I miss my car

There’s no sugar coating this one. I traveled across the pond without my closest inanimate companion, or as I like to call her, Dixie. You’ve seen my videos and all the amazing experiences I’ve had and the breathtaking places I’ve visited thus far, but what I haven’t shared is the process of getting there.

I unfortunately couldn’t haul Dixie across the Atlantic like I did my golf clubs (I’m happy I got to bring those though). The methods of transportation I’ve slowly become accustomed to are not always the quickest or the most convenient. The other day I showed up to Spar with matted, wind blown hair after a 15 minute walk. Luckily I was only getting groceries, but the same has happened heading into Belfast for a night out. It’s made me think that I should probably invest in a pocket sized hairbrush. I also recognize that a 15 minute walk isn’t the most daunting, but I’ve gotten too familiar with hopping in my air conditioned Jeep whenever I please.

I’ve traded my car keys for a pair of walking shoes and rain boots that are already a wee bit worn. Dominic and I had the privilege of walking to Carrickfergus this past week, a neighboring town of Jordanstown. Our walk wasn’t the quickest as it took us over an hour to cover 4 miles, but we did stop several times to admire a few astonishing waterfront views and some overwhelmingly large houses.

I use privilege when talking about our Carrickfergus adventure because it truly is a privilege to be in Northern Ireland; to explore and to get lost only to find my way around. A car would severely limit my ability to wander as I would have a direct method of transportation getting me from point A to point B. I doubt I would’ve stopped to admire the sunny day on the beach and I definitely wouldn’t be getting my recommended 10,000 steps a day.

Regularly taking the train into Belfast, walking besides the Irish Sea to get to the grocery store and taking a taxi to coaching sessions have all been a part of my amazing experience. I’m very lucky to have a car at home, but planning how I will get to my destination here has been a journey I know I need to continue to grow more independent.

If not having Dixie here means spending the next 9 months helping youth, playing golf and traveling, I think she’ll understand when I get home why I had to leave her. I’m excited to continue to navigate my way around this amazing country and hopefully by the end I will have a better sense of direction!

P.S. in addition to missing my car I do miss a lot of other things like my family, my friends and my dog so please don’t think my car is the only thing I miss!!

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