The Giant's Causeway

Today would prove to be a very interesting day. Basically the whole reason we arrived in Belfast was not to miss the Giant's Causeway: a bizarre piece of Northern Ireland's northern coast.

The Giant's Causeway. This is what it is: millions of years ago there was a volcanic eruption, creating a glacier-like tongue of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. The columns gradually disappear into the sea, and they say the columns continue under water all the way to Scotland! It is not hard to imagine that the Irishmen from centuries ago thought these were articifially created. They said a giant, named Finn McCool, laid down the column in order to built a causeway to Scotland, so he could reach his giant girlfriend. I think I'll go for the latter explanation. (Also, a month later, Finn McCool showed up in the movie Hellboy 2. Isn't that a coincidence?)

Although the Causeway is the number one attraction of Northern Ireland, it is quite a hassle to get there. There are about a thousand options and they are not compatible. We chose to take the train to Coleraine, and then continue by bus. It worked out pretty well, but the bus schedules are really chaotic and confusing.

But it is worth it. The Causeway is called a natural wonder, and rightly so. Walking over it is just amazing! Keep attention though to where you put your feet! I suppose lots and lots of people have twisted their ankle or broken a bone over these columns.  The coastline around it is stunning as well, with cliffs and heighened plateaus were sheep are grazing. From the Causeway you can climb up to the cliffs, where more columns are to be found. This part they call 'the organ'. We wanted to continue on the road, but it was sealed for danger of falling rocks.

Back in Belfast, we went to see the last sight the city has to offer. In its neighborhood there are many murals to find, signs of Belfast's troublesome past. The Troubles are over, but lots of Northern Ireland feels like it is torn in two. Streets and neighborhoods show flags of England or the red hand of Ulster to show on which side they are on. The murals in Belfast are another reminder.

Also, just walking through the streets, there are monuments to shootings and bombings everywhere. Quiet streets that used to be warzones. It gave me an odd feeling.