I was born and raised in Derry/Londonderry and always resented the fact that when I told people where I was from it inferred my religious or political stance. To cut a very long story short, Catholics and republicans (those who want a united Ireland without British rule) call the city by it's original name: Derry. Protestants and loyalists (those who want Northern Ireland to remain under British rule) call the place Londonderry. So if I tell someone I'm from Derry I'm giving one impression and if I say Londonderry I'm giving another. It's always been a dilemma for me.

Nowadays, I suppose in the name of political correctness, the media refers to the city as Derry/Londonderry - a bit of a mouthful. A couple of years ago my Mum told me about a radio personality there, a bit of a wit (and a guy I used to babysit for when I was a teenager incidentally) who has taken to calling the place Stroke City. I like that, and I think it would be a good idea to officially change the name to Stroke City. Then everyone could have a laugh about it and get on with life. So that's a bit of a long-winded introduction to this blog about our visit to my Mum in my hometown, where I lived for the first 18 years of my life.

We had a great time staying with Mum, some days sticking close to home and taking it easy, other days taking off on long drives to the coast or into the hills. Ireland is a stunningly beautiful country and it's not hard to pick a destination on the map.

It was in Stroke City that I did one of the scariest things on our trip - I permed my Mums hair! I didn't tell her at the time, but I was terrified she'd end up with a head-full of frizz and my hands were literally shaking. But all ended well and she looked wonderful.

Conal and Mum bonded by forming an ice cream lovers club and most nights they indulged in their passion.

While Mum and I hung out at home, Conal took to going for long walks and taking photos of what he discovered. He managed to get some great shots of the 'dirty ol' town'.

Just across the road from Mums place is St Columb's Park and we enjoyed many strolls around the park noticing the trees shedding their autumn leaves, soaking up the warmth of the sun on the odd occasion and feeling a nip in the air on others.
The Peace Bridge was just completed in July of this year. It links the Derry side of town (predominately catholic) with the Waterside (predominantly prodestant) and not only is it a beautiful bridge but it means my Mum can have a lovely walk to town in 20 minutes instead of having to catch a bus. And let's hope it encourages more integration for the community.
The Guildhall - where I used to perform in ballet competitions when I was a girl (I even one a first prize once).
Conal, Mum and I taking an early morning walk in the park.

The Walls - the city is surrounded by a wall built centuries ago and it makes for another interesting walk.

Looking down from the walls onto the Bogside, an area that saw a lot of violence during 'the troubles' of the 70's and 80's. Many murals have been painted on the sides of buildings symbolising the struggles of the catholic minority for civil rights and also for a united Ireland.

On a day trip to Bundoran we spotted Red Sean's. Conal checked out the surf but it wasn't inviting enough to entice him to hire a board, put on his wetsuit and brave the cold Atlantic - not when he knew he'd be back in Mexico surf in a few days time.

Mum and I enjoying the view of the Strand after our picnic (in the car). I deliberately took off a couple of layers to make it look like it was warmer, but I don't think I look very convincing.