I’m Icía, and my journey has brought me to Ireland. Although this isn’t my first move to a new city, it is my first time living outside of Spain—an exciting challenge I eagerly embrace.
I was born in Ourense, a small city in northern Galicia with a unique charm. Later, I moved to Madrid to study Chemical Engineering, and that period deeply marked me, not only for what I learned but also for the friendships I made.
In the end, morriña (homesickness in Galician) brought me back to Galicia. After spending time in Santiago de Compostela, I moved to Vigo, where I first experienced coastal city life. I would definitely consider returning there someday.
For years, I had been dreaming of living abroad, and I finally took the leap. Why Ireland? I wanted full immersion in English, which I had been seeking. I had also visited the country a few years ago, and what impressed me the most was how friendly the people are.
Despite its reputation, I don’t find the weather that bad. I’ve adapted quite well. I also can’t forget to mention the breathtaking natural surroundings: green landscapes, cliffs, mountains… It’s a paradise for anyone who loves nature.
And why GEAI? With my background in sustainable environmental solutions for industry, this project offers the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience, explore new ways of working, and contribute to a cause that truly matters.
On February 1st, I had an early start. I woke up at 4:30 AM to begin a long journey, which involved two flights and a bus ride. Fortunately, the trip went smoothly, and nothing unusual happened, which made the long travel day a bit easier.
When I arrived at Dublin Airport, one thing immediately stood out: all the signs were written first in Irish and then in English. It clearly showed how important the Irish culture is to the country.
The bus trip was long, but it gave me my first real experience of local customs. I had read that in Ireland, it’s common for passengers to thank the driver when getting off the bus. Watching everyone do it so naturally was a lovely detail. During the journey, I admired the iconic green landscapes of Ireland—vast fields, scattered houses, and a grey sky always threatening rain.
By the afternoon, I finally arrived in Carrick-On-Shannon, where Aedin was waiting for me. Despite my exhaustion, seeing a familiar face made me feel instantly more at ease. Around 3 or 4 PM, we went to eat at Honestly. Over lunch, she told me about the chaos caused by Storm Éowyn in the area.
This storm had been one of the strongest in recent years, with winds reaching up to 183 km/h near Galway—breaking records that had stood since 1945. Over a million homes and businesses lost electricity. So, my arrival didn’t exactly come at the best time!
Once I got home, I was lucky enough to take the best room since no other volunteers had arrived yet. The house has a spectacular view of the lake, and I loved it from the first moment. It’s spacious, cozy, and has an open kitchen-living area that will surely become our gathering spot. The next day, I explored the surroundings and found the perfect running path for someday.
That night, I had dinner with some members of GEAI, and I got to try a traditional Christmas dish: Roast Stuffed Turkey & Ham. It’s roasted turkey with a classic stuffing made of breadcrumbs, onion, celery, and herbs like parsley. A hearty and comforting meal—perfect for a chilly evening. It was a great opportunity to get to know everyone better and start adapting to my new environment.
On Monday, I went to The Hall, where several neighbors gathered to charge their devices, warm up, and chat. One thing I’ve already noticed is that people here love to talk and are genuinely interested in getting to know your background.
My arrival didn’t go exactly as I had imagined, but I’m sure the next few months will bring plenty of learning, adventures, and new friendships.