November 5, 2009: Derry and Donegal

November 5 Derry and Donegal

Northern Ireland: In peace or conflict? This particular town is the site of much conflict over the past several years between Catholics and Protestants. In the picture, look at the green fence through the middle of the picture; this is the "peace line". Today there are several signs and monuments to showcase Northern Ireland's growing strive for peace. Despite this idea, the city is still divided. While walking through the town on Derry, I was educated about the conflict in this area. Sad tales of Bloody Sunday stained my memory as I listened to stories of that dreadful day.

Here is some trivia for all my future models and fashion queens:

While flipping through Vogue, you can see beautiful women strutting down the runway, or catwalk. Where did the term catwalk come from?

Ladies and Gentleman,...look at the original CATWALK. Many, MANY, years ago after going to church (which is not pictured, but located right next to this area), the rich ladies and gentlemen would walk these streets. The gentlemen would call the ladies cats. Hence, the name catwalk. Thank you Ireland....Naomi would be proud.

Off to Donegal. But before arriving at our location, we drove miles up a tall mountain for a scenic view. I do not think I was prepared for what I was going to see. All I have to say is, THIS IS WHY I CAME TO IRELAND. Living in Dublin is wonderful. It is fun, busy, and loud. I feel like I am walking the streets of New York as I window shop down the allies. However, when I dreamed of Ireland, I dreamed of the countryside. I dreamed of exactly what I saw. There are no words to describe the feeling I felt as I stood on top an ancient stone structure looking out at rolling, green hills. Unexplainable beauty is all I can really say. The pictures I captured show nothing in comparison to the actual site. In some of the pictures you will see that I fought to even stand up. The wind whipped through my hair and threatened to throw me off the structure. It was exhilarating!