I’m very intrigued by the notion of the flaneur.
Without a doubt when I’m at home I lack any ability to simply wander. Last March during a design trip to NYC it was the first time that I have truly let my feet take me where they pleased. No plan. No destination. Each night following a day of meticulously planned studio tours we would go wandering in hopes of finding a little hole in the wall to eat at, a random boutique, a tiny pub where we could drink away the night. I never realized how much more you actually get to see when you’re wandering aimlessly; a beautiful surreal experience.
But have I ever even considered letting myself drift on my home turf? Not a chance. I run a specific route, walk with purpose, and follow a carefully calculated route when I drive, even taking the long way around. Heaven forbid I ever move against the city’s circulation! And for all those people who saunter down HUB mall, arms linked, walking three people across: if you continue to delay me from getting to class do not be surprised when one day my patience runs out and I punch you in the back of the head! (I’m sorry for the rage filled rant there. But really people!).
It is therefore that I’m making it my personal mission over reading week to experience Edmonton like a tourist. There are so many aspects of the city that even after 21 years continue to elude me. If anything this class has made curious about the place I call home. Chance encounters transform a city into something more than buildings and the spaces in between. I’m reminded of the man on the high level who yelled down to the brilliant Trevor Anderson “do you want to live forever?” It’s the unexpected spontaneous moments that stay with us not necessarily the ones we force upon ourselves. So here’s to discovery.
Interesting point about New York. I also went this summer and decided with my friend that this would be a no tours trip. So we just derived EVERYWHERE for 2 weeks. Funny thing is.....we ran into most of the "tourist" spots. Maybe we were pulled in by New Yorks tourist circulation? On the other hand we also spent a lot of time experiencing New York's lesser visited areas and had some REALLY unique experiences (see: partying in a illegal housing project).
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ReplyDeleteInteresting how you said you wanted to "experience Edmonton like a tourist."
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Edmonton, I've always feel the need to travel and explore other cities because I already "know" Edmonton. But if I look at it more closely, what do I really "know" about the city - I know the routes I take everyday and the larger tourists attractions; but do I know the culture of a particular neighborhood? the "types" of people living there, if they can be labelled with a particular category?
As well, don't you think that we as humans have this perplexing relationship with the unknown/unfamiliar? We yearn and stick to the familiar because its safe and provides us with a sense of comfort; but at the same time, there is something alluring about the unknown, as if it's calling out to us and telling us to enter it. We fear it, but we're still attracted to it. And it's funny because in order to establish the familiar we first have to experience the unfamiliar first. So why is there this fear of the unknown?