few women (aged 60-70’s) sitting in a circle playing the music that they were raised hearing, violins, hand drums, flutes and banjos.

It was absolutely heart wrenching. These songs had pain and suffering behind them, and each one had memories connected to each individual. I had no idea of the pain that this town had suffered.

Professor told us a little about the history and that the U2 song Sunday Bloody Sunday was about Derry. Just listening to the lyrics will give you only an idea of the history of these people, this community, this town. The troubles are also mentioned in the song Zombie by The Cranberries.

One of the men I spoke with told me about his experiences in the war. Sadly his childhood dog was killed by a soldier right in front of him, that was only one of the tragedies that he had experienced.

Don’t get me wrong, there were happy songs as well! One woman actually got up and performed traditional Irish dancing to the more up beat music. I just couldn’t get out of my mind how much this place has been through. I have so much respect for the people of Derry and their pride in their town.

After class today we went to a workshop about The Stroke association in one of the NWRC classrooms. It was very interesting and we got to mingle with some of the students. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The information was very helpful and informative.

We also got to see the beautiful waters of Kinnagoe Bay, the sights were breathtaking.

Tonight was exciting because we got to see some live music! From our very own professor along with other professors and faculty of Ulster University. The night was filled with beautiful music and good “craic” as they would say here, in other words a good time.

I cannot believe how quickly the time is going on this trip, I don’t want to leave. It is so beautiful and I am surrounded by such beautiful people who are such great company. This is truly the time of my life.
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