Day 60-61 - Belfast

(Northern Ireland has a lot of murals around...)




Although we were a little sad leaving Scotland, we were all looking forward to see what Ireland had to offer. We had only stepped out of the Ferry terminal before we got our first. A taxi driver offered us a ride into our accomodation (Paddy's Palace). Now that we are quite used to waiting and knowing that a bus was going to be a cheaper option, we had the taxi driver work for his money. He thought we were crazy as the price came down to a difference of 50 Pence each (NZ$1) and he was shocked when we said we were quite prepared to walk 1.5 hours as a last resort. Eventually both parties compromised (him more than us), and we got a taxi ride for 2.5 pound each. Yes, the power of bargaining!!



After cold showers we decided to explore the city. We were a little cautious after watching the news in Glasgow and seeing clips of riots that had been taking place. This caution soon disapated as the day wore on. We checked out the St Georges market. Once we got passed the pungent fish stalls and massive ladies underwear the market was diverse and interesting. The food stalls ranged from the general meat and vege to stalls specialising in fancy cheese, chocolate and pesto. There was also a button jewellery stall which was good, but the quality of workmanship didn't quite match that of the Serendipity jewellery from home. (For more information on the Serendipity product range please leave a comment and email address and Abby will be sure to reply).

The question for the day was what does a tourist look like? This came to mind as we were continually stopped by bus companies trying to sell us tickets to go on a guided topless bus tour around the city. Once again we had the joy of bargaining, and playing one company off for the other. Jeff (tall, dark and pretty good looking) put up a good argument but unfortuately didn't match the verbal charm and price beating of Alan. This and the stubborness of Jess the bargainer we got a 1 hour and 45 minute tour for less than half the original stated cost. The bus was definitely a good way to see what once was a very divided city. Murals of power military groups were displayed on shop walls. As like most cities, Belfast has been a city of change, from being one of the fastest growing and wealthiest cities during the industrial revolution to anger, violence and hostility due to political and religous reasons. With all this aside it is now stated to be one of the safest cities in the world and the friendliest city in the European Union.

(meant to symbolize peace as an unbroken circle, however the seriousness is lost since the irish have nicknamed her the 'thing with a ring')


(Balfast had the biggest ship building yard in the world for a very long time, this is the biggest hoist in the world! this big one is named Goliath and there is a Samson too)

While in Belfast we picked up the Silver Bullet. A 2.0 litre diesel VW Golf. With only 7000 miles on the clock it runs like a dream. This will be our transport for the next 10 days as we explore the island of Ireland.