Those of us who have been in Belfast for over three months joke that we should qualify for residency by now. Apparently, My Lord Mayor of Belfast, Micky Murray, has other plans for us. Today he hosted a Farewell Reception for us at City Hall. (I learned that “My Lord Mayor” is the proper way to address him.)
Perhaps he’s as anxious for us to leave town as we are. (Fly little birdies, fly!) “Some of you have been here longer than I have been mayor” he quipped in his speech to us. It wasn’t a joke; he took over as mayor on June 3; most of us have been here since May. He was also grateful that thanks to us, his first three months in office will see a significant boost to the economy. And he pointed out that the Titanic was fine when it left Belfast…
All kidding aside, the lovely, warm event was a nice change of pace for these weary-of-waiting sailors.
I was especially pleased to learn that he is the first openly gay mayor of Belfast. Go Belfast!
Photo by Monica
John and Melody. Photo by Paul
10 responses to “Hobnobbing With The Lord”
Yay! You look great and relaxed and what an adventure! Sending love…
Thanks for the love! Hope all is going well with you-
Love the Irish warmth, sensibility and playfulness! So glad you had extra time there and met the Lord Mayor! xo
Definitely agree about the Irish warmth!
Wonderful experience!
Wish you were here with us, Rami
What a hoot! Belfast has now set a high bar for other ports-of-call. Mayors in those cities had better put departuters of V V on the schedule.
They definitely have set a high bar. But I think there is probably a minimum-stay requirement to warrant this kind of treatment. And I sure hope we won’t be spending three months in each port!
I am with you all in spirit !
Looking forward to having you back soon, Pat.