My friends' visit

Over easter weekend some friends from the States came to visit. I've known one of them for 10 years, but we've never actually lived in the same town as each other, so in fact every time we've seen each other one of us has been hosting. This was the first time he had been to visit my current home town. Although I know I'm thinking about it more, because I'm studying it, it was interesting to see my hosting persona kick in, explaining some of the history and demographics of my neighbourhood, making sure we went to particular restaurants and bars that are special to me or unique to the city, and looking for that appreciation in my friends' reactions that it is indeed interesting and enjoyable to live in the place I have chosen. As we walked around it was interesting to see what they took pictures of; sights that are often routine and so common place that I glaze over become points of curiosity and demand attention. After they returned home I asked them if they would mind sharing their pictures with me. This photo in particular caught my attention. It's a park that I walk past most days and does not inspire much reaction after 4 years. But as we walked past my visiting friends stopped, saw this view, and asked to take a photo. A few versions were taken, with different combinations of us in the frame, and this one without people. A view I see everyday has become a place of meaning, of a memory, and a view that now reminds me of a fun weekend, and has added significance for me to my own neighbourhood. I see this for myself in my own experiences, I'm excited to get into the field and see if and how this is the same for others.