Ignorance is Bliss < Knowledge is Growth

by: Alexandra Courtenay











Cobblestone roads, moss covered walls, and green lush grass decorates Legendary. It’s amazing how beautiful this city is and how bright everything is even under a cloudy sky. I am in awe of all the little details in architecture and the incursion of nature in the town. The toured walk that Terry lead was amazing and enlightening.

St. Augustine's Church

Even as I sit here in the Lyric Bar, at 11:00 pm, delightfully drinking a pint of Guinness, I notice some writing on the wall above the bar. I was struck by how beautiful these words are, "The town I loved so well - A bright, brand new day."

“The town I loved so well – A bright, brand new day.”

 I thought they were so positive and beautiful. Turning to the Internet, I quickly learned these are song lyrics belonging to
  “The Town I Loved So Well” by Phil Coulter.

   Now as I sit here in an almost empty bar I listen to the song as I sip my beer. The song tells a story about a child growing up in Derry before the Troubles. The memories for the child start off happy, but as the song progresses it turns dark. This is a sad song and a message before, during, and the Troubles,“But when I returned, how my eyes have burned. To see how a town could be brought to it’s knees.” 

On the wall 

Derry On 

     Going back to the walking tour, I thought the city was so beautiful just like those song lyrics. However, that is only the surface. Even with all the beauty, there is a connection to violence and unsettlement. I have a thinking theme this trip. I would never know about the history and pain, I would only acknowledge the beauty.

If you crop or quote something, it is hard to send or receive the full message and problem. I have come to realize that the past in not necessarily an anchor. It is a lesson; knowledge that should not be ignored. Positivity and beauty are wonderful, but knowing the history and working on a solution as a community burns a bright light that sparks a journey to peace. So as I finish this blog entry I am back in the Lyric Bar and having another pint of Guinness. I stare out the window and watch the I people walk by. If I did not seek out to know Legendary, I would not grow as a person.

View from the Wall 

Apprentice Boy's living quarters

The Catwalk