"Why don't you leave Dublin?"
Well-meaning strangers and friends and family alike ask me.
"Go somewhere else, with more opportunities."
I have two issues with this. One, opportunities are made not bestowed upon us and, therefore, can be found anywhere. Two, I don't want somewhere else. I want Dublin.
I'm still as unflappably, unfailingly in love with this city since the day I moved here for college. Six years ago, as Mammy pointed out today.
Of course, I want to see other places. I want to grow, to move forward. I don't think I will always stay here but I also think it became a second home in a way I never thought possible. When your first home is so wonderful, it's hard to imagine anywhere else will fit in quite the same way.
I love the streets, the architecture, the oddities, the odd characters, the energy, the art, the music, the bars, the people. I love the bones of this city. I love who it has made me, I love it for nurturing me like a wise parent - not throwing me to the wolves, nor coddling me. The people I was born to love remain near while those I chose to love gravitate back to this place. It's a hub for past and present and future. And it's only become more in the last year or so. More vibrant. re-energised. It's so alive and the dead months and years made people reawaken, ready to chase dreams instead of settle down.
I'm not settling for Dublin. I'm choosing it. For all of its flaws and wonderful eccentricities.
Look at her, in all of her glory. Laid bare by winter and yet more lovely. This is why Dublin will always own a very large chunk of my heart.
Dublin in Winter.
Well-meaning strangers and friends and family alike ask me.
"Go somewhere else, with more opportunities."
I have two issues with this. One, opportunities are made not bestowed upon us and, therefore, can be found anywhere. Two, I don't want somewhere else. I want Dublin.
I'm still as unflappably, unfailingly in love with this city since the day I moved here for college. Six years ago, as Mammy pointed out today.
Of course, I want to see other places. I want to grow, to move forward. I don't think I will always stay here but I also think it became a second home in a way I never thought possible. When your first home is so wonderful, it's hard to imagine anywhere else will fit in quite the same way.
I love the streets, the architecture, the oddities, the odd characters, the energy, the art, the music, the bars, the people. I love the bones of this city. I love who it has made me, I love it for nurturing me like a wise parent - not throwing me to the wolves, nor coddling me. The people I was born to love remain near while those I chose to love gravitate back to this place. It's a hub for past and present and future. And it's only become more in the last year or so. More vibrant. re-energised. It's so alive and the dead months and years made people reawaken, ready to chase dreams instead of settle down.
I'm not settling for Dublin. I'm choosing it. For all of its flaws and wonderful eccentricities.
Look at her, in all of her glory. Laid bare by winter and yet more lovely. This is why Dublin will always own a very large chunk of my heart.
Dublin in Winter.
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