Ireland: a new home

Written by: Manuela Trillos

The amount of Guatemalans living around the world is infinite. That's why I wanted to interview Ilka Grijalva, a 25-year-old woman who decided to start a new life in Ireland, the country that is now her second home.

Ilka Grijalva.

1. How many years ago did you leave your home country?

- I left Guatemala in November 2012, so this year it will be 8 years, outside my country.

2. What was the reason you went to live in Ireland?

- I left Guatemala because I wanted to think well about what to do with my life after school. My plan was to have a sabbatical year and then return to Guatemala to enter the university, but the year passed, and I didn't want to go back to my natal country.

3. What are you currently doing in Ireland?

- I am currently studying my master's degree about Digital Marketing at Smurfit Business School.

4. Was it difficult for you to adapt to your new country?

- It was hard for me to get used to the weather more than anything else. In this country it rains all the time and we last full weeks without seeing the sun.

5. How is living with a society that has a different culture from yours?

- Although it seems strange, the Irish do not have a culture so different from ours. I practically didn't have a culture shock. They are very friendly, "great" and always try to help you. I think the most difficult thing was to make Irish friends because it was difficult for me to be part of a new group.

6. What customs do you like about Ireland? Or what catches your attention in that country?

- More than customs, I like the safety, the independence and the comfort of public transport. Those 3 things are so important and essential for me. I love going out or entering my house without being afraid of being assaulted or kidnapped. Is a very safe country.

7. How do you handle the situation of being away from family and friends?

- I think today it is much easier to be away since you can communicate with them at any time through social networks ... So it is not difficult for me at all.

8. What do you miss the most about Guatemala?

- The food, the warm weather and the beach.

9. Did you travel alone? Did this make you leave your comfort zone?

- I traveled because my sister was in Ireland; she was the one who received me and the one who helped me. After a year I left my comfort zone since I moved to an apartment that was a little further and then I started with my independent life

10. On your Instagram you have several flags listed, ¿what do they mean?

- I think the most beautiful thing about living in Europe is the ease of being able to travel since it is super cheap. Each year I propose myself to meet at least 3 new countries and the list of flags are the places I will visit this year.

11. What are the countries you already know?

- USA, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Switzerland, France, UK (London, Edinburgh, Manchester), Spain, Morocco, Malta, Italy, Germany, Monaco, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania and Dubai.