Saturday, September 7, 2013

Bus(ted) in Belfast

Today's forecast: dark with a chance of dry.

Yes, I've decided to do away with this "chance of rain" in my personal Norn Iron forecastings. Because the thing is, it's going to rain. You know it's going to rain, I know it's going to rain, everyone in this dry-forsaken country knows it's going to rain.

Why then did I leave the manor without even considering an umbrella or rain jacket? Because I am not very bright. ha! Get it? Bright. Like what I expected outside. hahaha. Sorry. That was terrible.

I woke up at the inexcusable hour of 12 pm today, threw on clothes, and left the house with the rest of the group. ONWARD TO ST. GEORGE'S  MARKET!

(Sorry, no pics today. I left my phone at home. Yes, ma, I spent the day in the city without communicative capacity. I wasn't killed. It's okay. No, I won't do it again. Probably.).

The market is indoor and is filled with all sorts of local vendors. Scarves, hats, and other clothing items are at the front. Random other artisans are in the next row forward.  Then comes cupcakes, breads, crepes (I ate a veg crepe. It was delectable), and all other manners of food. Finally, we come to my favorite section. Why is it my favorite? I don't know. I've never bought anything from it, I more just love that it exists. Fish. A huge section of fresh fish. Whole fish, fish fillets, crabs, some more fish, and fresh produce surrounding.

After I left (in the pouring rain, mind you), I ventured into city centre, where I purchased shampoo. It was the only thing on my to-do list for today. Mock all you want, but it got me to leave the house.

Then, I discovered a tucked-away library. Two stories and a basement, complete with mini-museum and twisty staircase. After I signed the Seamus Heaney commemoration book, I ventured upstairs, sat, and looked at the rain until the library closed.

When I got kicked out, I walked several miles down to Queen's, asking lots of people for directions. When there, I went to the botanical gardens, ran into a huge group of French tourists (JBU student: "How did you know they were French?" Me: "They are looking at you with disdain and speaking French."), wandered a bit of the Ulster Museum, and then started my arduous bus experience.

Buses. Buses and I struggle. Well, all transportation and I seem to struggle, but buses and I have a history. Anyway, I probably talked to 10 different people trying to figure out the bus (why are there no street signs or bus maps posted?!).

The last lady I asked said she could tell me which road to take to get to my bus, but she'd much rather give me directions to the closest coffee shop. I looked like I needed something, she said (you mean my drowned street rat look doesn't make me look fabulous?).

I made it home. Only had to walk three quarters of a mile uphill when my bus conveniently didn't stop.
Highlight #1: I will not gain weight at this rate. Highlight #2: There was tea waiting at home. :)

Tonight is bonding with my house "family," in which I have assumed the role as "aunt" under our house mom Elaine. Chore time, kids.

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