I Wish I Were In Carrikfergus

Today began with a greeting from this cat. Such pretty green eyes... because, Ireland.

It also began with a breakfast sandwich from the Subway next door. Fun fact: In Ireland, the eggs on the breakfast sandwiches are poached, not scrambled. Also, they're delicious.

Russ had given the group a wee bit more time this morning, so the bus didn't arrive until about half ten. We traveled by coach to Belfast, a trip which has become rather familiar, and were deposited in the city center. Evan and I decided to take Angela's advice and visit the observatory on the top of Victoria Square so that we could take in the whole city at once and be done with it. (Not really - mostly, we were looking for the loo.)

The view was so lovely, and the docents (let's just call them) made sure to point out important or interesting things such as the hillside that resembles Napoleon in repose, the leaning clock tower, the Stormont Parliment building, and David and Goliath (the H & W cranes...H & W being the company that built the Titanic...but you knew that).

Gerry, one of the docents, stuck up a conversation with the small group of Juniatians who had found their way to the observatory, and he was so interested to hear about the tour. He asked if the kids would sing something, and, with only three voice parts represented, they obliged. I took a photo with the kids and Gerry, and then Gerry wanted to take to take a photo of all of us.

 And then, he told us that we should all dab. I don't dab.

Adam had done a little searching on the internet, and lead us all to a wonderful pub just down the street. In truth, I'm not sure there were any bad pubs in that area, but this one was exceptionally nice. It was tiny, friendly, had a good beer selection in bottles and on tap, and, most importantly, food. Really good food.

Another photo for Harry's mum.

It was a really nice lunch, and the company was exceptional.

We hadn't learned anything yet, so our next stop was the City Hall for the 2 o'clock tour. It, too, was exceptional. Our lovely guide told us all sorts of things about the history of the City of Belfast. Queen Victoria gave the city its charter in 1888, and, since I watched Season 1 of "Victoria" on PBS, I feel a special connection.

City Hall Selfie

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to the city council chamber, where everyone had the opportunity to sit in the Lord Mayor's chair. Our guide took a particular liking to my companions and allowed all of them to take a seat together.

Evan Brock, Interim Lord Mayor of Belfast

Evan was chosen to model one of the fancy robes. "It's only worth about 400,000 pounds," said our guide.

After the tour, we ducked into a pub for one more pint. One of the locals struck up a conversation with us. At least, we THINK it was a conversation. There were 5 empty Budweiser bottles in front of him. We didn't understand a word he said except one: Trump.

We hopped back on the bus and made the short trip to Carrickfergus, where we were welcomed into St Nicholas church. It is a small(ish) but imposing Norman church building, dating back to the late 1100s. (One brochure spoke of renovations done to the building in 1760, blowing my small American mind, since those RENOVATIONS predate nearly every church I've ever seen back home.)

It is beautiful sacred space, and the congregation takes wonderful care to preserve it and use it for its intended purpose. They also put out a lovely tea for the choir prior to the conference. It was probably my favorite meal thus far.

The warden was so delighted to share with us the special connection

 betweeen the church and Pennsylvania. Can you see this reference? 

I sat in the gallery and chatted with some lovely concert attendees before the kids assembled to sing. So many of their pieces are hauntingly beautiful, but in this space... where songs and hymns have been heard for so many years... and when they sang Russ' arrangement of Carrikfergus IN Carrikfergus...  my Irish heart nearly burst, and my Irish eyes leaked big Irish tears.

I have been so struck by the lovely and deep connection the people of Ireland have with their dead and with the land. This is a thin place somehow, and the music swelled with all the love and memory and deep longing for home.

Of course, I'm not a bit Irish, as far as I know. (But, I mean... that's how powerful this is.)

It was also so powerful that I didn't record it. Please, believe me - it was just beautiful.