Belfast Political Tour

So sorry this is late!!! But have been very lazy this week!!

So Last friday I got on a bus to Belfast in Northern Ireland! I left right after work and then managed to walk to my hostel. It was very convenient and pretty nice.  After checking and getting some KFC! I walked around a bit then got ready for my Political Black Cab tour. 

I kinda knew a bit about the issues that Northern Ireland had faced but it was interesting to hear about it from someone who lives there.  I got to see the peace wall and a tone of the great murals that are all over the city.

The mural to the left in this picture was just finished the day I was there. 

At the top of the building is the old British base of sorts that had cameras to monitor everyone.

This is a rubber bullet just like the ones that were fired into crowds. 

This is the most bombed street in Belfast and it was rebuilt by the people.

On this street is a memorial garden. This was also my guide Paddy. He was old but was really nice and very informed. With a very irish catholic tilt. He would rather Ireland be united.

The memorial wall. Latest death was in 2004. You can see the wall separating the protestant and catholic sides in the background. 

Its marching season so there are a lot of british flags out and about in the city.

This is the remains of a HUGE 70 foot bon fire held on William the Orange day and part of the marching season. This was a normal neighborhood and apparently firetrucks were out hosing down roofs  to keep them from catching. 

This was near the end of the tour and is the old courthouse. It was purchased for a pound. Was supposed to be a hotel but nothing ever happened to it. Its just sitting and rotting. It would be pretty if renovated but politics seem to get in the way.

It was such a politically charged time that we in the States do not hear about. N. Ireland's recent history is fascinating. However they seem to be attempting to combat bad press about Belfast and make it more of a tourist attraction. It was pretty safe feeling in the city to me. Well Look out for the next  two days of my Northern Ireland adventure!

Cheers!