Luck o' the Irish!

Spent 5 brilliant days in Belfast, Northern Ireland for a 3 day YSA convention.

We met James' family and had a delicious home cooked meal. Made me miss home!

We ate ice-cream by the open fireplace in the lounge room and snuggled with James' sausage dog, Kelso. 

This week marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking, but unfortunately we didn't get a chance to go to the exhibition.

James and his father then went shopping for a suit, whilst Lucy and I walked around an open-roof mall.

We then all went to see the 'Peace Wall'. This was built due to the conflict in Northern Ireland between the Catholics and Protestants. The riots have lasted for decades and thousands of people have died because of it. The Peace Wall was erected to split the two communities and there are gates at all entrances so the police could shut them when there was conflict.

We went home for some dinner and then headed out to a hill with a great view just outside the city. We met up with some of James' mates at the top of the hill. With an army of longboards, they skated down a few hundred metres. I drove behind them and Lucy filmed. Lucky no one stacked it too badly, although it would have made for a good video!

Friday was took a day trip to Portrush.

We bought hot chocolate on the way from a country bumpkin cafe, topped with a gazillion tiny marshmallows!

We eventually made it to Portrush.

First we visited the rope bridge. Its 22m above the ocean connecting a small island to the mainland. The views were stunning!

On the way back we bumped into some Australians, they're seriously everywhere in the UK, it's ridiculous!

Then we went to the "Giants Causeway". It's an interesting arrange of rocks caused by an erupted Volcano. There are about 40,000 rocks all interlocking, each with 6 sides.

We hopped back in the car and headed through the country to home.

On the Saturday of convention we went Go Karting.

Our amazing team consisted of James, Gina (James' sister), Lucy and I.

James started in 3rd place and made it to 1st pretty quickly. Once Lucy had her go it was Gina's turn. Suddenly, we realised after looking at the screen that we lost a few positions. I'm pretty happy despite all the problems (2 broken karts and a broken axle) we managed to come 5th.

That night we went to a Roller Disco. Instead of wearing skates and dancing around the floor to songs recorded way before our time that none of us liked or even knew, we got in the middle of the floor and raved to LMFAO 'I'm sexy and I know it' when it came on. Highlight of the night I'd say, probably should have gone home after that.

But instead we went to the beach where it was dark and cold. So we entertained ourselves in the car.

We slept in Sunday as church wasnt til later, and the clocks were set back an hour. This Sunday was one of the most spiritual sundays I've ever had. The talks were amazing, the classes were intriguing, and the hymns were beautiful. It gave my testimony of the Church an extra boost in the right direction. After church we all gathered for a group photo, then headed home. James was leaving Sunday night so he needed to pack. We ate diner together and just relaxed about the house, watching TV and playing piano. James left for the airport whilst Lucy and I, had an early night sleep.

Monday we woke up to home made porridge. Slept some more, packed out bags and headed to the airport. Its good to be home!