A couple miles from my house sits Stormont, the home of the Northern Ireland Assembly. Although Great Britain retains certain governmental powers (such as taxation and foreign policy), Northern Ireland manages issues such as health, education, and agriculture. Stormont, built in 1932, is the place where the Northern Irish government gathers to make its decisions.
Every morning, the bus takes me past the Stormont estate. It can take you by surprise if you’re not expecting it. The streets of brick houses and shops suddenly give way to a press of green trees bound by a wrought-iron fence. And almost as quickly as the fence appears, it broadens and grows into a massive gate with clean-cut stones, ponderous lanterns, and heavy iron doors. The road leading from the gate to Stormont is a mile long, bordered by two straight strips of sidewalk and lines of thick-trunked trees. Even from the gate, you can see the grand building of Stormont presiding over its estate, over both politicians and dog-walkers. It is dramatic and regal—a parliamentary Pemberley, almost.
I love walking here, especially now that the leaves are beginning to turn.
 |
| Looking down from Stormont |
 |
| Another view of Belfast from Stormont |
This looks like one of the coolest places ever! Thanks for sharing it :)
ReplyDeleteHi Allison, it's great to finally find your blog, thanks to you dad and mom last nite at church. I've been occasionally going to the pcusa.org, Northern Ireland, but now I know better and speaking of that do the Ps know you're doing an M C on Sundays? Freedom of Religion on that side of the big water, too, this is good.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are beautiful. I especially like the "Another view of Belfast..." and the third up; the the row of trees, the canopy of trees and fall colours covering the lawn. A beautiful day, we had one of those here in Mount Vernon this fall.
I haven't shared your blog with Janet yet seeing as to how it's after midnite and she is the one going to work around here but she will enjoy your writing, too.
Ttyl,
Steve