“When she’s big I will marry her”

We really do have 2 of the friendliest kids – the constant “Hi” even extends to strangers as we walk along the street! And in fairness they do get a lot of attention. “Yu de bluf o!” (very roughly translated as “You’re showing off, looking so cool”) was said to Ilanay a few times as we strolled to the bank with her shades, hair “planted” and beads this morning.

And there are lots of kids for them to socialise with. Though invariably Daniel asks me “what’s my friends’ name?” after he meets them!

With Festina, Hassan's friends' daughter

At No. 2 Beach we met children of a couple we knew from years ago

Kayma & Ilanay both have grandparents that came from neighbouring townslands in West Clare!

Ibrahim & Daniel writing

Ilanay, Diane, James, Daniel, Ibrahim and Fajo across from where I lived in 2008/2009

With Hassanatu, who they follow like puppy dogs.

But ultimately, they spend the most amount of time together and it’s lovely to see them growing up as (mostly) 2 best friends. Amongst all the contenders for marriage, Daniel insists that, when she’s big, he’s going to marry... Ilanay.