Highs and lows on Belfast trip

We flew on Continental in coach from Newark, New Jersey, to Belfast, Northern Ireland, departing at 9:30 p.m. on March 27, 2008.

Worst cabin crew ever. Not a smile or kind word. In the middle of the night I went to the galley and requested a small amount of Coke. Three attendants looked at me with daggers in their eyes. Finally, one got me the glass of cola, with not a word spoken. The lights were on in the cabin until three hours into the flight, so it was hard to sleep.

Our April 1 return on Continental was in business/first class — wonderful, of course.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Belfast (22 Ormeau Ave., Belfast, BT2 8HS, Ireland; phone 888/465-4329 or visit www.ichotels group.com) at a special group rate of £128 (near $253) per night. Four-star? What a joke. Dirty carpet, lousy service, and a front desk staff who knew nothing about the city.

Hotels in the area all were expensive, and since our trip occurred during the World Irish Step Dancing Competition, all were booked.

We loved our black cab tour with Paddy Campbell, owner of Belfast Black Cab Tours (phone +44 [0] 799 095 5227 or visit http://belfast blackcabtours.co.uk). For £150 ($296) we went out to the coast and the Giant’s Causeway. They also provided us transfer to the airport for £25 ($50).

The Belfast Wheel was great fun. Offering a good view of the city, it makes four revolutions on the 12-minute ride. Each capsule can carry up to eight people. (It’s located on the east side of the Belfast City Hall. £6.50. Purchase tickets on site, by calling 028 9031 0607 or at www.worldtouristattractions.co.uk.)

We attended the Titanic Made in Belfast Festival, an annual event. Inquire about local tours to sites associated with the ship.

The Victoria Square shopping mall had opened just before our trip. Good architectural design. And there’s a wonderful view from the top observation deck. Go at night also.

We enjoyed eating at several places in the city.

Deane’s Bistro (42-44 Bedford St.; phone 028 9024 8800) — wonderful. We ate there twice. Excellent fish. £20 ($39) and up for an entrée.

John Hewitt’s Pub (51 Donegall St.) — great lunch. Again, the fish was excellent. £5-£8.

Avoca (10 Bedford St.) — a beautiful shop with a restaurant and salad bar, but we only got their yummy desserts to go (£2-£3).

Archana (53 Dublin Rd.; phone 028 90 323 713, www.archana. co.uk) — wonderful Indian food. Meals £6-£20 ($12-$39).

Interesting note — I have never seen so many Oriental restaurants except in China, but very few Italian!

We had two glorious sunny days out of five on this visit.

LORRAINE GOLOMB

Belleair, FL