We're Here!

We’re Here!

The first glimpse of Belfast from the plane was inviting: glistening gray clouds slid sideways to reveal a lush green checkerboard landscape, individual acreage personally and idiosyncratically carved, undulating polygons defined by borders of stalwart pines. The sun beckoned us in, offering a teasing promise of warmth.

Although we were fatigued from flying, the excitement of our arrival carried us through a long wait in the arrival screening and a 30 minute cab ride over smooth new highways. The skyline of Belfast never really emerged from the horizon and we were surprised to suddenly find of ourselves on the outside of a roundabout in the midst of a buildings and traffic.

I write this at 5 pm Belfast time. We’ve all been on the go since early Sunday morning and none of us has yet slept. We hit the ground running through the raindrops, first to the Europa Hotel where the conference is being held, then to the landmark Crown Pub for our first toast to travel. We have seen, I think, all there is to see of Irish food: Steak and Guinness Pie and Fish and Chips.

We wandered the city for the rest of the day, where the weathered Victorian-era buildings are oddly juxtaposed with contemporary, functional structures. It’s disconcerting at first, for the city lacks harmony that one sees elsewhere when the blend of old and new adds interest and dimension. Up and down streets and alleys, in the rain under tourist-bright umbrellas, we looked for the history that we expected to be evident at every turn.

We did find a few landmarks: St. Anne’s Cathedral, a small war museum, and several malls. America’s advertising arm has reached its fingers here: the Westfield mall boasted a Gap, Ben and Jerry’s, and Yankee Candle, among other familiar stores. Subway advertised cheese toast next to a store selling traditional Irish items. This homogenization of the cultures is disappointing—all roads should not lead to Starbucks.



But on a lighter note….Ty was briefly mistaken for a local when someone asked him for directions, and Jamie was kissed in the street by an old man singing “The most beautiful girl in the world.” The locals lilting brogue requires our attention, and everyone has been friendly and helpful despite our confusion at their colloquialisms.

Tomorrow the forum begins with a welcome for the 70+ nations in attendance. I hope for a good night’s sleep and sunshine in the morning.