A Post from the Better Half

Hello from Northern Ireland!

Now, it may seem a bit weird that I am saying hello now, as we have already posted numerous times since landing yesterday... was it only yesterday? Anyways, it's because this is the first time I (Kristen) have been allowed to write something! And, for the record, I did not give Jonathan permission, nor was I even aware that he had posted about the tragic mishap involving the crocodile Hunter. Seriously, Jonathan, we are in Ireland, not Australia! One trip at a time!

So, to answer the question, mom, Gramma is just great! We dragged her all over the city of Belfast today. I have even included a picture (much to her dismay) just to prove that she is indeed, after 75 years of anticipation, in Ireland! We went on a City Tour of Belfast today, through both the Catholic and Protestant areas. It was interesting to see the peace divides, which are literally walls between people's backyards, as far as 70 feet high in some areas. The people on the one side of the divide don't even know what their neighbours look like! Thankfully though, the city is peaceful as of late and many people are working towards turning the once bomb ridden areas into heritage places. The area where the Titanic was built for example. The people of Belfast maintain that the Titanic should still hold the title of "unsinkable." When it left Belfast, it was unsinkable, and in their opinion, it isn't the Belfast engineer's fault that a Scottish captain ran it into a Nova Scotian iceberg! lol Just a little tidbit of information: As of a year or so ago, Belfast had no public restrooms. Apparently most were underground, and therefore perfect places to hide bombs! Imagine there being no public restrooms in Niagara Falls? What would the tourists do?

Anyways, we also took a tour of city hall, went to Queen's University and the Botanic Gardens. We met the most honest homeless man along the way too, who's sign read "Money to buy Booze." Hey, atleast Irish homeless people don't try to fool anyone! Aunt Eileen was nice enough to drop us in the city centre and then come back again a few hours later and pick us up. We are really greatful for her and Uncle Trevor. After dinner we went with Jonathan's Grandpa and Aunt Eileen to the hospital to visit Jonathan's Grandma. It was great to see them again, and we had a lovely visit. Tomorrow its off to Northern Northern Ireland to the Giants Causeway!

Now, lets take a vote:
Would you, our loyal readers, like to see pictures of the places we are (only the best shots, of course), or would you rather just see pictures of people?

And, just for another record, we are only posting so often because we are staying at Aunt Eileens and Uncle Trevor's, who happen to be very generous with their internet. Out of their care, I can make no such promises! Here is the ONLY picture I was given permission by King Jonathan to post. Isn't Gramma cute?!