Harleys Mom's Guestbook

I am studying in Northern Ireland next spring! Specifically in Derry, but I will be in and out of Belfast, I'm sure. I found your journal to be a very fun and informative read! :) I can't wait to see all these places!

This is not Belfast
Good story but it is confusing that you have the headline thread in Northern Ireland, Belfast but you are telling us about Dublin. I suggest have it posted under Republic of Ireland, Dublin. Rey

"woman of the world"
love the kissing of the stone.........suits you, hee hee ! take care, you silly girl spending time with strange men! Been working in my garden, finally nice out,it's been raining like crazy!! I look forward to your return and to hear much more about your trip! take care of yourself. kathy

Welcome to Ireland
Hi, loved reading your report on Ireland. I'm a native of Sligo (NW) and read your comments with interest. You're right when you say you're here at an interesting time for Ireland. Peace has finally broke out (politically and militarily) between North and South. The political wing of the Northern Ireland terrorist (Sinn Fein) have just agreed to share power with the Unionists (those wishing to keep Northern Ireland part of the UK). I live just south of the border and regularly go into the North for shopping etc. - they're very friendly and most everyone doesn't concern themselves with what religion they are (most Unionist are Protestant whilst Irish are Catholic). One or two other things. Actually the birth-rate has fallen a lot in Ireland. Government almost forces women back into the workforce since we're the hottest economy in Europe (for the last 10 years). For example, my wife minds our 3 kids and pays €6000+ extra in taxes for the privilege. No joking. In the 80s most young folk emigrated whereas now there are >250K Poles in the country having recently joined the EU. We're now the richest country in Europe (unbelievable even 15 years ago). Many Irish people have second homes, especially on the continent. A simple starter home in Ireland (<950sq. ft) costs over €400K in Dublin and €330 elsewhere. Quality of life has suffered but for now many are happy to be rich ;( I hope you enjoy your trip to Ireland and say how you think we stack up to other cultures you've come across. We pride ourselves on being welcoming and I'd hate to think that's changed as I've grown up. Still we're much busier nowadays that before - apparently we work longer and harder than most in Europe. Slan (goodbye in Irish), and go n-eirigh an bothar leat (good journey), John K.

Just stumbled across your blog.
Nice blog, but of all the places to choose, you chose Wong Kei. One of the big selling points of that place is the laughably atrocious service. People go out of their way to go there and be insulted by the staff (who are really just efficient and expect everyone else to be the same). They even swear at you on the weekends. As for your trials with the wine, do you mean rosé wine (the pink stuff, pronounced "rose-eh"). You might still not be able to get a glass though, if the barstaff don't speak English. Roll on the smoking ban.