城市與人的關係

我們如何愛上一座城市？ 當我們因為不同的理由停留在一座城市裡，會在心底留下那座城市的記憶，記憶形塑了我，也形塑了城市，從此不覺得陌生，或是從此不想再踏入。

How can we connect to a city?

When we stay in a city for any reason, we will take away some memories of it. The memories give us a familiar feeling, that affects our opinions of the city. Maybe we want to stay forever or not come back anymore.

「想念的人是一座城市情感的錨點」。

The people we loved are the anchors in the city. As a result, they make us feel belonging to the city. Apart from friends, repetitive scenes are also an another reason that make us feel comfortable.

For instance, I went to Union square several times. I can tell you what shop is on the corner and the easiest way to get there. It’s not only about you belonging to the city, but also the city owns you.

我們的城市印象取決於情感的依歸。

人與重複的景物最能讓人產生熟悉感，

儘管我才去同個地點幾次，

但熟悉哪個轉角有喜歡的小店，

哪班地鐵可以輕鬆抵達目的地，

漸漸就開始覺得自己屬於這座城市，

這座城市也屬於自己。

The reason we love one city is that we have several anchors in a specific city. Some people’s anchors are with food memories, like some fascinating coffee shops, delicious snacks, and where they would used to go to.

Likewise, some people's anchors are with hobby memories, like someplace they like exercising or going shopping in.

我們會愛上自己所居住的城市

也是因為有些錨點存在

除了所愛的人為主線是一種外，

以食物記憶為主線是另一種：或許是幾間咖啡館、好吃的特定食物、習慣的小店，

也可能是以消磨時間的方式為主線：喜歡去的地方，愛逛愛踩的點，常休閒運動的地方，

----

One day, we may die in a city.

I hope we can have another anchor which is not belonging to this world, because the biggest wish of human beings is to belong to somewhere.

That keeps us calm in the present.

有一天，我們也會在一座城市死去，

但願我們在這個世界以外，也有錨點，

人最大的願望，就是有所歸依吧！

-- The photo I took in Washington Park, New York City. The young boy was playing chess with an old man. 圖為華盛頓公園中pk chess的老人與小孩。