Dublin and Belfast

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OK, so the last night in Dublin was tons of fun too. Some people almost talked us into staying an extra night and skipping Belfast, but we did not. A guy we met at the hostel the night before, Peter Katz, was playing at a local pub as a solo singer/songwriter/etc. and so we all went over to see him open for another act and he was so excited. Great guy who is tring to make it as a musician and he was amazing. Heard about 5 songs only that he wrote and there were maybe no more than 50 people there, but everyone was almost in awe listening to not only his songs, but what he said about each one--each had a story. One of his new songs, in fact, he dedicated to the 5 of us who were there and were with him the night before. He said he felt so good when he came into the place not knowing anyone and we offered him a beer and asked if he would play cards with us and go out to a pub with us--said it seemed like Roger, and I and the 3 girls had known each other forever He also wrote a real mushy song about the way his sister met her husband. . .I'll save that for any of you romantics who want to know more--pretty moving. He had one about a guy for the CBC (he is from Canada) who lost his son in Iraq, but did not want revenge for his son's death. Thought continued death was never right--somewhat of an anti-war song. Anyway, good night and he came back and hung out with us later in the night

Now we are in Belfast, Northern Ireland and we just did one of the black cab rides where they take you to the historical and political spots of interest from the troubles the Catholics and Protestants had. Very interesting and definitely worth it. Our guide was a Catholic, so he was pretty slanted to that side, but it is crazy that they still lock gates into sections of the city at different times at night. Obviously a lot better, but still lots of ill will there. Anyway, all for now. . .

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