Dublin & OK to Belfast

Alrighty! Change O' Plans... so, lucky for me that I just can't leave Ireland, huh? Pictures to follow later. I stayed in Galway an extra night in hopes to kind of calm down and relax a bit. Since I wasn't meeting Kris until the following morning, it didn't matter too much if I arrived in the morning as well. I miss the first train (oops... fun night out!) so i caught the second train and Kris and I met at the Barnacles in Dublin where I stored my bag. We got some food, sat in a park, talked and I shared pictures.

Oh, by the way, Kris is the guy i met on the airplane for all of you with short memories!

Anyway, I was never really keen on Dublin so he kinda made me feel a little better about it. We ate at a great soup place called Wagamammas (sp?) and had a guy from Barcelona as our waiter. He was really funny and suggested a place I go to while in Barcelona. So, because I wasn't taking my flight to London that night, I had 3 choices... go to Cork, Stay in dublin (so no really a choice) or head to Belfast with Kris to see a new city... Shocker what I chose right? So, we took the train up and, once again, I didn't sleep... thanks you!

Had fun stayin up and chatting. He was kind enough to let me stay in one of his guest rooms, do my nasty laundry and take the best showers I've had in 2 weeks! He also drove me into Belfast and I took what's called a Black taxi tour (as suggested by Kris). It was awesome. This guy, John, a taxi driver, took me all around Belfast and explained different buildings, murals ...

... (relating to the Protestant and Catholic issues here) and other sights. It was so fun. One story he told me is about people getting shot in the knee caps... let's say "Joe" goes and steals something... the terrorists from the other side (Cath or Prot) investigate to find out who did the stealing. When the find out, they send a message through his friends that Joe must show up at a certain spot and to come wearing bad pants to have his knee shot. Joe either shows up or flees the country never to return. they have about 1-2 knee cappings per week in belfast. They also have walls that dividie protestant and catholic streets and sections of the cities. Things, bricks and other items are thrown over the wall every night at the other houses. There are flags that fly everywhere. Strangely enough, it is one of the most peaceful cities i've ever been to.

Most of you know me and big cities and it wasn't too bad! The most beautiful buildings i've seen yet.

I was sitting in the park with Kris for a while writing, etc. and then we had spent 2 hours on the freakin computer trying to figure out what to do with little stranded me. I thought I had it worked out and then we heard about the streets in London collapsing. Now I'm a bit more displaced so... i'm still trying to figure out what i'm going to do...

So, after that we went to a place called the Crown and we were upstairs when someone at the table next to us told us that there was a web cam and you could actually watch us eating dinner on the web! So, he immediately called his father and we stood like idiots and waved in the middle of the restaurant. It was fun. Finally got a hold of ma and waved to her downstairs in the bar. What a GREAT AND COOL idea that place had. Anyway, dinner was delicious and the conversation was constant and interesting, as always. We ended up meeting some of his friends out at a night club where we made fun of people wearing 80's clothing. It was fun and his friends were hysterical. Kris... thanks for such a fantastic time... ;)

Today I packed everything up and we went to grab a bite to eat... then, I missed the train so we decided to come to the internet instead... funny how that works! I also did have a really nice nap too :) So, I am headed back to Dublin where I will try to fly to London and then right to Paris from London...

Have no idea where if it's going to work but, I'll figure something out. At least ben is in Dublin tonight so i can try to find him at Barnacles.

Alrighty... Gotta make this train or I'll really be in trouble!
Talk to you all soon... I lost my USB cord so I'll do the camera as SOON as I can.

Smiles and thanks for readin'

---

---