Another week, another city

This time Manchester. Strange mix of feelings being here (more on that later...) But first i wanna talk about the city i just left behind - delightful Dublin!

Actually not so much about the city, beautiful and fun and comfortable as it is (though it's frustratingly hard to find good coffee... yay, only 10 days til Milan!!!)

What's more in my mind is the wonderful moments i spent there and the great conversations. Meeting with some members of the Board and gaining really fascinating insights into the recent history of the country and its implications for organisations and students. Laughter-filled evenings with 3 lovely ladies, who made me feel so welcome, who showed such warmth and such openness and such trust. Breathing in the glorious fresh sea-air at Howth. Meeting interested new members and seeing again that 'sparkle'...

But also learning so much about the history of this country, and feeling almost embarassed at my complete ignorance of the subject. Feeling cheated by my own education - how can it be that we never discussed things that are such an important part of the history of MY OWN country?

Lots of reflecting on relationships - platonic and otherwise. Thought for the day: Is a 'Facebook hug' a sign that i'm thinking of you, or an acknowledgement that i don't think of you enough to send anything more...?

And now Dublin is just a memory, as are Bonn and Vilnius before it. Powerful memories all of them, for different reasons.

Which brings me to Manchester. I feel strangely comfortable here. I already hear my accent becoming stronger. I enjoy the familiarity approaching Picadilly station. Memories of crazy nights out, and afternoons shouting inside the stadium. There's also plenty of things NOT to like. The huge numbers of police on the streets on an insignificant wednesday in october. The waves of semi-drunk students in fancy dress or almost naked. The imposing gray sky and icy breeze. I feel at home, though technically i'm not.

Maybe not just another city...