Tuesday 12 June 2012

I'm back...

I have just had a brilliant long weekend in Belfast and Northern Ireland. I met a friend and her two friends, to go to Focusfest. This was the second year that I have been invited by the group, so it was really nice that we knew each other, and that the others knew who they were getting in this English girl! Obviously we were going to make a weekend of this, so I was up bright and early last Friday morning and was over in Belfast by 9.30am! I met up with the girls and we had a great morning looking around the Titanic Belfast. The building is striking and houses a large exhibition, centred around the building and subsequent sinking of the Titanic. It was pouring with rain so we were glad to be under cover. 
Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast
Once we had finished looking around the exhibition we went to our hotel and had a good cup of Ulster tea and tray bakes (NI hospitality is legendary and always consists of home baking. I nearly died of cake overdose when I got engaged to my husband as we had to visit all his relatives before we got married!). Friday evening and all day Saturday was spent at Focusfest, but on Saturday afternoon I snuck away to meet up with Judith and Sarah. I am sure that some of you may have read their posts about our time together. 
Sarah,Di (me) and Judith
We had the most fabulous time talking non-stop for three hours, over one cup of coffee . It was such good fun. It is so nice just to 'click' and chat away, as if we have known each other for years. We had a bit of fun trying to get a photo of us together, as the first gentleman we asked, just turned off our cameras. We decided that we needed to ask a younger person with techie skills, so Judith made a bee line for a chap in the menswear department. He didn't dare say no!!!!! We must have terrified him!


Whilst we were together Sarah gave me a wee pressie of a travel tea bag holder (I don't think that is the correct terminology but I can't think of the proper name). Isn't it beautiful? Sarah is a very talented lady.
 
Sunday, was spent with my friend and her family. In the afternoon, we sat outside and enjoyed the warm sunshine. I flew back late yesterday afternoon but was able to see my Mother in Law in the morning. My MIL is elderly and frail. It was a real joy to see her looking well (she has been in poor health for a while now) and being able to chat with her. My big adventure is now over and I have turned back into Mum/Wife, however, it was nice to be out and about and have no responsibilities for a while! 
Di xo

7 comments:

  1. What a great escape but two weekends in a row! How on earth did you pull that one off?

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  2. my best friend comes from Belfast and I'm dying for a trip there with her. What's FocusFest?

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  3. So thrilled you had such a great time! Sorry it's back to the normal stuff, but not long til play time again! :) See you soon x

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  4. So glad that you had a fab time.
    That tea holder is fantastic xxxx

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  5. I'm sure the men in your life are glad to have you back. Very much enjoyed meeting with you at the weekend! I don't have a better name for the tea bag thingy either - usually I call it a Tea bag wallet but it should have a better name of it's own. If your not a Tea drinker you could try After Eights (I'm always up for chocolate)!

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  6. You certainly packed a lot in! Thank you for taking time out to see me and Sarah! It was a lot of fun! Hope your return to the daily grind has been ok! Jxo

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  7. Lucky you, it sounds like a great weekend.

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