Left Porto at 11:15 on our way to Belfast. Two and a half hours later we arrived at Amsterdam, after a five hour layover we were finally off to Belfast. I must add that KLM feeds you continually. Sandwich and wine on each flight.
Arrived in Belfast at 9:00 pm , Jerry was there to meet us with a big sign DUKE AND DOT, which he made himself. How perfect for what was to be an amazing visit. My luggage arrived but John’s didn’t. So after about 40 minutes we were off and running sort of. Jerry drives a sport convertible and had to put the roof down so I could get in the back seat.
It took almost an hour to get to his house, but he had beer and wine and a delicious baked ham and cheese plate to feed us. After many drinks and much laughter we crawled into bed at 1:30 am!!!!
The next day Jerry had made arrangements for us to take the black taxi tour, a very in depth and unbiased approach to what was “the troubles”. We knew about the bombings and fighting but never in our wildest dreams did we understand the extent of it. It was extremely emotional and an eye opening to what really took place. Also it’s still just simmering under the surface, they have walls and gates surrounding the Protestant and Catholic areas where they still close the gates at night!! We then went to check on John’s backpack but it wasn’t there. We went to Ikea for lunch which was delicious! That night Jerry cooked us a great roast chicken dinner in his air fryer.
The next day we saw where the Titanic was built and according to Jerry “it was alright when it left here”. We then toured the HMS Caroline a light cruiser from WW1 and the battle of Jutland., then we toured Hillsborough castle where Jerry works part-time and the Royals home when they are in Belfast.
Very beautiful, I really enjoyed the gallery of their intimate family pictures. We had lunch at the cafe on the gardens which was great cause Jerry gets a 50% discount. It was Halloween and everything was decorated including John’s hamburger bun which was black and delicious!!! Jerry cooked us hot dogs with peppered sausage, I must look for those at home.
The last day the fog cleared slightly and we went to the Mourne mountains, New Castle etc. just little villages every where and the lush green valleys were so beautiful. I was transfixed by the rock walls everywhere, dividing the properties with sheep and cattle lazily grazing. We went to a seaside village on the Irish Sea and had true Irish/British fish and chips, I might never order fish and chips in Canada again. The bar is set very high.
That night Jerry’s daughter Natasha and her fiancé Cormac came over for appies and wine. They were a delightful couple and Natasha is definitely a Chip off the old block.
The next day brought us to an end of our trip and we were very sad to go. Jerry was an amazing host and we just had the best craic!!! eh Bai
I do hope Jerry comes to visit, I would love to reciprocate his hospitality and if not we will definitely visit him again.
We arrived in Amsterdam at 9 that night and had a glass of wine at the hotel then bed, totally exhausted but thrilled with our experience.
Today was our last day in Amsterdam and the end of our adventure, give weeks of travelling thru France, Spain, Portugal and Belfast.
We spent the day in Amsterdam, where for the first time we saw sun. Took the train into town and checked out the downtown, bought a few more souvenirs sampled tons of cheese, John got his frite and mayonnaise and then on to some good Dutch beer in the sun!!
Took the train back to the airport then took the shuttle back to the Ibis Hotel. Have a drink at the bar and try to repack everything to fit.
Sad to go but anxious to sleep in our beds again and have a HOT TUB!!!
Next day, 04 November, we boarded KLM for the 9.5 hour flight home. It was a fantastic holiday. Now, to get over the jet lag!
Titanic Dry Dock 
HMS CarolineBlack Taxi Tour. Click on the link.
We have enjoyed reading your great experiences on your travels. Loved it all!!
Darryl and Karen
Thxs for reading it.
They are very kind words Dot but the pleasure was mind having you and the Duke at my house . The craic was indeed mighty but the time went so fast. I lifted you guys at the airport and suddenly I was leaving you back, were did the time in between go. Northern Ireland usually is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons but you seen urself it’s a great wee spot and the people ain’t too bad either. 🤣🤣. We managed to squeeze in quite a bit but there is so much more to see. When your back take a month and I can show you guys a bit more. When ye come the next time and am not about , don’t put me windies in to get in, I’ll leave the key outside somewhere. You know where your room is and the where everything else is. Just make yourselves at home. I will get to mill bay on route to the west coast trail but am still researching the furry beasties that would have an Irish man for breakfast, dinner and tea. Dot your command of the Northern Ireland accent was very impressive. It took the big man near three weeks to understand me , you picked it up in three days . Natasha and cormac are looking forward to your return visit. Take care folks and have a very merry Christmas and peaceful new year. The Irish pilgrim
Great comment. Thxs. Merry Christmas to you too and your family. Enjoy the craic over the holidays. Your friend John and your newest fan Dot.