From coast to coast

One of the main reasons that motivated me to choose Queen’s as my university was because it is located in Belfast. Beyond the academic reasons that this city meant for the development of my career and professional life; as well as its history, culture and reconciliation processes, the fact that it is located at a coastal point and crossed by a river, was very attractive to me because my city of origin has these same characteristics.

^{Catching a sunset at a beach close to Barranquilla}

I come from the Caribbean, from a city in the north of Colombia named Barranquilla, bordered by the Caribbean Sea, and crossed by the Magdalena River, being called the Golden Gate of Colombia because historically its maritime and river access made its port a magnet for foreigners who could travel along the river throughout the country. The nostalgia for the Caribbean in which I was born and raised was one of the sources of inspiration for choosing Belfast as my destination of residence, a city whose history, like Barranquilla, is marked by its river and its sea.

^{Northern Irish coast}

The River and the Sea

Belfast has a rich maritime and river history that has been essential in its economic development by facilitating trade and transport. For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Belfast was known for its shipbuilding industry, most notably the construction of the famous ocean liner RMS Titanic at the Harland and Wolff shipyards.

This, among many other things, has made the sea and the Lagan River of fundamental importance in the historical, cultural, and commercial development of the city. In Barranquilla, like Belfast, the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea are vital to the city due to their role in trade, tourism, recreation, and the provision of natural resources.

^{Magdalena River at Barranquilla boardwalk}

Being close to the sea and the river in Belfast has made it easier for me to get acquainted with the city. Walking the harbour and the trails next to the Lagan River has become one of my favourite activities in the city. I really enjoy sitting in a café in front of the marina near the Titanic Museum, watching the small boats go by, and then walking along the road to the port to catch up to see the sunset. It reminds me a lot of my life walking along the boardwalk of Barranquilla where I used to do these same things.

^{Lagan River trail in Belfast}

The weather

The weather on these two coasts is very different. The weather in Belfast is temperate oceanic with cool summers and mild winters, characterised by regular rainfall throughout the year. On the other hand, Barranquilla, located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, has a humid tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year and a marked dry season and a rainy season, where humidity and rainfall are significantly higher.

^{Sunset at Belfast Harbour}

These differences have significantly influenced the way I dress, having to change from completely tropical and fresh outfits appropriate for the heat of Barranquilla to wearing jackets and scarves for the temperatures of Belfast that I am not used to. Fortunately, both cities have their charm with their respective weather, and both allow you to do any type of activity of your preference. As the German saying goes, there is no weather but inadequate clothing.

Culture

Something that I value about both cities is because they are ports, they have historically managed to become recipients of migrants of various nationalities, so their cultural influence is significantly determined by their migratory flows. In Belfast, the Irish and British influence is evident in its architecture, literature, and traditions.

^{The Duke of York bar}

In Barranquilla, the city has been influenced by indigenous, African, and European cultures, which is reflected in its gastronomy, music, and art. Music and dance play a central role in both cultures, in Belfast, it is influenced by its political and religious history, characterised by its rich literary tradition, folk music, and festivals that reflect its Irish identity. In Barranquilla culture, genres such as cumbia and vallenato are integral to its cultural identity.

^{Barranquilla's Carnival with my friends}

The food

Despite being on different continents and having distinct cultural histories, both Belfast's and Barranquilla's cuisine reflect diverse influences and a variety of flavours. Both cities have dishes that incorporate local ingredients, such as fresh fish and seafood, which are important due to their coastal location.

In Belfast, I've been able to enjoy the ‘Ulster Fry’ which has bacon, sausages, eggs, and fries. In Barranquilla, the cuisine includes dishes such as "sancocho de pescado" and "arepa de huevo". Both cities have also experienced culinary influences from other cultures throughout their history, which is reflected in the diversity of their gastronomic offerings.

^{Ulster Fry}

Belfast and Barranquilla are wonderful cities that share certain similarities due to their respective geographical locations, although they make them very different at the same time. In both I find a home and from both I am grateful for the closeness to the sea and the river that they have; and their respective cultures, especially in their emphasis on music as an integral part of their identity.

^{Bandeja Paisa, a Colombian dish that reminds me of the Ulster Fry}

They reflect the diversity of cultural influences in their respective regions, which is manifested in festivals, events and a variety of musical genres that are an important part of the life of the city. I'm proud of where I come from and lucky that Belfast is my home.

Find out more

Student life in Belfast

Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!