Welcome to this latest March instalment of our newsletter. Neil Smith, self-proclaimed ‘lucky devil from Greystones’, took a plunge into the creative realm in South Korea. His initial impression of the Korean capital Seoul was as though he had set foot on the film set of Blade Runner. His senses were excited by the advanced city, brimming with vibrant nightlife, crammed subway lines and streets rich with diverse, bustling eateries. This was a stark departure from the Dublin scene of 2010. While many perceive Seoul as intense and chaotic, it was a melody that struck a chord with Neil. His journey there included forming a band, playing music festivals alongside bands such as Kasabian and the Foo Fighters, and casting in TV shows. Regardless, he felt propelled to retreat from this around a few years back to pursue a career in the healthcare sector at 37.
A second European language could be a great benefit, as Anna Waters discovered. She relocated to Sicily at the age of 23 after completing a language degree in Dublin and she continues to immerse herself in the rich Sicilian culture. Waters shares a commonplace narrative echoeing the lives of many young adults worldwide, “I departed Harold’s Cross in Dublin in search of financial independence that I couldn’t find there. Now, I work here as an English language assistant in secondary school.”
She explains how she landed the job via a partnership between the Irish and Italian governments. The job mandates spending ’12 hours per week assisting English teachers, effectively doing whatever tasks they assign.’ Although she didn’t intend to become a teacher, she admits that her job allows for a lifestyle that she couldn’t afford back home.
Meanwhile, Rob Allen narrates his London-based experiences working for Flutter, previously Paddy Power. Allen vividly recalls the late 2000s financial meltdown and its impact on his work, “I had friends whose families were greatly affected by the financial crisis, leading me to be engrossed in financial news since 2008.” Despite challenges including Brexit, Allen savours the energetic rhythm of London, describing it as ‘joyously unceasing’.
Allen and Waters both resonate with the sentiment that living abroad can expand horizons, offering new cultural insights and possibilities.
Julie Gilbert shares her experiences about the merits of overseas living, noting how her nine fulfilling years in the vibrant locale of Abu Dhabi brought about significant personal development. She found immense joy in the city’s enthralling sunset views and rich culinary scene – a stark contrast to her quiet life back in Mayo. Gilbert appreciated the lively cosmopolitan nature of the United Arab Emirates, where varied cultures converged to form a rainbow of narratives, enhancing her understanding of human connections.
Similarly, Laura Kennedy relays her narrative on how distant relationships back home might suffer due to geographical separation. She reminisces about her migration to Australia, likening it to a metaphorical demise. Remarkably, she remembers how some friends predicted a doomed friendship due to her impending physical absence. Despite the allure of spending a few years in Australia, Kennedy warns about potential psychological losses, since you may feel ‘ceased to exist’ as per societal perceptions.
Rosena Chamoy narrates her life-altering experience of moving to Marrakesh in 2005. What she initially thought would be a temporary stint turned into a two-decade-long adventure. Along with her spouse, Chamoy renovated a farmhouse into a successful hotel which began operations just two years post-purchase and has since attracted a global clientele.
In a closing note, the festivities of St Patrick’s Day were outlined, a global festivity celebrating Irish heritage. Munich, according to the account given by Berlin Correspondent, Derek Scally, hosts the largest Irish gathering in Europe, with over 1,500 active participants and 40,000 spectators. The Bavarian community, inclusive of numerous Irish who chose Bavaria as their new place of dwelling, finds these festivities highly enriching, as per Irish tenor Dean Power who spent ten productive years in the city. The Munich St. Patrick’s festival serves as a symbol of unity, welcoming individuals across the globe.
Thanks for your time.