Magic of Disney

After a relaxing week at home to see family and celebrate my birthday, I came back to Dublin and continued to celebrate and pack for France. So Niamh and I decided, sure why not, head to the George for Sunday bingo and show before heading to the airport. We left the club, bags in hand and boarded the Aircoach on Westmorland st for Terminal 1, the return bus ticket cost 12 euro each. As we had plenty of time before the check-in desks opened, we got comfy upstairs and surprise surprise I fell asleep, and Niamh took great pleasure in taking photos of me asleep and showing me when I woke up. Once we checked in, passed thru security, we had plenty of time for breakfast, we both agreed that the breakfast wasn't worth the money, oh well. We boarded the plane, and as there was plenty of space, Ryanair asked if we would move to the emergency exits to man the emergency doors. The flight itself was short, quiet and straightforward. After passport control, etc, we made our way to VEA coaches stop, that was transporting us to the resort, although it arrived late, we somehow managed to still arrive on schedule at our resort hotel, Sequoia lodge. As we arrived too early for check in, we just wanted to store our bags, however once our bags were X-rayed and dealt with the paperwork to collect our tickets for the parks and our Paris excursion, we got a pleasant surprise in that our room was ready, this was 12.30 and check in was meant to be 3pm. So after a quick change, we went to the hotel concierge to book a time for dinner that evening using one of our meal vouchers which we had prepaid online during the reservation. We decided to walk to the park from our hotel to check our the resort and Disney Village. On route we passed by Lake Disney, and through security and the x-rays again, entering the Village. First impression so far was, that Disneyland were very security conscience.

Once we entered the park, we were like children in a candy store, we immediately ran towards Sleeping Beauty Castle and had a little poke around, before heading to Frontierland and its rides before culminating with Big Thunder Mountain, although I personally enjoyed the ride, it had poor Niamh in tears, so to make it up to her we trekked to Fantasyland, and joined the 45 minute queue in the Princess Pavilion to meet and greet a Disney Princess, which was kept a surprise until we meet her.

Tiana from Princess and the Frog, was the Princess of the moment. We were both amazed how well she kept in character for the duration of our visit with her. As we both we in this meet and greet buzz, we decided to go and meet Mickey Mouse, as he was also in Fantasyland. Mickey was quite a cheeky mouse, which had both of us in stitches.  

As we had some time to kill before the Disney Magic on Parade, we followed  Alice's path through her Curious Labyrinth but beware of the wicked Queen of Hearts or it'd "off with your head". After we managed to evade the Queen, we got to the top of her castle, which gave a beautiful view of Fantasyland and the rest of the park. After nearly getting lost trying to leave the maze, we made our way towards Central Plaza on Main Street USA, just in time for start of the parade. 

Throughout the parade, the magic and wonder of Disney, was everywhere to be seen, it was surreal and can only be seen in person, to be totally appreciated. After the awe of the parade, washed over us, we went off exploring further around the park. At one stage, I attempted but failed to pull the sword of Excalibur from its stone. On route to Discoverland, we took a wrong turn, and ended up in the heart of Sleeping Beauty's Castle, in it's Dungeon, where we were lucky to escape the lurking dragon, which at 27 metres from head to tail is one of the largest Animatronic figure ever built. On our escape, we entered the castle and climbed the stone steps, entering Sleeping Beauty gallery, reading the story in lavishly illustrated books, rich tapestries and stained glass windows. Finally finding our way from Fantasyland, we happened upon, Snow White's Wishing Well, we couldn't resist but make a wish. 

We boarded our Star Cruiser aiding Buzz Lightyear and other Space Rangers defeat the Evil Emperor Zurg and save the universe through 360 degree spins, zapping enemy targets with our lasers gaining points. As I wanted to try Space Mountain: Mission 2, we strolled towards to the ride, but was closed for 30 or so minutes, so in the meanwhile, we entered the Mysteries of the Nautilus, which is a walkthrough attraction, which took us through various rooms of Captain Nemo's submarine from Jules Verne's 20,000 League Under the Sea. The attraction consists of 6 rooms, the Ballasts Compartment housing the treasure of Captain Nemo, which followed into the Captain's Room, The Charts Room, The Diving Chamber, The Engine Room and The Main Salon which is the heart of the Nautilus. In the Main Salon, the Captain's Organ which has a mirror above the keys, displays the reflection of Captain Nemo. One window opens on the ocean's depths and whilst we were staring out this window, a giant squid attacks which almost gave us a fright. Not sure what I was thinking after that, but when I saw that Space Mountain had reopened, I quickly joined the queue. I was nearly having second thoughts as I was being buckled into my seat, but had no time to reconsider, as the cannon blasted me faster than G-force speeds, through what actually felt like to space and back. At least I some how made it back in one piece. To continue on this space exploration, we entered the Star Tours attraction, passing through a droid workshop and said *# (Hi!) to R2D2 and then boarded our space shuttle which took us on a virtual thrilling reality ride to the Moon of Endor, and on the way, destroying the Empire's headquarters, on the Death Star. Lucky we had our safety belts on, as the ride was very bumpy. As we exited the ride, we made our way towards Central Plaza, to witness Disney Dreams, as we got out of Star Tours a tad later then we had planned, we missed the start of the show. Of what we saw, we were left in awe, and both agreed that the following night, we were determined to witness the display in it's entirety. Like everyone else, we made our way out of the parks, and back towards Disney Village, after a quick look around, we made our way back to our hotel and room, to rest for a few minutes before our dinner. It was a buffet style affair and our meal voucher included a soft drink. Neither of us could complain about the food in the Hunter's Grill, once we were stuffed, we decided to have an early night, as we were wrecked from all the travelling. Although we were ecstatic, with what we saw and did, we planned tad better for the next day. 

 As when you check in, you also are allocated seating times for breakfast during your stay. Our earliest start for breakfast was 7.30 on the Tuesday morning, although it just a continental affair, we both were content with what was on offer. We had plenty of time to prepare and get ready for the day, including booking dinner at Cafe Mickey after Disney Dreams through our concierge. We were very lucky that our hotel offered free WI-FI as only 2 other hotels offered this. We left early to go exploring in the village before the parks opened. We entered Walt Disney Studios, and made our way to the Toon Plaza in Toon Studio, it was then we realised that the park had opened early. As we were waiting to meet and greet various Disney Characters and had time to spare, we hopped on board on the Cars Race Rally with Flash McQueen on Route 66, waking up the town of Radiator Springs in the process. Upon exiting the ride, we joined the queue just in time to meet Mickey and then Buzz Lightyear. During our exploration of the studios, we met several characters some being very cheeky. I should have become aware then how my day was going to process. Although Mulan, Woody and Mushu made us as giddy as children, that was all gonna change, when out strolled Donald Duck, who was playful with Niamh, but nearly assaulted me, which had everyone around laughing, even me.

 The tone of the morning, that started in the Studios, continued in the Park, as the Disney characters seemed to have a kick out of assaulting me, in particular Goofy, Tigger and Eeyore, however my luck seem to change in form of Baloo from the Jungle Book in the rhythms of the jungle in Adventureland, when he gave me a hug. After this touching moment, we entered the city of Agrabah and Aladdin's Enchanted Passage which showcased series of scenes from the movie through window displays. To continue on this adventure through Adventureland, we walked towards Pirates of the Caribbean, where we encountered Peter Pan and Captain Hook and then entered a water ride through, a series of secret caverns that depicted the "pirate life". As we were a tad adventured out, we exited Adventureland and made our way through Fantasyland to the "its a small world" ride. The musical water ride consisted of a tour of the world through the use of 300 dolls that sing and dance to "its a small world" medley. Trust me although you exit the ride in awe, you'll be left humming the song for the rest of the day and as a result  will end up on that ride again.    

                       

 To cap off our meet n' greet for the day and a particular highlight for Niamh, was meeting Minnie Mouse and Pluto. As were back over in the Studios, I decided to finally get on ride that had eluded me for 15/16 years since our visit to Disney world in Florida, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The ride is set in the once glamorous, now  eerie and abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, where you discover the mysteries surrounding the guests that fateful night back in October 31, 1939. When they warn you that nothing can prepare you for plunging 13 floors, they aren't lying, however on the upside, the views you witness each time before you plummet, over the studios are literally breathtaking. We managed this time to get a better position to watch the parade and enjoy it all the more. As we plenty of time before Night Time show, Disney Dreams!, we set off exploring what Fantasyland really had to offer. We began with Peter Pan's flight where we set sail in a flying Galleon over starlit London on a journey to Never land. Les Voyages de Pinocchio is a dark ride that leads you through the life of Pinocchio with the use of Pinocchio's lively puppet show, colours of Pleasure Island and clockwork frenzy of Gepetto's workshop which creates a energetic and enjoyable ride. Right next door is Blanche-Neighe et les Sept Nains, is a ride that follows the story of Snow White and how her woodland chums defeated the wicked queen. A tale with a Sneezy ending. As we just had enough time before they closed Fantasyland in preparation for Disney Dreams for a ride or two. We mounted our steeds on the Carrousel de Lancelot, and enjoyed as the merry-go-round brought us on an adventure through Lancelot's world. Before we were kicked out, we were lucky enough to have time to have a spin on Mad Hatter's Tea Cups whirling around in circles, which was childish fun. Once the dizziness left us, we strolled from Fantasyland into Adventureland and onto Captain Hook's Pirate Ship. After we fought Hook, we entered the lofty tree top retreat of the Swiss Family Robinson, walked through their living quarters. A wrong turn upon exiting this retreat, had us strolling us haunted passages and crossing suspension bridges to the pirates secret hide-out. At this hide-out, we eyed our escape from this haunted place into Wild West of Frontierland and finally to Central Plaza for our spot to witness Disney Dreams.

The night time show extravaganza of lights and colours, centers around the Sleeping Beauty Castle and follows the flights of fancy of Peter Pan's shadow who escaped to bring the rainbow reality of Disney Dreams to life. He weaves his way between timeless Disney stories, dashing through lasers, fantastic fountains and  peaking with a firework finale. This nighttime show is spectacular and unmissable. We make our way towards the Disney Village and Cafe Mickey. During our meal, we met Tigger, Eeyore, Mickey and Pluto. At some stage during our meal, Pluto turned and ended up assaulting me, catching his whiskers in my eye. Sure after the morning I had with Disney Characters, it was bound to end  this way.

Another early start for breakfast, after which we got ready and walked to Hotel New York, the pick up point for our Cityrama tour to Paris. We had a tour of Paris by coach with a personal audio guide detailing the history of the capital city and its major attractions. We stopped for lunch near the Lourve, and we went off exploring the locality, taking in the famous The Lourve Palace & the Pyramid and the nearby Tuileries Gardens. As we got captivated with the beauty of the surroundings, we had to literally run, to make it back in time, before our coach departed for the Eiffel Tower. The coach dropped us off at Pontoon 3 at Bateaux Parisiens, which is located near the foot of the Eiffel Tower, and also the location of the cruise along Seine, which we would take after our visit to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. As we had a group pass, we were able to bypass the crowds and get the lift up. I remarked to Niamh, that this lift was scarier than the Tower of Terror, which in part could have been due to the stormy winds.After our panoramic views of Paris, we decided to descend downwards by the stairs, partly due to our experience in the lift up and the waiting crowds. On route down, we stopped off at level 1 to see different angles of the city and then continued our windy journey down. As we had some time to spare, we stopped off at a Crepe van, to get a quick bite to eat, before our cruise along the Seine, which was heaven in stark contrast to the expensive cold crepe and coffee, we had at lunch time by the Lourve. We were lucky enough to get good seats by the window, to enjoy the sights and historical buildings of Paris with a personal audio guide through out the 1 hr cruise. After we disembarked from the boat, we boarded our coach and made the journey back to the Disney resort and Hotel New York. We were lucky enough to remember to book our dinner reservation in New York Hotel for when we got back that morning. After we recovered from our food comas, we decided to head to our hotel's Redwood Bar, and have a nightcap, we both were shocked at the extortion prices, soft drinks and alcohol. So we just had a single beverage.

 Thursday was the day, we were determined to finally meet and greet, the characters which had eluded us so far. It all started with Duffy the bear, who we witnessed come out to the Town Square dancing and skipping, which was quirky and cute. Once we got our picture with Duffy, we dashed across the park into Fantasyland towards the Princess Pavilion. After almost waiting over an hour, overhearing about another parade in the other park and sweet taking the cast member directing the crowds, we got the Princess that Niamh really wanted to meet Princess Belle. Niamh was delighted and impressed by the look, manner and professionalism of the princess. We sprinted off again across the park, to meet the one character which I been dying to see, Winnie the Pooh. The hug that Winnie gave me, put a smile on my face and was a particular highlight. Before we headed to Studios, we made a detour to the rhythm of the jungle, and got to dance with King Louis.

 Our main goal, in the Studios Park, this time was to enjoy the rides and attractions, beginning with a pleasant surprise, when a ride that was meant to  be closed, was operating for a short period, Studio Tram Tour. The tram ride detours in the backlot of the studios, illustrating the secrets of how movies and TV shows are made. During the duration of the ride, we experience how it felt to be an actor at the centre of a drama such as bone shaking Catastrophe Canyon and then find out such special effects are created and finally see costumes, props and vehicles from classic Disney movies. On exiting the tram, we had time to go experience CineMagique, where the show draw the audience into the movies through a big screen adventure, where fantasy and reality come together, as if the movies have indeed come to life with action on and off scene as the audience soar from one classic movie scene to the next. We seemed to be making good time and managed to get a good viewpoint for the Disney's Stars 'n' Cars Parade. As we were tad peckish, we took out the food from Niamh's bag when we noticed one of the yogurts had burst all over the bag. We cleaned everything up and were done just before the parade started.

We had some time to kill before the Stunt show, I decided to try the Rock n Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith, where I was buckled-up, and as the music rocks through the 120 onboard speakers, we went from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and more G-forces than an astronaut experiences as the roller-coaster rolls into hairpin turns, jaw-dropping and over the top flips and in totally darkness. I exited the ride with tears falling down my cheeks, we crossed the lot for the Stunt Show Spectacular, where we sat in the grandstand and watched varies car and motorcycle stunts being filmed on an authentic village square set, as the bag guys slug it out with the good guys. It was only during the show, had Niamh realised she didn't have her phone, as soon as the show was over, we dashed back to the disabled toilet and by pure luck, her phone was still there. To wind down after all this excitement, we crossed over to Toon Studio and the Flying Carpets over Agrabah, as we boarded our colourful magic carpet, we were taken on a ride into a whole new world of fantasy over Agrabah. Before we left the Studio Park for Disneyland Park, we made a detour into the Art of Disney Animation, which described the history of Disney and animation techniques In the Drawn to Animation Theater, we saw how Disney artists bring animated characters to life.

As we re-entered Disneyland Park, we managed to see the Parade again, this time from a different angle. We decided to enjoy the singing styling of the 300 dolls, belting out the "its a small world" medley, transporting us yet again to another world. Seems, we weren't done with our aerial aerobatics for the day, as we swooped and soared with Dumbo the Flying Elephant, giving us a great view of the park. It was during the its a small world ride, that we were told about another aerial ride, Orbitron in Discoveryland. We boarded our space rocket ship and steered it through a galaxy of planets and constellation, which we found tad breezy, as the wind took a sudden turn. We decided to stay and watch the spectacular that is Disney Dreams. It didn't disappoint, every time we saw it, we both agreed, it seemed to get better, and we weren't sure how that was possible. We decided to head to Newport Bay Hotel for Dinner and use the last of our meal vouchers. On route back to our lodge, we diverted to Redwood bar in our hotel, for a quick beverage, getting comfy close to the fire burning in the magnificent stone fireplace.

Our final day in Disneyland, had come too quick, so after our breakfast, latest at 8 am, we finished packing and checked out. We stored our luggage in hotel, and made our way for our final adventure in the parks. Surprisingly enough, this was the first day, there was a massive queue, waiting to enter. Once the Disneyland park opened, we were in quite quickly and then boarded the Disneyland Railroad steam train ride at Main Street Station. The steam train ride passed by thrilling landscapes, as we journeyed from one land of adventure to the next before departing at the Discoveryland station. We were finished with our modes of transport, by hopping onto the Horse-Drawn streetcar. We leisurely rode down Main Street in a turn of the century streetcar pulled by a magnificent Percheron horse.

  

 After some further exploring through Disneyland Park, we made our final visit to Studios Park. Our adventure for the day, began with Animagique, where we travelled with  Mickey and Donald and friends into a world, where the magic of animation and imagination is real. In a black light fantasyland of mirrors and avant garde special effects, amazing puppets and Disney characters coming alive, and draws the audience into the magical poetry of Disney classics.

Once we exited, Animagique, we strolled over to the Production Courtyard, were we meet a few Disney Characters such as Cruella de Ville, Gaston and Remy from Ratatouille. With Stitch Live! in the vicinity, we gave this unique experience a try, where Stitch interacts by way of live impromptu chat with the audience through out of this world, real time animation which left everyone in Stitches. Still laughing,  we headed over to Toon Studio, where Niamh wanted to go on the Flying Carpets of Agrabah again.

To Finish our time in Disney, we watched the Stars n Cars Parade again, before getting a buffet lunch at Restaurant des Stars, set in the ambiance of the film Ratatouille, French cuisine. This was the first proper meal, we had to pay for since we arrived, costing 50 euro for both of us. The cuisine was delicious and we both made use of all you can eat element, as we had a long evening and night ahead of us. Just before we left, we got meet Remy and Linguini, we made the whole experience. We headed back to our hotel, to collect our luggage and then the shuttle to the bus station, where we got the VEA coach back to Paris Beauvais airport. The timing back to the airport was a tad annoying, as we arrived with over 4 plus hours to spare and nothing to do at the airport, as its nothing more than a shack. We were lucky in that we got chatting with a family from Northern Ireland, which kept us all entertained until we boarded the plane home. We arrived back into Dublin safely, and finally managed to get back to Niamh's just after 2.30 in the morning. 

From Voyage to FLC

We started off the New Year with a mini adventure and city break to Belfast. So the first Saturday of January, we both met in the city centre for breakfast at O'Neills on Suffolk street at 9 am before catching the 10 am Goldline bus to Belfast from Busaras.  The journey itself took about 2.5 hours and when arrived it was a tad over cast. So we attempted to go and find the hotel - Park Inn using Google maps. After awhile we got lost, lucky enough we backtracked and some how managed to find the hotel. We checked into the hotel, and then went off sightseeing via the Victoria Square shopping centre. As the whole reason in the first place for the visit, was for Liam to try and get his phone fixed through the manufacturer themselves. After waiting a while, we finally got seen at the Genius bar and a replacement phone was ordered in for collection at a later date. After the technical part of the weekend out of the way, it was time to have some fun or that was the plan.

 First port of call, was to the public viewing square on the 3rd level which is entirely covered by a glass dome, and from this platform, there is beautiful sights of the city. After the obligatory picture of both Liam and I, we decided it was time to visit the Titanic quarter. We managed to get the metro bus from the waterfront which dropped us almost directly outside the Titanic Experience. As we had passes we managed to get 10% off the cost of admission which normally costs 14.75. The Experience had such much to offer, that neither of us noticed the time get away from us, as the building explores what life was like in Belfast at that time, as the city was thriving in areas such as engineering, ship-building and linen manufacturing. After experiencing what boomtown Belfast was like in early part of the 20th century, we passed through the original Harland & Wolff shipyard gates and got the lift to continue our journey. At the top floor, we boarded the Shipyard Ride, which ascend into a replica of one of the hugh pillars of the Arrol Gantry which originally was erected alongside the 2 giant slipways that were built in 1908 to prepare for the construction of the Olympic and Titanic. These slipways still exist at the back of the Titanic Quarter.

            

 

After disembarking from the ride, we entered Gallery four, which contained range of original artefacts, exhibits, model and CGI video that illustrated The Ship of Dreams interior. After leaving the fitting out gallery, we entered the gallery that detailed the ship's maiden voyage, and discovered what life on board Titanic was actually like helped by the famous photographs taken by Irish Thelogical student Francis Browne. Directly after this Maiden Voyage gallery, we entered a detailed gallery describing the sinking and immediate aftermath of the Titanic, which occurred at 11.40pm on April 14th 1912 when the sink raced into an iceberg with the loss of 1,500 men, women and children. The aftermath gallery explores the inquiries held on both sides of the Atlantic, as the ship was British built and American owned. The inquiries examined how and why the disaster occurred, while trying to find a culprit to blame. This gallery brings together all the details from these inquiries and news reports using a range of recordings, re-enacted performances and exhibits. Towards the end of this experience, we entered the Myths and Legends gallery which brings together the many books, movies and songs inspired by the Titanic story. The final gallery we entered is a multi level gallery which explores Titanic's final resting place nearly 2.5 miles below sea level. Before leaving the building, we were able to obtain a souvenir ticket of our experience. 

After our entailed, fun filled experience, we went outside to explore the slipways of Olympic and Titanic. Because of the time of day, we decided to walk back towards the city centre, along the way, we noticed the tender to RMS Olympic and Titanic, SS Nomadic. We decided on our return trip to Belfast to collect Liam's replacement phone, that we would visit, the last surviving White Star Line vessel. At the waterfront, after we crossed over the bridge we noticed the statue of a Big Fish, we were informed afterwards, that statue represents the Salmon of Knowledge, located on Donegall Quay. 

At this stage of the day, we were both hungry, so decided to find somewhere to eat near the hotel. On route back, we passed City Hall, which looked amazing with all the Christmas decorations and lights. 

We decided on Wetherspoons, and had one of their meal deals, then having a few drinks before heading back to the hotel to unwind after our day. The following morning we were unfortunate, that the weather was so bad, that we were stuck in the hotel for the day, lucky enough it gave us time to rest after working over the Christmas. Although the weather was against us on this trip,we both agreed that Belfast was an amazing city and definitely worth visit again soon. Typical in Liam fashion, he received a phone call the Tuesday after we got back, to inform him that his phone had arrived and was ready for collection. So decided to make a return day trip for the following Tuesday and to make the most of it, regardless of the weather. 

Between Liam and me, we managed to get 2 tickets for Ed Sheeran when they went on Sale on Friday 10th, pure lucky as we only managed to get ones for added dates, we ironically enough suits us better. Only Sunday I meet up with Liam after he finished work, and we went to the cinema to see Frozen, which made us both want to go to Disneyland. After some food, its was time for a game of pool and drinks in Dandelion and Capital  before Bingo in the George.

We arrived just before 9 to make sure we had seats and a good view. We had a good laugh, I hadn't been to Bingo and the drag show in years, I informed Liam that we must do this again soon. After we both managed to get our last buses, and arrived home, we got online and booked flights and Disney package for Disneyland Paris for the start of February. So on Tuesday morning, I meet Liam on O'Connell street, where he attempted to redraw money from the Ulster Bank branch ATM, however his card got swallowed by the machine. Lucky enough though, I could from the one at Busaras. On the upside, we managed to board an earlier  bus then we originally planned and got to observe an amazing sunrise over Dublin. After completing the compulsory business involving Liam's phone, we had a gorgerous breakfast on the top level of the Victoria Square in Frankie and Benny's. We decided as we had plenty of time before returning back to Dublin that this time, we would do a sight seeing bus tour, +Belfast City Sightseeing Hop on/ Hop off one. I managed to get both of us the concession student price. As the tours in Belfast were on a winter schedule, we were on a strict time table. As we promised last time, we got off at the Titanic quarter to do a tour of SS Nomadic.

As we went into the office to purchase the tickets and handed in city sightseeing ticket for a discount, we both were surprised that they gave us tickets for free. It was a mistake on their part, but lucky for us. We boarded the ship for the 1.30 pm tour,  which has been restored to her original 1911 glory combined authentic heritage and atmosphere with intriguing stories of her passengers to demonstrate its dramatic 100 career. Nomadic Experience explores how Titanic first-class passengers marveled at it's grandeur and luxury. We meet and chatted with the holographic Pierre, the first-class barman. The tour illustrates some of the extra-ordinary journeys that passengers embarked upon and about the great era of emigration, also in this section, there is a fun interactive area involving dress up in the clothes of that era. During wartime, the Nomadic performed dangerous tasks and played active service in both World Wars. Inside the lower deck, we discovered the story of it's construction and of Cherbourg Port where she spent her career. This area has interactive elements, such as a game where you get to sheer the ship or dress up as a crew-member.
Also in this area, we stepped inside the cramped crew quarters and experienced the stark contrast to the luxurious first and second class passenger areas. After 57 years as a passenger tender, Nomadic was retired in 1968, we then learned of the years the tender spent in Paris as a restaurant and nightclub before been returned to Belfast and been restored to her original 1911 condition. The Nomadic has only been opened to the Public since June 2013, the cost of admission is normally £6.50 and again time got away from us because before we knew it, we were rushing to catch the last bus of the City Sightseeing at 3 pm. Once back on the bus, we passed the Pump House, which was the final spot Titanic rested on dry ground. From here, we travelled to Stormont Parliament which is the home of the Assembly. On our way back we passed by the George Best Airport on route through the city, we passed by the St George Market which is a heritage market offering local food, crafts and music until 2pm daily. From this area, we continue towards the Cathedral quarter, which is the Belfast version of Dublin's Temple bar and also houses, Belfast oldest bar, White's Tavern been on site in Winecellar Entry since 1630. St Anne's Anglican Cathedral has the largest Celtic cross in Ireland on the north side, which is a memorial monument to Belfast victims of the First World War. From here, we travelled towards the peace wall via Crumlin Road Gaol, which was a former prison situated in north Belfast and is the only Victorian era prison remaining in Northern Ireland and been derelict since 1996. Across from the Gaol, stands the Crumlin Road Courthouse, also derelict. A tunnel under the main road connected the two buildings and was used to transport the prisoners to the courthouse. Then we entered the Cupar Way Peace Wall which is one of the original 'peace' barriers in the city separating the Unionist Shankill Road from the Nationalist Falls Road. Our Bus guide, Karen, described the historical and emotional significance of the Peace Wall, you could nearly hear a pin drop on the packed bus, everyone was emotional as we drove through these areas. The mural of Bobby Sands, the republican hunger striker, is one of the most photographed murals in Belfast.

  After the emotional trip through the Peace Wall, we continued our journey along University Road, which is house to Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum. To finish off our tour, we passed by the Europa Hotel, which was the only hotel during the worst years of the Troubles and the most bombed hotel in Europe. We both agreed, that we were glad that this time, we did the bus tour, as it was such an interesting and fun experience. To warm up after the tour, we went to the Victoria Square to get Lunch before our journey home. We decided to try Chiquito, a Mexican restaurant and of course the compulsory churros, which reminded us so much of having them at Movie World on the Gold Coast in Queensland. We managed to be in time for the next bus leaving for Dublin. Although it was a jam packed day, it was full of fun and history.
To continue on this historical theme, we decided to finally make our way to the Marsh Library, the next day. The library is located on St. Patrick's Close, just behind St. Patrick's Cathedral and has a entrance fee of €3 or €2 for students. The library was built in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh and was the first public library in Ireland. It is one of the few 18th century buildings left in Dublin that is still being used for its original purpose. The interior of the library has remained unchanged for three centuries, with its original dark oak bookcases each with carved and lettered gables housing more than 25,000 rare and fascinating books. The walk through this perfectly preserved library of the early Enlightenment, was quite unusual yet fascinating and definitely worth a visit.

  We decided while we had time to spare, we finally managed to visit the Dolls Hospital and Museum on the top floor in the Powercourt Centre, when it was still opened. It was surreal to see Ireland's oldest Toy store and some of its famous merchandise such as Bosco.

As we wanted to try a nice coffee place, we passed one on South William St and it looked kinda funky and decided to try it, +Clement and Pekoe, I had a quaint homemade hot chocolate with real Chocolate to dip into it and the pastries were also homemade and were to die for. After such a taxing day, lol, it was time to unwind with cocktails and game of pool in Dandelion before we went to support our friend +Mark Cox, who was performing at the Song Room in the Globe. 

To round off such a fun week, we went to a gig in the Academy, that I had won tickets to, the Fun Loving Criminals. So I meet Liam after he finished work and went for tapas in the Porthouse on South Williams Street followed by drinks at Lafayette before making our way to the Academy. The night started off great with the warm up act, the Propeller Palms, who were brilliant, then went into the stratosphere when the FLC came on to the stage. The entire set was one we won't forget in a hurry, it was a night to remember.   

Christmas / NYE 2013

The season of giving seemed to begin early this year, when on Friday 22nd my mother rang to tell she just won tickets to see 30 Seconds to Mars, and then within minutes, managed to get Dublin Zoo tickets for just 5 euro each for myself and Niamh. I some how was onto a roll, as I got nearly all my Christmas Presents bought that afternoon too. So the following day, both Niamh and myself were excited as finally after months of waiting, the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, the Day of the Doctor was being aired. We decided, we wanted to experience, the atmosphere of the audience in a cinema. So we got our tickets for the Savoy, the buzz around the special was great even with the movie screen. We both agreed it was the right choice to have seen it at the cinema.
On Monday, with tickets in our hands, we made our way to the O2, to go see 30 Seconds to Mars via Harry's Bar. The support act You Me at Six were very entertaining and got the audience fired up for the band. 30 Seconds to Mars lead singer Jared Leto is a real showman, and knew how to entertain the crowd and made the concert very enjoyable. We were very glad, we were able to be there.

 As we were going to the Zoo the following day, I stayed the night at hers. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day even despite the winter breeze. We finished our day with dinner in town, and lucky we managed to get home before the rain got too bad.

Later on that week, I booked my train home for the following weekend and to my surprise, Niamh told me she was able to go home that weekend too, so booked the same train. It was turning into a Christmas filled weekend, with most of presents now wrapped, food ordered for the house Christmas dinner and finally hearing the An Post Walking in the Air advert. To top it off, December 1st, we as a house, all started to decorate the Christmas tree which was fun. 

The week started to fly, to my journey home, which was helped by receiving my first Christmas card which actually was from a customer in work, to me watching various different Christmas Movies. I meet Niamh at the train station, on Saturday morning 7th, for our trip home, which was special, as it was only opportunity for either of us to get home for Christmas, as we both working it. We were greeted at the station by our father, who brought us to see our mother. Hugs and kisses all around, so after a quick shop, off home to relax for a while before that evening's fun. To our pleasant surprise, they had already put up the Christmas decorations and tree for us, which we were both delighted with. 

Our parents had every little details arranged for us, even down to the kitchen table and our favourite Christmas foods. When everyone was home, and settled that evening, we all sat down for the dinner, with Christmas music even playing in the background. Like years gone by, I went up for seconds and maybe even thirds of the stuffing, I always did love my mother bread and potato stuffing. After dinner, we all chilled watching tv, catching up over wine, especially since, we all hadn't been home together since August.   

 

So before desert, Niamh and me, gave our presents to our parents, the highlight being, the double family crest we had made especially for them, to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. They were delighted with it, which made our night. We enjoyed the rest of the night, and we all agreed, possible one the best Christmas's we had in years.  

 The following day, as per traditional, we made our way out to our Granny's for the night. It was great to see her again, we gave her, her birthday and Christmas presents along with her Christmas dinner. She was over the moon, to see both Niamh and me, which was great. Doesn't she look fantastic for 91.

Like most things, things have to come to an end, so the following morning, we got the train back to Dublin and reality. As the week went on, and to my surprise, during one of usual searches online, I managed to grab tickets for the sold out, For the Love of Mrs Brown, that had become available that morning, thank you ticket master, was all I could think of. It was a great mid week pick me up, and also was great, as originally both Niamh and me had tried to get tickets previous but had no luck. So by the time Saturday 14th had come around, shock shock, our mother had won another competition. This time, this prize was unreal, as it involved a hotel in a 5 star hotel, 2 tickets to see André Rieu and then meet him afterwards. I lucky enough had enough time, to meet Niamh and for us to make our way to Mrs Brown Boys after I finished work. The show was absolutely hilarious, the whole audience were in stitches. At one point, I was crying with laughter. After the standing ovations and such, the audience were surprised when a member of audience proposed to his girlfriend. Niamh had me laughing when she reminded me about the instance in the Gold Coast. This is becoming something of a habit.

On Tuesday 17th, our mother got the train up to Dublin, where Niamh meet her at the station, and I met them near Mayors Docks. We wanted to get rid of our bags, so we decided to leave them at the hotel, The Marker. To our pleasant surprise, our room was ready, and it was only 11.30 am. So we went to the room, which was exquisite, got somethings ready before heading into town to go shopping.

 On our return, our goodie bag which included the tickets and various CDs and DVDs. We then prepared for our night ahead, beginning with a dinner in The Brasserie in the hotel. We had a glass of wine before making our way to the O2, whereas Niamh made use of the hotel spa and pool facilities, which she told us were amazing.

We arrived with time to spare, so we went into the priority blueroom bar, which I had pre booked online. Then made our way to our seats, we had brilliant view of the stage and show. The Concert itself was out of this world, the whole production was brilliant, right down to the encore. After the concert, we were ushered back stage, where we met some of the soloists and finally got to met the man himself, André Rieu. Although he had a severely bad cold, he was an absolute gent and signed my scarf and posed for photos. It was surreal meeting him and we both agreed that it was a totally amazing show. 

The following morning, just after check out, I bought some Cronuts, which we had all heard some much about from tv shows and reading online, that we just had to try some. A Cronut is a croissant-doughnut pastry which was only invented this May in New York. I can understand the hype, as this pastry is just gastro-heaven. After leaving the hotel, we made our way to the docklands Christmas festival, where we had a festive mulled wine and enjoyed samba music from a local school. When the phone goes off, and mother gets informed she won a prize in The Loop competition, which was a pleasant surprise. After  we had dinner in town later that afternoon, we all said our goodbyes, and Niamh dropped our mother off at the Station on route home. It was great to see our mother, we all had a ball and must do it again soon.

On a recommendation of my mother, I entered a competition for the ballet, The Nutcracker, on in the Convention Centre. I got informed then Thursday afternoon, to my shock, I actually won tickets to it. It was my first time being in the Convention Centre, which is quite and impressive building. I was in the Stalls bout 6 rows from the stage and an amazing view. Monica Loughman's The Nutcraker had an elaborate stage production and costumes. The Nutcraker is a two act ballet with a score by Tchaikovsky. The second act music and ballet was just pure magic and so festive. The principle dancers of the cast were just amazing. It was a great production and cast, and really got one into the festive mood.

On Christmas Eve, both Niamh and me, met in town for a spot of food shopping and lunch. We enjoyed a carvey lunch in O'Neills on Suffolk street, whilst swapping our Christmas presents. After lunch Niamh got a nice surprise from work, had received annual leave for Christmas Day. We rounded our day off in town by enjoying a Christmas drink in No. 37 Dawson st before heading back to Niamh's to enjoy a relaxing Christmas. Somehow we managed to stay up till 4 am watching movies on TV and doing puzzles, who knew it could be so much fun, brought us back to our childhood. After a slight sleep in, we finally got up to prepare and cook Christmas dinner. We had a delicious dinner whilst watching Christmas movies on tv. We both ended up with food comas on the two couches and couldn't move. We just about recovered in time to watch the  Christmas  specials of Call the Midwife and Doctor Who, which was full of emotion and drama with the departure of Matt Smith as the Doctor. To round off this relaxing day, we watched the Mrs Brown Boys special before I had to get a taxi home, as both Niamh and me, were working St. Stephens day. 

By the time we next met up, on the following Sunday to organise and book our Belfast trip, I had won a pair of tickets for the NYE Dublin Festival at College Green through one of the sponsors Facebook pages. We managed to get a fantastic deal on a hotel for our Belfast trip, thanks to Hotels.com. The deal included 2 nights B&B at the Park Inn for 112 € instead of 224. 

NYE we decided to meet up for lunch and to make a day and night of it. So before we met up, I made my way to collect the tickets for the concert. We had lunch at Wagamama where the drinking shenanigans commenced. From here we walked to No.37 Dawson to continue our NYE fun. Niamh realised she might be freezing later, so we had to make a detour to H&M to buy a cardigan. After we made the short stroll to Dandelion to get our spot, to watch the Procession of Light which consisted of fire-breathers, slit walkers, dancers and a variety of other street entertainers which made its way down Grafton Street. The theme of the procession of light this year, was 'The light is on, come on in.' Once the procession had concluded, we made our way towards College Green to make our way into the concert area. We managed to get a great spot, just in time to see Seo Linn come on stage. As the night processed, and the remaining acts came on before Madness such as The Strypes, Ryan Sherdian, and MKS. Madness took to the stage in time for the countdown to 2014. Although the countdown itself was great craic, the concert on the whole and especially Madness, left something to be desired and definitely wouldn't be worth the money, if we had to pay for it ourselves. What made the night for us, were meeting strangers in the crowd and chatting with them. As was to be expected with a night like NYE, taxis were impossible to come by, we finally managed to get back to Niamh's about 3.40 am. Depsite the let down of the concert itself, the night was a great blast.

It was nice to welcome 2014 in a different way.