in a time where threats of wall building fill our US news, it’s interesting to go somewhere and see a wall. a wall that was built to help keep the peace in 1969, intended to last six months, but many years and talks later, is still there at the request of the residents. gates close on Friday evening and reopen Monday morning.

i am not a political person, and i readily admit, i don’t keep up on international news, but i was truly surprised at the amount of current discord and separation between the two sides of Belfast. taxis are divided, some not even going to the airport, homes bordering the wall with cages covering their yards to protect from fire bombs that annually get launched over the wall. murder reminders, memorials, tributes, and burned out buildings on both sides. it’s important to know the history and facts, and i’m glad i went on the tour, but, i must admit, i’d rather picture the Belfast of rolling hills, jagged coast line and frolicking sheep you see on TV.

after a dose of Loyalist and Nationalist reality, a big coffee and breakfast i made my way to the Titanic Museum. i was happy to find it wasn’t just about the sinking of the Titanic (because that would be a museum of sadness and too much Celine Dion) but more about the history of Belfast – the linen industry, workforce, ship-building, and the Titanic. it was really interesting and well done, worth the cost in my opinion.

i have another tour booked in the morning before my flight back to London, hoping tomorrow brings a bit more peace & harmony.