Cars speeding by brought me back to where I was, in the middle of Dublin. Quickly moving along the streets, following the group of students that had transformed into photographers. My eyes were guided by our leader Fionán to be set on the unique character of my surroundings. Purple screws in the doors, surprising abstract architecture, vibrant orange growing out of the dull sidewalk, and contrasting ideas, were all the subjects I focused on.
The day was warmed by the sun, the streets were glistening with the permanent cover of the rain. Excitement was dispersed into the air from each student learning to see things in a brand new way. We passed a fenced in black-top area with broken soccer nets, where graffiti covered the walls on either side. Cigarette remains, bottles, and glass lay along the street. We turned onto the main street in the village, called Meath Street, it was alive. Meath Street is full of character, that depicts a timeline formed around struggle. Everything from meat, to fruit, dresses, wigs, and postcards, could be found right here. What you couldn’t find on the street, could be found around the corner or a back alley. The village displayed Christmas tree dedicated to those who have died due to drugs and violence in the area.
While searching for details through a lens, I saw a man is a vibrant blue jacket, who had interacted with the group previously, was standing at his local produce store setting up his oranges. I stopped to say hello to him. His charisma was an instant magnet, he just made me smile. I was photographing his profile, totally engulfed in his blue eyes, when he asked me where I was from. I told him the Boston area. Immediately he stepped back as if a burst of joy moved him. He explained how that is where his father was from. I was filled with emotion from his reaction of recognition to my home. I could tell the city means a lot to him in making up his being.
This is why I have come to Dublin, for the connection; my great grandmother who shares this mans hometown and my home town that is shared with the man’s father. This man brought that connection to life in full force and fulfilled my one wish I had coming to Dublin. I wanted to sense a connection to my ancestors from experience there homeland. I wanted to have real experience of the bond between Ireland and Boston that have I heard of all my life. He felt like a familiar old friend right away, I knew he felt the same way. He asked to take a picture with me.
