It is now Week Four and I have entered the psychological plunge into homesickness. Yes, it comes for us all, I’m afraid. Fortunately, timing is on my side and things have coincided well to remedy the homesickness. In needing a slice of Americana, the universe has provided.
First of all, I needed to get out of my room where it is all too easy to wallow. Sounds obvious, but it can be a challenge to emerge from a blanket cocoon when feeling overwhelmed, especially in a foreign place. I am sure I am not alone when I say I need the promise of coffee to get out of bed, even when I’m not homesick. Though it’s recommended to avoid familiar chain-stores when abroad, I had to go to Starbucks. It is Fall, and little seems more American than having a Pumpkin Spice something. To sweeten the deal, I chose the Starbucks closest to St. Stephen’s Green, so I could have a ramble after enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino.
St. Stephen’s Green is beautiful on a sunny day, and many were taking advantage, lounging in the incredibly relaxing environment. Great vibes to help relieve some of the homesickness. The Green, while not particularly touristy itself, is adjacent to a shopping area that happens to be heavily inundated with tourists this weekend. Lucky for me in my craving for American familiarity, the NFL is in town and so the streets are filling up with Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings fans. After a delightful, aimless ramble, I made my way out to Dawson Street where the large bookstore Hodges Figgis is located. The bookstore is a cross between Barnes and Noble and Powell’s (shout out Portland) in the States. Nothing like a bookstore to lift one’s spirits!
Next to cheer up and get another taste of home is going to see the release of Hamilton in cinemas for its 10th Anniversary! I love Hamilton sooo much and the timing could not be more perfect! As a history buff and musical theater lover, does it get better? And it really doesn’t get more American than Hamilton either, so check!
As another fortuitous coincidence with the timing of my homesickness is the NFL game being played in Dublin. My flat mates and I all watched the game in the common room. It was very nostalgic for me. I was big into football in 5th grade. My favorite team was the Green Bay Packers, so how bizarre and perfect that I get to watch Aaron Rodgers again as the current quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers! Wild how everything lines up with the universe! Could not plan it if I tried.
So to sum up, if you’re feeling homesick it may help to know:
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Antonia Cuevas
I'm from the Napa Valley where I enjoy exploring scenic back roads. I sew costumes for theater productions, fence, and write historical fiction.
