Why Would You Move To Ireland?
I talked about it with Sharyn of Your Style Your Story...
here
touched on it a bit in this interview with Miriam O’Gara...
hereand in my
last blog No jobs, No place to live, we Began our Journey Living in Ireland.
It seems that when Irish people ask me where I am from they are absolutely gobsmacked that I left California at all, let alone to live in Ireland.
On the flip side, anyone in California is amazed and so proud of me for moving to such a beautiful place like Ireland.
For many people Ireland is a magical land they only dream about visiting. Those that have visited have fallen in love with The Emerald Isle and dream of returning. One of my long time Massage Therapy clients came to Ireland on a tour, having no ties here, she felt like she was home the moment she stepped foot on the ground.
For me it was a dream too.
My Mother grew up in Co. Westmeath, one of 9 children and emigrated to the States in her 20’s for new (or any) opportunities like so many at the time. This was long before the Celtic Tiger. She settled in San Francisco, got married and had a family. She was a teacher so we had many summertime adventures from camping, driving cross country and of course visiting family in Ireland. We were very lucky to have the time to be in Ireland for the whole of our summer break.
During this time we would soak up the local activities like getting messages for my Granny, enjoying one of four television stations, trying strange sweets, and hanging out in the road with cousins and other children. As we grew up we would get to try other activities like the Pub or walking to a popular nightclub or anywhere my cousins thought were cool. We did hit a few tourist spots like Newgrange or take the train to Dublin for the day. Many memories were made. We were sad to leave every time.
Having visited so many different times in my life it seemed only natural that my husband and I would plan a trip for our first wedding anniversary in 2007, his first time travelling outside of the United States. He loved it and I loved seeing much more of the country, just he and I.
A seed was planted. Over the years we returned for family reunions and weddings and started talking about ...maybe someday we could live here…dreams turned into discussions which turned into planning and then the reality that the soonest we could move would be summer 2017. More discussions on the benefits of waiting a little longer ...sigh… and then the benefits of not waiting any longer.
We quit our jobs, sold our house, packed our things and got a plane...no jobs….no place to live and trusted it would all work out.
Spoiler: It has all worked out. We love living in Ireland.
When people ask, Why would you move to Ireland?
I tell them how much we love it here and how beautiful Ireland is, which they usually take a moment to realise that they are blessed having grown up in such a magical place filled with tradition and troubles. Many rejoice on any sunny day to contrast the rainy ones. The amazing beaches and forest walks. Language and lore to make your heart sing. As well as, how freaking hot and expensive it is actually living in Northern California.
Stay tuned. I might have to tackle ….Irish sayings that Americans just don’t understand….just for the craić