We've had a good time in Belfast. Yesterday began with a taxi tour of the city, which wasn't quite what we expected. Rather than a comprehensive tour of the city and its key sites, we got a tour of only the working-class neighborhoods and murals. We learned a lot about the history of the political troubles, but the story seemed a little one-sided. I still have a difficult time understanding the depth and passions behind the different factions and why there hasn't been more progress to unify the city.
After the tour we went to the Public Records Office to do genealogy research.
Very interesting, although we didn't find much. From there we went to the Ulster Historical Foundation where Barry had an appointment with a researcher. Again, we didn't find much. While he was there, Jim explored part of Queen's University on foot.
Yesterday evening we headed to Ulster Hall for the annual Belfast Beer and Cider Festival. Dozens of drinks on tap to try, with live music and lots of people. As we drank, we met and chatted with a new friend Alan and his wife.
After that, we met Gywen for supper. We wanted to eat at the famous Crown Bar, but they didn't have room to seat us. We found a nice French restaurant instead.
This morning we spent nearly three hours at the Titanic Experience. The museum opened earlier this year, and it's fantastic. Very high tech and high touch, it covers the early industrial history of Belfast, the ships construction, its launch, fittings, maiden voyage, sinking, aftermath, pop culture references, 1985 discovery, and underwater exploration. We certainly could have spent more time there.
Soon we're off to Island Magee and Larne!
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