Somehow, I feel like what matters most is how we experience a journey... any journey, not just travel. It is about the impact we have. Not only on what is around us, but also on who. I suppose that is a bit of what you describe as by being protective of places?
Since its opening in 2018, Oodi (THE Helsinki library) has become a tourist magnet. It was always intended to be that way, I guess, justifying its taxpayer-funded costs. It showcases what a public space, mostly free to use, can be like. For locals, it is definitely more than just a library. It is a space where you have access to tools, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, guitars, video games, photo and recording studios, and more, that many people would not be able to afford. It is a meeting ground, a place to share lunch, to sit and play chess, a kids’ playground, and yes, a place to borrow books. It is fascinating, I understand. It is more than a library for many. Recently, Oodi’s employees must have faced complaints. The influx of tourists marching through (and the library is by no means a silent place), the constant interruptions, the endless "quick clicks" of people photographing others without asking, it has led to several large posters being hung up, asking visitors to limit photography and, well, to avoid interrupting people at work. I have noticed the tourist guides repeating the words from the posters as well. Finding a compromise for everyone to 'be'.
Being present and preserving that presence is a beautiful way for many to process what they have experienced. And that does happen very often in form of photographs. Yasumi, I feel that the photographs you are sharing, reflect something the locals might experience as well <3
I think I know exactly which library you are referring to! It keeps popping up on my Insta account and the video was taken by a travel blogger. Oh the irony! I have to admit I too would like to visit the library but just to feel the atmosphere. I would sit and make myself a ghost so I can absorb without spilling into the space. It's a tricky topic isn't it? I don't want to police how other people travel. I can only make my journey as careful and considerate as I can and perhaps that is something at the heart of travelling to these tourist magnets, an exchange that isn't just monetary and but respect?
I mean, I get it. It is a beautiful (and fun) library! For many people, though, it is literally just a walk-through. Unfortunately. I would assume most would actually like to spend more time there. I have seen people sitting at computers, pretending to type *click*, or just sitting down for three seconds in some of the areas that are designed to stay *click*. For photos. It confuses me :D
I am with you. Feeling the atmosphere, absorbing it (such a good word!).
Lovely images, makes me want to go back and visit Italy again.
But if you really want to keep the location secret you need to blur out the street names... I think there's probably only one town in Italy with both of the streets I can see names of
That’s certainly part of my conflict. Blur the names and compromise the photos. Not post photos at all and just rely on my limited powers of description. Not share at all! I guess this time, in this post, I just wanted to start a discussion. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it.
Ahhh you reminded me of something! Back in the day, there was a newspaper that did a sort of “guess the location”. The clues were based on written descriptions only. No photos. Just cryptic clues, a bit of history, geography and obscure information.
Very insightful. I grew up in the sticks, surrounded by lakes and trees. Jobs were scarce and young people moved away for adventures and employment. I did that as well. Now, my neck of the woods has been "discovered" and Gentrification has begun. Prices surge and lake property is selling quickly. It feels like Mother Earth herself is weary.
Hello Joyce. What a turn of the tides your hometown has had. Gentrification can be brutal and unfair. I have watched it take hold of places and felt so sad about it. The insensitivity to the locals and the way of a place is really hard to swallow.
This has been on my mind for a while too. I guess most people will have seen both sides or at least one side of it from where they have been when travelling and where they live. I lived in Berlin for 2 years in the early 2000s and my sister still lives there now so I can see all those changes over the years.... The rents have certainly exploded. (Certain accommodation businesses have a lot to answer for in that respect. But in the last few years there is also a lot more fully furnished and equipped apartments being offered for rent which is not at all something usually seen in Germany. It all makes it a lot harder for ordinary people to find somewhere to live.)
But that is obviously just one part of it. It is such a complex issue! Travelling is great for so many reasons. I used to not be able to afford much travelling at all and when I grew up we actually rarely ever left Germany because we could not afford holidays abroad. So being able to travel more now is wonderful but in most countries I have gone to there are at least some places that have been so plagued by over tourism that it is really hard to imagine a good solution (when it's gone so far that a lot of the original atmosphere and community of the places have been lost especially!).
Thank you for this post! I imagine especially living in Japan it must be hard these days.
As some one not in a position to travel much right now, I'm grateful for your sharing of these observations and images of such a beautiful place...
Somehow, I feel like what matters most is how we experience a journey... any journey, not just travel. It is about the impact we have. Not only on what is around us, but also on who. I suppose that is a bit of what you describe as by being protective of places?
Since its opening in 2018, Oodi (THE Helsinki library) has become a tourist magnet. It was always intended to be that way, I guess, justifying its taxpayer-funded costs. It showcases what a public space, mostly free to use, can be like. For locals, it is definitely more than just a library. It is a space where you have access to tools, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, guitars, video games, photo and recording studios, and more, that many people would not be able to afford. It is a meeting ground, a place to share lunch, to sit and play chess, a kids’ playground, and yes, a place to borrow books. It is fascinating, I understand. It is more than a library for many. Recently, Oodi’s employees must have faced complaints. The influx of tourists marching through (and the library is by no means a silent place), the constant interruptions, the endless "quick clicks" of people photographing others without asking, it has led to several large posters being hung up, asking visitors to limit photography and, well, to avoid interrupting people at work. I have noticed the tourist guides repeating the words from the posters as well. Finding a compromise for everyone to 'be'.
Being present and preserving that presence is a beautiful way for many to process what they have experienced. And that does happen very often in form of photographs. Yasumi, I feel that the photographs you are sharing, reflect something the locals might experience as well <3
I think I know exactly which library you are referring to! It keeps popping up on my Insta account and the video was taken by a travel blogger. Oh the irony! I have to admit I too would like to visit the library but just to feel the atmosphere. I would sit and make myself a ghost so I can absorb without spilling into the space. It's a tricky topic isn't it? I don't want to police how other people travel. I can only make my journey as careful and considerate as I can and perhaps that is something at the heart of travelling to these tourist magnets, an exchange that isn't just monetary and but respect?
I mean, I get it. It is a beautiful (and fun) library! For many people, though, it is literally just a walk-through. Unfortunately. I would assume most would actually like to spend more time there. I have seen people sitting at computers, pretending to type *click*, or just sitting down for three seconds in some of the areas that are designed to stay *click*. For photos. It confuses me :D
I am with you. Feeling the atmosphere, absorbing it (such a good word!).
And yes, respect.
Lovely images, makes me want to go back and visit Italy again.
But if you really want to keep the location secret you need to blur out the street names... I think there's probably only one town in Italy with both of the streets I can see names of
That’s certainly part of my conflict. Blur the names and compromise the photos. Not post photos at all and just rely on my limited powers of description. Not share at all! I guess this time, in this post, I just wanted to start a discussion. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it.
Ahhh you reminded me of something! Back in the day, there was a newspaper that did a sort of “guess the location”. The clues were based on written descriptions only. No photos. Just cryptic clues, a bit of history, geography and obscure information.
Very insightful. I grew up in the sticks, surrounded by lakes and trees. Jobs were scarce and young people moved away for adventures and employment. I did that as well. Now, my neck of the woods has been "discovered" and Gentrification has begun. Prices surge and lake property is selling quickly. It feels like Mother Earth herself is weary.
Hello Joyce. What a turn of the tides your hometown has had. Gentrification can be brutal and unfair. I have watched it take hold of places and felt so sad about it. The insensitivity to the locals and the way of a place is really hard to swallow.
Wonderful post!! Thank you for these beautiful images.
Manuela, Thank you!
This has been on my mind for a while too. I guess most people will have seen both sides or at least one side of it from where they have been when travelling and where they live. I lived in Berlin for 2 years in the early 2000s and my sister still lives there now so I can see all those changes over the years.... The rents have certainly exploded. (Certain accommodation businesses have a lot to answer for in that respect. But in the last few years there is also a lot more fully furnished and equipped apartments being offered for rent which is not at all something usually seen in Germany. It all makes it a lot harder for ordinary people to find somewhere to live.)
But that is obviously just one part of it. It is such a complex issue! Travelling is great for so many reasons. I used to not be able to afford much travelling at all and when I grew up we actually rarely ever left Germany because we could not afford holidays abroad. So being able to travel more now is wonderful but in most countries I have gone to there are at least some places that have been so plagued by over tourism that it is really hard to imagine a good solution (when it's gone so far that a lot of the original atmosphere and community of the places have been lost especially!).
Thank you for this post! I imagine especially living in Japan it must be hard these days.