Northern Ireland

It was great to visit Belfast in Northern Ireland for a day with cousin Mary. Fun little trip. We got duped by a JK Rowling impersonator, I watched Mary play in a couple sessions at pubs and we also checked out a pub called Hatfield House.

Tragic recent history in Northern Ireland that I relearned on the Taxi Tour which visited a number of murals across Belfast.

Then I was in London for a week and learned about "The Knowledge" that all cab drivers must possess, making London cab drivers arguably the best in the world.

 The taxicab driver is required to be able to decide routes immediately in response to a passenger's request or traffic conditions, rather than stopping to look at a map, and not relying on satellite navigation or asking a controller by radio. Consequently, the 'Knowledge' is the in-depth study of a number of pre-set London street routes and places of interest that taxicab drivers in that city must complete to obtain a licence to operate a black cab. It was initiated in 1865, and has changed little since. It is claimed that the training involved ensures that London taxi drivers are experts on London, and have an intimate knowledge of the city. It is the world's most demanding training course for taxicab drivers, and applicants will usually need at least twelve 'appearances' (attempts at the final test), after preparation averaging 34 months, to pass the examination.