Tuesday 6/11

By Jack Mara

Food

Biscoff Pancakes at Maggie May’s

When preparing to come to Belfast, I had the very American idea that British food would be inedible and that I would struggle to eat throughout the week. To give Belfast a chance of gaining my respect, I dedicated myself to going to Maggie Mays yesterday’s breakfast place around half a mile from campus, which many had recommended. Entering the building, you immediately remember how old Belfast is. You can tell the building is old and fits the right aesthetic for a European cafe. After sitting down with a friend, I ordered an Americano that was very fitting for an American and a stack of pancakes. The food is not what I remember from my experience looking out the cafe window where we faced a school and people walking to work. There wasn’t a rush in the morning; however, it was calm, unlike in the United States. People were interested in each other. Students were walking to class, not running, to try to make the bell. I felt a sense of calm and started to understand why people genuinely live in Europe. There is balance in life. The man to our right was silently enjoying a coffee and reading his book. I feel a great sense of peace here; as Americans, we can take note that we can succeed without the need to work excessively and think that if we aren’t moving at full speed, we are failing. So, to Maggie Mays, thanks for the pancakes. I will be back. Help me see the appeal of Belfast.

Mid Day Exploring

A row of Citroen Suvs at Charles Hurst Citroen (Citroen is a brand we do not get in the States)

Since the day I was born, I have loved cars. They are my favorite hobby, which can be seen in the fact that I have my bedroom walls covered in Hot Wheels. When I came to Europe, I was most excited to look at cars, which, to some, may be crazy. Northern Ireland is beautiful, and there are great places to explore. Instead of going anywhere aesthetic or beautiful like others in my group were heading mid-day, I was designed to go to dealerships. I Ubered over to discuss with the driver the differences in cars in the United States and how it still felt weird to be a passenger on the left side of the road. I asked him how he came to Belfast. He was from Poland, the same as the Uber driver who took me back, and both seemed to like Belfast and felt sorry for their home countries going through difficulties with the Ukrainian War. Once I arrived, I thought back to my dad bringing home a mail jeep to drive a demo one day when I was around eight. This was the first right-hand drive vehicle I had ever been in, and I still remember the faces of people heading towards us in traffic. They seemed very scared, rightfully so. It felt like a full circle moment talking to someone at the Jeep dealership about a new model they sell in the United Kingdom that we don’t get in the States. 

Sitting Inside a Kia Proceed at Charles Hurst Kia

I saw many more compacts and wagons in all dealerships, which are unpopular in the United States. It was fascinating for me to see differences in vehicles based on the needs and wants of consumers. Americans want large cars and feel the need for SUVs in Europe. They want good fuel economy and smaller cars to activate streets. This trip to the dealerships made me realize that why we travel is to see things we want in the world and to be able to fulfill the dreams and wants we have, no matter how small.

Furthermore, we can connect with others even far away by having the same interests. Hobbies can be a way of coming together, having a few laughs, and improving our day. This trip has made me realize that I need to do more of what I love without societal pressure and the thoughts of others. Some saw a quirky man going to look at cars. I saw a man fulfilling his childhood dream.

Book Festival

Agatha Christie Talk with Mark Aldridge

Agatha Christie is an English writer who is famous and well-respected in Belfast. I am a civil engineer who reads less than I should. What I am getting at is that I had no idea who Agatha Christie was. I was, however, interested in learning about her in the story and listening to the talk by Mark Aldridge, which was interesting to learn and gain an appreciation for someone so perfect at their craft. After this talk was done, there was trivia based on Agatha Christie. This is where the first part of the section comes in. I knew almost nothing about her. Coming in and sitting down with a couple of friends, we were ready to win and collaborated quickly on answers. Our team, named the 3 Lil Piggies, scored 6 points. The winners had over 60. We didn’t do too well. We got last place and won a squash with a mustache and eyes glued onto it. My point is that even though we lost miserably, we still had a great time laughing and talking throughout the night. So did Mark. He thanked us for coming at the end of trivia and said he was happy we enjoyed it and found us funny. This moment is like many in Belfast, making the best out of what is happening and bringing humor to the table to have a great time. Northern Ireland welcomed us with open arms, and I have to say it’s one of my favorite things I’ve done while in Belfast.

Reflection

Belfast is one of the most welcoming places I have been to. Every person I have talked to is more than accommodating and willing to speak to me and answer my questions. I remember an obvious example when a woman heard my question after the Martin Doyle talk. I asked Doyle about it, and she gave me her own experience with the troubles and how it was growing up in that time. This woman was around 70 and talked about events nearly 50 years ago, but she still had emotion in her voice. I felt connected to her and able to start indeed to see the damage the Troubles have left on this city even years later. So, I have no complaints about Belfast. Thanks for having me, and I hope to continue having many laughs and nights reflecting with friends after a long day at the pub.