Could this be another blog post of the cliche Belfast life? Belfast, Beal Feirste meaning ‘mouth of the sandbanks’. The capital of Northern Ireland, this city steeped in tradition and rich history, paves way to a newer generation. As I reflect back to my childhood in Belfast, I am met with great nostalgia and joy. From the long, warm summer evenings playing football with my friends, only to be told to ‘Get ‘at ball round your own door!” or trying to talk to the hottest girl living in our street. Childhood in Belfast was a blast. Cycling bikes to the shop, where in those days, £1.00 would purchase a bottle of Cocoa Cola, a snickers bar and a Freddo. Lucky bags hung from the ceiling of the shop, held together by a rusty old clothes hook. Begging our parents for the latest toy or sweet in the shop shelf.
It’s hard to think, as a child growing up in West Belfast that we where still in a ‘war zone’. An ongoing conflict that still, there is a confliction in the city. An ongoing struggle for both Catholic and Protestants, or for a want of a better phrase “an on going struggle for both sides of the wall”. Throughout my upbringing, the political factors of Northern Ireland were present as I reflect back. Playing football in the street, British soldiers paroled the area. Through child curiosity, my friends and I would stand, amused and excited. This could only mean one thing, a chance to look through the scope of a live machine gun. Climbing up onto the soldiers knee, a brief second look through the scope gave you the instant ‘street cred’” amongst your friends.
As we grow older, the atmosphere of Belfast, can at times, become overwhelming. When thinking, it was only sixteen years ago, the peace agreement was signed and the conflict ‘calmed’. The murals, once a way in which to alienate and separate areas, are now refreshed with a newer perspective on historical landmarks in Belfast. Although, the conflict can still effect daily life. Belfast, will always been a city of underlaying tension. The 12th July, each year showcases the ‘blood boiling’ or division that the city has. conflict arises through the marching of the Orange men through Catholic areas. Changes by the parades commission has restricted these marches as of 2013. The Ardoyne area of North Belfast in conflict through the use of ‘Irish Confetti’ (Throwing stones, bombs, glass bottles etc).
However, my thoughts regarding the city is that ‘we’ are in a state of transition. Since ‘the troubles’ of Northern Ireland, Belfast is now standing tall and proud again. People tend to have the ‘tolerance’ for each other regardless of their religious background. Gone are the ‘no go’ zones behind the walls. Moving freely through the city, allowing the change for more interaction with life on both sides. Relationships blossom between Catholic and Protestant people, until recently this would be an uncommon relationship.
As I write this, in the Netherlands. One could say, I have this ‘new found love’ for my home.
