Hands Down

Today was hands down the best day I’ve had since I’ve lived in Northern Ireland. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration. But only slight.

The hardest thing about moving here was leaving behind so many wonderful friends. I’m an introvert who enjoys knowing a few people deeply--not so keen on being at a party with a lot of people. I’ve had a hard time making friends who can compete with the wonderful people I knew in America and I miss the intimate conversations over dinner, talking about the trifecta of politics, religion, and relationships. Through swing dance, I’m getting to know some really wonderful people. After the dance, I spent last night in Portrush at the home of Maria Bankhead, a member of North Coast Swing who hosted myself, Rhoda, and Curtis, two other Swing Belfast members.

My day started with at least an hour of conversation with Rhoda in the little attic bedroom we shared last night. Rhoda is upbeat, funny, thoughtful--a wonderful person to be around. She’s had some tough knocks in life but has landed on her (dancing) feet. Then six of us spent an hour or two in Maria’s sun room, talking about crazy co-workers, telling jokes, and learning about the NHS, where Maria worked for 20 years. Then we all went out for brunch, then a long walk around Portrush, chatting non-stop. Then Rhoda, Curtis and I got on the train back to Belfast, where we played cards for an hour.

This is the most social I’ve been in three years and I just revelled in it. Maria took some photos of us, but I neglected to have her send copies.

Tonight David and I went to a party with a lot of people. It was a 30th birthday for a woman we hike with. Having just been at a swing dance, I noticed how bad the music and the dancing was. The songs (Adele, Ed Sheeran) weren’t dance songs and people basically shifted from foot to foot while singing lyrics. Which isn’t dancing. So I’ve become a dance snob. The birthday cake was really good though!
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