Day 3: Belfast - WhoWhatWhereWhenWhy

Who what where when why, or W5 for short, is a children's discovery/science centre in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast. Ronja had been there before with her granny, but her parents had missed it, and more to the point, the area for children her age was closed for renovation. So high time for a visit. We brought a packed lunch (there's ample space to enjoy your own lunch inside, as well as a cafe) which we ate before setting off to explore.

Levitation

The highlight: the 'SPAR'

Mmm, plastic croissant

Highlight #2: Water

"Now, you see, if they would just reopen the line through Dumfries, like this, our journey to Harrogate would be much quicker". "Yes, Silas, but what's the cost-benefit ratio"?

More plastic food

Caught in a trap...

We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo

Belfast Zoo is set upon a hill. A big hill. Those who made it to the top were rewarded with ice cream.

The highlight? Sea lions.

Arrival

Our last stretch was made easier by Jonny driving us from Manchester to Birkenhead for the ferry to Belfast. No more trains, no bus, no maneuvering down escalators. When it takes you three days to make a journey (I'm not knocking train travel, it can be done in around 24 hours if you don't want to see anything or anyone along the way), arriving is a little special. We celebrated by having a good cup of coffee and breakfast at home followed by a trip to Tescos to stock up on nappies and baby food. Just doing normal, mundane things in a home country somehow feels very good.

You find me one airline with this on board. Its amazing how much energy young children have at 6 in the morning (she was by far not the only one)

Shopping in Tescos is tiring for babies...

...and early morning indoor play park explorers