Didn't stay long in Belfast ... 'cos it was raining! Used the travel service at Belfast to find a room for the night. Bus ride and a taxi to get there ... in the pouring rain. Driver told us that they'd had 4 months rain the day before. Lucky we missed that one. Anyway, our hotel seemed to be a long way out of the city. Not being put off by a bit of rain, we headed out to find food and drink. Little did we realise at the time that we were fair in the middle of the previously troublesome spot!!!
Had a drink in one small pub ... 'The Fort' (I think) ... small crowded bar, with small alcove seating .... with doors. Very private. Not real comfortable, so we pressed on. Turned into Falls Rd.... past a few take away food shops .... very stark, and empty of everything except a few customers and a counter. One of them was a chinese take away, and there was this huge grill ... bit like a fence ... above the counter. Quite odd. Places reminded me a bit of South America ... with large roll-a-doors over doors and windows.
Found another bar for a drink ... in Falls Road, but no food, so we headed on again. This time in to the city, cold and somewhat wet by this time. Taxi back, and the driver mentioned that this wasn't a particularly good area. No kiddin!!!
With the rain still pouring this morning, we decided to hit the road and head for Dublin.
Managed to get a Black Cab tour on the way back into the city ... story and tour of the political areas. Fascinating!!! We were really staying in a new development area, purpose built to bridge the gap between the 2 factions!!! We had walked past quite a bit of high wire fencing .... mostly unaware in the rain. But, it's all safe now.... well reasonably. Our driver said he still doesn't drive during the week of the marches ... due to start soon. We did a tour of many of the murals on both sides. There's a story for everyone!!! We even signed the wall. Felt very awkward about it, but it's common practice on this mural, apparently.Had a bit of a walk with back and front packs to our hotel in Dublin ... lucky the rain had stopped. Tomorrow we are heading out to Cork for an overnighter ... then back to Dublin for 3 nights. I have changed our booking for these 3 nights from a multi-bed dorm to a double room!!! Mmmmm thought better of it!
Happy Birthday Soph.... will celebrate for you.
2 comments:
Thanks for the Birthday wishes. It has been a good birthday so far! Started with drinks with the guys from work and some extras in Melbourne, a text message from the two of you at 4.30am followed by a brief and noisy phone call to share the irish music in the irish pub at 7.30am, breakfast in Geelong with Simone, Coffee this afternoon with Suzanne and Brett and tonight is dinner at the Lara pub with Bryan, Suzanne & Brett, Kylie & Jerry, Tony & Anna, and 7 of the 9 kids (from 3 couples).
Ooops - meant to mention that the drinks in Melbourne last night - and we were home by 9pm so no we did not continue drinking all night!!!
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