There's Always Something There to Remind me

I can not believe that every where that I look and every where that I turn there is a sign from Dublin. Its either that  I'm seeing things and am completely crazy (which is possible) or there is an extremely weird coincidence that every single day without fail, I see something that screams Ireland. Lets go with option B.Today, it was a woman on the T in an Irish sweater. I have the same exact one, which is why I knew for a fact that it was an Irish sweater. I mean c'mon what are the odds? Yesterday it was a shamrock tattoo on some guys arm and the day before that I spotted an Irish rugby jersey on a guy on Northeastern's campus. Yes, I know that I live in Boston and there is a large Irish population here BUT there is just something different about the signs that I am seeing, almost as if I am meant to see them to go about my day or to think of Ireland. I mean I guess I will never know, but I cant help but notice these things. I guess what it comes down to is that I really cant escape Dublin. It really was my home for a while and that city taught me so much and really changed me. It's rare that I say that about a city since I am obsessed with NYC, but I have to say London and Dublin are up there on my list..watch out New York!

So seeing the woman in the Irish sweater today inspired me to write and I guess go back on my Facebook timeline and read and look at everything I posted while I was away. Really wasn't a good idea since I started crying BUT I have to admit I am a big baby. Before I started crying, I was reading my statuses and I really remembered how happy I was and excited to embark on that journey. It was a big deal for me, my last study abroad with my best friend Chelsea to one of the most charming cities in the world..why wouldn't I be ecstatic? I just look back at all of the pictures and really think about the memories and I can feel nothing but bliss. I am so grateful. I was so grateful then and still am grateful to be able to look back and say "Wow I did that!!!" 

I was also thinking today while listening to music how amazing it is how music can really bring you back to a certain time. My best friend Matt and I always talk about this and every time we listen to Speechless by Lady Gaga we are brought back to our 17 year old selves belting Speechless in "Sully" my little ford focus in the middle of winter. I get chills just thinking about it.  When I was in Greece I listened to Sarah Bareilles' album Kaleidoscope Heart non stop, so now when I listen I cant help but feel like I am at Papa Kirizai sitting on my bed with the window open and flowers always on my night stand. My experience in Dublin completely was surrounded and engulfed in music. When I was away my boyfriend would send me playlists. Each song really resonates with me and means a lot to me, not only because he sent them to me, but also because each song made me feel so much at that time.  I could probably describe to you where I was or how I felt during each song that he sent me. Whether it brought extreme happiness or sorrow, each song made me FEEL, and digging into those emotions is something that has made me a stronger human being.  Listening to those songs will never be the same, but when I listen to certain songs I feel like I am in the place where I first listened to the song...so its kinddddd of like im there? right??? Croatia. Venice, London..NOT! I''m right here in Boston :(

 Also, One Republic's album Natives really reminds me of Dublin and brings me back to the Emerald City that I love so much. When I miss Dublin I listen to them and I feel very warm :) Mirrors by Justin Timberlake throws me back to London and the time I spent with Matt, I get this visual in my head of a gloomy day in the middle of London, dressed up like millionaires and drinking Cafe Nero with Matt. We always dress like theres no tomorrow- I love it so much! There are so many moments that I wish I could get back and re live again and again but as much as I would love to I can't. Memories are something I hold very close to my heart. These moments will never escape me no matter where I am in the world. 

Well on that note, I will leave you with some lyrics from a One Republic song that I really think encompasses my  experiences studying abroad. Enjoy!

I owned every second
That this world could give
I saw so many places
The things that I did
Yeah, with every broken bone
I swear I lived