Perception #1- Makena Bauss

As I was wandering downtown Provo, something that kept striking me was the concept of the urban outdoors. I've always known that Provo has fantastic scenery, going up into the mountains the nature is so beautiful. And I've known that Provo has a great downtown. I frequently take time to just stroll around and explore the shops and streets. But what I hadn't really taken time to notice is how these two aspects of Provo--nature and city--interact. Whether it was the contrast of an old rural-looking garage/shed surrounded by shrubs and bushes, backdropped by a gas station. Or smokestacks rising above the mountains.  The way the rocks and dirt in a construction site look so similar to the landscape of a hiking trail. How you can see straight through a building and enjoy the mountain vista behind it. Or even the urban concept of undeveloped land--an empty lot as opposed to an empty forest. Nature and cities don't have to be exclusive, but in fact can work together to create beauty.