Being a tourist in my own country - days 1 and 2

2008-05-28T16:40:37Z

My wife's friend decided to take the plunge and take her first trip abroad. N.Ireland may not be everyones top choice for a holiday but I think everyone that spends a few days touring the country can have a great time.

Here are a few places we visited.

This is Carrick-a-rede rope-bridge, which one of the most northern points in NI. Its very steep, unsteady, and combined with the brutal icy winds its a walk you'll never forget.

Moi at Dunluce Castle. Michael Jackson was thinking of buying it many years ago, but think god the local council decided it was better left off as a public attraction. We can only wonder what he would the dungeon and sea entrance for.

This is myself and a few friends at the sea entrance of Dunluce Castle. Not the best picture but it shows just how it was possible for the Normans to bring in supplies and troops when facing one of the many seiges by the Irish Kerns.

Mussenden Temple. Unfortunately it was closed however the creepy ruins of a former mansion provided lots of entertainment.

Back in Belfast's city centre.

Express yourself with a Guinness.

More to come.

Budapest

2008-05-28T16:08:20Z

A few weeks ago I had taken a trip to one of Eastern Europe's greatest cities - Budapest. I had worked quite a bit of overtime over the Christmas period and instead of taking triple time like everyone else I opted instead for time in lieu; which turned out to be a great decision as I got to spend 7 days in Hungary instead of the usual weekend city break.

Budapest was a very nice city with lots of culture, great food and unlimited things to do.

Here are a few highlights of my trip:

Fruit bats in an open room at Budapest City Zoo.

Sir Lancelots - a medieval themed restaurant featuring huge feasts, fencing, bellydancers and good wine.

Me on the Budapest Opera balcony during an intermission of Bánk bán. Opera in Budapest only costs around 5€ for a good seat!

Budapest Synagogue - one of the largest Synagogues in Europe. It was very sad learning about the hardships the local Jews faced during WW2, from the Nazi extermination to the looting of their gold, carpets and artwork by US officers.

A beautiful view of Pest from the Buda Hills.

Conservative Roman Catholic Magyars also appear to enjoy these places considering the sheer numbers of such establishments!

One of the few market buildings.

Well thats my trip to Budapest. I appear to have lost a few photos so I can't show the Spa houses that make Budapest worth visiting alone or the Museum of Terrors which gives an insight into Hungary during the Nazi and Communist periods. I should mention that while the locals were not the most friendliest of people, they were definatly not the rudest either so no complaints from me.

An Irish Voice

Being a tourist in my own country - days 1 and 2

Budapest