Learning things!

Hi all,

We have been absorbing all sorts of new information.  In Washington, D.C., we had a full schedule of meetings:  Fair Housing Authority, Mitch McConnell's office, Newseum, etc.  Of course, one of my favorite things was just being in the nation's capital and having the opportunity to show our visitors some of the American spirit on July the 4th.  I also particularly enjoyed visiting the National Gallery of Art (they had some Matisse cut-outs from the Jazz series in the Modern Wing).  Several of us had luggage lost in Memphis, Tennessee, and then again in Belfast!  I have now received all my bags and am truly hoping that they actually arrive in South Africa next week!  We had a small delay on the  plane to Amsterdam; actually, we had a 2.5 hour delay, with a problem first with the door, then the engine starter.  I'm not the greatest flyer, so a problem with the engine doesn't inspire great confidence before a flight across the ocean.  However, once we were in the air, all went reasonably smoothly.  I think we have all truly enjoyed our time in Dublin.  We took a bus tour yesterday to get some of the history of the city, and have been walking and sight-seeing.  

The Orange Order parade in Belfast was the most educational event thus far on the European leg of the trip.  The tension in the air was palpable to me; the pride, also, in a cause that the people believed in, could also be sensed.  Nonetheless, there seemed to be an oppressed spirit in many of the people.  Most seemed to be lower-middle class, carrying a great deal of anger, and drinking a great deal of alcohol (not the best combination).  We were a bit worried about some of our South African friends, as there is more blatant racism in Northern Ireland than in the other places we've visited.  At one point, a angry-looking young man pushed into two of my friends, but they wisely moved aside and didn't provoke an argument.  The community still seems closed and not the most welcoming place for any foreigner to live / visit.  However, I'm looking forward to experiencing Belfast from Friday till Monday, without the tension and drama surrounding the parade.