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Irish abroad

Fresh out of a masters degree, I decided that it was time to fly the nest, and see what the world had to offer. 

I longed for major hustle and bustle, and the excitement only a melting pot city can bring.

So, naturally, I packed my bags (all 4 of them) and headed to New York, the concrete bloody jungle. 

All my life, I had dreamed of moving to New York, and even now, I've been home for almost three years – and I still plan to move back.

In fact, I'd go in the morning, given half a chance. 

But I digress…

I loved my time in the Big Apple, the city, the lights, the new and amazing friends I met, that I still speak to every week. 

I set myself up nicely, a gorgeous house with my close friends, a glamorous internship in a fashion PR company, and a cheeky bar job.

However, as amazing as my time was, there were days that I desperately longed for the comforts of home.

You find yourself missing the small, insignificant things that you'd usually take for granted. 

I missed the familiarity of home. You know exactly where your going and how you're going to get there – whether it's a bar or a party.

In NYC, I found myself whipping out Google maps for the first few months, in a desperate attempt to get to where I needed to go. 

After a while, I got the hang of it, but I still had those days where I got on the wrong subway, or took a wrong turn. 

I also missed the little comforts of home. Up until the day I moved to New York, I lived at home with my parents, my brother and my STUNNING dog. 

I never had to think about stuff like furnishing a home, buying toilet paper or even stocking the fridge – it was always done for me (yes, I know, spoiled brat etc).

So while I was away, my meals consisted of yoghurt, sparkling water, and bags and bags of pasta. Nutritious. 

I also really missed the craic. 

No offence to Americans (I love you all), but there is something truly unique about the Irish sense of humour. 

There were days where I'd spend minutes laughing at my own jokes, only to realise that my mates had absolutely no idea why it was funny. 

You know what I missed most? 

A good dose of tea and biscuits, while having the chats with my mum. 

Seems kind of silly, but there is honestly nothing I love more than coming home after a long day, and flicking the kettle on.

Pour up mugs of tea, devour the packet of chocolate digestives you have in the press, and have a good little gossip session. 

 

Yes. Yes it bloody is. #nyc #whoneedsarealman #thankssophie 

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Those special moments you share with your mum at the kitchen table, or on the couch.

Not major milestones like birthdays, the simple sweet things in life (like a great cuppa and a biscuit)

You can't beat it. 

However, New York… I'll be back, keep my seat warm. 

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That all-important first bite of your first biscuit brings an instant hit of joy to your day. And why not pass them around to family and friends? McVitie’s brings us together to with every bite of happiness – and these are the moments worth sharing.
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Two Irish holiday-makers have been killed in separate incidents abroad.

20-year-old Alex McGourty from Sligo died after his group were caught up in flash-floods while kayaking in the River Abanico, Eucador.

A search is continuing for three other kayakers, while a fifth has been found alive.

Meanwhile, police in Thailand are investigating the circumstances around the death of a Donegal woman.

Louise Furey, 27, from Glenties who had been living on the Channel Islands, was holidaying in Koh Samui when she fell from a hotel balcony.

The Glenties Community Development Group said on Facebook the town is "numb with shock".

“On these saddest of sad days in our wee town we offer our sympathies, condolences and support to the Furey family and friends on the tragic news of Louise, “ the post read.

"The town is numb with shock after the news came to town on Saturday about Louise’s accident. Sympathies to Brid, Daniel, Aine, Celine, Rosaleen, extended family,friends and her boyfriend Sam."

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is aware of both cases and is providing consular assistance.

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She’s shared makeup free selfies and had her card declined in H&M and now Adele has proven yet again that – vocal talents aside – she really is just like the rest of us.

How so?  Well, just like us, it seems the star is a sucker for adorable animals as during a recent performance at the Staples Centre in LA the singing sensation just couldn’t resist asking an Irish man and his dog to join her on stage.

Tommy O’Malley and his little dog Casper received the dream surprise over the weekend as they had the opportunity to meet, chat with and – in Casper’s case – even kiss the Hello singer.

But as excited as Tommy and Casper were to meet Adele, it seems the Grammy winner was equally chuffed with meeting them as Casper received a couple of kisses from the star as well as a good belly rub.  Aww!

Tommy took to Facebook to mark the occasion by uploading multiple pictures of he, Adele and Casper along with a treasured video clip of the experience.

We are never leaving our dogs at home again!

Feat image: Shutterstock

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Many of us know what it's like to live abroad as an Irish expat and suffer serious home sickness. 

Whether we are missing a cup of Barry's Tea or a chicken fillet roll, living abroad generally tends to mean being a bit broke, a bit lost and feeling more Irish than you have ever felt before. 

And that's the exact vibe Sean Burke plays up in his recent video Letter from an Irish Expat. 

From wishing to hear the Angelus to accidently embodying all Irish stereotypes, this video hits the nail on the head. 

Watch the gas clip below: 

 

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At this point almost all of know someone, or know someone who knows someone who has packed their bags and left our little emerald isle for somewhere else.

Apparently, new figures are saying that one in every six Irish-born people now live abroad. Which makes sense because we did seem to heading to a lot of ‘going away’ parties last year.

If you are living abroad, or ever have- even it was just that extended holiday you took back in 2005, then you will probably recognise some of these experiences:

You miss good tea:

You find yourself sitting near a window doing your best interpretation of any Irish tea company ad from times gone by, seriously nostalgic.

Your name will be butchered:

Caoimhes generally have the most difficult time. Although Caoilinn also suffers.

People will impersonate you:

They love the accent, but it’s perfectly acceptable to find the parroting a little annoying after a few months.

People will assume you know every Irish person they have ever met:

“I met a guy in Dublin once”- even if you’re from Kerry they will ask.

You will suddenly become fluent in Irish:

Sure look, they have no idea you’re just asking them if you can go to the bathroom, repeatedly.

The heat can be an issue:

It can take a while to become accustomed to a warmer climate.

Nobody knows what the craic is:

Explaining it is one thing, trying to find it is a completely different challenge.

You will talk about potatoes more than you ever did:

Get used to it.

You will confuse a lot of people:

Surprisingly nobody outside or Ireland knows what sucking diesel means. Sliced pans are also an issue.

You will become a GAA expert whether you played sport or not:

Go on, explain hurling in one sentence we dare you.

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