Belfast, Transport and Nature

Belfast is only a two hour bus ride from Dublin. However, since Northern Ireland is part of the UK and not the Republic of Ireland, you are technically crossing an international border, so take your passport with you (you need it to drink anyway).

The New Zealand passport IS rather pretty. 

Many many stories are packed inside this little city from old wives' tales to historical/political anecdotes, but for the life of me I can't remember a single story to reproduce here. Most of the stories were told in our tour bus and the guide had a rather deep, drowsy voice with a remarkably soothing Northern Irish accent. In a warm moving vehicle with just the right amount of rhythm and vibration to make you think you are rocking in a cradle and an elderly spinning stories of dem ol' days when Leprechauns were real and not alcoholic like they are today appearing in every Irish pub around the world an' all - you are going to fall asleep like a wee baby instead of paying attention to the stories.

Outside the bus however, the storm was ready to give us a thrashing with hail and frosty winds, so in no way were we convinced to "stretch dem legs, take a breather, stroll over to dat lighthouse and come back to da bus in a wee while." I think we spent longer on the seat of the bus than on our two feet for this trip.

Yes.. we made it to the light house.. now let us shuffle back on our frozen legs to the bus.

In between the bus naps, I remember two things distinctly - the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and The Giant's Causeway.

It is strange to combine "folk" with "transport" but it works. This National Museum is quite the visit, displaying an exceptional amount of exhibitions that allow you to touch, try, and climb into. (On second thought I'm not sure whether we are actually allowed to do all that.) This place is really a lot of fun, so spare a day (we had an afternoon and didn't get around to the "folk" part) - I guarantee you'll feel like a little kid in a toy shop. (On a side note, I heard that a new Titanic Museum opened in Belfast earlier this year, after my trip. I'm sure the Titanic Belfast is just as interesting.)

Choo Choo!!

"Don't leave without me!"

Hijack series part 1.

My pweety wittle pony :P 

Hijack series part 2.

"I didn't pick up the phone to listen to your grocery list in 1923. Just tell me how to drive the train so I can bolt for it!"

Hijack series part 3.

Stopping over for tea in this adorable cafe.

Recognise this baby?? 

Hijack series part 5.

Hijack series part 4.

We were only able to explore part of the Giant's Causeway since the rough weather made it nearly unbearable for us soft city folk to linger in extended periods of time. The portion of natural sights were still rather interesting, so imagine how much better it will be when it is warmer. Here are some pictures (excuse the bad quality, my fingers were shivering).

If you look closely you can see people line up for a bridge in order to cross. Crossing this bridge costs £5, so be ready for that if you want to explore that.

Can you see the camel?

Close up of the camel.

Can you see the old woman?

She's been climbing that hill forever.

The wishing chairs.

There isn't that much to do in Belfast city but it is mandatory to go for a walk at night in a new city.

Yes, mandatory. :)