Halloween in Belfast falls in the middle of the school term which means that schools and programs often take a break this week. This week I have only Alpha on Wednesday and a little bit of work to do at the Trust. I'm also hoping to catch up on blogs, journalling, reading, planning for the Christmas play, and general thoughtful type things that I push aside during a normal week. When I first realized that I had all this unexpected free time I was overwhelmed. There are so many things to do and see in and around Belfast. But I'm taking the advice of David Smith and just letting myself enjoy it.
The enthusiasm surrounding Halloween is infectious. For weeks my roommates have been discussing their costumes and we even decorated our little place on Thorndale. The kids at the Trust have been talking about what they will be and drawing pictures to plan their costumes. Every time we go out to play basketball in the street we're asked what we're going to be. So yesterday I planned my costume and along with my roomies put together my outfit for tonight.
I have always loved Halloween, probably because it is an excuse to give children candy and go crazy over the "creativity" of their costumes.
Store bought costumes have always been a bit of a cop out to me, maybe because my mom used to let me put on whatever my little heart desired to parade around to the 3 or 4 neighbors we had. She was always so accepting and encouraging of my innovative mind. So after brainstorming with the roommates I decided to be a black eyed pea. See my black eye and my block letter P!
We got dressed up with the same excitement as little kids who have been waiting all week to pull out the sheets and masks. I was pleased to explain my costume to a family we met in the queue for the bus and even more excited when it made them laugh. "Isn't that a rock group?" Asked the little girl. "Yeah, but it's also a vegetable," responded Alison. We took a bus into City Centre and a shuttle to the Odyssey where they were hosting festivities in the car park such as fire baton twirlers, people on stilts, bands, and games.
We stood in the 37 degree weather watching the huge fireworks display coordinated to music. As we walked back to the shuttle we saw some great costumes including a banana, Uncle Sam, a robot (classic fridge box with tinfoil!), a pest control squad, and a penguin. There is solidarity in looking silly in a costume.
Tonight the electricity of joy and excitement was thick in the air of Belfast. Families were out with little ghosts, skeletons, and princesses up on shoulders craning to see the fireworks. You know the times of year when people walk with a smile in their step because their just so full of happiness? I loved being around to see that tonight and to see Halloween come alive in a different, vibrant way.
More and more as I live in my corner of Belfast, I love and appreciate this city. I remember that what Neely and I particularly loved about Europe the first Furman Singers tour was the little cafes and quirky shops. I love Belfast City centre for it's coffee, quirky shops including great finds at Primark, the lights around City Hall at night, the sculpture of the woman on the globe overlooking the Lagan River, the lights on the water, and the way it's a thriving city but it still feels small enough that you don't feel insignificant. I love the outgoing and friendly nature of people who speak to you on a bus and smile at your costume. I love my walk to the bus at Yorkgate and the people I pass opening stores or seeing the children playing outside at the nursery school. I love soaking in the things about this place that I will miss in tiny moments of my life when I return home.
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