I began my recent journey in Northern Ireland in Belfast. What a delightful surprise the whole city was. I didn’t realize I had so many preconceived ideas about Belfast. Thinking it was a dismal industrial city, the high end restaurants ,independently owned cafes, fabulous hotels, shops, bustling pubs and buzzing nightlife all changed my mind within minutes of arriving. At the harbor, a beautiful statue greets all visitors, and no one seems to know her actual name, but the locals have dubbed her: The Dolly with the Brolly, The Thing with the Ring, The Nula with the Hoola and the Doll with the Ball
When I travel, I always enjoy wandering through local markets , because you get a real feel for the place. St. George’s Saturday market in Belfast was bustling with people and packed with goodies to take home
Locally made chocolate, towers of mouth-watering cupcakes all tempting treats for the taste buds on the spot
It was a wonderful opportunity to pick up locally woven sweaters, beautifully hand-knit booties (yes, I grabbed some for my soon to be grand-daughter) and local linen , which isn’t produced much anymore.
One innovative young etsy entrepreneur was selling tea towels and tee-shirts screened with local scenes in compelling colors
Another stand stood out for its photographs, and one for its color-coordinated make up bags, and travel bags. Chock a block with goodies, a few ended up in my suitcase
Stacks of local baked breads as appealing as any I’ve seen were perfectly paired beside stands bursting with chutneys, jams and jellies
www. belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket/sundaymarket.asp
Melody Wren 
Nice pictures Melody, (the first one needs to be rotated to be upright)
Hope you are all doing well,
Bob
I’ve been to the south but never the north – never wanted to but now I just might! Thanks for sharing,
Carol