Belfast steals the show – for now...
WITH more uncertainty in the travel sector, you may have missed some stories amid the Zoom and gloom. So here’s a quick update on a handful of the more uplifting news items.
■ THE Whooper swans are back in Ireland, some arriving from as far away northern Russia. The very essence of winter in the wetland areas, their sound is a symphony of sound.
OK, OK, some might say cacophony. But Tchaikovsky would have opted for the former. It’s believed that his Nutcracker Suite from Swan Lake was in part inspired by his listening to a group of Whoopers in a lake in Russia.
■ WHILE still on the subject of music, Derry people are very upset that Belfast has been named a UNESCO City of Music and their city hasn’t. Particularly as Belfast used Derry musicians, including Phil Coulter and the odd Undertone, in their bid to land the title.
But is Derry as musical as Belfast? Would it deserve such a UNESCO title? Maybe. Our first Eurovision winner was Dana from Derry; Josef Locke, born Joseph McLaughlin, was a Derry man, and Charlie McGee, who traded under the name of ‘Charlie McGee and his Gay Guitar’, was from the city. One of the most popular entertainers in Ireland mid 20th century, The Homes of Donegal was his big number — so much so that at a concert in the US he was billed as Mr Homes from Donegal.
As it happens, Charlie was a firstclass footballer, turning out for Sligo Rovers and Coleraine United. When his playing career came to an end he ran the family pub in Derry, and it was there that a momentous event occurred. During the 2nd World War US troops were stationed in Derry — and Charlie bought a guitar from a GI who was a customer at the pub.
Another regular was Charlie’s longtime friend, fellow Derry man Danny Gallagher — father of guitarist Rory. In my opinion that makes Derry the clear winner and it should immediately be awarded the title of UNESCO City of Musical Magnificence.
■ THE Kentucky Coal Museum in Benham in Eastern Kentucky has been converted to run on solar energy. Well done Kentucky.
■ A NEW historical quarter and waking route for Kilmainham and Inchicore has been unveiled. Inchicore has been called the Venice of Ireland — as often as Venice has been called the Inchicore of Italy. But never mind, the new walking route certainly looks as if it has legs.
■ NO ROOM at the inn: sadly, if you’re thinking of going to Bethlehem this Christmas, one inn where you won’t be able to get lodgings is the Walled Off Hotel, designed by street artist Banksy.
The name is a reference to the Israeli West Bank Wall which it overlooks, as well as being a nod to the Waldorf luxury hotel chain.
Billed as having ‘the worst view of any hotel in the world’, the interior of the Walled-off Hotel features art by Banksy, Sami Musa and Dominique Petrin.
One of Banksy’s original paintings at the hotel was subsequently sold at Sotheby’s for €2.6 million.
Because the hotel contains so many valuable pieces of art, guests must leave a $1,000 deposit. As the website puts it: ‘All rooms will be inspected prior to departure, so please allow at least 15 minutes for check-out. The artwork here has been donated to the community and their struggle & any person found attempting to steal from them, or deface hotel property, will be arrested, transported to the police station in Ramallah and prosecuted to the full extent of local law.’
Not often you get a warning like that at a hotel.
On the plus side, the hotel adds: ‘This place is the centre of the universe — every time God comes to earth it seems to happen near here. The architecture and landscape are stunning, the food delicious and the current situation remarkable and touching. This is a place of immense spiritual and political significance — and very good falafel. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.* (* not actually legally enforceable).’
Most European governments (Ireland included) reckon that it’s a safe area to visit but warn against taking part in any demonstrations, if that’s what you’re into.
As it happens, because of Covid, the hotel is not taking guests currently, but facilities — including the museum, art gallery and piano bar — can be used by anyone and are currently open, if you’re in the area.