Sea Cruise, Part 1

The Silver Shadow is a relatively small ship with fewer than 300 passengers on board; as such, it can berth in relatively small harbors along the way. It embarked on a 16-day cruise from Belfast….

Our group assembled a couple of days before departure…

Belfast

Belfast is part of Northern Ireland, with plenty of history, past and present…. Caught here between rain showers and drizzle.

It may seem an odd thing to do just before boarding a cruise ship, but we felt compelled to visit Belfast’s Titanic Museum. The ill-fated ship was built by Irishmen in Belfast, but they are quick to point out that it was sunk by an English crew! In any event, it is a dazzling venue.

“Rearranging the chairs on the deck of the Titanic” is a phrase often heard about a futile effort or pointless plan of action…… it was touching to see the real thing on display.

Here is the last photo taken of Titanic as she made her way toward the Atlantic for her date with destiny….

Undeterred by the memory of the doomed ship, Lily is excited and ready to go! (Be sure to click on the image for video and sound….)

Isle of Man

First port of call is Douglas on the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is known for its annual motorcycle race called the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, or TT. The race is distinguished as it is run on public roads (that are closed for the race) at average speeds of well over 120 mph. There have been more than 250 fatalities during its 100+ year history!

We all got to tour the course at a much slower speed on trikes – driven, fortunately, by experienced professionals…..

Native residents of the Isle of Man are called Manx…… who knew that The Bee Gees were Manx?????

The other Manx we met were warm and welcoming…. Like these two who maintain an exquisitely-manicured garden along the sea wall.

Dublin

Next stop, Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, a part of the European Union that is in the middle of Pride Month…..

One of Dublin’s most famous sons from the world of Rock…..and an amazing philanthropist….

The Book of Kells is a gorgeous illustrated manuscript that dates back to the 9th century… it is lovingly maintained in the library at Ireland’s oldest university, Trinity College, Dublin.

Some of us chose to taste Irish whiskey….. bringing back a lovely engraved flask for Henry’s favorite cream liqueur. (Thanks again, guys.)

A few other whimsical sightings in Dublin…..

Liverpool

The symbol of Liverpool is a mythical bird called a liver….

It’s perched on the top of several public buildings…..

Other famous Liverpudlians include, of course, the Beatles, who first became popular performing here at The Cavern.

Some of us chose to explore Liverpool’s green places and gardens by bicycle….

Liverpool boasts the largest Chinese arch outside of China, a gift from its twin city, Shanghai.

It’s always a treat to find evidence like this of linkage between cultures…. Maybe we will find more in our future travels!