Going west

Travelling west along the coast of north Antrim, it’s lovely . The road runs right by the sea, with hills on the left, mostly being grazed by sheep. Of course we visit the Giants Causeway - which is such a tourist attraction, I think everyone goes. The sun comes out - it mostly hasn’t been - and the sea, rocks and beaches are beautiful. There’s a lot of people, but nevertheless the basalt columns are awesome. The walk down is lovely, I see lots of gannets and oystercatchers.
Later to Derry City. I’m excited to go there, the walled city. We are staying right inside the walls - to me it has the feel of an Italian city, huddled compactly on a hill. After tea we wander around, first to the Derry Girls mural, those lovable TV faces. Then to the peace flame, which has been adapted in support of peace in Palestine. Then we walk across the massive River Foyle on the peace bridge, which makes a contact between the hitherto completely separated nationalist Bogside - where we are staying- and the loyalist Waterside, which also housed the British troops when they were here. As you reach the formerly segregated other side there is a sign saying all people are welcome there. I really like it here. To me it has a hopeful feeling. Afterwards I go by myself for a little walk to see the murals, and the memorial to the 13 people who were killed by the army on Bloody Sunday, in 1972, while taking part in a peaceful civil rights march. Six of them were 17 years old. And the famous Free Derry gable end. The house has gone but the wall is conserved. There is a hen party in our hotel, lots of fun and laughter. So we have our own Derry girls tonight.