On settling in.
Everyone needs to fly business class at least once. Settling in to a lie-flat seat after drinking some red wine was the height of luxury for me. I’m so glad I treated myself. Navigating JFK airport with my parents was an adventure, but everything went smoothly. I saw a nun while waiting to board and she was eating chocolate, and I thought that was a very good sign.
Settling in on the plane, I made pleasant conversation with the woman beside me. She was going to Ireland for work since she works for an Irish company. She had the coolest drink order ever (two Bloody Marys and a ginger ale) and broke down the movie she was watching with me. I wish I could have slept longer, but if that’s the only complaint I have, life is good.
Arriving in IrelandAt the Dublin airport, my email said the university bus wouldn’t pick me up until 11:55 AM. My flight got in early, around 7:30 AM, so I set about settling in for the long wait. But then someone called me and said I missed the early bus. I had no idea there was another bus! The nice man on the phone explained I could catch the next one if I headed over to Terminal 1. I was positive I’d get in trouble, but nothing happened! After only 72 hours in the country, I learned that the Irish don’t let themselves get too worked up. I’ve been freaking out over COVID restrictions. I’ve literally been making myself sick over trying to make everything perfect. Through it all, the Irish people have been kind and patient and supportive.
Since I have to restrict my movements, I ordered groceries online to have them delivered. But I missed the delivery driver and I was mortified. The stress from it kept my shoulders up by my ears. I couldn’t relax! My housemate found me sitting on the stairs like a weirdo. I’d be damned if I missed him a second time! But the driver came back around and only teased me a little bit. I need to relax and let myself make mistakes. Moving to another country is a big deal. I’m going to learn some things the hard way. What’s most important is that I enjoy my time here.
What I’ve learned so farSo I missed my slot for grocery delivery; I survived. I walked to the grocery store for toilet paper (which I forgot to order) and my GPS cut out, but I survived. I’m pretty proud of myself in all honesty. I had a little bout of homesickness last night, but I wrote about it and texted my mom, and I survived. I’m hoping living here and settling in will help me get a new perspective on life and on what I’m capable of.
Classes don’t start until September 6th, so I have time to take everything in and breathe.
Pictures Galore!
I have a big, cozy bed that took forever to make because the sheets don’t quite fit.
I have a PRIVATE BATHROOM! I’ve already made a mess of it, but how great!
These crazy, cool stairs lead to a study loft! I’ve already banged my shins a million times. They’re half steps, so I have to make sure to literally start off on the right foot.
My absolutely favorite thing about my accommodation is the balcony. I can hear the Shannon River from it.
I took a walk the other day and stumbled upon “Kilmurry Beach,” which is apparently the hidden gem of Kilmurry Village. On sunnier, warmer days, people go swimming.WritingI tried writing some yesterday, but it all felt flat. It’s going to take some time to fall back into a writing routine, and I think classes will help. I plan on emailing my publisher on September 1st, if I haven’t heard back before then.
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