After a two hour train ride on the “Enterprise” from Dublin this morning, we arrived in Belfast in one piece.

As we were standing at a transit map at the Belfast Central train station trying to figure out the public transportation system to get to our downtown Belfast hotel, a gentleman inquired where we were looking to get to.  We told him and he said, “You know, if you get back on board such and such train and get off at the 3rd stop, your hotel will be about 2 blocks to your left.  In fact that train is leaving in 5 minutes.”  So….off we went back into the station to find the right train and sure enough, three stops later and a couple of blocks we found our hotel.  Serendipity!  Check in was a breeze and we were soon in our respective rooms.

Kathrine (our resident Northern Ireland expert) met us at our hotel and soon we were off to the town of Comber with her driving (on the wrong side of the road I might add).  Comber is about 15 miles from Belfast.  Kat lives in Comber and her parents, Ronnie and Laura, do too.  We visited Ronnie and Laura’s home and were treated with Irish hospitality all evening.  Here is a photo of Ronnie and the medal he received…..he suggests that Doug and Barb deserve the medal because of their love and friendship displayed toward Katherine!  🙂

The seven of us dined in a fine establishment in town.  I passed up the opportunity to enjoy chicken liver pate as an appetizer, although my lovely bride did not.  It must’ve been okay because she’s still alive and well.  Laughter and good times have been in great supply.  It is now almost 11 p.m. and time to turn in.