Decades erased

Lola and I worked together at a newspaper in Kansas City in the early 90s. Since then, we corresponded by handwritten letter for many years. Then it became the odd email. But we never lost track of each other as we moved to successive cities.

Two years ago she moved to Portugal with her husband. And this weekend she came to visit me! You know how it is with old friends – you pick up where you left off. We communicate at a level that is effortless and joyful. We are so eager to know about each other's lives and experiences.

I picked her up Friday afternoon and we visited 10 of Belfast's best pubs. We had drinks in only two though. Saturday was meant to be stormy so we chatted away the morning then went to a film in the afternoon. Io Capitano – the distressing tale of two Senegalese teenagers making their way to Europe. Then out to dinner at the Woodworker's pub, then a walk around Queen's and Botanic Garden (photo above). Saturday night I introduced Lola to Our Flag Means Death, which I think is very well written and amusing. I didn't realise the star was also a lead in Flight of the Concords.

Sunday was a fine day so we drove the Antrim Coast, starting in Ballycastle and stopping at Murlough Bay for a picnic lunch.

The headland in the distance is Fairhead.

Then south through Cushendall, Cushendun, Glenarm and Carnlough, where we stopped for an early dinner.

Our conversations cover religion, politics, pharmaceuticals (Lola is a health care reporter), our families, efforts to keep fit, Lola's husband's work on documentaries, books we've read, films we've seen, former colleagues – the whole kitchen sink.

I was very sad to leave her back to the airport Monday morning. But Portugal isn't that far away.

5-8 April.