Stormont Day

Today we went to Stormont to check out the "Parliament Buildings" really it's just one building.  It was originally planned to be three buildings but money got tight and only one was built.  It mirrors Westminster on the inside.  It was gorgeous.

After Parliament, we walked down to Stormont Castle and met the First Deputy Minister and Deputy First Minister, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness (respectively).  It was so amazing to meet them because they are such important people and they get along really well together.  They seemed very interested in our projects and are really grateful for what we're doing.  We got pictures with them and a few of us sang.

Our last bit of business for the day was to meet with the Lord Mayor of Belfast.  (After Michael and Ferdy got us food...mmm...sausage and champ!)  The Mayor was very interesting.  He's only one of two Sinn Fein Mayors to hold office in Belfast.  He seems very hopeful about the peace but practical.  We all know it won't just happen over night.

Afterwards we headed home to have a meeting with Tim where we all expressed the views we've been getting from our small groups.  The meeting ended and I found out someone stole my dinner....so, I went out with some of the others to grab some food at a swanky pub, complete with gaslights.

Tomorrow we're off to the Boyne with Maynard.  I'm sure it'll be great!