Giants Causeway with some giant wind

Another touristy day, but this time outside of Belfast. Thank goodness we planned only one day in Belfast, because honestly there was not much else for us to see. This time we headed out with a bright green bus called the Paddywagon at 9:30 am. Talk about no sleep, and another slight headache… but at least we got to sleep on the bus.

Our first destination was a bridge on the Northeast coast of Ireland. It was absolutely gorgeous and I think that pictures describe it better than I could. Yes that little person on the bridge is me!! (Thanks James…)





We then headed to Giant’s Causeway, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. There are many fairytales surrounding how it actually got there and is considered by some to be the 8th wonder of the world. It is a bunch of hexagonal columns, formed right near the ocean. Despite the fairytales, the truth of the matter is it is a geological phenomenon (gotta love science) and very beautiful. Only one picture, at this point my camera was running out of batteries. (More of course will be posted on Facebook)



While the sight was amazing, I think what was even more incredible was the wind. I have never felt the wind that I felt when I was on the Causeway. The pictures don’t show the wind; this video does:



There was one point that I was too afraid to move on top of the Causeway because I thought I would be blown off. Literally ducking for cover. Who woulda thought… When we were walking back up the path to the buses, little rocks were stinging us from the force of the wind. We had to walk up backwards so the pebbles wouldn’t hit our faces. It was quite and experience.

We then headed to the city of Derry/Londonderry, where James and I took a walking tour. The British/ Protestants/ Northern Irish call it Londonderry, while the rest of Ireland calls it Derry. This city is also significant in Northern Ireland’s past. There is a wall built around the city, where the Protestants live. The Catholics live outside of the wall. The wall is still standing. This is also the location of Bloody Sunday, the event that I described in one of my previous Belfast blogs. As we were leaving the city (we were only there an hour), we noticed more police out on the streets than before. It was because of the marching season, and a march was on its way. We could hear it, but unfortunately couldn’t see it. My camera ran out of batteries, so no pictures. But I know James took tons, so I’ll steal some from him.

After that we took the Paddywagon back to Belfast (2 hours) where we had to run quickly from the bus stop, to the hostel to get our luggage, and back to another bus stop to catch the bus to Dublin. After another 2 hour bus ride, we were back in Dublin and ready for sleep. What a weekend…

I missed the fourth of July because I was coming back from Belfast, but no worries… a post soon to come will describe the wonderful festivities that ensued!!!