....the Big Apple, we've arrived. The shimmering bright light of an often fading America. This place is truly amazing, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are in New York (baby). Currently at the Apple Store, with free internet. Airo and I have just devoured our first bagel and coffee. Of course we had it on the run like most New Yorkers. For if you stop here, you'll get crushed in the rush.

One other note was that fact that Airo's baggage didn't turn up with our flight. Much pain and hurt have occured in the last 12-20 hours. However, all is not lost, as this morning....the grey suitcase (which is often mistaken for the isze of Manhatten itself) was sitting in the respection. A reunion.......aahhhhhh.

Now off to the Grassroots Tavern......

I'm sure you've all seen those TV shows (airline/airport) when things unserprisingly go wrong!? Well, to get to New York we had to depart Belfast and go via Manchester & London. the problem being that London had it's first snow fall of the winter. Clogging Heathrow Airport to a stand still. Delays in and out occured and it saw both Airo and Trig running for a flight to NYC. We made it with 10 minutes to spare........

...We've finally finished our Christmas shopping, thank goodness. This has given us (more) time to spend with family. Today's 'wee' run took us to the Antrim Coast and the amazing Giants Causeway. An unusual rock formation with mythical stories behind it. Truly a spectacular place (see photo). Another phenomenon was the fact that we are in the middle of a European winter and walked along the Portstewart Beach....yes, the beach. Although, it was 30+ degrees colder than Down Under, it was beautiful. Anybody for a spot of surfing???

....It may be a few days until we get back on the net, so from both Trig and Airo we'd like to wish all our families and friends a Merry Christmas. I'm sure there will be much laughter, excitement and celebration going on......have three for us!

We're back in Belfast and the Christmas shopping hype is incredible. If i hear another Christmas carol again....i'll.......

....wondered down to the Grafton Street area today. A central part of Dublin's Christmas 'hub-bub'. Nearby, there is quite a few Indian restaurants. Our choice was the 'Taste Of India'. A long, narrow restaurant with chairs that would befit kings and queens. We were attracted to the place by the 6.50Euro lunch deal. Now, some of you may now that both Trig & Airo are fans of hot, spicy food. Well, the two Vindaloo's that we got were the hottest curries we have EVER had. I still think i'm getting over the shock of it all, a mere 6 hours later...and don't even mention the Doulton ;-)

Also visited St. Michan's Church. A small unassuming house of prayer on the North side of the River Liffey. The thing that makes this church so unique is that there is a handful of Crypt's below the church. We were lucky enough to be treated to an intimate tour of said area by Paul, a strange, off-beat...yet colourful character. He showed us 'preserved' bodies that have NOT been mummified. They are keep in such amazing condition by the constant temperature, the limestone and the methane gas that rises from the earth below. This was something straight out of Bram Stoker's Dracula...or the equivalent. Spooky.

...Walked through the Temple Bar area to Dublin Castle. Norman King John ordered it's building in 1204. For 700 years Dublin Castle was the seat of power for British Rule over Ireland. Today and ever since 1938 all Irish Presidents are inaugurated here. A lovely Irish 'lass' took us on a one hour tour. After visiting the Castle, we had worked up a thirst. What would a trip to Dublin be without a visit to the Guinness Brewery at St. James Gate. Arthur Guinness bought 4 acres of land here in 1759 and since that day the brewery encompasses some 65 acres. Guinness Stout is served in over 150 countries around the world. At the completion of our (self guided) tour, you are asked (or more to the point, invited) forward to learn th art of pouring a Guinness. This was fantastic fun and a good laugh. Needless to say, both Airo and myself are now qualified in the correct procedure. Cheers, Arthur!

We are staying at a hostel right amongst the thick of it. It's the Litton Lane Hostel and it was a former recording studio. Some of the artists to record their were Van Morrison, and U2. It's not bad but i think Airo isn't grabbed by the rather cold (ish) showers ;-(

Last night, we endulged in a few of the finest local product available, Guinness. We were at a pub called the Palace and got talking (briefly) to two elderly chaps who'd been frequenting the bar for 'some' time. They claimed that it was the best Guinness in town. Well, it's hard to disagree with them but we'll surely be putting that to the test in the next few nights.

...made the short flight across from London, with BMI. The flight was only 5 Euro, an offer too good to refuse. We arrived safely and jumped on the city bus into town. It's been 5 years since Trig's been here but the accent hasn't changed, very quick speaking and often hard to understand. Although, that isn't always the case. The beauty of the Irish people (both North and South) is the amount of warmth and friendship they show even the most distant of strangers. They are wonderful.

....so we didn't have much luck with the Glens, going down to Linfield 3-0. However, we returned to London on Sun 11th. This was due to an English Premier League Game, (the mighty) Tottenham vs. Portsmouth @ White Hart Lane. The atmosphere at these games is unbelivable. The constant chanting and banter across the stadium btwn the two sets of fans is something that we'll never forget. The standard of the game was very high (compared to the recent game in Northern Ireland). Passing was slick, movement was quick and thought out with tactics in mind. A great night and a great win by Spurs......

We have been lucky enough to secure some tickets to the CIS Cup Final, this Saturday btwn Glentoran and Linfield. This is Soccer. The two teams playing are bitter rivals and last time they met, it ended in a riot. So, with our battle armour on, we'll take in the 'fun' at Windsor Park come Saturday arvo. Go Glens!

...Yesterday, we all went for a brief drive through Newtownards to Bangor. A small fishing village with a relatively new Marina filled with small boats. We ate a delicious 'Cod Supper' and washed it down with some fine tea. After lunch we carried on through Donagahdee to Millisle...an even smaller fishing village perched next to Belfast Loch. Trig visited his Unlce while Airo heard stories of years gone by. It was good 'craic'.

Today, we visited the famous Crown Liquor Saloon. This building, with it's ornate wood carvings, stained glass windows and cosy snugs has been serving liquor to boozy Belfast locals since the mid 1800's. We were lucky enough to be seen on the webcam by those who stay up on a Thursday night back home. Thanks to those that did. I highly recommend the Irish Stew or the Beef & Guinness Pie and a Pint of Guinness.

....It was today, Dec 8th, 1980 that John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment in New York City. The 25th Anniversary. He was and still is one of the greatest songwriters of our time. A true hero.

"Life is what happens to you, while you're busy making others plans..."

It would be remiss of me not to mention George Best's passing. He was a footballer (soccer) that played with exquisite skills for Manchester United and Northern Ireland through the mid 60's to mid 70's. Unfortunately, life outside football was at the bottom of a bottle. He lost he battle for life just a few days ago. I was never lucky enough to see him play but have seen numerous pieces of footage and when they talk of Pele, Beckenbauer and the like....they talk of George Best. this town will come to a stand still on Sat (Dec 3rd) when the funeral will take place. They are expecting 500,000 people.....yes, five hundred thousand to decend upon the place. There's going to be one hell of a celebration of his skills and life in the town and the pubs. As they say....
George Best, 1946-2005, 470+ appearances for Man U, 170+ goals....1 genius!!!!

We finally made it to Belfast, Northern Ireland after a long, almost two day trek from Iceland. It's lovely to see some familiar faces and it bring tears of joy to Trig. The weather is typically Irish, rain....but that hasn't put us off enjoying the city of Belfast today.