Dye job...

Chris and I were exploring the shopping areas of Dublin and came upon a store similar to Rite Aid...well, we spent way too much time in there, as though we came upon this treasure that we knew would vanish the instant we walked out.  Spending too much time in any store equals buying things you don't really need, like auburn hair dye.  It turned out a bit more orange than I had planned.

Mal-a-what...

The trip to Malahide Castle was fun, but once you've seen one Irish castle, you've seen them all...

My favorite part was the "adult playground" or at least that's what it was for me.  If I lived in Malahide I would be on the gazelle everyday!

St. Stephen's Green...

Chris and I spent the day at St. Stephen's Green to feed the birds...

Chris, the bird tamer...

It started out innocently enough for me, but the birds were everywhere.  Beware, pigeons are taking over!

New Year's in Belfast...

Chris and I decided to travel to Belfast to ring in the New Year...after all, it's our first New Year in Europe.  We were excited, but didn't know what to expect of Belfast.  We found it to be very charming and friendly, not to mention cheap!  We look forward to spending some more time there on our way to Scotland later this year.

Chris was most excited about the train ride!

When we arrived in the Belfast train station, we were expecting pretty tight security at customs due to The Troubles in the past.  After we got there, we realized this was their security...

Walking along the boardwalk upon arrival...

A little bit closer now...

We came upon the Lagan Weir.  I learned that a weir is a fence or enclosure placed in the water for the dual purpose of catching fish and raising the water levels.  

All lit up...

Unique Belfast...

Black taxi tour...

Chris and I went on a Black Taxi Tour to see the murals and learn more about The Troubles between Republicans and Loyalists.  It was very educational.

Loyalist Murals...

Republican Murals...

The Peace line...

The Giant's Causeway...

While in Belfast, Chris and I decided to take a bus tour up the Antrim Coast to see the Giant's Causeway (though it's not one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, I think it should be).  The story goes that back in the day a Giant's princess was kidnapped and taken to Scotland for ransom.  Everyone knows you can't expect a Giant to pay ransom...he's a giant after all.  So instead, the Giant built this land bridge from Northern Ireland to Scotland to get her back.  It is no longer a land bridge to Scotland, but I could see the coast of Scotland from the Causeway!

A little village we stopped off at on the way to the Causeway.  They had a cute little harbor.  The wind was so cold and strong...even Chris got cold!

If you look a little bit closer, you'll see that though I'm bundled up in my fur lined, hooded parka, this man is getting ready to take a swim!  The difference is, he's Irish!

Just walkin' around, on top of the world!

Isn't nature absolutely magnificent?

Hey you...with the face!