Atop the Mountains of Mourne

---

To cut straight to the chase, it has been quite a week. Tuesday's class, "Modernity and Its Discontents", played host to a discussion/debate that had the class divided. We were attempting to break down the arguements of Immanuel Kant, Michel Foucault, and Horkheimer & Adorno with regard to the Age of Enlightenment, as well as the subject of enlightenment in general. It was without a doubt the best class session thus far, and left the room mentally exhausted and unsure of my own personal views regarding the subjects. I suppose that is a good thing. Break down the foundation and rebuild it with greater strength.

Outside of the classroom I am volunteering at a local book shop called, No Alibis. It is quaint but certainly delightful. The shop specializes in murder mysteries, hence the name, yet also works with the School of English at Queen's in helping grad students get the necessary books at a reduced rate. I say that I am volunteering, however, let me use that term loosely. There was a social gathering held there this Thursday last in which my duty was to drink wine and mingle about. Not bad for volunteer work. It turned into a very interesting evening after a fair number of the guests discovered I am from the United States. They were curious as to my interest in Northern Ireland and more importantly Belfast, especially since Americans are quite few in number in the city. As more of the fermented grape beverage was consumed they became a bit more relaxed and began in on American politics and it's current policies. I will say no more, though I am delighted to say that they looked to me to explain some of the current issues, rather than immediately lambasting me.

The weekend did not see any less action as I travelled to both Lisburn and Newcastle. On Saturday I competed along side my Abbey teammates in the Wallace Park Relays held in the town of Lisburn, about ten minutes outside of Belfast. It was a great day to race and we took advantage of the conditions as the team took the overall victory. With spirits high we decided to go out for dinner and then to the clubs. It was quite a fun evening.

After a short night I awoke to a long run on a dismal Sunday morning. It is always great to get out and about early on the weekends as the city is still asleep. I believe it to be the best time! After the run I caught a bus to Newcastle, about an hour and a half trip. It is a wonderful little town that is situated on the east coast of the island at the doorstep of the Mourne Mountains. After strolling along the seafront for a half hour or so, I decided to make my way into the pine covered base of the mountains. As I meandered about I figured I might as well go up a bit higher to get a better view of the surrounding area. And once I got above the trees I thought, why not go a little higher? You may see where this is going. Two and a half hours later I was atop a summit in the Mourne Mountains. I am not sure of the name of particular mountain I climbed, but I will say that the view was tremendous. There is little question that I will return to Newcastle with the intention of summitting a couple of its friends. I am already looking for the next opportunity!

---

Photos

The Harriers of Abbey A.C.
My teammates and me posing for a post race picture at the Wallace Park Relays.

Irish Sea Horizon
Looking out upon the Irish Sea from Newcastle, Northern Ireland.

Town Among the Mournes
The south end of Newcastle held captive between the Irish Sea and the edge of the Mourne Mountains.

Atop the Mountains of Mourne
Looking to the northwest from atop the Mournes.

Comments

[Loveless]

Sounds Great
Well, it is always interesting to read about your friends life on the internet. Usually, I reserve internet blog reading for gossip on those who I don't want to know I am stalking. In this case it sounds like Ireland is treating you well. I just hope you actually want to come back to the US of A when your time over seas is over. I am sure the plains of Champaign look much less appeal now that you have Europe at your finger tips. The views look spectacular. If I remeber correctly from my one philosophy class, Kant had some interesting views on the world. Anyway, enough of my babble. Good luck and keep up the interesting posts.