Ralph, there's nothing you could say to offend me or, I believe, anyone else here. My only reason for posting is that something I had read earlier in the day happened to have relevance to the conversation from a purely historical perspective. The centuries-old problem seems to me a two-way street with both sides culpable.
I know even though it's out of sequence by a few centuries it's kinda sad...And unfortunate. Please don't hesitate any of your observations as they are most appreciated my friend.
I think 9-11 was the great game changer in this conflict. Prior to 9-11, there was a resumed and escalating hostility in the region. America went on a war footing against all things 'terror' and with America's greatest ally in the 'war on terror' being on the other side of the issue from Ireland things have cooled considerably. I know in the USA, Sinn Fein America saw a considerable drop in membership, the poster of this included, because we didn't want to be on a terrorist watch list... especially after the passage of the Patriot Act. I don't honestly ever expect the conflict to go away. We're always just one rowdy march from the Orange Order getting out of hand getting out of hand to start it all over again. I'm loving this section and hope it continues. (even viewpoints counter to my own). Post away!
lurking here also. Great photos! Makes me either want to visit Ireland or buy a pair of ostrich boots....
Okay I missed yesterday so I am going to deluge you with way too many pictures this evening and to top it off I don't have much if any background in them as my son has become a deaf mute in describing them.... Mushroom farm, harvest is 6 days a week, yikes Botanical garden What my son described as his favorite spot of the entire trip so far.... Blarney castle
I love the return of the boots. He should tour the world wearing your boots, but only send back pictures of all the cool places your boots have been.
Oh man I hear you on the boots, they could have their own blog.. I forgot a few pics, this one is where the boots were resting during that picture...I miss those boots.. Olive Market That woven item is Saint Bridget's cross. She's the patron saint of Ireland. Her dad was the pagan king. She converted him on his death bed and fashioned him a cross out of nearby straw that looked like that. It's a national symbol
It really is such a beautiful country, looks like your son saw quite a bit of that beauty in his travels.
Thanks everyone, he is flying back as I type this to Dulles then transfer to a flight to Jacksonville. I have a few more pics to post from yesterday where he attended St. Patrick Cathedral in Dublin circa 1191 and then spent about 12 hours hitting every spot imaginable but it will be later this evening. First thing I am fairly sure I will never wear my ostrich boots again, Pewww. Second he hits the ground running as Summer A semester starts today and this will be his last semester at UF (Lord willing) and also starts an internship with http://www.giumarra.com/ later in the week where the California based company has partnered up with a watermelon grower in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newberry,_Florida where he will handle logistics and quality control. He will do this after class until about midnight every night for 8 weeks. The positives are that he will make money (about time) and show his talents to the company who is wanting to expand in the Southeast and is looking for young Agriculture students (There are not many) to grow with the company. He will be running a treadmill trying to accomplish both but it should give him a taste of the real world. He is fond of telling dear old Dad that everyday life cannot compare to the pressures of college...Hahahaha..
He'll learn quickly. Actually, it sounds like the door of opportunity is opening in front of him. Hopefully, he will be able to transition into full time employment.