Bought a car in Ireland - how hard was that!
Dear Journaling Friends,
Leaving Antigua was something that just seem to happen. Perhaps a little carelessly we tossed one life aside and leapt at the opportunity to move to Ireland. It seemed like th easy choice. The Universe has been sending signals and I have been dreaming and wishing. Now it has happened. Flights, hotels and bookings lie behind us. The future is in front. Now we are at our new home in Ireland. Our belongings are on a ship somewhere in the middle. They are not needed yet. There is too many other hurdles to climb before I arrange knick-knacks in the house.
A fond welcome to Ireland from slightly excited parents
In this short video I share the process of buying a car in Ireland. This is not for everyone of course! Just people who have recently moved to Ireland, like ourselves. My husband is a bit of a car fanatic so it was heart-breaking to go through the process of being beaten by the cost of car insurance and road tax that is the norm in Ireland. We have realised that it is just a process and that next year we will be more welcome into the driving community that we were this time.
Our first two weeks in Ireland have been spent largely in car yards and online searches, with the car insurance companies on speed dial. We have done some miles, spent some money and finally given the rental car back. Step One Complete.
As we go through the process of moving to Ireland, I welcome any questions you have. Just comment below so that it can be an open discussion. I have been following the Irish Times Abroad section for months and know that returning to Ireland is a dream for many. As we live that 'dream' there are obstacles to climb and hoops to jump through. I would like to make that path easier for you. Ireland is a great country and worth the effort for the peace of mind.
My reasons to return to Ireland are steeped in nostalgia and romanticism. Famously I have been told that I see Ireland through rose tinted glasses. My favourite comment on The Irish Times article last week was "Does that mean that there is a job going in Antigua?!". As I say in the article, so many in Ireland dream of leaving, yet most Irish abroad dream of coming home.
Initial reactions: there is no place like home. It is perfect. I am ready and grounded and embarking on the journey to integration. I am full of terror too. When the kids come to me crying that they miss their life and friends in Antigua it breaks my heart. My daughter said that I moved the whole family back to Ireland because I was homesick. They don't feel Irish - it is just another place for them. I hope that this country will settle into their hearts. The life of an emigrant is fraught with doubt.