The days leading up to my ten months stay in Northern Ireland, I was at home waiting anxiously for this new experience. Every time somebody would congratulate me, the first thing they would say is something along the lines of “Wow! that is amazing you get to play basketball in a foreign country that speaks the same language.” I’ve now been here for over a week speaking english and playing basketball, it is very different than what I am used to in America.
The first difference is Irish lingo blows America’s out the water, I can almost guarantee if you hear a native say the word “aluminum” it will immediately bring a smile to your face. In no way am I making fun of their accents, but more about just having some good craic. Craic basically translates to having a good time and enjoying the company or situation. As for basketball, it is still mostly similar. Two pointers count as two and three pointers still count as three, but a couple of rule changes will take awhile to get used to. Getting a grasp on the intentional foul rule and back court violation will be tough, but I am up for the challenge.
I’ve enjoyed every moment so far, and i’m looking forward to a great year!
