Destination: Belfast

Well, spent the weekend in Belfast (and other places in Northern Ireland) and I've gotta say, it's been one of the highlights of my trip.

We caught the train up on Friday night, which normally takes about 2 hours, but due to some kind of mechanical problem (to another train), it took about 3. Got in around 10pm, so found our way to the hostel and then popped out for a quick snack and a cuppa before catching a few zeds. Easier said than done, due to a very large Scottish gentleman we were sharing with, who returned at 2am - turning on the lights and talking very loudly (yeah, you just try to tell him to shut up and turn off the lights!). The sight of this large object lying on his bed the next morning sans shirt just has to be seen to be believed (and thanks to Sarah taking photgraphic evidence you will enjoy it soon too!).

Saturday morning, headed up into the city centre and checked out the tourist office for things to do on the weekend. Started with a recommended Black Cab tour of the political murals of West Belfast. Firstly we were taken to the protestant side on Shankill Road. You feel a bit strange at first getting out and taking photos, but you soon realise they don't mind and there are many tours doing this. After a look at the peace line (the fence that divides the Catholic and Protestant sides) and gates that are shut 6pm to 6am and all weekend, it was over to the Catholic side on Falls Road. Saw the Sinn Fein (Irish for "to stand alone") headquarters - didn't see Jerry (or is it Gerry?) there. The driver gave us a very detailed history of "the troubles" and explained that even though they are in a time of peace, they will keep the fence, just in case. Definitely the best tour I've done so far (yes, even better than the Segway tour of San Fran - perhaps a Segway tour of Belfast?!).

We did hope to do a walking tour of Belfast in the arfternoon, but it was sold out, so instead we went to the St. Georges markets for a look and some lunch and then off to a nearby pub to watch the Aussies beat Canada in the RWC. Not the most interesting of matches, but always good to cheer on your country away from home.

That night it was out to dinner, followed by drinks elsewhere then to a movie (Superbad again!), which technically means I have now seen my UK movie as well! A better night's sleep that night thanks to some earplugs and the fact that Fat Bastard kept the lights off (I think someone complained).

Sunday, took a Paddy's (big green bus with a driver who keeps breaking into song!) tour of the northen part of Northen Ireland, which included a visit to the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and the Giant's Causeway (interesting rock columns, most of them hexagonal). It is believed they were formed by volcanic activity, but locals say it was more likely to have been due to a giant called Finn MacCool, who made it as part of a path for him to get to some chick he liked in Scotland (which you can see from this point in Ireland)! Next it was on to the walled city of Londonderry (or Derry as many prefer to call it), which was the site of the Bloody Sunday protests in 1972 (remember the U2 song?). There were many murals here depicting the events of that day and a quick walking tour filled us in on the history behind it all. From there it was back to Belfast, where we hopped on the train back for Dublin, this time running to schedule, getting back at about 9pm.

A great trip and a real learning experience - there was so much I didn't know about the history of Northern Ireland. If you are ever over this way, you really should check it out, you won't be disappointed and the people are some of the friendliest and most helpful you could ever meet.