Just Visiting

I have to say that visiting other people's spots provided an interesting frame of reference. I'm so used to going to my spot, looking at the space from my perspective, and noticing the things I value most and pick up on the easiest. So needless to say, going to other people's spots and trying to conceptualize them from their points of view was a nice lesson in cognizance.

Visiting Allyson's spot on Redstone campus was very interesting. Her spot, like mine, is in a somewhat populated area that is very much developed. Keeping this is mind, focusing on the natural and man-made components of the space kept me busy. Here I was amid the plant life, while also clearly seeing dorms and students walking around. The ground was mushy and patchy. I found a definite solace in this place even though I consider it to be somewhat in the middle of everything- campus, a community, a city, etc. I liked the balance of seeing people function in their daily lives while also feeling soft earth beneath my feet and bushes and plants around me. Reflecting on Allyson's take of her place, I feel like she must also value the sort of equilibrium that is present here.

Visiting Erica's spot at Oakledge Park was so much fun! I love the treehouse here. I almost claimed this spot as my own when contemplating a spot to choose for this project, but decided not to after considering the waterfront's implication on my life here in Burlington and at UVM. Even so, I do love Oakledge Park. I feel like the environment here is so versatile. Looking around, I almost don't know what to take in first. The ground, like everything else, is wet. But what can you do, rain is a frequent occurrence here in Burlington. I explored the tree house a bit, but tried not to stay too long because I could honestly spend my days living in that tree house if it were legal. But even the open space to run and play appealed to me. It is a shame that I came here on a rainy day, although most days this and last week have been gross weather, because I would have enjoyed the sunshine and the opportunity to explore the space at the park. Next time, I plan on visiting again on a dry day. But reflecting on Erica's attraction to this place, I feel like she must value the fact that this spot has so many places to explore and that you can easily see humans and identify with their adventure or be alone and simply be a part of your own. Those are things that I value about this place at least.

When I visited my spot down by the boardwalk, I of course appreciated the lack of snow that I saw! However, in Lake Champlain closer to the shore and boardwalk there were still large chunks of snow and ice floating in the water. Beyond the boardwalk that floats on the water, the lake was alive with movement and to my extreme happiness, no ice! The water had a lot of movement today, which I am assuming was a result of the rainfall and odd weather. The sky in general had a haze to it and kinda had me feeling in a fog (probably also because I was feeling extra contemplative today as well).

I tried to think about my place here from the perspective of Alyssa, who shares my same spot by the boardwalk. The parts of this spot I value most are it's obviously beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, the physical layout of the boardwalk, the sitting rocks that line the boardwalk, and its altogether location and setting within the Burlington city landscape. I wonder if Alyssa values these same attributes, or what exactly she finds most appealing about this place. I think about my attachment to the boardwalk and what it symbolizes for me and the life I've built at UVM. Namely, how my first memories of Burlington took place here and how so many strong memories are subsequently tied to this very location. This assignment has really helped put my relationship with the boardwalk into perspective, as well as the relationships of my peers to their places. Living well in place, indeed!!

The first weekend of school, we came to the boardwalk & Waterfront Park.
Little did I know just how great of an impact these people and this place would have on my life....