Norn Iron

[Dot]

I have only been up on the Big Wheel once and thank god I didn't go on Tuesday.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8115792.stm

[Shardonnay]

Also did you try any of the local food and drink e.g. Belfast baps, brown lemonade, Ulster Fry (they try to make them healthier these days by grilling more of the items), Tayto Crisps or Bushmills Whisky?

First time I had the Ulster Fry it was at Maggie Mays on Botanic Avenue, Belfast. It was the best ! Bush and white is nectar. Still got the remnant's of a 10 year old malt from the Bushmills 400th anniversary. Oh I feel a trip to Belfast coming on again.

[Dot]

I suppose this vessel will be in Scotland at some stage as it seems to be on a cruise which includes UK and RoI.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8126838.stm

[onyirtodd]

I think it's here

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/other/d ... _liner.php

Imagine if your first glimpse and last memory of Scotland was Greenock

[Dexter St. Clair]

The ship's visit marked the opening of the port's £100,000 new cruise terminal.

Greenock's Ocean Terminal was officially opened 40 years ago as a specialist container terminal, but over the last 20 years it has become one of Scotland's best cruise facilities with natural deep water.

A massive superliner has christened Ireland's longest deep-water berth.

Belfast Harbour Commissioners have spent £10m on upgrading Stormont Wharf to a length of 1,040m, about four times the length of the Titanic.

See what happens when you don't employ paddies.

[Dot]

See that 800,000 people visited the Tall Ships which was something like double the figure they expected.
Didn't actually get to see them myself but had a wee look out as I was driving home from work each day and you
could see the crowds.
Saw the fireworks from my house.

Did you see them Bridie?
Not sure where you live but get the impression it is out in the country somewhere.
I live and work in Belfast.

[Bridie]

Hi Dot
No I didn't get the chance to get up to Belfast - I imagine it was a great sight!
I'm away down in the rurals - Fermanagh, I get a stagecoach after the Ballygawley roundabout !
It's pretty, it's quiet, it rains and it's got cows and I get cabin fever sometimes

[Dot]

Bridie,

Good to hear from you.
Spent many happy holidays in Fermanagh when I was younger and my Dad would hire out a cruiser.
Is the last pic you posted of a statue on Devenish or White Island?
Think I have seen it somewhere in my travels.

[Bridie]

Dot
That's the janus figure from Boa Island. It was found in a christian graveyard and has been dated at around 2000 years old. I think probably the most impressive thing for me when I first came to Fermanagh was the little islands on Lough Erne and the celtic remains and just the atmosphere and how vividly you could imagine small boats going from island to island centuries previously.

White Island figures said to be from the 9th century


Devenish Island early christian monastic remains

[Dot]

Nice pics Bridie and should have known it was Boa Island as I have been there too.
Though it was quite a long time ago so that is probably why I was mixed up.

How did you come to end up in N.I.?
Did your family move over here or do you have relations in the area where you live?

My Dad came over here due to job situation at the time and has lived here since he married in 1959.

[Bridie]

Hi Dot Glad you had a nice holiday although I read about the mishaps!

What brought me to Fermanagh?
A man - a Fermanagh man - a culchie

[Dot]

Thanks Bridie we had a good break and visited various parts including Bath, Winchester and Salisbury.

Fermanagh is a lovely part of the world and as far as scenery goes think it is hard to beat.

My mother-in-law now deceased came from Fermanagh and I sometimes had trouble with some of her words and sayings. I remember going to shops for her once and she asked me to get her some sweet milk.
Well with me being from Belfast and brought up by Glaswegian parents I thought she meant condensed milk.
I later discovered it was just the ordinary stuff you put in coffee she wanted.

[Bridie]

Thanks Bridie we had a good break and visited various parts including Bath, Winchester and Salisbury.

Fermanagh is a lovely part of the world and as far as scenery goes think it is hard to beat.

My mother-in-law now deceased came from Fermanagh and I sometimes had trouble with some of her words and sayings. I remember going to shops for her once and she asked me to get her some sweet milk.
Well with me being from Belfast and brought up by Glaswegian parents I thought she meant condensed milk.
I later discovered it was just the ordinary stuff you put in coffee she wanted.

My partner's father is a devil to understand. He uses local words as well as having a really strong country accent. Living at the border I hear a lot of Irish/ N Irish accents. I have mastered the art of seemingly nodding my head and saying "Yes" and "No" at the right times - I hope

[Dot]

MacotheIsles,

You mentioned about Blair Mayne earlier in this thread and think there is a programme about him tonight.
On around 9.00 pm on BBC1 I think.

Don't know much about the man and had heard of his connections with World War II and SAS.
Didn't know he was also an explorer and boxer.

[Peetabix]

Back over in N.I. from the 16th Oct. Staying in Banbridge, County Down. Just thought I'd let you know.