When we were in N. Ireland, we spend most of our time in Belfast. The city looks and feels like Portland, Oregon and we liked it very much. It has a much more Canadian feel than Edinburgh.

Scotland and N. Ireland still print their own bank notes which can only be used locally. British Pounds are the official currency and will be accepted everywhere in Britain. This is a picture of a 5 pound note from the Northern Bank (other banks have different notes). It is printed on plastic and has spots that are transparent for example the star burst shape at the left and the part circle at the bottom. The note feels something like a ziploc freezer bag.

As you know N. Ireland has gone through some pretty rough times. Things have calmed down now but evidence of what is popularly called 'the troubles' is still very abundant. Bombs were often launched through windows and used as a means of killing or destroying property. The bars on these are second and third story windows were used to procect the inhabitants from these types of attack. This picture was taken in Belfast which is considered a neutral city.


Barbed wire is a common site in N. Ireland. I assume that some of it is left over from 'the troubles' however even newer buildings and construction sites will be secured in the same way. Graffitti is everywhere, even in smaller towns, so barbed wired might be a way of detering vandals but I think it is more likely a hint of the conflict that still exsists just beneath the surface.

This is a sculpture at the foot of Queen's Bridge on the east side of Belfast. She is supposed to symbolize hope, community and reconciliation. This is one example of the 'little things' that Belfast city council is trying to do to inject the city with a positive non-partisan culture.


This is a picture of the Lanyon building on the main campus of Queen's University in Belfast. The school was founded in 1845 and became a university in 1908. This campus is quite small but very beautiful. The newer buildings then to be constructed according to more contemporary designs.

This is a stained glass window at the entrance to the Lanyon building. This window was put into place in 1939 and commemorates the contributions of its alumni. The four figures (left to right) personify courage, wisdom, alma mater, temperance and justice.