Why do we all want to move to the Blaskets?
The job post that thousands responded to
Why do we all want to move to the Blaskets?
Well ok, not all of us. But 23,000 people want to. That’s the number of applicants who responded to a job post from a couple who run tourist accommodation on the Blasket Islands.
The job description was short. The couple who posted are looking for two friends or a couple from April to October this year to manage their island accommodation and coffee shop. In return, you get free accommodation and food for the seven months.
Appealing idea? Keep in mind, the Blasket Islands are a group of uninhabited islands off the West coast of Ireland. No-one has lived there since 1954. There is no electricity. No hot water. You would need to quit your job or go on leave somehow; give up a rental home or let out your own home. You would be saying goodbye to friends and family for seven months to live in isolation on the exposed Atlantic island off the coast of Kerry. Would you be keen? Well, 23,000 people want to go and I was one of them.
My friend sent me on the post and I instantly thought adventure. Yes sign me up. We drafted a practical email including the experience we both have working in hospitality in different countries in the world. My pal proudly added that she was thinking of doing a barista course which might be helpful for all the coffees we would be making over the Summer. Wonderful candidates. We sent off the email giddy at the thought of camping out in Great Blasket for most of 2020.
The couple’s Instagram post went viral; it was covered by Irish news, the BBC and CNN. The barista and I have had no response. They followed up with an Instagram post saying that they wouldn’t be responding to the 23,000 and growing number of emails from Ireland and around the world. However, they did invite each of us to come and visit. That would be their business sorted for 2020 if we all did.
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Why do we want to go? What are we searching for on these rugged islands?
For me, it represented ultimate freedom. A once in a lifetime opportunity to live on an uninhabited island. Why the hell not, was the attitude I put on. Surrounded by nature and the ocean. Living naturally, on your circadian rhythm of going to sleep at sunset and rising at dawn. Away from artificial light and wifi. To live a simple life for a few months. Meeting all sorts of visitors as they come and go on the boats. Writing, reading, meditating.
I was delighted by how viral it went. First of all, because we weren’t picked so I didn’t have to make that very hard decision of shutting up shop for seven months. More however, because it shows that we are all, 23,000, of us and probably lots more, looking for similar things. Simple life. Back to basics. Life in nature.
It’s similar to the draw of the Camino. The year I did it, 2018, over 325,000 people walked the pilgrimage across Spain on foot. Just simply walking every day, talking to people and experiencing unspoiled nature. I saw the same yearning when I was in the ashram in France this month. So many people looking for an escape behind the ashram walls. Living the simple life of practicing yoga and meditation, eating simple food. Bed early and up early.
At the core, whether we know it or not, we are all yearning for the same thing. A simple life full of love and nature. It’s our very essence. And wherever you go, there you are. Your mind follows you to any deserted island, on any holiday, to any nice restaurant and it’s there with you in every moment of quiet. The trick is to find all that the Blaskets has to offer in your home and in this very moment. To have tools to cultivate that Blasket feeling. A swim in the sea, a hike up the Wicklow Mountains, a retreat (I would say that), dancing, movement, breath-work, meditation and a good chat with someone you vibe with.
So no Blasket for me. I’ll be here meditating for 15 minutes each day in my apartment, getting a hike or a swim in when I can. Reading lots. Enjoying time with my friends and family, and the pubs close by. Blasket can come to me.