First Impressions
BELFAST, NORTHEN IRELAND
The first major observation while in Belfast came when we had to figure out how to leave the City Airport. We had two options - the Northern Ireland Rail or the 600 Bus. In the southrn US, there are rarely any public transport options, so this was a major awakening for us. We also quickly noticed the difference in weather. The weather was good for Belfast, as it was mid 50s and clear skies. We then felt the lack of humidity, which is ever-present in the South. As we walked through the city, we picked up on the higher standard for every day fashion. Most people were wearing darker or neutral colors, and athleasure was nonexistant. Before arriving in Belfast, we were worried that people would not be kind to us once they found out we were American. However, we've only had polite conversations with locals so far. I'm not sure if this is because they genuinely are nice or our younger age makes them feel more inclined to help.
IRELAND
Ireland isn't too different from Northern Ireland, but at the same time it is. The people are just as nice and the views are just as dazzling. However, some small differences can be picked up on by those with an eye for details. For example, there seems to be a lot more patriotism and nationalism in Ireland, while very little was seen in Northern Ireland. If there was any patriotism in Northern Ireland, it came in the form of museum exhibits critisizing the Irish for causing the Troubles and inciting violence through the IRA. On the other hand, many Irish museums celebrate those who gave their lives for the cause and empasize the importance of the gaols used to house and execute them. Every large city seems to have a goal and associated museum dedicated to the long fight between the UK and Ireland. In connection, you hear and see more Catholic references while in Ireland. For example, we saw nuns on Cork street corners during Eastern weekend warning pedestrians about sin and forgiveness. Northern Ireland seemed almost non-religious, even though they are majority protestant. However, visiting both cities gave us well-rounded view points of the history of the island from both sides.