Belfast, United Kingdom

We went to bed with no plans for today.

When we got up, this was our plan: do the Hop On Hop Off Tour and then visit Bushmills Distillery. Eric’s version: Let’s do the Hop Hop Tour.

We were on the first bus that started at 10:00am. Our first hop was at Titanic’s Dock and Pump House. It’s hard to imagine such a huge ship docked there. We then walked back to the hop off station before. On the way we passed the Titanic Studios where the Game of Thrones is filmed. Too bad that a day only has 24 hours. I would have loved to add the studio to our plans, but this gives another reason to come back.One interesting fact we did learn was:
Belfast has an ice hockey team! The Belfast Giants. And since the Irish cannot stand on skates (this is what the tour guide said. Can’t prove otherwise) The team is made up of Canadians, Americans and Russians.Maybe we can offer some Germans in a few years. I know someone. Hint hint…..

Our next hop was at Victorias Street, where we visited St. Georges Market. I love these markets where ever we go. The fresh fish and food mmmh. There were also different eateries to try and taste. We walked out with 4 beautiful cupcakes which were devoured within minutes. Yummy.

We then walked back to where we got off only to enter the huge shopping mall that was an invitation to calling to me: We went in to get something to eat. We had lunch at Nando’s. Also a nice treat. Also a great way to order. You are brought to your table, choose what you want, go to a counter and order it, pay for it and it is then served at your table. Since we had chicken wings we also discovered a sink in the restaurant to wash our hands. In the restaurant, not the restrooms.

After rolling out of the restaurant, we got back onto our bus and took the whole tour till the end. We saw and learned a lot of Belfast’s history. This left us feeling somber.

We then decided that we should head for Bushmills. It was a great idea, especially since it started raining. Guess others also thought it was the best to do in the rain. When we got there it was all sold out. We did get two vouchers for a free shot of whiskey which we of course used. While sipping our whiskey we had a spur of the moment idea to visit either Giants Causeway or the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. We decided to head for the bridge.

When we got there it started raining again. Gee my heart was already beating as if I was getting on a rollercoaster ride. The bridge is aprox. 30 meters high and 20 meters to cross.

Well I crossed it. Of course two times. And I would do it again! The view was fabulous and……
it stopped raining when we were there. It started again when we left.

Ireland loves us.
We love Ireland.

PS Karten took over 200 pictures today. It’s going to be hard to choose from