Having been back in the UK for about a week now, I’ve had a little while to let my thoughts settle.

For the previous 4 months, I have been living in a scenic, somewhat isolated area of Connemara, with very, very little intrusion from TV, Radio, commercialism and the whole celebrity culture and social media thing.

My immediate thoughts after disembarking from the ferry in Wales and driving home to Bath:

• Roads feel congested, cramped, competitive, suffocating and rushed – why is everyone in such a rush. What and who for. So many cars. For the first time in a long, long time I have a person tailgating. The driver over takes, only to be replaced by another tailgater behind me. Where are they in such a hurry to get to? I have not missed this.

• Everything is vying for my attention. The Radio stations seem exaggerated in every aspect, with DJs trying very hard to make things sound interesting.

• Adverts at the side of the road all want a piece of me!

An email I sent after arriving home:

“Hey! Got back about 8pm! Ferry was ROUGH!!! Such a crap journey home driving-wise too, stopped by sniffer dogs who got set lose in the back of the van. Took forever driving home, got stuck at roadworks in Wales, then Bristol due to protest marches and BOTH of my headlights failed, so driving home on the motorway with NO light other than main beam, blinding everyone! Anyway, made it home after about 7 hours of driving, plus 4 hours of ferry. Zzzzzzzzz. Amazing experiences had though. Love my van so much 😊 Am going to treat it to some new oil when I can. It’s like my horse or a good friend as it’s the only thing / person that has shared most of the experiences with me! Feels really super weird to be back, but it’s lush to be in familiar territory and see my mum and dad 😃. Actually surprised at how much I’m looking forward to getting in to my own bed in a min! Got home and have talked to parents for the last three hours straight. They have had enough and gone to bed. Haha. I’m falling asleep in my chair, so must go. Thanks again for the good times and letting me stay.”

Other musings:

• UK is always on, and it is hard to switch it off. Ireland is laid-back without a constant bombardment. I prefer to choose to enable the stimulation when I want it.

• Getting in to my own bed is a sweet, simple experience. Made me smile!

• English money is really big compared to euros! £20 notes are like sheets of wallpaper.

• Leaving Ireland is similar to leaving a partner. There’s the aching feeling of loss, mixed with feelings of gratefulness at memories experienced and trusting the decision to move on.

• I’ll miss the authenticity and unpretentiousness of the people. The attitude and genuineness. The scenic west in particular.

• I have found something to aim for.

 

Thanks Ireland. I shall miss you, but I shall return for “Phase Two” as soon as I am able.

Thanks for everyone who has kept up to date and commented.

So, this concludes the adventure. For now 🙂

Sláinte!! (Cheers in Irish)

xxx

To be continued………….