Derry and Belfast

So...I'm a bit behind on my blog posts, as this post is still about Northern Ireland. Whoops!

After seeing the great outdoors of Northern Ireland, we went to Derry and Belfast. A quick fact in case you did not already know: Northern Ireland is separate from Ireland; Northern Ireland is part of the UK and still under British rule, while Ireland is independent. Because of this, there's still some tension (mainly with the older generations): some people are Unionists/Loyalists (they like the British rule) while others are Nationalists (they want to be separate).

The first city we went to, Derry (or Londonderry according to the British), had a ton of history to it, so our visit consisted mainly of tours and stories. People's views of British rule are expressed all throughout Derry...primarily via wall murals.

Hmm...I wonder how they feel about the situation?

With Allie on the Catwalk...This exact location would be where the word "catwalk" originated. According to our tour guide, you are always allowed to do 2 things on this road: "Strike a pose and shake your a**."

One of the most photographed murals in the world

A touring DVD of Northern Ireland was being made in Derry, and our group is so cool that they included our group in the making of it :)

After a day in Derry, we went to Belfast. We had more free time there, and I really liked the city...it had history to it, but was also kept up pretty well. We went and saw the botanical gardens, a museum, an amazing mall with a tower that overlooked the city, and a leaning clock tower (I called it Belfast's "Leaning Tower of Big Ben"). Oh yea, and we FINALLY found an authentic, traditional Irish pub with live music! :)

Did you know that the Titanic's frame was assembled in Belfast?! I had no idea...

In front of where the Titanic was built

This pose was inevitable...

Cool Mr. statue man...

At the Botanical Gardens...

The pictures of the polar bear above and the birds below were taken for, and are dedicated to my mother :)

The busses in Belfast are...pink. Sweet. :)

The mall

The mall's tower that overlooks the city

Belfast's "Leaning Tower of Big Ben"

My only 2 pictures from our traditional Irish pub find...and then my battery died :(