Perception 1

Up, down, over, behind – there are so many different angles from which we can view an object or situation. However, we rarely take the time to really see the things around us because we are too busy, too distracted, etc.  Once we slow down and take the time to really observe the world around us, it’s often surprising how many amazing things are right before our eyes. Sometimes, we need to take a step closer in order to see, as was the case when I passed a large wooden door on Calle Colegio.  If you glace at this door in passing, it looks very similar to every other old, wooden door on the street; however, if you take the time to slow down and look closely, you will see the uniquely-shaped key hole embedded in the wood.  Other times, we have to look up to really see.  Alcala is full of window boxes and flowers, but have you ever noticed that the bottoms of these boxes are filled with colorful tiles?  I didn't, at least not until today when I happened to look up rather than straight ahead as I usually do.  On the other hand, we can also see new things if we choose to look down.  Many of the drains in Alcala are shaped like gargoyles, but I happened across this one that is different than all the others – it looks more like a cross between a fish and a cat than a traditional gargoyle.  Our perception can also change when we go somewhere new.  Today, I stumbled across a rooftop restaurant/bar of some sort just off the plaza that has an outdoor escalator rather than stairs.  The escalator was hidden behind an old brick wall that I just happened to walk past, and it seemed so out of place surround by all the old buildings. Finally, in some cases, the key to truly seeing something is to have background knowledge that helps you decipher and understand the object.  This plaque originally caught my eye because it was in an unexpected spot: next to a garage door in an empty back alley.  However, the real value of the plaque is in its translation: “In memory of Amparo, For so many simple acts turned into joys and hopes. 1/18/2016.”  In this case, you need the translation of the plaque in order to truly “see” it as the heartfelt and touching memorial that it truly is.