Belfast

Murals are aplenty in Belfast.
Murals are aplenty in Belfast.
One such mural depicts the Liverpudlian gift of friendship.
Terraces near our Airbnb.
Terraces near our Airbnb.
The Causeway Coast, located northeast of Northern Ireland.
The Causeway Coast, located northeast of Northern Ireland.
The interlocking basalt columns.
The interlocking basalt columns.
At the tip of the coastline.
At the tip of the coastline.
The Rope Bridge, which I had no guts to cross.
The Rope Bridge, which I had no guts to cross.

Out of all the capital cities in the UK, I feel that Belfast seemed to be a lot more industrialised and thus lacked the “global city” appeal unlike its Welsh, Scottish and English counterparts. It is as though the country is still rebuilding itself from the political, social and religious turmoil of the 1960s, as seen by its numerous murals around the city.

Untainted by the mid-20th century bloodshed is the Giant’s Causeway, located northeast of the country. These basalt columns – mostly hexagonal – were formed millions of years ago as a result of intense volcanic activity. Legend has it that a giant named Fionn was challenged to a fight by another giant called Benandonner. Fionn then built these columns as a path so the two of them could meet. Then Fionn defeated Benandonner. The end.

I digress.

Even with strong winds beating against the unfit body (AKA me), I spent a meaningful day appreciating such picturesque views painted on Nature’s canvas.

Lastly, did I mention I am absolutely dreadful at deciphering Irish-accented English?

Lake District, UK

valleys

meh

granite

people

deck

jetty

boat

(No captions because I have forgotten the exact locations of where these photos were taken.)

Located in the northwest of England, Lake District is the most-visited national park in the UK, with its stunning array of lakes, valleys and hills (they call it fells).

Gone are the glitz and glamour of London. Here in Lake District, you are more likely to be greeted by curious stares from sheep, ducks or geese, depending on where you are. There are walking trails available to suit all fitness levels, but given the unpredictable weather at the start of Spring (hailstones, anyone?), a bus-cum-walking tour may be a better option.

It was a delightful trip, to say the least. If London is all about the hustle and bustle, then Lake District is the balm to soothe the frayed nerves of stressful urban living. Scale the fells, hike in the forested areas, skip stones at the lakes, ditch material comforts and inhale the unpolluted air of the peaks and valleys. What a perfect weekend getaway.

Shame we couldn’t spend more time here but sometimes, good things are meant to be enjoyed in small quantities.