Still a few things to tick off in the city, so back on the walking trail again.
First up to the Friday variety markets
Lots of interesting stuff, in fact I bought some craft and other things. Not a fan of the open-air baked goods - nothing to stop passers-by sneezing on them or something. Did not buy anything from this type of stall!
Next to a chocolate shop (what a surprise) that our host recommended as supplying their coffee shop, supposed to be in the top 5 in the world. There wasn't a huge range, but I have purchased some blocks to try later. It smelt AMAZING in there though!
A few other shops were a bust, so we headed back to pick up the car and drive to the Botanic Gardens. No designated car parking area. Did I mention that parking in many UK towns/cities can be a real chore? Malcolm is up to the challenge of the smallest spot.
The main attraction at the gardens is the Palm House, a conservatory built in 1840. It's a very attractive piece, but contained many of the plants we grow in Brisbane.
Then off to the Herbaceous Border garden. Lots of lovely colour, and bee photos!
And finally the rose garden, where I found the biggest rose I have ever seen, one with spots on it which I have never seen and one where all the buds came out together creating an 'instant' bouquet.
After the gardens (and a quilting supply shop for Jennifer) we split up, with them dropping me at the bucket-list item of the Titanic Belfast display. A huge money-making machine but most of it has been done really well. It is built on the site of the shipyards where Titanic was launched, and covers the construction company, the building of the ship/fitout etc, the sinking, the aftermath and the discovery of the wreck. You also get admittance to the Nomadic, which was the tender vessel which ferried 1st and 2nd class passengers from shallow harbours (Cherbourg) out to the Titanic.
Slipways where the ship was built/launched.
Inside Nomadic
I could have spent another couple of days in Belfast, yet another one to put on the list for a future trip.
Tomorrow we de-camp again and head for Londonderry.
First up to the Friday variety markets
Lots of interesting stuff, in fact I bought some craft and other things. Not a fan of the open-air baked goods - nothing to stop passers-by sneezing on them or something. Did not buy anything from this type of stall!
Next to a chocolate shop (what a surprise) that our host recommended as supplying their coffee shop, supposed to be in the top 5 in the world. There wasn't a huge range, but I have purchased some blocks to try later. It smelt AMAZING in there though!
A few other shops were a bust, so we headed back to pick up the car and drive to the Botanic Gardens. No designated car parking area. Did I mention that parking in many UK towns/cities can be a real chore? Malcolm is up to the challenge of the smallest spot.
The main attraction at the gardens is the Palm House, a conservatory built in 1840. It's a very attractive piece, but contained many of the plants we grow in Brisbane.
Then off to the Herbaceous Border garden. Lots of lovely colour, and bee photos!
And finally the rose garden, where I found the biggest rose I have ever seen, one with spots on it which I have never seen and one where all the buds came out together creating an 'instant' bouquet.
After the gardens (and a quilting supply shop for Jennifer) we split up, with them dropping me at the bucket-list item of the Titanic Belfast display. A huge money-making machine but most of it has been done really well. It is built on the site of the shipyards where Titanic was launched, and covers the construction company, the building of the ship/fitout etc, the sinking, the aftermath and the discovery of the wreck. You also get admittance to the Nomadic, which was the tender vessel which ferried 1st and 2nd class passengers from shallow harbours (Cherbourg) out to the Titanic.
Slipways where the ship was built/launched.
Inside Nomadic
I could have spent another couple of days in Belfast, yet another one to put on the list for a future trip.
Tomorrow we de-camp again and head for Londonderry.
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