One of my favorite stories from my experience abroad occurred during my homestay weekend in Gorey, Co. Wexford. We had quite the 12 mile drive down a bumpity rocky road...
Driving on a two-way road only wide enough for one, we are surrounded by fences and farmland. The road is not paved; rather puddled, potholed, and further complicated by loose stones.We round a bend to see an ancient blue tractor humming towards us. We reverse a bumpy stretch until the equally ancient man driving the vehicle gives us a one finger wave of approval. Keep calm and carry on. We wind along while a dense fog suddenly falls and encapsulates us completely. We approach the faint outline of big black gates that open grandly upon our arrival. Like the gates of heaven, we spot only fog clouds, no house in sight. The modern Irish country house grows clearer as we park in front, and what a house it is. A portrait of posh perfection. Part glamorous 1950s hotel, part modern art studio; suitable to grace the cover of Modern Living. Custom built just three years ago, this spectacle was surely inspired by New England suburbia with a touch of dream house Barbie: Luxe Edition, in monochrome. Inside, certain touches are distinctively Irish—the fireplace as focal point, the large tea kettle, the stray cats lining the kitchen windowsill begging for potato peels. The marble floor is cold but not harsh, suitable for easy cleaning after muddy wellies storm the foyer. The owner has transplanted her “American dream fantasy” into the quaint Irish countryside. The juxtaposition of the new dazzling dream home to the surrounding muddy farmland marries the best of both worlds—the house of her dreams just a few miles down the rocky road from her large loving family, whack follol de rah!
No comments:
Post a Comment