Man, what a day! I’m an ichthyologist, right? So, I’m all about fish and stuff. But today? Today was a whole different kettle of fish.
Started off in the morning, bright and early. I’m talking about 7 AM, and I’m already regretting my life choices. I’m in Belfast, and it’s raining. Surprise, surprise! Classic Belfast weather. I mean, it’s like the sky’s got a personal vendetta against me. I grab my coffee from some wee café on Donegall Place. The barista? Total legend. He gives me a free scone. Bless him!
So, I’m buzzing, right? I head over to the Belfast Waterfront. Gonna check out some fishy stuff. But as I’m walking, I trip over a cobblestone. Like, who even thought that was a good idea? I’m sprawled out on the ground, looking like a total muppet. A couple of tourists laugh. I give them the ol’ “I’m fine” thumbs up, but inside, I’m fuming.
Finally, I get to the Waterfront. It’s beautiful, honestly. The River Lagan is glistening, and I’m thinking, “This is it! This is why I love fish!” But then, I see a sign. “No fishing allowed.” Are you kidding me? I’m an ichthyologist! I need to study these fish! I’m about to throw a tantrum like a toddler.
After that, I decide to take a stroll down the Titanic Quarter. You know, where the Titanic was built? It’s kinda cool, but also kinda sad. I mean, that ship was a total disaster. I can’t help but think about all the fish that got caught up in that mess. Poor fish.
Then, I bump into this guy named Paddy. He’s got a thick accent and a big smile. We start chatting about fish, and he’s like, “You know, I once caught a salmon that was this big!” He stretches his arms out like he’s trying to hug a whale. I laugh, but I’m also like, “Dude, you’re full of it.”
Paddy invites me to a pub on the corner of Ormeau Road. I’m thinking, “Why not?” I mean, it’s Belfast, and the pubs are legendary. We get there, and it’s packed. Live music, people dancing, and I’m just trying to enjoy a pint. But then, some guy spills his drink all over me. I’m soaked! I’m ready to lose it, but then I see the band. They’re playing “Zombie” by The Cranberries. I can’t help but sing along.
After a few pints, I’m feeling good. I’m chatting with Paddy, and we’re swapping fish stories. He tells me about this time he caught a trout in the River Lagan. I’m like, “Dude, that’s awesome!” But then, he starts talking about how he once saw a fish jump out of the water and land on a guy’s head. I’m dying laughing.
But then, the night takes a turn. I get a call from my boss. Apparently, there’s been a fish emergency. Some rare species has been spotted in the Belfast Lough, and they need me to check it out. I’m like, “Are you serious? I’m in a pub!” But duty calls, right?
So, I say goodbye to Paddy and head out. I’m walking along the Lagan, and it’s dark. I’m thinking about how I’m gonna look for fish in the dark. But then, I see it. A flash of silver in the water. My heart races. I’m like, “This is it!” I whip out my phone to take a pic, but it’s too quick.
I spend the next hour trying to catch a glimpse. I’m knee-deep in the water, and I’m freezing. But I’m determined. Finally, I see it again! It’s a beautiful fish, shimmering under the moonlight. I’m ecstatic! I snap a quick pic, and I’m like, “Yes! This is why I do what I do!”
By the time I get back to my hotel, I’m exhausted. But I can’t stop smiling. Belfast, you’ve been a wild ride. From tripping over cobblestones to fish emergencies, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, here I am, in my hotel room, thinking about tomorrow. What other adventures await? Who knows? But one thing’s for sure: Belfast, you’ve got my heart. And maybe a bit of my soggy pants too.