Wednesday, January 14, 2009

A New Year, A Renewed Perspective


When I first came to Buenos Aires, everything fascinated me. The buildings, the tourist spots, the food, the way of life, even a broken brick at the corner of a typical street would call for the attention of my camera or a good few minutes of shameless staring. However, needless to say that after a few months of walking by all these local artifacts and attractions for the 100th time, I no longer gawk at them.

Until last month when a few friends and family came visit, I didn't realize how much these surroundings have gradually melted into my everyday background. There were times where I'd find myself losing patience when my visitors were taking pictures every other steps when we were still trying to get to the actual destination. When we were at the tourist spots, I'd feel that we were spending way more time there than necessary.

Then one day, while I was waiting around, not paying much attention to the place, my visitors came to me and showed me the pictures that they had just taken, and right there something struck me! I was looking at amazing pictures of these scenery and objects which I had totally forgotten how beautiful they were. Their photos, their fresh point of views, reminded me that I was just like them when I first came face to face with all these or even crazier! I decided to move to this city for crying out loud and now I'm already taking things for granted?! How did that happen?!!

I don't know how it happened, may be the day-to-day repetitions blindsided me or may be it was the idea that they'd always be there make me forget...Whatever it was though, the important thing is the spirit has been revived! Thanks to my visiting friends and family, they reminded me what an exciting and cool and unique place I am living in. Once again, I am able to not just look but really see and appreciate what I get to enjoy all around me.