Today started out with a bang - Irish breakfast! Eggs, potato bread, sausage, ham, toast, croissants... Instant 5 pound weight gain, but delicious.
Later in the morning we went to Stormont, the seat of Northern Ireland government. A beautiful structure, especially the interior (symmetrical). Our fast talking guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. During WWII, the white exterior was painted black using tar and cow manure because it was available and cheap. After the war it took 7 years to remove the Black, and sections of the building simply could not be cleaned and remain black!
After our time at Stormont VIM was unleashed on Belfast City. The Wicker Man, a store specializing in only goods made in Ireland, had a great day. Our tour last night made it easier to get around.
This evening we went to Forthspring to attend a panel of local politicians and neighborhood leaders discussing ways to improve life in Northern Ireland in General and the Springfield Road area in particular. The youth group of Forthspring put the program together and were the majority of the audience. They asked some pointed and difficult questions to which the five panelists tried to respond!
Submitted by Chris Cary
In the Legislative Chamber
Political Discussions led by Forthspring Youth Group
Team members in audience
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