Notes from Northern Ireland...

Northern Ireland is not to be missed. In spite of what we hear and see on TV. Belfast is a very safe city and people there have a way of "taking care" of tourists. Malone Guest House, on Malone Road, in Belfast is a great B&B. Ruby Miller, the owner, is a delightful woman who couldn't do enough for me. Her place is located about a mile from city center, but it is a very pleasant walk and the bus stop is very close by if you need it.

To see the "Troubled" areas of Falls Road and Shankhill, I hired Belfast Cab to take me through. The trip cost me 20 pounds for about 2 1/2 hours and included taking me back to the Ulster Museum. The murals in this area are amazing. Other stops not to miss are the Ulster Folk Museum (Cultra) and the Botanic Gardens.

Because of “the problems”, I didn't go out after dark. I always stopped at the grocers to buy dinner which I ate in my room. These early evenings gave me time to relax and unwind after six to seven hours of sightseeing.

Portrush is another amazing town. While there, I stayed at Ma Ring's B&B. It's a little tattered but the owners, Eveline and Jim, treated me like a granddaughter. They referred me to Ramore Wine Bar and Restaurant. A great place to eat!

P.S. People are right when they say to travel light. Two years ago, my mother and I had 3 bags apiece. What a mess! This time I travelled with one carry-on size bag and it was perfect.

Terri L. of Portland, Oregon took her first go-alone trip abroad in the summer of '98. When she returned she wrote to Journeywoman, "I'm already planning my next trip. Of course, I'm going solo. I love the freedom."