Day 16: Last Day in Northern Ireland

We began our last day in Northern Ireland when we left at 9:45am. It didn’t seem like it would be too busy of a day, but you never know. Luckily, I was able to pack almost all my stuff last night. For some reason, it seems like I have less stuff leaving than I had coming here.

The first stop of the day was at the Saint Patrick’s Centre to meet with Margaret Richie who is a Member of Parliament (MP) for the SDLP. Margaret told us a little bit about what the SDLP stands for, which includes the reconciliation efforts that the Saint Patrick Centre is interested in. She is a very nice woman and had some really interesting things to say. I really enjoyed meeting Margaret and hearing her perspective.

(Viking Ship ready for us in the water)

After our meeting with Margaret Richie, we headed to Strangford Loch to set sea in the Viking ship. We had to row the Viking ship, which was kind of difficult, but I enjoyed it. Not everyone could row because they didn’t know how and this wasn’t the easiest place to learn. I was pretty good because I’ve rowed boats before at my cabin in northern Wisconsin, so it wasn’t a problem for me. We didn’t stay out too long, but when we got back, we had a bit of a problem because it was high tide and the shore that we had used to get to the boat was now covered in water. Even the pier was surrounded in water. We got to the pier and all got off and then the men that owned the ship gave us piggyback rides to what was left of the shore. It was hilarious, especially when even Tim got a piggyback ride. Then half of the group left to go cliff jumping. I chose not to go because it was extra money, meant I wouldn’t eat lunch, it was raining, and it would involve jumping into the freezing sea. Instead, the group that stayed back went and had a barbeque in a nearby shack. It was quite interesting because it was pretty rundown and there wasn’t much space, plus it was raining, but we made it work.

(Tim and me at the farewell gathering)

Following our Viking ship excursion and barbeque, we headed back to the Saint Patrick Centre for the others to return. When they returned, we had a farewell gathering. Several of the people we had seen throughout the two weeks were there. We were each given certificates and were given a chance to say a few words about the experience. It was great that we started at the Centre with a barbeque and ended at the Centre. Then we headed home and had our last dinner in Northern Ireland, which was Fish and Chips. Then we finished packing and now it’s about time for bed because we have to leave the cottages at 7:45am tomorrow for Belfast International.

Goodnight for the last time from Northern Ireland!