Back to reality..it ain't cute..

Oh, where to start? I'm at my mom's house sitting in front of the computer just absolutely missing Ireland. I almost have tears swelling in my eyes. The Country has made such an impact on me that I had a slight breakdown on our flight back home yesterday, the tears just couldn't stop rolling down my face (some into my mouth, whole new meaning to water works). I guess the reason why is the reflection of what Tania and I had experienced and how lucky we were to experience them.

Belfast was amazing. The history that holds this city together is outstanding, the fact that the history is still their reality to this day is mind boggling. I don't need to tell you about the segregation of the Catholics and the Protestants (Tania has already given you a snip it of it), but it's so intense that you can't even ask a local what their religion background is in fear that someone may overhear you or their answer. As your walking down the streets, you see the police "walking the beat", you can feel the intensity that this city isn't a joke. The flip side of Belfast is that you can go for a day trip and view the Causeway which is over 5million years old or visit the shipyards where the remains of the Titanic is resting or take in the history that lays right in the city center.
Belfast is just in the beginning stages of rebuilding itself. They're hoping that in 5 years the city will rejuvenate itself in being one of the most sought after cities to visit. I say, go now, so you can see how beautiful it is before they overbuild it with high rises and department stores. Once this happens, visitors will not be that interested in the history that is so thick in Northern Ireland.

Our last day was one of our favorite day's. I was able to finally get my families name tattooed on my back with the memory of my father. It was a emotional day. Full of energy and excitement and the fact that I met someone doesn't hurt either ;p
We spent the better part of the day trying to explain what I had invisioned to be written:

' T.Kelaher
Oct.11,1944-June 12,2005'

But it didn't come out like this....a few times. The handsome shop owner Erik may of had a hard time explaining it to Andor who didn't speak English very well. The final design is absolutely beautiful and I love it.

In closing, this trip has opened my eyes to something that I am sure I will be infatuated with for the rest of my life. Traveling is meant to open your eyes, to learn how someone who is just like you has lived a completely different life. People's lives are so rich with what we hold so dear.. ancestors, past history and the makings of new history.

I am surely blessed that I was able to see Ireland and relay the experience through my eyes of what my father had dreamt of his whole life. I didn't cruise the country in a Winnebago like he had imagined but view with my dear friend Tania.

Thank you to the people who have been following this journey with us. There are more plans in the works to see Tania's mother land Croatia in the near future..stay tunned.

This is Killer K signing out xo