Ireland...

In the course of my time in London, I have become wonderful friends with Ben Kelly.  He studies English as well and was in Into the Woods as Jack.  Over Easter Break he invited me to see Ireland and learn about his country.  He is from Derry, which is a part of Northern Ireland, a place that has for many years been full of violence and religious tension.  Things have calmed down, but they have a very bloody past.  Similar to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, each person has their own connection and their own story to tell.

I am not going to get into too much about the politics of Northern Ireland as it is upsetting and subjective.  I will say this: seeing Derry was such an educational experience.  In America, I feel that Ireland was sort of glossed over in history class (as are many things) and I found Ben's 'tour' to be very informative.  The present history is very raw.  They are used to violence, but as Ben has told me, now there isn't a time for violence--that time has passed.

The history and politics aside, Ireland is a beautiful country.  The Irish are an extremely open and welcoming people.  They do have Irish banter, openly joke and criticise about their family and friends, but this is all in good fun and not unusual.  What I found most beautiful, however, was the sense of trust and family the Irish have.  I had the opportunity to meet much of Ben's family.  I was immediately welcomed into their homes and their lives.  I was shocked how everyone, after only knowing me for a few hours welcomed me back to their homes and genuinely meant it.  Ben's Mom told me that here, they mean it.  I could come back to Ireland with out Ben and say that I was his friend and they would trust that and let me into their home.  These people don't take crap, but they do open their hearts and homes to those they trust.  I find that sense of trust, openness, and family no matter who you are truly touching.  I got asked a lot if my family came from Ireland (since so many Americans do).  When I responded that I really don't have any ounce of Irish blood in me (I'm half Chinese and half Jewish--and by Jewish, from the shtetls in what is now Poland) they said that I am perhaps the only American who does not have Irish roots, but that I now have Irish family. 

What I have found most touching about being abroad is the welcoming nature of people no matter who you are and where you are from.  This was one of those rare, and truly touching times.  Thanks, Ben for showing me your country and its beauty!