IT lows and Irish Highs

Gosh, it's been more than two weeks since i last blogged (how much like the start of a confession does that sound!!) this being thanks to a couple of weekends away and many technical problems happening when i have been at home. My old - and only - techy solution of turning everything off and back on again has taken several days to come good for me, but it never fails.. eventually! I have spent a lot of time staring at the screen/ plugs/ box thing as if that would suddenly make it right again - much like anytime there's a problem with the car i can open the bonnet and look at the bits.. and that's about it. But still, the staring solution sometimes works.

Spent a great weekend away in Northern Ireland, i love going places I've never been before and this didn't disappoint at all. Definite highlights included a trip to the Giant's Causeway - to keep in with the theme of the last post.. and see if I could find the matching cutlery. What an amazing place, life always get put into perspective when I see something phenomenal that's all thanks to nature, (bees, sunsets and the moon are a source of constant fascination!!) It was really peaceful as well in an odd way as waves were crashing onto the rocks and the place was swarming with blooming tourists (I know, i did get reminded that i was in that category as well!)

Stayed in Belfast which was a first as well, and a really fascinating place. Its obviously right in the middle of regeneration with tons of investment being poured in, from new shopping centres, to five star hotels, to the ubiquitous riverside luxury apartments. Took a trip around 'the murals' up Shankhill Road and Falls Road which was a great reality check although the tour guide used rather Orwellian sounding language like 'the process of normalisation'. It was also an ignorance check as I hadnt realised that the communities live literally next door to each other and the roads run parellel, nor that there was and still is a dividing wall - or 'peace line' according to the guide - between them. Its worrying sometimes how ignorant i think you can be about things so near to home.

The place is great, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who hasnt been to go before it gets too 'developed' in the way many of our cities in England have, though I'm sure the fantastic old buildings that are around the city will remain. The people, craik, food and drink all fabulous - and can particularly recommend Benedicts for a good meal and night out. No idea where it is, but it was lively!

I think next year I'd like to hire a car and see much more of Ireland, having only been to Dublin before this trip. There's a lot lot more to see. Think I'll add that to the 'to do' list - better get cracking on this list as the health and fitness bit of it has suffered a severe set back after the past couple of weekends of excess enjoyment.