Guatamelan Maria Rubio and daughter Emma are finding their feet in Belturbet.
Growing up in Guatamela City to small and rural Belturbet is still a bit of a challenge for Maria, especially in terms of finding new friends and getting used to the Irish weather and the language, but the warm and welcoming nature of the locals plus the peace, quiet and greenness of the countryside, and the good quality of education make moving to Ireland worth it. She is very proud of the tasty Guatamelan food, marimba instrument, and the stunning ruins in her hometown. With a psychology and cheffing background, she’s enjoying volunteering and seeing the castles and lakes in Ireland. Daughter Emma is learning to play the fiddle and tin whistle and is settling in well at St. Bricins College. Being the only Guatamelans in Belturbet, Maria’s brother’s family is keeping them going as they discover more about their new second home.