Sun and Sightseeing May 21

Sun and sightseeing – May 21

We were up early this morning for one of those delicious Irish Breakfasts at our hotel in Belfast. We had a 9:00 appointment for a Black Taxi tour. For those of you who have never heard of them, there are taxi drivers who take people around to see the murals and talk about The Troubles that have existed for many years here in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Norman, our guide has been doing this for quite a few years. He was entertaining and knowledgeable and we were very surprised with some of his insights. I've done the Black Taxi tour in Derry, but this was the first time in Belfast. There are definitely some differences between the two cities, but still the feelings are there. Most amazing to me was the Peace Wall that was built between the Catholics and the Protestants. They still lock it shut at various points every night.

Having a native who experienced the situation made it really come to life.

Back to the hotel to check out and say goodbye to our friends Stefanie and Ines as they had to fly back to France at 1:00. Once we saw them off, we picked up our rental car and headed off to the Titanic Exhibit. I have to honestly say that seeing it from the water on the boat tour was much more exciting that walking through the exhibit. At least I can say I've been there.

After Belfast we headed to Ballymoney in search of the Dark Hedges. If you have never heard of them, watch the opening session of the Game of Thrones. They are a short road of beech trees that are linked together in an archway. A bit spooky, especially at night.

I do have to say, the location is not the easiest to fine. We might have passed the access road 3 times before we finally found it. It was well worth it. Haunting is more like it. I would love to be there as the sun sets one day.

After the Dark Hedges we took a back road to Bushmills over some hills to the Coastal Route. Beautiful does not describe it. With the hills all covered with gourse, and suddenly the ocean shows up in front of you....Blue, shiney, and vast as ever. The day was even getting a bit warm. A scorcher as the Irish would say. The drive along the route with lots of stops for pictures was something I will always remember. We could see Scotland, and even as far as Inishowen.

We arrived at our B&B, actually our hotel, about 6:00, in time to get settled and checked in, and head off to a delicious dinner. The dining room looks out across the road to a golf course and the ocean. We had our first fish and chips tonight, and I'm about ready to fall asleep as I type this. Tomorrow is a relaxing day and drive to just past Derryl

So I'll sign off now. So glad to be able to get the posts caught up. Hopefully next time there will be some pictures. :)