To Belfast on the train

XIV BLOG Toto Travels
24 May, Tuesday


Up to a full Irish breakfast at the Central Hotel, and off to the Dublin airport which took less than an hour. 
Dropped our Hertz Suzuki Alto off on Tuesday the 24th at Dublin and took a cab to Connely Station for the rail to Belfast - wonderful ride, interesting to watch the changing scenery, we were definitely going north.

Our cabby from Belfast Central train station to the Fitzwilliam Hotel was "interesting" to say the least. A young lad very proud of 7 generations of family committed to a United Republic of Ireland. We got an earfull and some insight into the troubles that really do still exist, just less violence than in the 90s, but it obviously lurks close to the surface.

After checking into our very flashy hotel (and pricey) we headed to the TI to shop, so silly, and to look around Central Belfast.  At the TI, a chap recommended a cheap place for early dinner called Brights. After walking there, we were not too sure about it-looked a little sketchy, but it turned out to be good, if plain. It worked for two hungry, tired tourists.
A little meandering around on our way back to the Fitzwilliam, but the sites were closed.
In the room, I fussed and fumed at being cut off when trying to make ferry arrangements for tomorrow to Troon, Scotland. Turned out the fare on the second call was €12 less apiece (from 64 to 52) than the first phone call -huh? Don't ask just go with it.
We did an early night, stayed in, I took at bath in the huge bathtub that had a nozzle spray as well as the usual faucet, almost as good as a whirlpool, ahhhh. once again, many sites left to see on another trip, both natural wonders, old buildings, and museums.