Double-carriage ways took us north on the M1 to Belfast. We saw lush Irish land beautified by animals grazing. Belfast surprised us with its vibrancy, friendliness and prosperity. We looked upon its high-end shopping districts and old century architecture from the Belfast Wheel which took us two hundred feet in the air. We continue to experience fantastic meals. Our spirits were lifted higher with Irish music played in the famous Europa Hotel. We walked across the Lagan River, saw the cranes that symbolized the ships that were built in Belfast, including the Titanic. Reminders of the violent past were evident throughout the city, with now at last a seemingly comfortable peace.
After Belfast we drove north and west to County Tyrone, where Christine’s family roots lie. We connected with her Irish relatives and were treated with great hospitality. Then on to Londonderry to walk in the Irish mist through ‘the walled city‘ arriving back to our hotel soaking wet with smiles on our faces.