Now that I have been on the isle of Ireland for close to a month, and in my new home of Letterkenny for upwards of 3 weeks I can fairly say I am comfortably settled in. Moving to a different country (when you have never even been outside of your own) comes with its apprehensions. However in my time here I have come to love all the subtle and not-so-subtle nuances of this place. Due to its rural nature, every person familiar with Ireland told me that living in Co. Donegal would be “interesting” as to say I may not have much to do. However what they failed to realize is that I grew up in the sticks and am perfectly comfortable here. Outside of basketball my days in Letterkenny have been filled with catching up on reading/artwork, socializing with the townspeople and enjoying the beautiful scenery (as I am writing this I am looking out my window into the incredibly green and surprisingly sunny Irish countryside, picture attached below). In today’s digital age of constant contact and hustle and bustle it has been nice disconnecting a bit and learning to love the simple things. Back in the States I could count on one hand the amount of times I sat outside a cafe on a beautiful day and just read a book, out here that has become a staple of my day. For a place that some said “will not take more than a day to see everything” there is a plethora of restaurants, bars, shops and activities, most of which I have yet to experience. One place that I can say I have discovered with full conviction is Burrito Loco. Offering a 5€ special on burritos, tacos and other Mexican delicacies I have found myself within their walls on several occasions (I already have a loyalty card, 6 more burritos and I get one free).
Classes have yet to begin for me, so I will have a bit more time to figure out the ins and outs of Letterkenny and Co. Donegal. Before this beautiful weather ends I plan on making a trip to the nearby beaches and some of the national parks for a hike. People have said with a somewhat negative connotation that life out here simple, but lucky for me, that’s the way I like it. Excited to see what I can see next (after my next stop to Burrito Loco of course).
