Thanksgiving in Northern Ireland

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For all that dont know, they dont celebrate Thanksgiving over here, just thought I start off with that to confirm that with people back at home! But it is 1245 in the morning so for me it is Thanksgiving so I want to be the first to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back at home. Since it isnt a holiday over here, I will be going to class tomorrow which will be a little wierd for me. My dad, sister and brother arrived today, my mom couldnt make the trip, she is in Miami with my grandparents. Mom I hope you are staying warm because it is about 30 degrees here with a ton of wind, wish you were here though! We had an awesome first day in Belfast. They are staying at the Europa, which is a very nice hotel. An interesting fact we learned today in our Black Taxi ride about the hotel, is it is the most bombed hotel in Europe, that is back in times of trouble, so dont worry they are safe in sound there. We had lunch at this old pub called the Crown Bar, then we went to this Christmas Market they are having for about a month. At this market they have over 50 shops that sell stuff from clothes, food, beer and this one stand has about 7 different types of meats from all over the world, my favorite being Kangaroo!! After that we took a Black Taxi tour of Belfast. The tour was about 2 hours and our driver explained the history behind the splitting of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He also explained the troubles that went on with the Catholic and Protestants, it was pretty crazy back then. Tonight, they came and watched practice and by the time that was over they were exhausted because they havent slept in about 24 hours because they took the overnight flight from Philly so we took them to the Hotel to they could get some rest.
If you are wondering, we are THANKFUL enough to have Thanksgiving dinner over here. My coaches family is cooking us a feast for my family and the team tonight at thier house, so yes I am still gonna get my eat on, but wont be the same because I am not back at home. I will fill you in with how the week progresses with the family being here. I am very happy to have them here and we have a lot planned for them. Once again Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back at home, miss you all and I will be home soon!
Cheers

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Comments

[diane bacus]

hi
Karen just forwarded your blog...would love to be on your list! Grand mother and Granddad are with us in Fla. We had a great Thanksgiving at Aaron and Kristi"s and the entire family! Was in D.C, last weedend and and loved having dinner with your Mom and Justin and breakfast with your Dad. They seemed to be doing well. All our love your way! Aunt Diane and Uncle Jim