Belfast weekend (2)

We initially had lots of plans of things to do and places to see - Crumlin Gaol, Stormont etc - but soon realised that logistics were against us, but we were determined not to miss out on the new Titanic exhibition, so we walked down to the river on Saturday morning and across to the iconic building that houses the (permanent) exhibition:

We did, however, make a quick pit stop on the way, and popped in to St. George's Market, a vibrant place that used to house the Belfast Fish Market, but now has a huge variety of stalls, with food and entertainment too:

The sound of Belfast is still one of Police and Ambulance sirens, with the fairly frequent whirring of helicopters overhead. There are visual signs too, with many of the premises heavily barbed wired. On our way to the Titanic exhibition, the most obviously heavily guarded was this one:

These are the Royal Courts of Justice.

Some other sights on the way to the Titanic Quarter:

Not quite sure why Chaplin features here?

The Nomadic was a tender boat for the Titanic, but it's a separate exhibition and it seems everyone bypasses it now, although it's the last surviving vessel of the ill-fated White Star Line.

After a quick cup of coffee, we bought our tickets for the Titanic exhibition and were told it would take approximately one and a half hours to go round it. Secretly we both thought no way - we'll be out of here well before that. Blow me, over three hours later we emerged - it was engrossing. One of the final parts was a film of the wreckage (which was finally discovered in 1985). The clarity of the film, right down at the bottom of the ocean, was stunning - and moving. Personal items, like shoes, were clearly visible.

Back at the hotel, we had tea and scones in the lovely lounge on the first floor, sitting at the window overlooking Great Victoria St.:

We had a couple of beers and a wander in the evening before we could get a table at the very busy Deane's Deli Bistro (http://www.michaeldeane.co.uk/deanes-deli-bistro/) where we had a couple of lovely steaks. Would definitely go back if ever we were in town again.

Saturday done. Sunday to follow.