It started when a former student posted a note on Facebook that he is looking into obtaining an Irish passport. I've always wanted to look into this too, and actually did in the Age Before Computers. My grandfather was born and eventually died in Ireland, making holding an EU passport a real option. I know where he lived and died and when, but that is about it. He lived in the US long enough to have a large, dysfunctional family of (practically) orphans and then deeked back to the Emerald Isle. Not a pretty tale. Still, having been to England and loving it (as he did, as the story goes) visiting Ireland is on the old Bucket List. Having residency options can't hurt.
The sterotypical image, probably long gone in today's age, of rambling the hillside with a couple of sheep and living in a dirt floored hut next to a fire looks mighty appealing some days. But I'd need electricity for the sewing machine. Oh, and I can't have a fire as the smoke would hurt the parrots. And...well...you get the idea.
It is funny to think of applying for a passport for a country I've never visited. But who knows? I think of myself as old and done at 48 most days due to my compromised physical state, but what if they come up with a cure for RA? What if I am forced in to retirement earlier than I hope to do so? What if America becomes uninhabitable because of an alien invasion? You know they'd pick here first. Options are good things and keep life interesting.
Besides, having an Irish passport would get me one step closer to fulfilling my dream of being a UK textile artist. At least an Irish one. Sláinte! Let the paper trail begin...
What will you make today?