I've been filming a CNN documentary here and spending a lot of time touring neighborhoods that were -- until recently -- at war with each other.  I'd never been here before and it was wonderful to see that Belfast is rebuilding after many years of pain and violence. 

But the signs of the recent bloody past are not far away: graffiti celebrating the IRA or UDF fighters holding guns are constant, British Army helicopters hover overhead and guard towers are still common.  The possibility of violence erupting is just under the surface.  But there is clearly a movement away from violence and towards co-existence.  This would be an incredible place to do a Comedy for Peace™ event and I know it would work well.

Today we filmed Sunday morning services in both a Catholic and a Protestant church.  Both had been fire-bombed and destroyed then rebuilt with financial help from across the sectarian/religious divide.  It was very moving.  We were also able to film a group of guys -- Catholic and Protestant -- playing soccer together.  Seems like a simple thing but it would never have happened only a few years ago.

Even more moving was re-acquainting myself with the joys of fresh Guinness.