Giants and Tailless Cats Saved for Next Trip
Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the Giant's Causeway two days ago--the speeds of Irish railways would have made me arrive after dark. So I went to Londonderry instead, and looked at the Irish Republican murals. I actually stayed across the border in what a stone monument described as "Free Derry".
The next day (4/7) I got to the Giant's Causeway early, and found it well worth the trip--the bizarre artificial-appearing stone pillars, in a beautiful coastal setting, have a very interesting and strange atmosphere.
Getting back to Belfast, I found out that no ferry to the Isle of Man was available until the next day. So instead I decided to use my railpass's free option of a ferry to Scotland. It looks like the Manx will have to wait until my next visit. So, no tailless cats unless I catch a stray and cut off its tail. Which, given the British attitude to cruelty to animals, would probably be a bad idea.
While I waited for the ferry I visited south Belfast and looked at the Unionist murals there. I'd say the Republicans in Derry have somewhat better artistic skills, but not by a wide margin.
The high-speed ferry was very nice, with several different screening rooms, restaurants, and video games and slot machines. According to the brochure it can attain 40 knots. The ship did roll significantly once we were underway, but I felt no seasickness--hopefully I still have a pretty good resistance to motion sickness.
I got into Edinburgh very late, but after a couple of anxious minutes my reserved room did turn out to be available.
Today I began by visiting Edinburgh Castle, which I liked a lot.
They have brass reproductions of the Scottish Crown Jewels (crown, scepter, and ceremonial sword) labeled in Braille for blind visitors, and for the sighted there are great views of the city and surrounding area. The Scottish War Memorial on the castle grounds is also very effective. And I found the variety of local accents endlessly fascinating, although I wondered how the many visitors from East Asia were able to comprehend them.
I am now in Durham, which has a very well-preserved cathedral and castle, where I will be visiting next.
The next day (4/7) I got to the Giant's Causeway early, and found it well worth the trip--the bizarre artificial-appearing stone pillars, in a beautiful coastal setting, have a very interesting and strange atmosphere.
Getting back to Belfast, I found out that no ferry to the Isle of Man was available until the next day. So instead I decided to use my railpass's free option of a ferry to Scotland. It looks like the Manx will have to wait until my next visit. So, no tailless cats unless I catch a stray and cut off its tail. Which, given the British attitude to cruelty to animals, would probably be a bad idea.
While I waited for the ferry I visited south Belfast and looked at the Unionist murals there. I'd say the Republicans in Derry have somewhat better artistic skills, but not by a wide margin.
The high-speed ferry was very nice, with several different screening rooms, restaurants, and video games and slot machines. According to the brochure it can attain 40 knots. The ship did roll significantly once we were underway, but I felt no seasickness--hopefully I still have a pretty good resistance to motion sickness.
I got into Edinburgh very late, but after a couple of anxious minutes my reserved room did turn out to be available.
Today I began by visiting Edinburgh Castle, which I liked a lot.
They have brass reproductions of the Scottish Crown Jewels (crown, scepter, and ceremonial sword) labeled in Braille for blind visitors, and for the sighted there are great views of the city and surrounding area. The Scottish War Memorial on the castle grounds is also very effective. And I found the variety of local accents endlessly fascinating, although I wondered how the many visitors from East Asia were able to comprehend them.
I am now in Durham, which has a very well-preserved cathedral and castle, where I will be visiting next.
posted by jeros | 12:38 PM
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