Beacon of Hope - Belfast

My first time ever across the border into Northern Ireland, though I’ve been in the republic many times. Quite a sobering day. A visit to the museum about the Titanic - in the old Harland and Wolff shipyard - fascinating- so much about the harsh reality of the shipbuilding industry at the time, and then the arrogance and stupidity that sent a ship out with only half the number of lifeboats needed for the number of people onboard. And no lifeboat drill ever having been undertaken. And other factors…. Then a tour around various streets and sights in the city. All such familiar names from the 70s and 80s - Falls Road, Shankill Road, Crumlin Road Jail, Divis Flats etc … A quick look at a very wet Stormont, forbidding in its appearance. Despite the Good Friday agreement there are still about 90 peace walls separating communities in the city. They were supposed to be gone by 2023, but they’re not. While over 90% of children go to sectarian schools, I can’t see how community harmony and mutual understanding can be achieved. Certainly there’s still a provocative atmosphere, with many Union flags, pictures of the royal family etc already up for the 12th July. Feeling a bit gloomy about it, though I’ve no real right to express an opinion on such a short acquaintance. Also it rained ALL day until late in the evening, returning from my walk to find the Beacon of Hope, there was a bit of blue sky, and deep puddles to reflect it.