Routine is essential to successful integration, they tell me. Become a regular at a restaurant. Set up a schedule and follow it. Find some things you love and work them into your week without fail.
In Nashville, I had a very specific weekend itinerary, filled with things I came to love: long walks, the Farmers Market, church, lunch with DMJ, a class at the Y.
Already I can see that Queen's Film Theatre and St. George's Market are going to be part of nearly every weekend I am in Belfast. I took the bus downtown to City Centre to run various errands and the first stop was St. George's Market. I love the building -- but the Saturday markets are even more of a draw.
I smiled a little at the sign "St. George's Market is a smoke-free facility" because there was a haze from all the food stalls. They had two places that sold paella -- brilliant. There was live music, lots of vegetable veg stalls and plenty of arts and crafts (esp. handmade soaps and the like).
I walked through grinning like a moron, but wishing just a little wee bit that my Nashville pals were with me, because we used to enjoy our trips to the Farmers Market. And I wanted to be able to say to someone, "Isn't this great!"
When you come to visit, get ready for Saturday lunch at the market. And yes, we will be taking the bus.
My dad gets a big kick out of this because as a teenager, I was mortified at the thought of riding the bus. Very uncool. Driving was all I wanted to do. Now I plan how I can walk or take the bus Metro -- anything but get behind the wheel!
Wonder if Metro goes to IKEA?
I especially miss you on Sundays.
Posted by: DMJ | 06 February 2008 at 20:10
A metro is a rail system, translink naming the bus system a metro was a stupid idea.
They've extended the 28 and 3a metro routes to IKEA I think.
Posted by: Michael Shilliday | 10 February 2008 at 16:49
28A goes to Ikea from the City Centre! ;)
Posted by: William | 13 February 2008 at 15:32
Thank you for the Metro info! I do plan to get out to IKEA on the bus and will file a report on whether I am successful.
m.
Posted by: mapgirl | 14 February 2008 at 16:53