It’s that time of the year again – December 2023.
Time to reflect on my amazing journey through 2023 with enthusiastic visitors to my homeland Northern Ireland!
It never ceases to amaze me why so many people delight in visiting our small country. The visitor steps off the plane or ferry onto this small island with a wish list and a keen interest to see and learn so much about us and our ancient land.
Some are on a return journey while others are fresh to the views and varied cultures. Some come for a short while creating a wish to return and tarry a while. Others take the slow road spending time on every bend.
All the while I am learning so much about my land through the eyes of the visitor!
Trips around “the edge” of the island bring home the reality of life surrounded by the sea.
Our cities, some bigger than others, provide a picture of people around their buildings old and new oozing stories from every corner.
The small green fields of the countryside highlight the landscape where family farms are still worked by generation after generation. Many visitors come in search of their ancestral homesteads with a longing to walk the land of their ancestors.
It’s been a rollercoaster of a year filled with so much good conversation. laughter and strong handshakes.
it is true to say “there are no strangers here only Friends you haven’t met yet” W B Yeats.
A big thankyou to those with whom I travelled around my homeland in 2023. A good mix of local knowledge and an inquisitive traveller create great memories.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream” C S Lewis.
Have a peaceful family holiday season 2023 and step out into 2024 ready to dream and travel.
Will raise my Annual Christmas Day toast to you my friends all over the world at 3pm GMT.
Regards
Barbara (Biddy)