2 (25) Swedish version
	On July 3 1993, late afternoon, we arrived in Belfast after a three hours train ride from Connolly Station in Dublin. My cousin and travel companion Östen's friend Florence met us at the Central Railway Station. "It is eight years since we had such a violent loyalist uprising as the one we have now," she said. "I'm sorry, but Belfast is turned upside-down at the moment." At once we got acquainted with the worst aspect of Belfast and Ulster: check points, armoured cars and paratroopers ready for combat and flak-jacketed cops. A city under siege — and yet, even if you are in Belfast during a period of troubles, you will be amazed by the way people carry on their ordinary duties and enjoyments. Belfast is so different from the staccato facts we receive on the news. As if people know that if they are persistent enough, normal life will prevail in the long run.
	First published: Sunday 27th October, 1996. Send a to the author! You may also use this form