June 18, 2010

• England Update!

  hey all!
  This English keyboard is werid so excuse the typos. All the symbols are in the wrong places.   I’d write something on FB too but my account is locked — apparently trying to log in from Belfast triggered their security filters and they think I’m a terrorist. lol  Anyway….

  We have had an amazing time so far! Let me give a quick recap

  We landed in Belfast on Tuesday morning, bleary-eyed and sleepy. Annie Kate’s suitcase was missing (grrr) and we lost an hour in the Belfast bag claim waiting for the young man behind the desk to stop flirting and listen to the Shulers explain that AK’s bag hadn’t arrived. With paperwork in hand we pressed on to meet our bus for the day (English: “coach”) and the very awesome Irish driver Martin. He drove us up to the northern coast to see the Giant’s Causeway — amazing — and to hike across the rope bridge of Carrick-a-rede.  The rope bridge is crazy high and very shaky … and therefore AWESOME. Better — the views were amazing!!!  We saw gorgeous blue skies and beautiful sunshine, “unusual” weather for Ireland they tell me.  

  Martin drove us through Belfast on the way down to our hostel. We were pretty zoned out, but I did manage to see the neighborhoods of the former Troubles and the new construction that’s bringing life to the downtown areas formerly destroyed by the bombings. 

  The last several days we’ve spent in the lovely seaside town of Newcastle, Ireland, where the Mourne Mountains meet the sea. C S Lewis spent his childhood holidays here. We rested and played soccer and explored the fine little town and found a tiny Starbucks and hiked the mountain (I didn’t, actually) and generally found it to be an amazing place. I have more to say but must hurry…..

  Today’s travel from Newcastle to the airport to fly to Bristol was QUITE the day.  For one thing, our fine bus driver Martin wasn’t able to come today so we got a very nice, older Northern Irish man who seemed to drive aimlessly around Belfast randomly showing us stuff that I didn’t really care about in the name of showing us stuff that sounded like it would be cool.  *sighs* The airport was difficult too — security issues, bags overweight on this budget airline, general frustrations.  RyanAir is a pain.  End of that. 

  happily, we are now happily stowed away in a fine house with a wonderful family in Nailsea. Wonderful dinner, delightful conversation.

  Might be able to write again later. If not, next up is …. Bath, Oxford, London, Cornwall.  It’s gonna be amazing.

  All is well. Kids are getting along well.

  • 6:56 pm
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