Alternatively Ulster..... I'll drink to your twelfth...

This year I was yet again unable to get out of northern Ireland for the twelfth.... But I had an amazing time...

I am not a nationalist... But.... I'd be closer to a nationalist than a loyalist and am sick of both sides kicking lumps out of eachother, and so many people getting caught in the cross fire...

It is such a complicated issue in this place (NI). I have now lived here for 12 years and have started to get used to it now.
The way I feel is simple, ...

The problems we have are due to years of misunderstanding and mistrust with a pinch of injustice,,,, the killings and attacks on good and bad people alike that have been a blight on our lives and basically ruined many summers for too long now.

But this year was different, for me anyway...

I went camping just outside Cookstown on the 11th night and had a great time. I awoke on the 12th at about 9.30 am to the sound of a distant marching band....

For the first time in my life I can honestly say, it sounded really nice to hear music in the morning,,,, the band were playing "Waltzing Matilda" which was strange, but very nice... near a mixed of catholic area...
but this was out near a Forrest park and it was great.....


Anyway,,, when I got back from the expedition someone informed me that the 12th had passed of with no trouble (as far as they had heard)......

I was stunned, but very pleased to hear it.....

normal when I hear a marching band it just sounds like angry noise, especial if it is

So I just thought to myself,,,, "maybe, just maybe, there is hope for us yet,,,,, but only maybe".

We will have to wait and see................ Time will tell.......