Sheep & chips

This past weekend we had Monday off because of May Day, so I went on a quick jaunt to Northern Ireland. I think of all the places I have been to so far, it has to be one of my favorites. For one thing, it was gorgeous. Beautiful scenery everywhere. But the best part were the people. So so friendly and kind. I already want to go back!


The welcome sign in the HUGE Derry City airport. (Sense the sarcasm? heh. This place was about as big as my house...)



When I got off the plane it was about 9am and I was thinking of just going straight into town and checking out the hostel. When I inquired about busses going into town (vs. super expensive taxis) I discovered I had to wait until 10:30 to catch the next one. I waited around for a bit and then figured I would get some info on how to get to the Giant's Causeway from the information desk at the airport. The lady told me that I could take a bus and quite providentially, one was coming at 9:30...needless to say, I hopped on and went to the Causeway.

Let me just say that the north coast of Ireland is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It was so green and fertile and although it was a bit windy, the sky was blue and it was gorgeous. From my various bus rides, I got the feeling that wool is one of the main industries of N. Ireland because everywhere you looked little fluffy, white lawnmowers dotted the countryside. Cute.



Looking east along the coastline



Irish countryside (looking south from the coast)



It's a long way down...

This was looking down from the upper cliff to the Causeway. You can't really see it that well, unfortunately.



Some sheep in the distance...baa :0)



If you look closely, you can see the path that winds through the middle of the cliff. There was a place where you could walk down some steep steps and get from the upper cliff to the shoreline within a few minutes.



A close up of "the Organ"



Looking west after walking a bit along the coast. Jeez, it was beautiful.



The Causeway



The ever-present "artistic pics" of the Causeway



More b&w artistry



Looking back at "the Organ"



Who's that explorer looking off into the distance?



A picturesque path along the upper cliff



A little viewpoint on the upper cliff where I sat listening to my iPod and just was...



The streets of Derry



It was very interesting to see the religious tension that still exists here. I wasn't expecting it to be as in-your-face as it was. This part of the city is obviously very Protestant (check out the painted curb and sign post) and although there hasn't been any violence here for years, it was still a reminder of the opposing feelings the country has towards the government.


The infamous "Free Derry" sign in the Bogside of the city (the Catholic part of Derry). This was where Bloody Sunday took place in 1972.



Some Irish flags, evidence of the Irish Nationalists. It was curious to see the Palestinian flag flying in the Bogside, though I think it may be as a sign of solidarity toward the Palestinians since, in some ways, the two situations are similar. The mural shows those who died on Bloody Sunday.


Murals in the Bogside depicting various scenes from Catholic struggle against the Protestants.













A really really bad pic from the Frames show on Saturday night (the lighting was horrible). But yes, that is Glen on the left! Man, it was awesome. I was in the front row on the side and I was in heaven. :)



On Sunday I took advantage of a special Sunday bus fare and went to Belfast for the day. This large imposing building greeted me when I got there: Belfast City Hall.



A mini Big Ben?



As a special treat and because I had read so many books about the Irish and their love of fish & chips, I splurged and went to a restaurant and had authentic Irish fish & chips. Yum. Just don't ask how much it cost...the exchange rate was out of control...



Some typical Irish pubs along a typical Irish street



As I was walking around, there was a small parade going through the center of town. I tried asking what it was for but never did get a straight answer...I'm figuring it had to do with May Day.



Since it was May Day weekend and because the following day the Belfast City Marathon was going to be run, there were tons of organized street performers around the city center. This comedian from Canada was trying to juggle the umbrella, baby carrier, and Subway lunch...he didn't quite make it, though it was fun to watch him try.



As I was walking back to the bus station in the afternoon, the parade came by again. We're talking a significant number of hours later and these guys were still marching...made me think of the Energizer bunny.



Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland (built back in the 1600's), so on Monday I took a walk around the walls. It was pretty cool and you got a great overview of the city that way.



One of the main streets of Derry



There was a neat exhibition in the Guildhall (building that houses the Mayor's office and other city offices) that featured various sculptures made entirely (or almost entirely) from Red Bull cans. This DeLorean was pretty snazzy.



This sax was also really impressive

Overall, it was a great trip. Had tons of fun and no snags at all...well, except for the one girl in the hostel who snored...grr. :0)