America, America....

The past few days have been full of laziness, adventure, and fun. We blew off our tenative plans on our day off friday to get the house clean. We braved the closet under that stairs where everything had just been thrown for the past who knows how many years. We organized and cleaned and found we have many decorations for each holiday. As we were walking back from the 174 where we drop our rubbish, we met some more neighborhood girls. The one girl spoke to us because she heard that we were foreign. When we said we were American she got very excited and eager to talk to us. I wondered if she were really interested in us or just in knowing Americans. The kids on our street have gotten used to us and even now come to ring our bell to hang out.

Yesterday they brought over bubbles to play with, as well as their 4 year old cousin who was adorable.

It was also Rachel Levy, my college roommates, birthday. I woke up and teared up a little, missing her. Calling her in Peru was the highlight of my day, it is crazy how easy it is to talk across the globe. (God only knows...) When I got off the phone I was kinda sad, so Alison and Lauren made me go out for ciders so we could toast to Rach's birthday. We went to the Duke of York and the bouncer said "two weeks in a row!?!" as we were walking up. It was crazy to be remembered, in a bar that serves probably 200 people in a friday night. I find out more and more just how much Americans stick out. On the way home, Lauren and I switched shoes because her boots were killing her. Oh the things we do for roommates! We stopped at our Chippy on the way home for chips, chicken nuggets, and Alison got a pita full of lamb (I can't remember what it was called.... decent, though lamb at midnight is not my cup of tea.)

Today we had a chill morning, watched Scooby Doo!, and got ready for a day on the town. We headed down towards city center and hit the Lagan River area. We found our way following the clock tower, while I am not sure of the purpose of this tower, it was lovely (such an Irish word!) The walkway down was a wonderful place! It was a bit touristy, however, there were many Irish families there playing as well or enjoying the benches.

I was fascinated by the wonderful sidewalk water fountains! I was very much the kid of the group. There were children running and playing in them. They all spray at different times and different patterns and are so fun to just sit and watch. I think the probably only run in the spring/summer, but I hope that I am wrong, as I can see this being one of my favorite places in Belfast!


Further down were two little exhibits, a tornado tower and bells in the ground. While those are by no means the formal titles, that is what I am gonna call them. The tornado was a tube of water and you turned a handle and it made a tornado. Pretty exciting. My most favorite was the bell squares.

There were nine squares (3 x3) and each square made a different bell when you stepped on it. It was like the piano in the movie Big! I quickly figured out how to play Mary Had a Little Lamb! It was awesome! Again, I was the kid, as Alison and Lauren sat and watched me play.

We ventured down to the waterfront and the famous fish.

The fish was given to the city as a mural of history and peace in belfast.

The mosaic is of many newspaper articles and pictures from around the city. It was really cool, and a little touristy, something we don't often get to do.

We next walked down to St. Georges Street Market, a big market every Friday and Saturday. It was much like any market here, and being so far from home, not a desireable place to buy grocerys as we would have to carry them home! But it was interesting to see. One booth sold cookies and as I commented on the 'All American Cookie' the lady selling them must have heard me and asked if I was American. She was from Miami and it was interesting to hear another American voice in the city.

The highlight of today came on the way home at our stop at our neighborhood wine store. Now, you might not find the excitement in this, unless your name is Molly Morgan, but we found strongbow (cider) in a two litre plastic bottle! I have yet to find strongbow at a pub and was so glad to buy some and even more entertained that they sell it like soda! haha. It will be a common purchase I'm sure!

In the store, yet again, our Americaness was pointed out. He first asked if we were Austrailian, then when we said American, he said 'oh, even worse.' While I didn't know the appropriate response, I found myself saying, 'sometimes, I'd agree with you.' There was nothing more said, but I have been left reflecting on my response. I am not the most patriotic, and I do disagree with many of the things the US gov, and thus the US in the eyes of the world, have done in the past few years. But regardless, for me to say that I would agree might have been the wrong words. To say that I understand would have been more valid. Being able to see the flaws in American society myself gives me something in common with foreigners who see the flaws. I have learned that rather than get defensive and only further their distaste for people from the States, it is best to either keep your mouth shut or if you feel comfortable enough, agree. While I still feel a sense of home and maybe even some pride in the States, I sympathize (if thats the right word?) with those outside views.

I hope that the more conservative, patriotic, whatever title you might identify with who are reading this are not offended by my thoughts. I just wanted to share some of the thoughts I've had and situations I have encountered.

I have heard from many of you that you are actually reading this! YAY! I am glad it is serving it's purpose. If you feel this blog is impersonal, as Anne says, send me an email and I will respond with a little more insight not suited for a public blog. : )

More pictures can be found using the link on the side bar!