Belfast 2014

For approximately 4 weeks in July and August, we had an au pair looking after the girls.  Her dad, my former boss in the U.S., had a simple request during the visit - take AP (for "au pair") somewhere in Ireland.

So, when LBJ had a Friday 1/2 day meeting in Belfast, we seized the opportunity to head North for the weekend.  It was an early start, but we got LBJ to her meeting on time.  More surprisingly, I was able to get us to the "Titanic Quarter" without getting lost.

Happy kids (despite looking into the sun for the photo)

The above photo is of the SS Nomadic, the last remaining ship by the company that built the Titanic (White Star Line).  As you can see, it was a gorgeous day - warm and sunny.  So what do we do on such a beautiful day?  Spend it in museums.  First up is the Titanic Museum.  I was skeptical that the girls would enjoy it, but FABJ really wanted to go (and she knew about the sinking of the Titanic).

Another picture looking into the sun

Although the girls got a bit bored by the end, they generally seemed to enjoy the museum.  AP also enjoyed it.  I did, too, even the cheesy "ride" through the docks.  I don't really know how to explain it - it's a like a slow motion roller coaster type ride through the shipyard, illustrating the construction of the Titanic (up to the day before the launch).

All in all, I'd highly recommend the museum for people who enjoy historic and / or cheesy touristy stuff.  But it is expensive.

Then, we took a break for lunch - not very many options at lunchtime, but we managed to find a cafe with pretty good sandwiches and soup.

Next stop was the science museum, called w5 (who, what, where, when, why).  This was, not surprisingly, an even bigger hit with the girls.  They pretty much wore themselves out here.

Our little scientists

 LBJ joined up with us, and eventually we were able to drag the girls away.  After a snack (and a near meltdown), we made the drive up to Giant's Causeway, where we spent the next two nights...

Belfast Marina