Ponies, and Sheep and Donkeys, Oh My!

Well it has been lashing, or as you would say, raining a lot. I was beginning to think that the weather had been unusually nice but I suppose I spoke too soon. At least I can put my rain gear to good use. In other unrelated news I have temporarily dyed my hair red, now I really do look Irish. While I have been told that the colour suits me, I think I will be glad to go back to my natural colour.

On Monday I went to Sligo for the day to help one of the facilitators I work with run a workshop on anti-sectarianism and racism with young people. The workshop went very well and is the first of many that we will be doing in Sligo and Donegal. Sligo is a beautiful town on the west coast in rural County Sligo, just above Mayo and below Donegal. The train ride was lovely, I do not think it will ever cease to amaze me how truly green Ireland is. Guess the rain is good for something! We passed many farms, old churches and castles. Typical day in the country. It is incredible to me that in a matter of about six hours I can be on the other side of the country and back! If I tried that at home I would probably be in the same state.

While running some errands I popped into the post office, the very post office that was used as the stronghold for revolutionaries during the 1916 Uprising (also known as the Easter Rising). There are still bullet holes in the walls and columns that can be seen from the outside of the building. While part of the post office is now a museum, the rest of it still functions which I think is really cool. Right around the corner is Moore St. where women sold and still sell fruits and vegetables from carts or stands. Nestled amongst some of the more modern buildings is #16 another important place of the Uprising. One of the community groups I am working with is writing their play about the buildings in Dublin that have such historical significance, yet remain unnoticed and unchanged. Ireland's history as a sovereign nation is relatively short, while the fighting goes back much further. Yet Ireland overall has an incredibly rich history which can be noted amongst the streets of Dublin or the vast countryside. For a history dork like me it is wonderful.

Six Nations is on. Ireland beat Italy in the last match! Let's hope they can go on to beat France on Sunday!