When we first moved to Ireland, people would ask where we were from. When we said “America”, they would say: “I knew that, I mean what part?”

A couple years ago, someone from Youghal asked if we were Canadian. We saw that as progress in blending in. Then, this week, it happened:

A man from Northern Ireland asked Seth if he was from Youghal.

When Seth told him that he was from America, the man said “Really? I wouldn’t have guessed. Your accent is a bit international, but I thought that could come from being well-travelled.”

Sure, it’s not the same as someone from Youghal thinking we are from here. I honestly can’t imagine that will ever happen. But the reality is that even in this English-speaking country, our language can be a barrier. And we’re happy to see any barrier begin to break down!