It's not me, it's the place

Sometimes, when I look through my photo library, I stop to take a closer look at the selfies. I've mentioned before that, due to my shyness or something else, I'm not one for taking selfies, especially when I'm with someone else or in public. However, there are times when it seems appropriate to do so, and well, it's not necessarily for me but for the place. There are scenarios where it's worth capturing yourself in a photograph, because they're places we'll probably only visit once in our lives. So when those conditions are met, I put my shyness aside and take the opportunity to take a selfie.

The following collection of photos was taken in Lima a few years ago. In that city, I discovered many spectacular places, among which I would highlight the Magic Water Circuit, a place where the water fountains and common areas are designed so that the setting looks spectacular at any time of day. In the two selfies you will see below, especially the first one, you will notice that it is a place worth photographing; it is definitely a unique place.

Another very interesting place in Lima is Chinatown. I had always seen in movies that different countries have mini cities inhabited by Asian people, but that doesn't exist in my home country, so when I found out that Lima has a Chinatown, I didn't hesitate to visit it. Well, it's actually just a couple of streets, but the architecture is totally inspired by China, so I took the opportunity to take a selfie at a symbolic place like the entrance.

The following two photos are not selfies, but were taken at my request. Behind me is the Sheraton hotel, which is next to the Real Plaza Centro Cívico shopping center, a meeting place where I spent some very special moments with friends and coworkers. I definitely miss the lawn where I used to sit and enjoy a couple of beers to cool off. In the second photo, you can see the sunset behind me darkening my silhouette. For some reason, I liked that photo.

These photos and this post are not for you to see me; you have probably seen my face on several occasions. What I really want to highlight is what is behind me, which is the important and interesting part of the image: three iconic places in the city of Lima that any of its inhabitants would undoubtedly recognize. Sometimes it seems that remembering hurts, as it can undoubtedly awaken nostalgia and longing to return to those places, but I personally try to channel it in a positive way. I feel fortunate to have experienced those moments, and these photos always keep them fresh in my mind.