I woke up yesterday just like any other day in Dublin, well except that as of 12:30, Saturday May 3, I would have the entire apartment to myself. For the first time since January, I was alone. Well, that’s not true, but hey it wouldn’t mean so much if I said I had friends right? This was a feeling that I wasn’t used to anymore. I mean, for the first time in four months I could be as loud and obnoxious as I wanted. I could listen to my music loud without having to bother people, but it wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped. For the first time in Dublin I was alone.
Photo Credit: Allison Markowitz
Now this isn’t going to get all sad and somber where I sit here in the airport crying quietly while trying to look tough for the other passengers, but rather where I sit at the gate, looking at the faces around me and wonder if they had the same great experience I did. I mean I know they probably weren’t here for 4 months, but did they frequent the same places that I did in their short time here?
Did any of them get to experience the shorelines of the Antrim Coast that have been created through weird weathering process? Did they see the small, rural towns that are centered on the pub, the towns that seemingly light up with the arrival of Americans? If not, then hell, they really missed out. If they didn’t see the Cliffs of Moher in the West, or the small city of Galway, then hell, they really missed out. But, if they did see Dublin, and the history that is tucked into the nooks and crannies, then hell, they really didn’t miss out. Did they get to meet people who will forever make an impact on their life or make friendships that will last a lifetime, then hell, the really didn’t miss out. Did they come here looking for a life changing experience, but didn’t take advantage of where they were? If so, then hell, they really missed out. Or were they like me, curious, open, and ready for anything that came their way? Wait, who am I kidding, I can’t go around making these types of assumptions.
Yes I did enjoy my time here. Oh, you never asked? Sorry. This is awkward. But, you know what, I’m going to tell you why I love this place anyway. I can clearly remember getting of the plane that January morning, fresh faced and innocent. Within minutes I was swept into a world that seemed so different than my own. Taking the cab ride into the city I was in wonder, and kind of scared. I mean we were driving on the wrong side of the street. The city scared me, but I was ready for the adventure that awaited me.
Photo Credit: Patrice Condon
Over the last four months I have made friendships that have made such an impact on my life. From people whom I was friendly with in Burlington and just grew closer, to the people I met here, both Champlain students and Irish residents. With all of these people I experienced some of the most amazing times of my life. From seeing the North and all the natural beauty that is held up there, to traveling to the west coast and seeing everything that has to offer, I experienced more than I could have ever expected. Nothing will ever top the visit to the sheepdogs with Champlain, or the night out in Galway. Nothing can come in between of watching a good friend take part in impromptu karaoke in Ballintoy at one of the two pubs in town. Nothing will ever replace the memories that were created on this trip. No one could have made this trip anymore exciting. The people who came here with me made this trip incredibly memorable and to them I would like to say thank you. Thank you for being there as I made a fool of myself, and thank you for making a fool of yourself once or twice. Thank you for helping me make it through when it got tough. And yes, you’re welcome for that one time where, wait, we won’t be talking about that here, but just know, you’re welcome. Thank you for being the great friends, people, and humans that we all know you are. Here is to the next year, our senior year, and well, junior year for that one special person. Here is to the adventures we’ve had and the opportunities we did not miss. Here is to the future. Here is to the staff of Champlain Abroad Dublin, and everyone we’ve met along the way. And for one last time Internet land, this is Nick Veazey signing off. You stay classy Dublin. You stay classy.
PS. Study abroad in Dublin. You really won’t regret it. I know I didn’t.
Nick Veazey
Champlain Abroad Dublin, Spring ‘14
Champlain College, Secondary Education ‘15