Thursday, October 31, 2013

A Moment in Belfast

When I was born, the emerald green blanket of English, Scottish and Irish heritage
was placed on me lovingly by both of my parents. 
It's such an American thing to ask.  "So, what's your heritage?"
And something that will often cause the Brits to roll their eyes (discretely, of course.)

But I grew up thinking that I descended from a magical land of kings and queens,
of fairies and celts and manly men like Mel Gibson in a kilt.
I would proudly proclaim that I was Scotch-Irish, with some Cherokee thrown in for drama.

(Scotch-Irish means something different than I thought it did.
It's much more specific and might still be true but I'm not quite certain.)

I grew up on these romantic notions.  So you can understand why I cried when I thought
I saw the queen in England, felt instantly at home in Edinburgh in Scotland
and dreamed my whole life of visiting Ireland.

After the plane touched down in Ireland, I took my first step onto the 
green, green grass of home tarmac and declared thought
"This.  This is from whence I came!  My people, welcome your sister home!"
I realize that I'm a complete goof but it was so cool visiting Ireland for the first time.

Belfast, Northern Ireland

We started our trip with just one short day in Belfast, Northern Ireland and loved it.
Matthew was really interested in visiting this city with its incredible history
which he will tell you more about in a post on Monday.
But I just want to tell you a quick little story about my first night in Ireland
that sums up my time there.  First I'll show you some photos of this interesting city.
I realize the combination of the two will make this a ridiculously long post,
but I just have to capture this and share it.  I hope you don't mind.  

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland


Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

 Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Belfast, Northern Ireland


After exploring the city all day, we were looking for someplace for dinner.  Like a child following the Pied Piper I was drawn into a pub just around the corner by the sounds of irresistible music.  The first thing I noticed was a group of musicians sitting around a few tables playing a variety of instruments, flutes, fiddles and drums.  Each musician with a pint in front of them at various levels of consumption.  

God, I love live music.  It's such a regular part of life in Texas that you take it for granted.  I didn't realized how much I had been missing it.  I sat down at the closest table that we could find with a huge smile on my face, not taking my eyes off of them.  There didn't seem to be any specific playlist.  One musician would start to play a melody on a flute.  Two others would quickly catch the rhythm.  Someone with a drum would then join in.  The fiddles would find their place in the mix.  The music would build up and you couldn't help but tap your feet. 

Every once in a while, one of the musicians would pack up his instrument, chug the rest of his beer and take his leave.  Another one would join the group in a constant rotation of instruments.  The door opened again and a young man entered with an older man.  Each of the musicians called out a a warm greeting to them.  The young man walked over to the tables to join in the session.  I noticed that he had Down Syndrome, but what really caught my eye was the beautiful Irish drum or bodhrán he removed carefully from the case.  It looked handmade with intricate ancient patterns on the hide.  The older man, maybe his father, set a half pint in front of the young drummer.  After a quick little sip, he tucked the drum under his arm and started playing.

As he played intently and with great skill, the young drummer caught my eye.  He gave me a beautiful smile, never missing a beat.  Talk about a travel moment.  I was completely enthralled with the whole thing, grinning from ear to ear and trying not to cry with pure delight.  With that one look he said to me with bit of cheek, "Welcome home, Sister, to the land from whence you came." 


I don't know if a place can be imprinted on your soul because once long ago
an ancestor was born, loved, lived and died there.

But Ireland is certainly imprinted on my soul now
because a young drummer smiled at me and played me an Irish tune.


Have you had a moment in Ireland?




27 comments:

  1. awesome post Selena :D I can hardly wait to visit Belfast too :) It is on my "To Do List" :)

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  2. Oh I love this Selena! I'm so happy you found your 'home' :) x

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  3. I love those little moments, don't you? :D

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  4. Thanks, Anda! So many places, so little time ;)

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  5. I have always felt that way about Ireland too! When I was in my early 20s I always told people I knew I would marry an Irish guy (from Ireland, not from descent). I was pretty close ;)

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  6. I'm glad I'm not the only one that feels this crazy connection :D I never dreamed I'd marry in Englishman. But, looking back this is right were I'm meant to be. Thinking about your momma & sending prayers!!!

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  7. I love the point your bring up about Americans growing up and saying what they are besides American. When I first met my husband he thought it was a bit odd my claiming so many places as part of my heritage. My paternal grandparents came to California from Germany in the late 50's and when I was finally able to visit Germany in 2008 I also had that feeling of coming home. Also now after living with me for 5 years my husband agrees I have some very strong German traits of being on time and being orderly when it comes to getting tasks done!

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  8. Selena, this is a beautiful post. I visited Belfast in July and fell in love, I can't wait to visit again in December. Looking forward to your post on Monday!

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  9. So excited you posted on Belfast today! I'm so interested in spending some time there in a couple weeks!

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  10. What a great story and a great moment! I hope I experience something like that when I visit Ireland someday. My family is also from Ireland :)

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  11. Your photos are absolutely beautiful! I have never been to Ireland, but I would love to visit.

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  12. Thanks so much, Kaho. Ireland is gorgeous and you should definitely add it to your travel wish list. It's a top three for me with Spain and Turkey. 

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  13. Thanks, Jenn. He had the sweetest smile! You will absolutely have some travel moments in Ireland. It's a magical place.

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  14. Thanks, Sammy. He had the sweetest smile. December will be a fun time to visit Belfast! So glad you are coming to our tea!!!

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  15. There has to be something to that heritage, don't you think? Some connection? I'd like to think so. :)

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  16. Beautiful photos of a beautiful place! I can understand that "coming home" moment; I've had one or two myself. I think it is something about the past that speaks to us in those places. It sounds like a lovely trip all around! Looking forward to hearing/seeing more! :)

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  17. Such a great story! :) Ireland is imprinted on my soul too. Now I have to go back to experience Belfast! I know I will love it ~ I can tell from your photos! ;) x

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  18. Beautiful pictures as always and what a lovely travel moment that you were able to share with that young musician.

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  19. We didn't make it north, but we did get to explore Dublin and County Wicklow. I also claim Irish ancestry (really, it's hard to find an American who doesn't) and have read a lot of Irish history - so standing in front of the General Post Office was especially emotional for me. You've got some wonderful pictures - I'd really like to go see Belfast.

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  20. Dublin and Wicklow were amazing, weren't they. In Dublin there is a little museum with a great exhibit about the relationship between Ireland and America and all of the immigrants. Very interesting. On one tour they pointed out bullet holes in a statue from the uprising. Such interesting history in Ireland!

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  21. I admit that it brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about it. I live for those moments. 

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  22. I think Ireland will be like Spain. I'll go back any chance I get! :D

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  23. Thanks, Meredith. It's so fun to blog about those places that you really connect to. Where did your "coming home" moment occur?

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  24. For me it was in Scotland, particularly on a cliff overlooking the North Sea. I'm not sure why exactly, but I've never felt quite as "at home" as I did in that moment. It made it particularly difficult to leave! Every time I return to that country I'm more convinced it's where I belong. Some day :) Those moments certainly do stick with you (and they're great to remember on the harder days too)!

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  25. I just love those moments! I'm going to do a new monthly link up called Travel Moments. What do you think??
    Sent from my iPad

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  26. I think that sounds like a fabulous idea! Whether they're these types of coming home moments or the I really want to go home moments, I think every explorer has a story to share. I'll keep an eye out for sure :)

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Thanks for commenting. I love to hear from you!