On tour in Belfast

Boring camping life: we first got our clothes washing done between the camping site washing machine and a new style washing system at a garage ( the campsite dryer had broken down).

These launderette modules sit outside in a garage or car park so you can help yourself to them- very convenient!

We were confused as to why there were flags flying everywhere in the street. More later!

We then headed off to do a hop on hop off bus tour so we could quickly see all the points of interest - and it was rainy!

Through the middle of town it is quite an attractive city with many old buildings.

Picture 3 shows the court house that has a 10 foot thick bomb proof wall.

We then headed to the suburbs. This is where the troubles in Belfast were talked about a lot. It was quite an eye opener!

First of all the flags are flown in areas which are staunchly either wanting to separate from uk or stay with the uk. Therefore either union jacks or Irish flags are flown. It's like bunting everywhere - all the time!

In the Shankill and Falls areas there are the murals that are everywhere - many of people who have died in the troubles - or supporting their stance. The faces of the paramilitary are only shown after they are dead! The Prince Charles picture had just been unveiled after his coronation.

Many are on 'peace walls' which are walls that were erected to keep areas of different views apart. These are still standing - and have gates allowing traffic to pass through - th are closed at dark - or when any trouble happens.

Glenn and I signed the peace wall as many thousands had already - including the Dalai Lana, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

The tour guides said that things are very peaceful now and how terrible it was when the troubles were happening. However you can see that strong opposing views are still held and fighting could still flare up.

They are selling orange tulips now for orange marching season!

PS it's all quite safe - and the city centre is politically neutral - so no flags.