A whole new world. Belfast is quit old and not too vibrant. I guess being in constant battle for so many years wears on things. We took the Black Cab Taxi tour from recommendations and wow! what an experience. Our guide took us through some very troubled neighborhoods and taught us a lot about the religious fighting that has only been over for about 10 years.
Peace Wall
Leaving a message on the wall is encouraged
This wall was built between the Catholic and Protestant communities to prevent some of the fighting. The wall had to be raised higher several times as they would launch bombs over it. There is still a lot of bombed out buildings in Belfast but they are rebuilding and the people seem to be coexisting. The younger people don’t have the same beliefs as their parents and grandparents so things are changing.
The Titantic was built in Belfast and they now have an exhibition on the waterfront. It is a very beautiful building and someday the whole waterfront will probably be a big tourist hit. I enjoyed it as I not only learned a few things about the Titantic I learned a little more about Belfast. The Titantic was very beautiful for the times and it doesn’t appear that cruise ships are much fancier today other than they have way more amenties. The cruise ship was definitely for the wealthy. Today just about anyone can afford to cruise.
During the tour you board your own vessel. It is attached by a scissor like devise and you move up and down. Like a Disneyland ride!
C. S. Lewis is sort of famous although the people of Belfast didn’t realize he was a famous writer for a long time. I guess fantasy was not too popular. They do have a small park dedicated to him with some statues.
We have done so much touring during the day and then at night we have to go to a Pub. There are lots of Pubs in all of Ireland and everyone you meet tells you about one you have to go to. Right around the corner from our hotel is the Crown Liquor Saloon which our cab driver told us to try. It is beautiful on the outside and very crowned on the inside. Another one we had to try was the Sunflower Pub. It was recommended by one of our Inn’s on the Dingle Way. This one had live music. We have heard a lot of Irish music on this trip. I saw bagpipes for the first time.
Pubs are fun but sometimes you need a bit of culture. The Grand Opera House was playing Beautiful and it was right around the corner so we bought tickets and enjoyed a night at the Theater. Beautiful is the story of Carol King and is currently playing on Broadway. Belfast’s version was not as professional but some of the actors had amazing voices and the story was truly beautiful! The music was a blast from the past; I knew every song!!!