Out of Ireland, never out of mind

10 lovely ways to reconnect with emigrated friends.

With the recent wave (or tsunami depending on your circle of friends!) of emigration, many people now have friends or family living abroad. It can be difficult and lonely, but thankfully there are LOTS of ways to keep in touch. With the wonders of modern technology, you may actually end up talking/communicating more with friends/family abroad than you did when they lived at home!

Here are some ideas for keeping in touch...(sighs....)

Skype! Most everyone has heard of this service, but not everyone has used it. Basically, it’s a great form of cheap phone calls conducted via your computer. You simply need a computer and a microphone and you’re set. A webcam can also add to the experience.
Send some old fashioned snail mail. With the advent of the Internet (and we are not downplaying its greatness here), letter writing has become a rare thing. Well, you can bring it back! Write letters to your loved one and funk them up with coloured paper, drawings and photos. Or how about sending cards now and then? Just use your imagination. It really will bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
Send your friend/family member little packages of local items such as tea or their favourite snack. People love stuff like this. There is nothing quite like picking up a mug of Barry’s tea when you are ensconced on a sofa in Japan.
Investigate phone options. Most phone companies offer cheap international calls or special packages geared towards cheaper calls to certain countries. Google it or call your phone operator and ask. In these slow economic times, many companies are very willing to do whatever it takes to get you to sign on with them.
Arrange to ‘do’ stuff together. This may sound odd, but how about watching a film together at the same time? Just make an arrangement and text each other during it. Or how about both going for a walk at the same time? These types of mutual activities really do make you feel more connected.
Start a blog and share photos on it. Blogs don’t all have to be about some deep and meaningful political or scientific topic. Instead you could set up a blog and post photos on it for your friends and family to enjoy. This way they get to keep up with what you are doing and you both feel more connected to one another.
IM it up! There are tons of these around (such as Yahoo and MSN) and best of all most are FREE. Simply download them onto your computer and type away.
Send FREE text messages. There are quite a few websites which allow you to send free texts. All you need is computer access.
Send postcards from your local area. Your friend/family member can stick ‘em up on their fridge and feel a unique connection with home.
Save up and visit. Yes, it may cost a lot of €€€, but you could have the time of your life AND connect with your loved one to boot.