In 2015, I met my friend Kiley while working at the Bryn Mawr dining hall. I’m a New Yorker and she’s a New Jerseyan – it was love at first sight. Over the past ten years, we’ve never lived in the same place, yet we’ve always remained close. After Bryn Mawr, we both landed in Massachusetts—me in Boston, her in Cambridge. A few years later, we transitioned to the DMV—me in Baltimore, her in Washington, D.C. And when I found out I was moving to Dublin for the Mitchell, she learned she was heading to Cambridge, U.K. for work. In a stroke of pure serendipity, we’ve somehow spent the last five years living no more than an hour apart.
A few months ago, I visited her in Cambridge, exploring antique shops and graveyards. Soon, she’ll take the short flight to see me in Ireland. It’s made me realize something I hadn’t expected—despite moving across an ocean, those closest to me have remained just that: close.
Friends & Family Who Have Visited Me
My first visitor in Ireland was Gabrielle, my partner, who generously helped me move into my dorm. Since then, she’s visited twice more—and she’ll be back one last time to help me move out (yes, she’s an angel!). Together we have explored Galway, Ireland’s vintage stores, and the Dublin Zoo. In the fall, my cousin Ariadne and I visited the Cliffs of Moher in torrential rain and wind, stopped by Phoenix park to catch a glimpse of the deer, and toured Kilmainham Gaol. It was our first time having a sleepover since we were kids.
In December, my high school friend Margaret visited, and on a whim, we took a trip to Edinburgh, where we spent far too much money on paperback books we definitely didn’t have space for in our luggage. In Dublin we visited St Stephen’s Green, and enjoyed beef & Guinness stew. This month, my cousins Stacey and Vasoula brought my nephew Luca to visit, treated me to a stay in a haunted inn, and drove me to Cork so we could kiss the Blarney stone.
Most recently, my twin sister Christina decided to spend her spring break with me. After checking out the Irish Emigration Museum, today we explored Wicklow, watched a sheepdog demonstration and held baby lambs. Before I leave, I expect to welcome at least a few more friends. Having visitors has been the best excuse to step away from my laptop, take time off from work, and explore this beautiful island.
I originally assumed moving to Ireland would mean sacrificing my relationships in order to build new ones here. Little did I know, I had nothing to worry about.
