The political part of the trip is underway as we crossed into Northern Ireland this morning. As the photos demonstrate, there is still tension between Catholics and Protestants. Londonderry on the border with Donegal has improved itself, but Belfast remains troubled.

I gave my crew a tour of the area where I first reported on "The Troubles" in the early 1980s. We went to a place called Devis Flats - an IRA stronghold where weapons were hidden in apartments. I was allowed to witness a raid on the property, and it was nasty. British soldiers and Ulster police confronted hundreds of Catholics, and mayhem ensued.

Today, the Troubles have diminished, but tensions remain. London keeps the two sides apart, and because the job situation has improved, making money has surpassed making war. But sectarian violence could break out at any time.

We had lunch at the Hotel Europa, the most bombed hotel in Ireland. That's where journalists used to house. Now it's a tour hotel with buses of Europeans rolling in, many of whom have no idea what a dangerous place the hotel once was.

The lobby pictures President Bill Clinton, who helped calm the violence during his two terms. But it was the women of Ireland who really stopped the madness by demanding that their husbands and sons cease and desist. It's an incredible story if you want to look it up.

Tomorrow Dublin, a much more affluent and cosmopolitan place. Will check in from there and be back in the air Monday.

Hope you are enjoying the Irish journal.