United Kingdom, The Glory Hole Belfast

 

I have already been in Ireland several hours and I find myself a bit disappointed that I have not executed one of the main reasons that I am here. My delay has somewhat been because I am in search of the proper place to carry out my doing. From Traveller, the easyJet inflight magazine, I have the right place in mind and set out in search of it after my self-guided partial night tour of Belfast.

 

 

I arrive at my selected location to discover another disappointment. The John Hewitt is closed for the evening.

 

 

 

 

I am not alone in my disappointment as a couple of locals have just disembarked from a taxi to face the same music, well in reality no music. However, our combined fate becomes my good fortunate.

 

 

I am told they know of another place just down the street that may serve my purpose just as well.

I gladly follow them.

 

 

 

 

 

Coming in from the cold, I quickly realized that I have been pointed in the right direction.

Although hundreds of options are now available to me, my target was chosen many years and thousands of miles ago.

 

 

 

 

I am so excited, I find an encoding machine and immediately send a message back to the home office to confirm my findings and take final orders.

 

 

 

 

As I wait for confirmation, I am doing my best to remain calm. I hope I have not blown my cover by visibly foaming at the mouth. Then it happens, I am approached by a local gentlemen with just a wooden bar separating us and he has just one question for me.

 

 

 

I respond, “I'll have a pint”.

 

 

 

Guinness, “Gives You Strength”.

“Is Good For You”.

“Wonderful This Time Of The Year”.

Can you believe, I am having a fresh pint of it in the land where it has been made since 1759.

Nothing else compares!

 

 

 

 

 

The Glory Hole Bar

 

 

Thanks to The Glory Hole Bar my almost life long mission is accomplished. I also discover the reason behind one of life’s greatest drinking mysteries while at this very cool local pub that claims to have largest selection of Irish Whiskeys in Ireland.

 

Do you know why God created alcohol?

To stop the Irish from conquering the world!

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Kingdom, Intro To Belfast Northern Ireland

 

 

Thanks to easyJet, going to Belfast is affordable and less than an hour away from Edinburgh.

 

 

 

 

 

Another bonus I get from flying easyJet is the fact that it's Inflight magazine, Traveller has some travel tips about the city that will help me make the most of my brief visit.

 

An afternoon flight from Edinburgh to Belfast International Airport and with a rental car I am headed to an apartment in the city center for dinner.

Located next to the Belfast City Hall this is no ordinary apartment.

 

 

 

 

 

Belfast City Hall

 

 

 

Arriving in the area, I am quickly impressed with the City Hall building which is nicely decorated for the Holiday Season.

 

 

 

 

 

Knowing a little about this city's history, I am in awe of it's night time beauty and peacefulness.

On this first evening of the New Year only restaurants, pubs or bars are open and the streets are relatively quiet and mostly free of cars and pedestrians.

 

 

 

 

At 2 Donegall Square West I arrive at the place to see and be seen in Belfast. Sitting at a table with a view of City Hall, I am at “The Apartment”, claimed as Belfast's most stylish bar and restaurant.

 

 

 

Although it is still early evening, judging by the atmosphere, food and crowd that is starting to gather here, I don't think the claim is too far of the mark.

The Apartment offers many of it's menu selections in two portion sizes which works well for me. This evening’s special is a smoked fish seasoned with Indian spices served on top of a fresh and flavorful salad.

 

 

Smoked Indian Flavored Fish

 

 

I follow this up with a small portion of Haddock Cakes served with a pea puree. Although a beer or glass of wine would be nice, with the cold weather outside, cups of warm tea make a nice compliment.

 

 

For me, no dinner is complete without desert.

A Peanut Butter Parfait sandwiched with a homemade Chocolate Chip cookie graciously does the trick.

 

 

 

The sliced parfait is so smooth and creamy with just the right of peanut butter flavor that even someone with peanut allergies might be tempted to take a stab at it.

My evening is off to a good start and I think it can only get better by touring around the city even if it is at night.

 

 

It is a beautiful cold night to do so as some of the streets have a movie set shine to them that reflects the surrounding holiday decorations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albert Clock Tower

 

 

My first stop is at Albert Clock Tower, one of Belfast's most beloved landmarks built for Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert. Do you have Prince Albert in the can? Then let him out and tell him I have found his clock tower!

 

For the sin of that lame joke I need forgiveness so I head to St Ann's, Belfast City Cathedral then a brief visit to St Patrick's Cathedral, the patron Saint of Ireland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

St Patrick’s Cathedral Belfast

 

 

 

Walking the streets, I am surprised to come across an “Occupy Belfast” camp but in a way I happy to see a peaceful protest means for this city that has known so much strife.

 

 

 

 

 

Although I imagine there is still more progress to be made, it is nice to have peace, especially this time of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St George’s Church

 

 

Facing St George's Church, I light a pipe as I learn a little about the building’s history. A famous detective once had his coats made here and I find it not only interesting but quite elementary. 

 

 

Over a pint of Guinness at The Glory Hole Bar, I just might solve the mystery for you.

Yes indeed, quite elementary my dear chap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Kingdom, New Years Eve In Edinburgh

 

I check into my hostel accommodation across the river from Edinburgh with about five hours to go before the New Year 2012 begins. Nonetheless, the celebrations have already began and plans are made with other guests to join in the fun.

Although I have a rental car, not knowing the parking situation in the city and wanting to be free of the need to drive, I opt to take the train into the city. The train station is a short distance from the hostel and with a light rain falling a group of us take the brief walk.

 

 

It's about 9 pm as we arrive in the City Center and even as the light rain continues to fall it does not even begin to dampen the spirit and joy of the already started jubilation.

 

 

 

 

I am told that the New Year celebrations began four days ago with an ongoing street party called Hogmanay. For about US$25, I am going to find out what this “Hog” thing is all about.

As we enter the “Street Party”, colorful bright fireworks are exploding in the nearby night sky. I am being pulled in all directions by lively and energizing music.

 

 

As I watch a Ferris wheel turn up the fun, a crowd to my right is enjoying the sounds of traditional Scottish music from a live band set up on a stage at the end of a street.

 

 

 

 

With food and drink vendors lined on both sides of the street, I am drawn to a basket of warm chips and a cold bottle of Crabbie's, a ginger flavored beer.

 

Not to be confused with French fries these chips topped with a mild curry sauce are much better tasting.

Although they are a bit overpriced, the Crabbie’s makes up for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock Music Venue

 

 

 

Walking towards another music venue the streets are beginning to become seriously populated as The Old Year is slowly coming to a close. Another round of fireworks explodes into the night air as I can now see the dimly lit Edinburgh Castle on a hill above us. In a crowd filled garden park below us a live concert is going on that is available for an additional charge.

 

 

Edinburgh Castle At Night

 

 

 

 

 

 

For one or two reasons I wish I were wearing a kilt as tonight it seems to come with a special rear reward slapping benefit. Very touching to say the least. All around me, this place is filled with jubilant energy that is exciting.

The crowd at my next stop is so vibrant and full of vigor that I decide this is where I want to ring in The New Year. The music has me hopping like a frog and singing along like I am a party animal then the countdown begins 10, 9, 8, 7…..

 

 

 

Edinburgh Fireworks

 

 

With a colorful bang we welcome 2012 as an unbelievable fireworks display explodes in the distance and fills the Scottish night skies. It is one of the most awesome fireworks shows that I have ever seen.

 

 

Combined with smiles, cheers and “Happy New Year” salutations makes this a heart warming and joyful experience that I am fortunate to witness.

 

 

 

 

Applauds go up as the fireworks display ends and we all join in singing Auld Lang Syne, the traditional New Year song that is from an old Scottish poem which roughly translates “Days Gone By”.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind?

Not as long as we intended to “Party All Night Long” and celebrate another year with hopefully new dreams, joy and friendships.

Edinburgh, you have made this New Year celebration one that I will never forget and in the paraphrased words of one of your countrymen.

There's a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o' thine !
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Happy 2012!

 

 

 

United Kingdom, Coastal Drive To St Andrews Scotland

 

I arrive in Edinburgh Scotland on the last day of 2011. The city is still asleep as my Continental flight from Newark, New Jersey makes a touchdown under the early morning cover of winter darkness. We have arrived so early that I find myself roaming the airport before I pick up my Thrifty Car rental.

 

It seems the morning sun is slow to arrive as I begin a coastal route drive to St Andrews. Although it is cold and the skies are overcast, the late rising sun makes the colors soothing.

 

 

 

I have crossed one of the many bridges from Edinburgh and I am now looking across a body of water towards the city.

What a surprise, I think I have just spotted the Loch Ness Monster lurking in the dark and still waters off shore below me. I am hesitant to call out the media and as it turns out, I am glad I waited.

 

 

 

Loch Ness Monster?

 

My “Nessie” is nothing more than a small marine navigation beacon that is sticking up out of the water. Darn it, I could have been famous!

 

 

The coastal route to St Andrew is very picturesque with many coastal communities with colorful houses and some surprising beautiful wide beaches.

 

 

 

 

 

I am overlooking one of these beautiful beaches from a hillside parking lot and can imagine it being even more stunning in summer.

 

 

 

 

I descend a steep guided path and it is quick to discover why no one is out for an early morning swim, the water is near freezing. However, with a low tide this is a nice area for a morning jog or stroll.

 

 

It is not long before I arrive at St Andrew the town that give birth to the sport of golfing. Quaint shops and restaurants that line both sides of main street make walking around the town fun.

 

 

 

My favorite, a candy shop that only allows 2-3 school kids inside at a time. So now I know why it’s like being a kid in a candy store.

 

 

One of the most historical building in town is St Andrew's Cathedral.

However, all that remains of this 14^th century place of worship is it's still impressive exterior walls.

 

 

 

 

 

St Andrews Cathedral

 

 

Standing inside of them I am still in awe of it's medieval grandness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nearby, there is also a sea wall where it is believed one of it's gates is haunted.

 

 

 

 

 

In St Andrew's cemetery is buried the ultimate golf legend, Tom Morris. My next stop will take me to what made Tom Morris famous or some may say it is what he made famous, St Andrew's Golf course.

 

 

Tom Morris

 

 

South Africa, Zandberg Food & Wine

 

With just a few hours left in Cape Town, I plan one more brief visit to the nearby Stellenbosch wine region. A cellar tour and lunch would be nice before flying back to Johannesburg.

 

 

My first stop is at Zandberg Winery and it becomes my only stop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impressed with the ambiance and the menu at it's restaurant, I decide to have lunch first then tour the winery afterward.

The menu offers so many wonderful options that I am secretly wishing I was a cow with a four chambered stomach.

 

 

 

 

Trio Of Puglia’s Mozzarella

 

 

For starters, The Trio Of Puglia's Mozzarella Pin Wheels is ordered. Traditional mozzarella, grilled vegetables, basil pesto, Italian anchovy, olive tapenade, Parma ham and sun dried tomatoes make taking these wheels for a spin tons of culinary fun.

While waiting for my starters to arrive, slices of a fresh warm sweet bread is served. If this bread is available in the prisons here then I am ready to start serving a life sentence. It is so, so delicious.

 

 

Next it is a bowl of Roasted Red Pepper soup that is so flavorful I am already scheming a way to steal the recipe.

Who knew a soup and red peppers could be so palette pleasing.

 

 

 

Even before my main course arrives this is turning into a 5-Star dining experience. Zandberg not only offers great food but it is also the first winery in South Africa to produce a white Merlot.This wine makes a nice compliment to my meal and I can already tell one glass of it is not going to be enough.

 

 

 

Lamb, Rosemary and Garlic Kofta

 

 

Angels are singing when my main course, Lamb, Rosemary and Garlic Kofta is presented. Organic pasture lamb, homemade linguine with an olive, anchovy tomato sauce and I am in culinary heaven.

Sing Angels, Sing!

The thought of visiting the winery is long gone as what time I have left in Cape Town needs to be spent enjoying this fabulous meal. Another glass of wine is poured and I kindly beg for more bread even if I commit a fine dining sin in doing so.

With such excellent starters and main courses, I have no doubt that a desert selection would not be just as spectacular.

 

 

Three different servings of Italian ice cream topped with a peppermint leaf finishes off a perfect lunch time meal.

 

 

 

 

Just above my table is an autographed wine crate to the owners of Zandberg restaurant that states “To the best little restaurant in the world!”. The signer, Martin Meinert is unknown to me but I would have a hard time disagreeing with his sentiment. If you dine at Zandberg you just might too.

 

 

Zandberg Compliments