Travels in Eire #8

As Cailin drove through the countryside, she realized that she was more at ease driving on the left-hand side of the road. It definitely was not as awkward as it was when she first rented the car 5 days ago. She stopped often to take in the sites of the farmland and rolling hillsides. Here in Northern Ireland the land was mostly flat with small hills. She was heading to Derry, the Walled City. Cailin had heard so much about these ancient walls and how the city was called Derry, or Londonderry, depending on who you talked to. There were also some amazing artist murals painted on the sides of buildings as a reminder of times of The Troubles. Navigating around a city this size was really a challenge. Cailin found a multilevel parking lot just after she crossed the bridge into the city and breathed a sigh of relief. Here she could leave the car all day, or more, to stay overnight, if she chose.

Right across the street from the parking lot was the Tourist Office. Always the best place to go to get your bearings. She found out about a bus tour around the city to see the main sights. This was an easy choice. For a short while Cailin would be a typical tourist. The bus was full of young people wanting to see all the sights, too, with a couple of families, and older folk. A great mix. Cailin found a set near the window, camera at the ready.

As the bus circled around the Peace Statue that Cailin passed as she came across the bridge, she could now really get the feeling for the statue. Two young men standing on separate walls reaching out a hand in peace to each other. What a striking symbol for the fragile peace that seems to always be on the brink of falling apart. As they traveled on, Cailin saw the Guildhall, St. Columba's Cathedral, and all the new construction aimed at revitalizing this town. And then the most impressive site for her, the “You are now entering a free Derry” wall. From then on there were many buildings with the famous paintings reflecting scenes of what had happened during the discord in Northern Ireland. And the memorial for those 14 who lost their lives in the first few minutes. She had read about this, but it never touched her more than when she saw the murals, and the boglands.

After the bus tour Cailin headed around the corner from the Tourist Office to the huge shopping center. This was such a reflection of modern Derry. Multiple stories with more store than you could count. Across the way she she could see the relatively new Millennium Forum. Maybe there would be a concert there that she could catch tonight. After a quick lunch in the shopping center, Cailin exited the opposite door and found herself at one of the main gates for the Derry walls. It was Ferry Quay (pronounced key). She climbed the steps and started her journey around the ancient city by walking the walls. At her first stop Cailin found she could get a card and have it stamped at each location. At the end, it would show that she had walked the walls of Derry. What a fun thought and she was off on her way.
It was easy to see what a fortress the city could be protected by these walls. The top side of the walls were wide enough for a cart and horse, and more. Some still had cannons mounted. There were 4 gates. Most were pretty narrow by current standards, but cars still traveled through. Just past one gate was a guard tower that appeared to be still occupied. A very disconcerting thought. As Cailin stopped to look at the view beyond the city from one area, she was approached by a young good-looking man.

“Would you like to hear some good music tonight, miss?” he asked. “We have a gig playing not too far from here.” He handed her a flier with the information.
“I might consider it,” she replied.
“You must be American,” he smiled. “By the way, I'm Darren Come and say 'hey' if you go. It's going to be a great night. We're doing a benefit for children in need at the local hospital. There will be some other bands, and musicians. It's at the Forum.”
Cailin was thrilled to find a performance she would readily support and enjoy. “Looks like I've found my evening entertainment and I'm Cailin, “ she nodded, thinking to herself it might be nice to see this handsome lad again.
“Look forward to seeing you, Cailin. Great Irish name for a pretty American lass,” Darren grinned back at her. “Need to get the rest of these fliers out. Slan.”