We’ve been living in East Belfast for almost four years now. It’s been fantastic to be walking (and cycling) distance from so many sights and sounds round the city. Even commuting to work is a real pleasure, especially in weather like today’s (as I sit out the front of the house typing this on a balmy Saturday night). Yet there are still places on the doorstep that I hadn’t got round to visiting until this week.
What we do well in this part of the city is cycle lanes, so on Thursday evening I pedalled over to the Titanic quarter. I had no idea how massive the site is, and given the design of the monstrosities that have sprung up there already I hope it’s not going to be filled with similar buildings.
The glass-fronted Northern Ireland Science Park and a bank headquarters somehow look more dated than the old Titanic dry dock and pump house they surround. I witnessed a short flag-removing ceremony being performed by crew on HMS Caroline, and it was strange seeing such a dignified act on this little boat dwarfed by the giant new buildings squeezed round it on all sides. The main road is dotted with information boards and new traffic lights, anticipating future crowds, but there was a quiet eerieness about the place. I’ll be starting a new job back in East Belfast next month, and it will be interesting to monitor the development of Titanic Quarter and its impact on the area.
Last evening I cycled to Lisburn to meet Lisa at work. The cycle path is about ten miles and is a real beauty. This has got to be one of Belfast’s best-kept secrets. Cutting through Lagan Meadows, the river gently twists and turns through gorgeous woodland and fields as it leaves the city and passes through the villages of Hilden, Drumbeg, and Lambeg before arriving at Lisburn Civic Centre. Due to the train to Belfast being cancelled we also got to experience the return journey – tiring but still as enjoyable!
Jesus rode bicycles. Well, he would have if they were around then.