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Sleepless in Berlin, Soaked in Belfast: Welcome to The Holyland

Annika, Moritz, and I – three excited apprentices from OSZ IMT – met in Berlin at 4 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, to catch our flight to Belfast. We were fueled by caffeine and anticipation as we made our way through the airport.

After a stopover in Dublin and a bus ride, we finally arrived in Belfast.

Our first impression of Northern Ireland was breathtaking. The green hills, majestic mountains, and humid air were a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Berlin. The city of Belfast was a mix of old and new, with historic sites and brick buildings lining the streets.

Stepping off the bus from Dublin to Belfast, a taxi was waiting for us. The driver, a friendly soul, turned into our own personal Belfast guide during the ride.

One of the first things that caught our attention was the name of our neighborhood - The Holyland. It sounded interesting, but the taxi driver revealed that this area is the brainchild of a very religious developer named Sir Robert McConnell. Back in the 1890s, after a trip to the Middle East, he decided to name the streets of this new neighborhood after places he visited - Jerusalem, Damascus, Cairo, Palestine and so on. "The Holyland" just became a natural nickname for the whole area.

So our home for the next 2 months was a student dormitory in The Holyland, Belfast's vibrant student quarter. Bustling with young energy, the area was a sensory overload in the best way possible. Pubs, restaurants, and shops lined the streets, offering a taste of Belfast's multicultural scene. We had a view of the busy streets and the noise of flowing traffic. Just in time for our move, Northern Ireland welcomed us with its typical weather: pouring rain. It was a perfect start to our adventure!

Even though it was raining, we couldn’t help but be excited about our new surroundings. The people of Belfast were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We were still looking for our accommodation when several passers-by stopped to ask if we needed help. They showed us the way and even gave us tips for the area. It was a great first impression of the city!

Later that afternoon, we decided to stretch our legs and explore Belfast! We didn't have a specific place in mind, so we just started walking.

Our first glimpse was of Ormeau Park, but we kept going for a wander instead. Spring was definitely in the air - everything was bursting with flowers, especially these cheerful wild daffodils. And who knew Belfast had palm trees? They added a lovely touch of the exotic.

Following the Ormeau Road, the same one our accommodation was on, we headed towards the city centre. This road's a mini history lesson! Built in the early 1800s, it was once called the New Ballynafeigh Road. Back then, it connected a village to Belfast, helping the city grow south. Today, Ormeau Road is a cool mix of modern shops and charming Victorian buildings.

We then came across the Jaffe Fountain. This wasn't your typical water fountain! It was grand and impressive, with a huge structure and important-looking statues at the base. It reminded me of the beautiful fountains you see in European squares, all fancy and a bit out of place in the middle of Belfast.

Here's a fun fact: the fountain was built in honor of a German businessman named Daniel Jaffe. He came to Belfast in the 1800s and played a big role in the city's linen industry. His son, Otto Jaffe, even became the first ever Jewish mayor of Belfast!

After our walk, we stumbled upon Victoria Square! This massive shopping mall was the perfect place to duck in and explore. It was also getting close to dinnertime, so we decided to treat ourselves with a delicious pizza at Pizza Express!

As the day began to wind down and the sky turned dusky, we kept walking towards the city center. That's when we spotted Belfast City Hall - all lit up and looking grand!

We even saw a fun Beer Bike cruising by with a happy crowd! It looked tempting, but after our long day exploring, we were all pretty wiped out. Time to head back and rest up for more adventures tomorrow!

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The first few days in Belfast were a mix of getting our bearings, sightseeing, and experiencing Irish charm.

We spent a lot of time just figuring out our way around – navigating those left-hand side streets was trickier than I thought! But it was all part of the adventure. One thing that really surprised me about Belfast was how many people crossed the street when the pedestrian light was red! Maybe it's because the lights here seem to take a bit longer to change compared to back home in Berlin. There, everyone waits religiously. Being a bit impatient myself, I have to admit, I found myself swept up in the Belfast crossing current a few times (everyday on the way to work).

Our first stop was Ormeau Park (Belfast's green oasis!), with little hills that offer surprising pockets of amazing views! This wasn't just any park, though. Opened in 1871, it holds the title of Belfast's oldest municipal park. We kicked off the day there with a five-minute workout on one of the outdoor gym things - gotta get that energy flowing!! After our mini-workout, we continued our exploration of the city.

We reached the Albert Bridge a little breathless (those park gym machines are no joke!), but the sight instantly took our breath away. The bridge itself is stunning, all wrought iron and Victorian elegance. We spent a good chunk of time snapping photos (guilty!) and admiring the views across the Lagan River.

Next, we headed to St. George's Market, a bustling indoor market that turned out to be a real gem. The vendors were so friendly, happy to chat and answer questions about their products and also offer us samples.

Big mistake! We totally forgot to get cash out before coming to the market, thinking everywhere would take cards. So, it was a long walk to the nearest ATM. Once we finally got some money, we were seriously surprised by how British banknotes look! It's crazy how each bank seems to print their own money with different designs. As someone from the EU, it was a bit of a shock...we're used to everything being the same!

So back at St. Goerge's Market we ended up with a huge bag full of Irish fudge which was too tempting to resist! There was so much to discover – fresh produce, local crafts, and all sorts of delicious treats. It was a great way to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of Belfast all at once. We even spotted some unique Game of Thrones themed jewelry. Seeing all the cool options made me want to buy something, but I ended up feeling overwhelmed and left a little empty-handed. Maybe next time!

Our next stop was the Beacon of Hope, a striking 19.5-meter-tall sculpture made of steel and bronze. It was erected in Thanksgiving Square in Belfast in 2007. The sculpture is a woman holding a ring aloft, and it is a symbol of hope and peace. It is the second-largest statue in Belfast, after the "Rise" sculpture at Broadway Roundabout. The locals have given it several nicknames, including "Nuala with the Hula", "Belle on the Ball", "Thing with the Ring", "Our Lady of Thanksgiving", and "Angel of Thanksgiving".

We were impressed by the size and beauty of the Beacon of Hope. It is a powerful symbol of hope and peace, and it is a reminder of the city's troubled past. We were glad to have had the opportunity to see it.

Afterwards we decided to follow the river and found a big sculpture of a fish called Big Fish. It's this giant salmon sculpture that Belfast is famous for. Apparently, it's good luck to kiss it for some reason? Well, not wanting to miss out on any potential good Belfast vibes, I gave that big metal fish a smooch! Let's just hope it works and the rest of the trip goes smoothly!

After smooching the Big Fish for good luck (gotta cover all the bases, right?), we set our sights on the Albert Memorial Clock. We'd seen it from afar a couple of times already, but it was definitely worth getting a closer look. It's this tall, beautiful clock tower right in the middle of a big roundabout – kind of like Belfast's own mini-Big Ben, but way less crowded (thankfully!). We snapped a few pics (obvs!).

All that walking and sightseeing had built up a major appetite. Luckily, our next stop was the perfect solution: Common Market, a super popular food hall right in the city center. It's a giant indoor food court with about 8 different vendors to choose from. We all went for gyros (score for veggie options too!), and let me tell you, it hit the spot perfectly.

The atmosphere was electric, as it was game day: Manchester United vs. Manchester City. The crowd was wild, and we cheered along with the other fans. We felt like we were really experiencing a slice of British culture. A nice way of having our first meal together.

Leaving Common Market, we stumbled upon something really cool – two giant statues that stopped us in our tracks. They were these massive figures, a red one and a blue one, each perched high on a chair balanced on a long, angled metal arm. It looked kind of like a scene straight out of a pop art painting! We did a quick Google search and found out they were called "The Calling" by this artist named Paddy McCann. Apparently, they're kind of a Belfast landmark, and it's supposed to represent people reaching out and connecting with each other. We thought that was a pretty cool message, especially after feeling so welcomed by everyone here.

After that artsy detour, we found ourselves drawn deeper into the heart of the city – the Cathedral Quarter. We kind of got lost in the best way possible, wandering through narrow alleys and streets lined with the most adorable pubs and shops. It was like stepping back in time with all the old brick buildings and cobblestone streets. Every corner we turned seemed to hold a hidden gem, a quirky little bookstore or a cozy pub with overflowing flower boxes.

Some of these pubs had the weirdest names I'd ever seen! We're talking places like "The Dirty Onion" and "The Crown Liquor Saloon" – not exactly your typical pub names. It just added to the whole quirky charm of the area. We didn't have time to go in for a pint that day (we were saving our stomachs for another night!), but we definitely made a mental note of a few that we wanted to check out later.

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One of the highlights for sure was the Titanic Belfast museum. It was incredible!

We started with the ship's grand conception and construction. It was mind-boggling to imagine the scale of the project, right here in Belfast. Huge interactive displays let you explore the different decks and learn about the lives of the passengers and crew.

But what really surprised me was how they wove the human story into the tragedy. There were recreated passenger cabins, first class and third class, that gave you a glimpse into what life onboard might have been like. You really felt a connection to the people who were on that fateful voyage.

Of course, the story doesn't end with the sinking. The museum also explored the aftermath, the rescue efforts, and the impact the disaster had on Belfast and the world. One thing that really caught me off guard at the Titanic Museum was the 'Shipyard Ride.' I was expecting a typical museum experience, but this ride brought history to life in a whole new way! We soared through the shipyard on a moving platform, feeling like we were right there during the construction of the Titanic. Then, all of a sudden, the ride stopped – and there we were, dangling high above the ground!

The Titanic Museum was incredible, but there was a strange feeling when it came to taking a picture at the end. Everything leading up to that point was about the disaster, the loss of life. So standing there all smiles, posing for a photo, felt a bit macabre. It just seemed disrespectful to capture a happy moment right after learning such a sad story...but of course it was obligatory.

I'm flying, Jack!

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We decided to delve a little deeper into Belfast's history as it was raining that day. Our starting was the magnificent Belfast City Hall.

It dominates Donegall Square, and as soon as you walk up to it, you know you're in for something special. We even managed to snag a spot on a free tour inside – bonus!

The first thing that struck me was all the marble. It's everywhere – walls, floors, even the grand staircase! It felt incredibly posh.

The sheer scale of it was impressive, and every corner seemed to hold something interesting. The tour guide did a fantastic job of bringing Belfast's story to life. We learned about the city's growth, its connection to the British monarchy, and the fascinating role City Hall played in it all.

But the real showstopper for me was the stained glass windows. These weren't your average church windows. They were massive, colorful masterpieces that told stories about Belfast's history and industry. The level of detail was incredible!

One window, in particular, really struck me. It depicts the horrors of one of Ireland’s greatest disasters – the Great Famine – and its impact on the people of Belfast.

This window was created to remember those who suffered and died during the famine, especially during the worst years: 1846, 1847, and 1848. The images are heart-wrenching. There’s a woman standing in a graveyard, a starving father and daughter crying over a boiling pot, and a woman and child searching for edible potatoes in a field devastated by blight. It also shows Clifton House, which served as the poorhouse for the city’s destitute.

One of the most haunting parts is the bent figure of a woman by the gravestones – a common sight during those tragic times. The window also features an emigrant ship, symbolizing the escape for those who could afford a ticket to the ‘new world’. The detail and emotion captured in the glass are just incredible.

One part of the City Hall that also really stood out to me was a white room featuring quotes and reflections on the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998. The quotes were powerful and deeply moving. One particularly striking quote read:

Seeing these reflections up close gave me a profound sense of the pain and loss experienced by so many during that time, and the importance of unity and understanding in moving forward.

We also came across an exhibit titled “Belfast English: A Colourful and Distinctive Hybrid".

One of the posters in the exhibit caught my eye. It asked, "On which side are you?" and depicted two contrasting images—Éire and West Britain. This stark reminder of colonial influence was hard to ignore. The poster vividly highlighted how language has been used as a powerful tool to shape identities and political allegiances, often dividing people rather than uniting them. It was disheartening to see how these divisions have been perpetuated over the years, creating deep-rooted rifts in the fabric of the community. Even today, you can still feel the lingering tension throughout the city. Despite the progress and peace that have been achieved, there's an undercurrent of unresolved issues and historical wounds that haven't fully healed. It’s like a shadow that hangs over Belfast, reminding everyone of the city's complex and often painful past.

This visit to the City Hall was so much more than I expected. It wasn't just about seeing a beautiful building; it was about understanding the history and resilience of Belfast’s people. The stained glass window and the reflections on the Troubles are things I’ll never forget. They’re powerful reminders of the city’s past and the strength of its citizens.

If you’re ever in Belfast, you have to check out the City Hall and take the tour. Trust me, it’s worth it!

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Remember how I mentioned St. George's Market in my first week's post? Well, this week we decided to return for a more dedicated souvenir shopping spree. The market is like a treasure trove! This time, my mission was to find the perfect Belfast memento, and after much deliberation (and sampling!), I settled on a beautiful emerald green ring for my boyfriend.

Of course, no trip to Ireland would be complete without some proper Irish fudge. The market boasts several stalls laden with every flavor imaginable...from classic clotted cream to more adventurous options like Guinness and Baileys. Needless to say, my sweet tooth was very happy! Unfortunately, those travel plans hit a snag. By the time I arrived back in Berlin, the fudge had all gone moldy! Lesson learned: fudge, unlike memories, doesn't travel quite as well.

I snapped some photos of the market's colorful stalls:

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Craving a break from the urban energy, I decided to check out the Belfast Botanic Gardens.

These gardens are like a hidden gem right in the heart of Belfast. Lush greenery stretches out before you, dotted with vibrant flowers in every color imaginable.

The gardens are a paradise for plant lovers. I wandered through a rose garden bursting with fragrant blooms, each one more beautiful than the last. The alpine garden transported me to a different world with its miniature trees and colorful wildflowers. It felt like something out of a storybook!

But the real highlight was the Palm House, the largest curvilinear glasshouse in Ireland.

Stepping inside was like entering a tropical jungle. Towering palm trees, exotic ferns, and vibrant flowers created a humid and lush atmosphere. It was fascinating to see plants from faraway lands thriving under one roof.

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Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after our exploration of the Botanic Gardens, I knew it was time to experience another side of Belfast, its legendary pub scene!! We set off for the student area, eager to sample a local pint and soak up the atmosphere.

But Belfast, it seemed, had other plans. As we approached our chosen pub, a warm, inviting glow emanating from its windows, a familiar sight greeted us – a full house. Like any other weekend here, it seemed, the locals knew exactly where to be for a good time.

This presented a bit of a challenge. Sure, Belfast boasts a seemingly endless number of pubs, but navigating a crowded one on a Friday night as a newbie can be daunting. Would we find a table? Would we even get served at the bar? A momentary pang of FOMO threatened to set in.

Luckily, inspiration struck. Just a stone's throw from the bustling pub scene, we remembered a local favorite we'd heard about – The Botanic Inn. This iconic spot, conveniently located near the gardens we'd just explored, offered the perfect blend of lively atmosphere and historic charm. With a quick change of plans, we headed towards The Botanic Inn, hoping for better luck.

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The Giants Causeway was incredible! It might have been a long trip from Belfast, but seeing those giant rock columns in person was totally worth it. The Causeway is a massive natural wonder. Imagine a huge stretch of coastline covered in thousands of perfectly hexagonal basalt columns, all stacked together like a honeycomb! Geologists say it formed millions of years ago from volcanic eruptions, but there are also fun legends about giants building a bridge to Scotland.

Our tour guide was hilarious, cracking jokes throughout the 3-hour ride. He made the journey fly by! The trip wasn't just about the destination though, we made some pretty cool stops along the way.

First up was a detour to see the Dark Hedges, those incredible beech trees you might recognize from Game of Thrones! We snapped a bunch of photos under their twisted branches.

Our next stop felt like a jump through time – Carrickfergus Castle! This medieval castle looked like it was straight out of a history book, all imposing towers and thick walls. We even got to climb some of the narrow staircases (not for the faint of heart!).

Next, we had a quick pitstop at a bright red, iconic London phone booth. Seemed a bit out of place in the Irish countryside, but it made for a fun photo op!

Our final stop before the main event was a visit to a real-life whiskey distillery. We learned about the history of Irish whiskey and even got a whiff of the malting process (it's a unique smell!).

Finally, after all the fun stops and jokes, we arrived at the Giants Causeway. Unfortunately, we only had about an hour to explore the actual Causeway itself. With all the other tourists around, it felt a bit rushed. Still, I managed to snap a ton of pictures to capture the amazing sight. If you go, I recommend trying to get a longer visit there.

Even with the short time, the Giants Causeway is a must-see. It's a truly unique geological formation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it's considered one of the most important natural wonders on Earth. Just be prepared for a bit of a journey and maybe plan your own transportation so you can control your own schedule.

My legs are sore from all the walking at the Giant's Causeway. Must have been a short giant.

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One thing I came to appreciate during my Belfast adventure was the constant presence of the mountains. Whenever we ventured out, whether it was to the city center for shopping or a quick trip to the Tesco Superstore, a glimpse of the Belfast Hills always seemed to peek out from behind the buildings. It was a comforting reminder of the natural beauty that exists just outside the city limits.

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Belfast has many hidden gems, and the Ulster Museum is definitely one of them. Stepping into this grand building nestled amidst the vibrant Botanic Gardens was like entering a wonderland of history, art, and nature!!

The atmosphere itself was delightful. Families bustled with curious children, while art enthusiasts lingered over captivating paintings. It was a sensory experience that kept us engaged throughout our visit. The museum is so big that we had to come whenever it was raining to explore all exhibitions and we didn't even manage to finish it.

The sheer variety of exhibits at the Ulster Museum is what makes it so interesting. One minute you're exploring the fascinating world of Irish archaeology, the next you're face-to-face with a prehistoric meteorite. The mix of natural science, art, and local history caters to all interests.

There's something for everyone at the Ulster Museum. And the best part? It's completely free! So, if you're looking for a fun and affordable way to spend a day in Belfast, visit the museum!

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We also visited Queen's University, located in the student area of Belfast, and were blown away by the stunning architecture. The buildings are absolutely gorgeous, with a mix of old-world charm and modern flair. As we wandered around, we noticed posters of students running for president, which gave us a good laugh. It was funny to see the creative campaigns and enthusiastic faces plastered everywhere. The campus vibe was so lively and full of energy, and it was nice to see so many students out and about, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

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In between exploring the city and enjoying delicious iftars, Annika and I found a new way to bond: thrifting! Belfast has an awesome second-hand scene, and we just had to dive in. We spent fun afternoons rummaging through racks at Oxfam and the Red Cross shops, leaving with bags full of treasures. The thrill wasn't just about finding cool vintage pieces or trendy bargains. It felt even better knowing our purchases supported charities like Oxfam and the Red Cross, which do such important work.

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The second week of my stay at Belfast coincided with the start of Ramadan this year. While fasting alone presented its own set of challenges, the city's warmth and the wonderful company of my friend Annika made it a truly special time.

Fasting during Ramadan is a deeply personal experience for me, and doing it solo in Belfast allowed for a unique kind of introspection. The city itself, with its rich history and mix of cultures, provided a constant source of fascination during the long daylight hours, especially in the first week before Ramadan began. Whether I was exploring the imposing walls of the City Hall or strolling through the St. George's Market, there was always something new to discover. As Ramadan arrived in the second week, the quiet contemplation took on a deeper meaning.

The evenings, however, were undeniably tinged with a touch of sadness at the absence of the communal breaking-of-fast meals with my family in Berlin. Thankfully, my wonderful friend Annika came to the rescue. We planned a series of delightful iftars together, trying out all sorts of restaurants and cuisines that Belfast has to offer. From Thai cuisine to local British seafood (aka Fish n' Chips), each meal was a delicious adventure.

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Just when you think Reddit is only good for cat memes and conspiracy theories, it throws you a curveball. My friend and I somehow managed to befriend a girl our age on the site. Fast forward a bit, and we're meeting her at Bangor.

Picture this: a stunning walk along the coast, the kind that makes you consider becoming a poet or at least getting an Instagram filter named after you. The sunset was so breathtaking it almost made us forget our social awkwardness (almost).

The evening escalated quickly when she invited us to a funfair with her friends. Now, I don’t know what kind of social experiment this was, but someone thought it was a good idea to put me on a spinning ride. Spoiler alert: it wasn't. Imagine a blender with a human in it—that's me, post-ride, trying to act like I wasn’t about to launch my lunch into orbit.

All in all, it was an unforgettable day. Note to self: Next time, stick to the bumper cars.

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I successfully completed an internship program at ProfileTree's Belfast office, an award-winning digital agency as part of the Erasmus+ project. ProfileTree is known for delivering innovative solutions in web design, web development, video production, content marketing, digital training, and SEO.

During my internship, I focused on creating blog posts for a beginner-friendly audience and small business owners. Using my IT apprenticeship experience, I wrote about various IT topics such as:

Cybersecurity Best Practices

Data Backup and Recovery Strategies

Encryption Methodologies

Firewall and Network Security

VPN Technologies and Applications

Data Storage Systems

RAID Implementations

To enhance the reach of my blog posts, I worked with various SEO tools. These tools helped me optimize content to improve search engine rankings and drive more traffic to the website.

The work environment at ProfileTree was young and dynamic, making it enjoyable to come to work every day. It was fun getting to know my colleagues, who were always supportive and ready to help. We often collaborated on projects, and I learned a lot from their feedback and insights.

I also gained hands-on experience with WordPress, learning to create, edit, and manage website content. This included publishing blog posts, updating web pages, and ensuring all content was SEO-friendly. Working with WordPress enhanced my understanding of content management systems and their role in digital marketing.

My time at ProfileTree allowed me to apply my technical knowledge and improve my communication skills. Writing content on advanced IT topics in a way that was easy to understand was a rewarding challenge. I aimed to make the information accessible and helpful for a wide audience.

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As I wrap up my time in Belfast, one experience stands out above all: climbing Cavehill with a friend at 3 AM to catch the sunrise. It was hands down the most stunning sunrise of my life.

Our adventure started in the early hours, fueled by excitement. We trekked for over 12 hours that day, pushing ourselves physically and mentally. It was tough going, but every step was worth it for what awaited us at the top.

Cavehill's raw beauty blew me away. As we hiked up, Belfast faded into the distance, replaced by sweeping views of hills and the glimmering Irish Sea. The cool morning air and the gradual lightening of the sky made the whole experience surreal.

Reaching the summit filled me with joy and a sense of accomplishment. The view of the sunrise painting the landscape in soft colors was breathtaking. Nature at its finest.

As we descended, exploring Cavehill's rugged terrain, I was struck by its diverse plant and animal life. It felt like a snapshot of Northern Ireland's natural beauty, from rocky peaks to quiet valleys.

Sharing this adventure with a close friend made it even more special. We laughed, encouraged each other, and soaked in every moment together.

As I say goodbye to Belfast, Cavehill remains a highlight...a reminder of the city's charm and the beauty waiting just outside its borders.