Many faces of Belfast

Belfast is undergoing a Renaissance, but there is evidence of its tragic past everywhere. We both felt an immediate connection with the Irish, which reflects our ancestory I guess. I had a similar feeling in Scotland. Here is a selection of photos which speak for themselves...

plastic bag trees

The plastic bag trees are blooming.....sorry couldn't resist it. This photo just summed up the problem of litter in this country. No-one seems to care about it or the problem is just out of control. There is rubbish in almost every public place and so many people smoke that there are butts everywhere. Oh well...we are just visitors...

Sarah's beach holiday

My daughter Sarah has given me permission (you did..didn't you) to post this lovely photo taken on a recent camping trip on the beach. Ah yes... the beach... I remember that. She is coming to check up on the old man in late June so we are of course looking forward to that. She's swapping beaches, camping and friends for history, culture and the old man...hmm.

No....its Orpheus!!!

two sides of Orpheus

A recent edition to Harewood House is a huge statue of Orpheus which replaced a Victorian fountain. There are also many collapsed, child-sized knights in armour, which symbolise the fate of child soldiers in the world today. Lorraine is standing in front of a Buddhist "stupor" or peace monument symbolising freedom and peace.

Harewood House

Yesterday we visited Harewood House which is about 8 miles from Shipley. It is an incredible estate which has been in the Lesailles family for about 300 years and founded originally on the proceeds of African slavery and teh Wet Indian sugar trade. The current Earl and Lady Harewood (a former lead violinist in the Sydney Symphony Ochestra)live upstairs and the old man does the audio guide. His mother, Priness Mary, the current Queen's aunt, lived in the house for most of her life. The house has been opened to the public to cover the costs of preserving it. The current Lesailles generation are fairly new age and there are many Buddhists icons around the place. Here is a selction of photos of the house and grounds.

this is deep...okay