Belfast, N. Ireland, UK

My friends and I were only in this city for 20 minutes because of the bus we rented was running low on time. Ireland and N. Ireland are both essentially religious factions; Ireland is mostly Catholic while N. Ireland is Protestant. The Troubles refers to the 3 decades of violence between the two, which still carries on today. I was even told before I left the U.S for Ireland to be careful in Belfast. I found out that the Troubles left such an impact on ordinary townspeople of N.Ireland that it was likened to London following the Blitz. 

The landscape surrounding the city was absolutely breathtaking, unfortunately all the pictures came out horrible. The name Belfast originates from the Irish Béal Feirsde, which means 'river mouth of the ford'. This city is known for its architecture, love of the arts and culture. It is one of the most visited cities of the U.K and recently opened a major attraction called Titanic Belfast, memorializing the location of the building of Titanic.

Some advice- Bring some British pounds with you because we all forgot it and didn't realize that N. Ireland is part of the U.K.

Titanic Memorial

20 minutes was not enough time to see the city and its sites. It although was enough time for us to get scared in broad daylight. I would like to go back again and perhaps that experience is only a one time thing. 

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Giants Causeway

According to legend the causeway was built by a giant named Finn and he built the causeway so he could fight the Scottish giant called Benandonner. But when Finn realized his opponent was much bigger than he his wife magicked him into a baby which frightened Benandonner since he was such a large baby. Thus he fled back to Scotland . Although in reality it is a result of a volcanic eruption millions of years ago.

The stones!

                          Obligatory causeway picture. Can you see Scotland? Where his opponent is from.

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Humphrey!

The tour bus we used. For 60 euros we took a day trip to Belfast, Carrick-a-rede and Giants Causeway. A little pricey but it was a good enough deal since it would have been more expensive had we decided to rent a car.

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Carrick-a-Rede

A rope bridge in Northern Island that connects to a small island called Carrickarede from the mainland. It is a long walk but it was worth it for the photos. There is another small island nearby where the economy relies on sheep farms and you can smell it. The Irish love their sheep. I have been hoping to find a wool coat or item from here but they don't come cheap.  

A plateau before the rope bridge.

SCOTLAND! It was a decent day so we could see the shore to Scotland.

An island where  most of the population is sheep farmers.

The rope bridge; only 8 people are allowed on it at a time and it's one way per 8.

Close up!

From the bridge

Postcard anyone? 'Wish you were here'

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