Belfast

After I spent my weekend with my family in Wexford the mom said she wasn't trying to get rid of me but as I had been with them for the bank holiday weekend would I like to have a few days off?

So I went to Belfast.

I didn't have my camera. So you'll have to do with some internet caps. and my plain old comentary.


Murals like the above, are everywhere.

Basically the city was torn to pieces by "The Troubles". Which is the code name for the IRA. There is one street which is still locked every night. In the surrounding streets there are all new buildings because when things first exploded basically everything was literally burned to the ground. People burned each others houses and burned their own houses rather than letting the other side get there first. The buildings that weren't burned still have bullet holes in the brick you can see. There was an army base around the corner, but the only way for the soldiers to get in or out without getting attacked was helicopter from the roof. During this time people had to be searched before going into or leaving the city center. No cars in the city center without express permission.

 The Loyalist street still has a British Flag in every window and the Republics do the same on the opposite side the the Republic of Ireland's flag. There are still pictures on buildings of all the people on both sides who were assassinated, some as recently as the 90s.  It was just so surprising that all this happened so recently and I didn't really know anything about it. The tour guide assured us that it was only extremest on both sides causing hell for everyone else and that all that is behind us now and things are heading in the right direction. And the Peace Walk in between both areas was erected by civilians on both sides who wanted a safe ground between them.

 Anyway, I'm just surprised I didn't know anything about it.
I just think its a sad story. But a beautiful city and hopefully the progress will continue.