Today we arrived in Belfast at 9:15. We booked a tour that was a scenic drive throughout the countryside. It was a great tour. We drove for about 75 minutes through what the Irish call a forest to Glens of Atrim. We stayed for an hour where we had fresh scones, jam, clotted cream and tea or coffee. While we were there we saw our first rain. It down poured for about 15 minutes while we had our scone. We could see the blue sky, so we waited for it to stop.
Then off for a scenic drive down the Antrim Coast Road. We stopped at Carnlough for a short photo shop and there was a grocery store if you wanted to pick up anything. I knew Ireland was the Euro but didn’t realize Northern Ireland still used the UK Pound. Northern Ireland split from Ireland in 1920 and there are some that want to unite again. We also found out the Pope will visit in two weeks!
Our guide told us the best way to eat oatmeal/porridge. Drizzle Irish Whiskey around the rim and fold in. I think I’ll have to try that. We saw the Caterpillar plant and found the Defibrillator was invented by an Irish man in 1965. I took a great picture of a Defibrillator on a wall on the main street. Canada has them in community centers, but they are not in our cities that I’ve seen. What a fabulous idea because they save lives.
We’ve played some trivia and won once. The prize was a cheesy coaster. One question we got wrong, what’s the national symbol of Ireland? We guessed Shamrock, wrong! It’s the harp! It’s on the Guinness cans but then I don’t drink Guinness. Dave tells us the Guinness is much better here than Canada. Just in case you want the reason:
- 1. Guinness must be kept at 6C
- 2. The nitrogen must be 75%
- 3. It takes two months to get to North America
- 4. Open the can, pour, let stand for two minutes, then it’s ready to drink
We saw Scotland off the Antrim Coast Road. It’s only 12 miles away. The sun is shining again and it’s so green and lush here. The scenery is spectacular and the people fantastic!
Glasgow/Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo and Dave’s 44thbirthday tomorrow. Our tour leaves at 3 PM so we’ll enjoy an easy morning. We’ve been to Glasgow before, so we may enjoy the ship. We don’t get back from the tattoo until late, so my post will be delayed.
