N. IRELAND : Belfast City Tour – Day 6

Day 6: Travel Itinerary

Belfast City  (19th December 2018) 

City view from my hotel room 🙂

• Good morning from Belfast. This photo taken at 7.30am. I woke up pretty early cause I am a morning person (obviously!). Basically, I have no plans at all. So let’s stroll over Belfast!
• But first….

LAUNDRY DAY!!!!

• Of course, One of the basic thing that i must do is cleaning all my clothes. I don’t really into buying new stuff so I wanted to wash all my clothes especially those undies. Most urban cities will have this DYO Laundry service as low as £3 per wash. Located quite near to my hotel (5 mins walking distance). It’s called Spin City. If you have no time and wanted to shop around, you can leave your laundry and the money to the staff and they will help you out (heard that they fold your clothes too). But I have all my time this morning so I leave it there for a while and have some breakfast at the nearest Costa.

Breakfast .. breakfast

• I spent my time while waiting for my laundry here for about 30 mins and googling of what to do next (For Free). That morning is quite early tho.. so I decided today I shall visit Narnia Park (at God knows where), and just walk around. Temperature hits pretty low and I can never leave my yellow jacket at all.
• So my laundry is done (Also I put it inside a dryer and wait again for 30mins), I went back to my Hotel to get ready again. The hotel receptionist was like, ‘I can’t remember your name but I remember your Jacket pretty well’. She is the sweetest receptionist cause I was laughing the whole time here. My yellow Jacket is pretty much making a statement in Belfast.
• On my way to the CW Lewis Square, I pick the road to see Belfast City Hall on a day light. The building is magnificent even in the morning. I love the blue dome and sulfurish wall colour.  It looks so ancient and historic. and SOOO Clean, remeber they are having a christmas market last night!

Belfast City Hall

‘Taxi cab took you’

• I walk to The Albert Memorial Clock tower through Victoria Square shopping mall.

Victoria Square Shopping Mall. I am too early for a shopping spreee.

I have no idea what is this building but its so nice.

I love the colours

Albert Memorial Clock Tower

• FUN FACT FROM GOOGLE: The Albert Memorial Clock is a clock tower situated at Queen’s Square in Belfast. It was completed in 1869 and is one of the best known landmarks of Belfast. It is sometimes described as Belfast’s answer to Pisa’s leaning tower, its tilt caused by the fact it is constructed on reclaimed land from the River Farset and weighs over 2,000 tonnes. Erected between 1865 and 1869 in Gothic style to commemorate Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert, it was tall enough at 141ft (43m), to offer an excellent vantage point for at least one enterprising sightseer to get a birds-eye view of Titanic’s launch. As well as including a statue of Prince Albert also boasts a number of ornately carved crowned lions, angels, gargoyles and floral decorations. Its bell weighs 2 tonnes and can be heard from over 8 miles away.. During my visit, the clock play  nice Christmas music when its turns 11am. It’s so cool!!! I love city that pay attention to its detail and making it memorable for the visitors.
• Next, near this area is the Salmon of Knowledge, another Belfast attraction. Its located in front of the Titanic arena. You know, they shoot GOT Here!!!!

Salmon so cheap ! I could have you everyday!

• Fast forward 1 hour later (It’s the time taken for me to walk from this point to CS Lewis Square), omg walking is so tiring!!!! I do not know why I do this. But along the way I grab some choc cake and milk cause it’s super far and located in the neighbourhood area. Google map said 30mins but its an hour guys!

Opps, watch it guys

ASLAN!!!!

the white witch

The famous person and his imagination

• So, well, there is nothing much happening at this area but the whole town is dedicated to CS Lewis. You can see it through all architecture surrounding this square. Its a pleasant feeling to be around here.
• Anyways, I am thinking that I am way so lazy to walk. I op for bus and ask the local how to get into the bus. IT’S NOT A BUS GUYS, ITS A GLIDDER!!! check it here   . It was nice that you can buy the ticket at the machine at the stop! Plus, it cost me only £3.5 per day !! I haven’t took any picture awww too bad but here is the youtube for it! !!!

• Anyways, back at the city around 3pm, I know right!!! time fliessssss
• And the most awaited visit next is to Queen’s university of Belfast. OMG, I have tons of stories here. Back in 2006 WHERE I ALMOST ENROLLED HERE but let’s just not talk about the past. I am so happy that I could be here by myself and imagine life at this campus. I may have been a different person if I graduated from here. again, let’s just not talk about the past! The campus is AWESOME! lot’s of eateries behind the campus and of course it’s super beautiful and nice. But the entrance is undergoing a major construction works so.. anyways, here is a few snapshots here!

Queen’s University of Belfast

Hey  I’m almost an alumni here!

War Memorial

buildings!!!

The entrances

Botanic Garden!

College Park.

The admin building i think

The university Square

The Greenhouse

I ended up bought the sweater!!! and Students working at the visitor Centre talk about Brexit and Politics (Not empty talks at all)  OMG I am so belong at this place!

❤

• I also spent few hours at Ulster Museum where I could learn about Dinosaurs. Located really near the Botanic Garden. They have a special exhibition that day and I am soo excited. But I haven’t took many pictures because my battery nearly died and its cold so it’s not helping at all.

  

  THREE EYED RAVEN

  

• OK, ladies. I am super hungry! On my way back, I found this halal Chicken restaurant. I haven’t got any meat for a week and this is a total blast!!! The lace called Chickn lickn. 

finally! CHICKENNNNN

lol can i trust that??

• Basically, there is not so much going on this day. I just walk and wondered around until late at night.

BBC Building

Tesco and pure Northern Irish Eggs.

Xmas season all cakes and choc is like super cheap!

• and my nights, all with some decent shopping spree. Which there is no need to ehemm discuss ehemm here!

• I am leaving for London tomorrow at 3pm and I AM SO SAD!! I could never express my sadness here at all. Ireland leave a total Major Impact into my childhood and I am super happy that I’ve got a chance to visit!. I will definitely come back again soon! but London awaits me! and new adventure begins.  As for now, shopping and bubble bathing!

N. IRELAND TRIP: #GOT Tour – Day 5

Day 5: Travel Itinerary

Game of Thrones Tour (18th December 2018) 

• I booked the tour 3 days ago when I’m still in Dublin. There just a few reasons why I did but of course you can booked earlier. There are a lot of companies offered Game of Thrones tour. I pick McComb because I read plenty of good reviews in trip advisor. But honestly, that’s not what actually happened.
• The tour cost £35 per person and covers quite major GOT Scene location.
• As early as 8am, they picked us up at Europa Hotel. The tour guide has difficulties pronouncing my name anyway and its really funny watching him thinking on how to pronounce it :D. The bus was full, so I have no choice but to just sit anywhere that empty, which is at the back of the bus 😦
• We depart around 830am and began travelling along the  Causeway Coastal Route through the beautiful coastal towns. A bit of rain really not helping as it caused much trouble to me. I have a feeling, that I’m gonna have fever soon.

McComb tour bus

Along the way, felt so gloomy and dark to the northern part

• We do stop somewhere for a quick breakfast like super quick and I can only grab a milk and bread and return to the bus like super fast walk. Zzzzz. This is too rushing for me anyway.
• We cross over the hilly countryside of Northern Ireland to arrive at The Dark Hedges. GOT fans will notice this immediately when Arya escape from Kings Landing after Joefry Beheaded her father. We were only give like 15mins here for photos and the Guide keep telling us that they leave if we are not returning on time. I find it kind of irritating not because of the limited time, but the way they have been saying it like “we actually can’t stop at the road, the police will summons blablabla”, honestly, if a place become a tourist major attraction, there must be some kind of lenient about it. Come on!

The famous Dark Hedges

• But anyhow, the trees look AMAHZING compared to what in the series. It is impossible to have your picture alone unless you go here by yourself.
• On the bus, the passed you a menu for an advanced order. They seems very keen to make you order and you need to eat because they didn’t stop at anyplace with food anytime sooner.

Menu given in the bus. at own cost.

• The next destination is Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge, famous for the Greyjoy family scene. Please be mindful that there is an extra fee of £7.50  to cross the bridge. I thought it was included in the fees.
• Upon arriving, we were given like 1.5Hours here and I tell you what, this is the most challenging tour as you will need to walking up and down the hill to get to the bridge. And to note, every step up and down fill with breathtaking view of North Channel Sea. It was slightly raining but still, it’s too mesmerizing and I felt like I’m in heaven.

At the entrance of the bridge rope

walking down to the bridge rope.

not even nearly there yet.

Nay, not really.. still a long way to go.

CROSSED!

I’VE MADE IT, TELL YOUR MUM!

I CAN DIE IN HEAVEN

YUP, GOING UPPPP

Thankiu for your visit.

• There was a bit of people and I get it why you need to dress and wear a proper shoes.  The hills are crazy tiring even for a fit person like me. You’d go to the bridge, wait in line and gives your ticket to the person in charge. Be extra carefull if you are holding camera because I think it will be impossible to cross when you are holding anything else than the bridge. At the other side, just enjoy the view.
• Ballintoy Harbour was next on the list. Again, this place located just like in the other part of the area but, you have to walk down the hill to reach. The bus will only stop at the hill where you need to go down by yourself.

The panoramatic view of Ballintoy Harbour.

• After Ballintoy Harbour, we went for lunch at Fullertorn Arms where I ordered Seafood Chowder. It was very creamy and cheesy and here is where I made new friends with this Chinese Lady from London. She thought that I am Chinese too :D. We have a chat while eating and suddenly get together for the rest of the trip. 🙂

An absolute delicious Seafood Chowder and NOT saying this because I am hungry.

• Our next destination is of course The Giant Causeway. One of the UNESCO world heritage sites. I have no idea which GOT location to refer to but, this place is the highlight of the day. The sun start shining and the sunset colour make this place an absolute heaven’s like. Let’s take a look at the picture because whatever I said will not do any justice at all.

get yourself a comfy shoes before anything

right top corner of the picture is where the real location of the Giant Causeway. I’m walking just half of it.

Yup, Not really Almost there..

Ok, now that i’m here

At the edge of the causeway.

Breathtaking view.

Nothing more to say.

• But at the end of the day, is how you appreciate all the places.
• I’ve got to tell you, if you have a choice, you can pick other tour agency because I don’ feel McComb vibes at all. I notice that The bus driver/Guide we laughing at the China Tourist like they understand nothing at all, like they don’t understand English. For me it’s kinda rude. You should never shows anything like that in front of the customers. Plus, he think he is funny, and I found that he is not funny at all. He is a bit irritating and cocky.
• He sent us back to Europa hotel. Since I had a new friend here, we decided to stroll around Belfast together and explore the food at the Christmas Market. She told me she will leave the next morning and she stayed at The Merchant Hotel.
• Later on we walk to the Belfast Market for some churros and cakes. The burger smells good but too bad I cannot have it. We hanging out until midnight and it was fun. I also took a chance to visit The Merchant, one of the most expensive hotels in Belfast.

yummy churos in the cold night

The Merchant Hotel cost £599 per night.

• A bit later, we depart and say goodbye to each other. I continue my shopping spree around Belfast until midnight. There is lot of stuff happening here, It wasn’t raining at all but my watch shows its nearly 1am and I had to get back to my hotel cause it’s super tiring.

IRELAND TRIP 2018

Just sharing with all of you of my recent trip to Dublin – Belfast and London. But first here are some FAQ that I received every time people ask about my trip.

Why Dublin?
Err, Why not?

I know very well that Ireland isn’t a favourite destination for Malaysian. Cause Malaysian ALWAYS think that London is cooler and much more instagram worthy. Kira kalau makcik tanya “I p London last week”, its a topic to be proud of, especially for these days ladies. But really, honestly speaking, there is not much to be proud of when you can travel to London. London is just London, everyone’s favourite city. I was there in 2015 for a week and well, that’s it.

I have been dreaming to go to Dublin since I was 10. Thanks to my daddy for introducing me the countryside’s pictures, the bloodshed historical events between the Republic and the Northern, the cottage houses and the scenery which is something I wish for. For the love of Ireland, I almost enrolled at Queen Belfast University (Northern Ireland) in 2009 but have to give this up due to some financial problems.

So, when people ask “Why Dublin”, I will be like “Why Not? It’s my dream destination”. And I am pretty sure I need to make this happen. And with Allah’s will, I manage to make this happened during my 30th Birthday. Alhamdulillah.

 

How much is the ticket?

To be frank, I didn’t even plan beforehead for this. I was never ready. I am like, really wanted to do something for my 30th Birthday. I wanted to do a solo trip (Even my mom  is unhappy about the decision) . So I was like snipping through Skyscanner of the flights ticket to London in December (read : Christmas Holiday), but price is killing me. I don’t think its gonna get down at all. Around February 2018, I started to keep checking the flight ticket.

At first my plan is to travel between 14/11/18-3/12/18 as the price drop to RM2.3k (Emirates Airways). My heart strongly feel like  “I need to wait a bit more” and so I waited until the return ticket to date (Arrived KL 15/12/18), unfortunately the price still hasn’t drop at all (It has increased to RM2.5k). So I think, well, bye bye 30th Birthday Bash, lets go celebrate somewhere else.

But suddenly at the end of March (I keep checking once in 2 weeks), I have no intention to buy or be hopeful, but just checking the price of return ticket around my birthday. poof! I should say it must be my Rezeki then, the price was RM2500++ during Christmas (13/12/2018 – 28/12/2018). Can you imagine. The next thing I know is clicking NEXT NEXT NEXT!

 

Eh Kata pergi Dublin tapi beli ticket London?

Ok ini kisahnya. Let put it this way.  I wasn’t thinking when I bought the ticket. I just CLICK NEXT. After few days then I realized, ” Eh, why I don’t buy direct to Dublin”. But its too late. (Direct Flight to Dublin is RM3100+ return).

So now, Kisah pencarian ticket ke Dublin From London. PLEASE NOTE : Republic of Ireland AND Northern Ireland are TWO DIFFERENT COUNTRY.

There few airlines flying from London (Various Airport) to Republic of Ireland such as Aer Lingus (Ireland Offcial Airlines, British Airways, Rayan Air and etc)

You need to plan what is the main reason of visiting Ireland. As for myself, my ultimate mission to Ireland is visiting Cliff of Moher. You know, the location where Westlife shooting MV “MY LOVE”. I was thinking that I should be flying to CORK.  At first, Dublin isn’t my first choice. because knowing the fact that Cork are way more intrigue and countryside’s feeling, something that I look for for this holiday trip. I could also go to Limerick city cause its near. Limerick is the city where Westlife MV “Fool Again”.  I was checking three different airlines.

• British Airways
• Aer Lingus
• Ryan Air

PLEASE NOTE, you HAVE to read all the terms and condition before buying the ticket. Don’t get fooled by the promo price. As an example for Ryan Air, is the cheapest among all airlines. You can see promo £7 one way from London Gatwick Airport /London City Airport (not Heathrow) but you can only bring in ONE Bag Pack (like a school bag) into the flight. JUST ONE!. Aer Lingus allowing only 10kg cabin bag  and British Airways is around 23kg max for Cabin Bag. Of couse, over capacity bag means extra cost . 

Aer Lingus and British Airways are quite similar in terms of price breakdown. AerLingus is slightly higher around £5 extra. Flying to Cork is slightly cheaper than flying to Dublin because geographically, its nearer (London – Cork = 1hr Fly | London Dublin =1.5hr fly ).

It just after few weeks of dilemma weather to fly to Cork then I decided I SHOULD BE GOING TO DUBLIN. The flight ticket is slightly Higher.

• London – Cork : £20 (one way from London city Airport)
• London – Dublin : £39 (one way from Heathrow Airport) : £71 (if Returns)

So ticket done. I will be flying the next morning after arriving at Heathrow at 6.30pm. I know, you must be thinking, why next morning? Well, because I arrived in London pretty late evening and I don’t feel save travelling at late night. So better be at the daylight.

So ticketing is done. Now the fun part of what to do..

Being Rasyiqah , is never easy. Since I love to read, I spent nearly  two month reading about the place, thinking that I could make a decision but nay. The more I read, the more I’ve got confused. Plus, people rarely blog about travelling to Ireland. So it’s really difficult. I do ask around friends who live there and op for some ideas that besides Moher Cliff, I should head to Kerry as well, the famous star wars location. I thought spending 3 days in Dublin would be enough and sufficient (Including 1day trip to Moher) and thinking that I will be back on the 18th to London, then fly to Italy or somewhere else until this one guy gives some insight.

I told him about my trip and that I couldn’t think  cause I read too much. I also invited him as well to follow me around. he told me that if he follows, he will heading up north to Belfast. I was like, “Wait, I didn’t even think about Belfast”.

Games of Thrones, Narnia.. ❤

HOW ON EARTH I POSSIBLY MISS THIS?

After several week of reading about Belfast, I plan my journey to Belfast. I decided to stay for 4 days before flying back to London. Please note that Belfast located up north from Dublin city. Train is the best option here. So I bought a Single journey ticket online from Irish Rail for about three month before the departure date. No need to be hasty as the ticket will be open 3 months before your travel date. There are 8 timing slots for the journey starting from 7.30am and the last ticket is around 8pm. There are also 4 different price category depending on your selection of coach and ticket type. The Rail price starting from €17.99 and above.

 

Eh dari Belfast then fly to London?

Yes, exactly.

Unfortunately, I contacted BA and failed to change my ticket to London so I bought a new one (But I claimed refund later). it cost me  £61.83. Yeah I know crazy righttt. But anyway, this happened sometimes you just need to swallow all the possibility.

 

Wah Banyak duit awak Syiqah?

Since this will involved quite a fortune, I rearrange my financial every month till my departure. This is quite critical for me. because March – December is only 9 month away which is very-very-very-very-very soon. So ad-hoc planning is needed. So here, I am sharing with you all the details of my trip including my financial plan for the trip.

Please Stay Tune for the next post as I will share everything from the stretch of How i Manage my finance, activities, ticketing and so on. 🙂