Bonfire & Dublin

Getting up in the student dorm, walking to work for 20 minutes, shopping after 6 hours in the finance office, and going out with newly made friends. Everyday life in Belfast has settled in and the holidays begin.

The historically conditioned conflicts between the Irish-origin Catholics fighting for their equal rights and the English-origin Protestants culminated in a civil war in the 1970s, in which it was only about exterminating the conflict partner. I watched this approach from a safe distance from the Cave Hills as burning cars and street conflicts are not uncommon. The parade the next day was very impressive and patriotic.

Both commemorative events don't make sense to me. Irish flags were burned in the bonfires and the parade was very English-centric. Was this a reminder of the oppression of the Irish in their homeland or rather a reminder of the historical superiority of the English? Apparently, the separation of cultures in the 21st century is still prevalent.

The exciting week continued, I traveled with two German girls to Dublin and explored the city and the nearby village of Howth. After many adventures, I started my fourth week in Belfast while being sick.