I wish I could remember which student said this, but I heard today that the Irish find it humorous how excited Americans get when they see sheep. Today, I was one of those Americas—(points for me for filling yet another American stereotype while abroad!).

Upon first walking into the Archeology Museum, I did not think I would enjoy it. The amazing aspects of the taxidermy animals made me uneasy. However, the more I interacted with the pieces, I began to appreciate the work done to preserve and showcase the beautiful creatures. Most of these animals we have encountered, whether that be through the internet, a zoo or the wild. Something is different when they are no longer living, however. For me, the preserved bodies provide a sense of the past, whether that be immediate or distant. These creatures existed at one point or another, and while most were not native to Dublin, their (as does all existences) left an impression upon the places they inhabited.
Afterwards, we found ourselves in an ornate, corky pub with neon chairs and rainbow wallpaper that somehow managed to not be overdone. While in the pub, interacting with the classmates that we are all still coming to know, I realized how we were establishing “places” within Dublin, even though we are foreigners. Immediately, we all took out our phones and cameras to take pictures in this abstract setting to preserve it in our memories—to make the place continuously tangible for us after we leave Dublin.