The Border Counties

We were in Londonderry (Derry) Northern Ireland, yesterday (Monday ).  This is the area where scenes are shot for "The Game of Thorns" and where the newest "Star Wars" movie is being filmed.

Here, in the Ulster area, its 9 counties are divided: 6 are in Northern Ireland and 3 are in the Republic of Ireland, and where some of the bloodiest confrontations took place during the "The Troubles " from 1968-1998.

In Londonderry during the 17th century, the British Crown sent Scottish Presbyterians to colonize the area because the resident Catholics were rebelling against the Protestantism of Great Britain.  The two groups have had many difficult times getting along even  into 20th century.  As a matter of fact, the Loyalists call the town Londonderry while the Separatists call it Derry.

"This is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. The Walls were built during the period 1613-1618 by the Irish Society as defences for early seventeenth century settlers from England and Scotland. "

Part of the wall

Looking through a gap in the wall to the other side

Our local Irish/Chinese guide, who happens to be Buddhist, took us on a walking tour of his home city explaining about growing up in the religiously divided atmosphere.

Ronan, our local guide

In a recent endeavor, young people from both sides re-created a part of downtown as it would have been in the 18th century.  This was a quote on one of the buildings.

Peace Bridge erected in 2011

This statue is in the center of Londonderry.  Imagine a rainbow - colored  flag draped over their extended arms. That is the city's tribute to the victims of the recent shootings in Orlando.  We are not so different after all.