I've been looking around for cars on an app called DoneDeal where many Irish people and dealers sell and trade cars. I found the perfect car in Galway, just a couple days after I arrived...a 2007 Nissan Micra in my price range...too good to be true? Turns out, yes! Despite my disappointment about the car, I was able to enjoy a lovely day in Galway.

I spent the morning walking around the city and eventually stopped in a McDonald's to get free wifi and step out of the rain for a bit. I invited a group of four sweet young people who worked for a company called Concern to join me. They were all so kind, invited me to join them to go out in the evening if I didn't have plans, and were helpful in terms of giving me advice about car shopping and life in Ireland in general.

Around 5:45 PM I met up with my dear friend, Colleen, and her boyfriend, Alan picked us up to go see the car. Colleen is one of my sorority sisters from DePauw who moved to Ireland last year. It has been the ULTIMATE blessing to have her to talk through the challenges and excitements of moving to Ireland. Alan invited his friend, Kevin, a mechanic, to meet us at the car. 

The car appeared fine from the outside, but once we turned it on we realized a belt was loose. When we drove it, we found the brakes were weak, the suspension was off, and it was not going to be a "done deal." I was bummed, but so grateful to have the help of Kevin, Alan, and Colleen. I am semi-clueless, pretty easy to take advantage of, and a little too optimistic for my own good.

We left the car and Alan dropped me and Colleen off for dinner at a delicious restaurant in the city. I had a yellow vegetable curry, which, along with Colleen's presence, warmed me up and lifted my spirits. After we finished dinner we went to a bar that serves Colleen's favorite cider and each ordered a glass. Catching up with Colleen was a definite highlight of my week! It's refreshing to talk to someone who understands...both my life in Ireland and back in the USA. 

At 9:30 PM, my ride to the BnB arrived, and Alan took a quick picture of me and Colleen outside the bar. He said apologetically, "sorry, I got some lingerie in the back" I decided not to crop it out because his reaction was too sweet. 

Saying goodbye to Colleen and Alan was sad, but I am so happy to have them so close. I ended my night at the BnB talking over some tea followed by Budweiser to the kind owner. The friendliness of the Irish is overwhelming in the best way possible.