Pamela Louderback, Day 55

I'll be in Dublin this weekend, but before leaving, I thought another visit to Kelly's Cellars and dinner at the Mourne restaurant with Colm Mac Aindreasa would provide another opportunity to see the city, talk about Irish Medium education and to better understand Belfast culture and history from a sociolinguistic perspective.  Ok, I just wanted to take in the night life with one of my new friends...Thankfully, this time there were no 'Seans' like my last visit to Kelly's.  Unfortunately, there wasn't any live music though. But it's a great place to sit with a drink and a bit of conversation before heading to the restaurant (which just happened to be next door).

Knowing the walk would only take about twenty minutes and wanting to take in the city bedecked in Christmas lights, I decided to walk.  Almost immediately, it began to snow - big, wet, heavy snowflakes in an almost blizzard-like proportion.  By the time I had walked five minutes, my entire coat was covered in a thick wet blanket of snow.  The walk was entirely enjoyable bringing back childhood memories of shopping in Pennsylvania and New York (minus such icons as the Macy's store). 

Below are some lights.  Enjoy!

Note this photo -- there's another shot at the end of this blog showing an "after" shot taken on way home

These were Christmas lights strung overhead between streets. 

Belfast natives are not accustomed to such snow so early.  Some people were obviously not enjoying the trek home from a long day at work.  Others were dodging in and out of streets lobbing snowballs at each other - hooting and giggling madly like kids.  By walking, I was able to discover a few other places (Church, Catholic book store) I'll definitely have to revisit after the New Year. 

Lights on trees surrounding City Hall area

Kelly's was a bit more festive this time around with Christmas lights draped over entrances and the bar area.   And it wasn't nearly as crowded either - probably because of the earlier time of night.

Bar area made festive by lights

Also, those who may have been 'out' were either Christmas shopping or attending Christmas parties/dinners with fellow employees.  By the time we left Kelly's for the Mourne restaurant (next door) the snow had covered everything (cars, trees, sidewalks) Following are some shots of the beautiful snowy scenery outside Kelly's Cellars area. 

Right outside Kelly's looking out at bench area and parking area.  Kelly's is on the right.

Overhang area outside Kelly's Cellars - it's usually teaming with smokers taking a break

 Outside the Mourne Restaurant situated next door to the Kelly's Cellars.  Kelly's is a bit past where the clock is and further down on the right.  The Mourne begins where the gentleman is standing outside for a smoke

 Snow covered car and tree in Kelly's Cellars parking lot area

Sidewalk outside Kelly's Cellars and the Mourne - covered with snow

Colm braving the weather for our trek next door to Mourne's.  He sported sneakers, a light jacket and no hat.  Me?  I was well suited with my famous Tracken (i.e., Grim Reaper) coat.

Sidewalk area - the Mourne is on the left-hand side.  Lovely church in the background distance

Closer shot of church near Kelly's Cellars

After dinner, I was still hoping for an opportunity to hear some traditional Irish music so we walked around the corner to Madden's Bar for a diet coke nightcap and a bit of tunes.

Note the name of the bar is on the drum on the right hanging from the ceiling  Other Irish musical instruments are also displayed. 

Following are two photos of the door.  Note the green sign in the lower middle part of the picture that says "BUZZER".  To get in and get out of the bar you actually have to buzz your way in and out.  This hearkens back to earlier times when Nationalists installed such devices to curb entry by unfriendly Loyalists - similar to our prohibition days but from a political perspective instead of illegal alcohol.

Buzzer is the little white box on the bottom of photo.  You actually have to press it with your whole palm instead of just pressing the small button.  It was fun watching inebriated individuals trying to figure it out.  Colm ended up helping several people out.  Added entertainment -- and it was all free!

Note the "Please Press Buzzer on Left to Release Door" sign above the sign with the hand.  Also note the poster in the upper left-hand area - it says "No to Racism" and is a collage of all Irish who lost their lives in recent history (Troubles, etc.)

 Musicians at Maddens.  Blonde female playing flute and pipes, two males playing a variety of stringed instruments.

 I'm not sure of the significance (if any) but the proprieter (Mr. O'Doherty) had a shirt hanging from the ceiling over where our table was.  It actually says, O'Donnell's bar in Amsterdam - another bar he owns.

Walking home - recall this same area in an earlier photo?  You couldn't get a taxi due to the weather. 

By this time, there was probaby about  two inches that had fallen.