Exercise 6: Place and Memory

Exercise 6: Place and Memory

This exercise asks that you drift in your mind and think of a place that you can recall strongly from memory. It should hold some significance to you.

• Can you remember what it felt like to be there?
• What sounds do you recall when you think of being in that place?
• What memories or associations do you have of this place?

On paper/screen, create a map of that place in any way you choose  – be as free as you like, it does not need to be to scale and you are not being assessed on your artistic skills or map-making abilities.

You may choose to combine image and text, sound and video, hand-drawn or annotation. You are being asked to engage with the sense of the place and to communicate that in the form of some sort of map.

Write a short statement to give some context to your choice and document the final map and upload it to your learning log.

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Can you remember what it felt like to be there?

It’s hard to describe the feeling of being in a place you love. It’s like your heart is at ease and your mind is at peace. Everything just feels right and you can’t help but smile. The air smells sweeter, the sun shines brighter, and the people around you seem kinder. You feel connected to the place and the people around you in a way that’s hard to explain. It’s a feeling of comfort, familiarity, and joy all rolled into one. Being in a place you love is like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cold winter day. It’s a feeling that you never want to let go of.

What sounds do you recall when you think of being in that place?

When I think of my hometown, I recall the constant sound of cars honking and revving their engines, the chatter of people on the busy streets, and the occasional blaring of sirens from passing emergency vehicles. It is a bustling city that never seemed to sleep, with a constant hum of activity and noise that became the background music of my childhood. Even now, when I visit, those same sounds bring back a flood of memories and a sense of nostalgia for the place that will always be home.

What memories or associations do you have of this place?

I loved taking a stroll on the seaside of my home city. It was peaceful and calming, especially in the early morning when the sun was just starting to rise. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was so soothing, and the sea breeze was refreshing. I always felt so relaxed after a walk by the sea. It was also a great way to get some exercise and clear my mind before starting my day.

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What is it like to describe your mother?

I was watching a documentary about the Greeks in Mexico. The journalist asked a Greek expatriate what it feels like to be in a foreign country and they missed their country at all.

He said something that has stuck with me: “The country we live in is like a life partner. We work towards the same goals, create families, and grow old together. But the country we come from is like a mother, always in our hearts and never to be forgotten.”

I love the pictures of the old Thessaloniki: taken 100-120 years ago. Feels like you are looking at pictures of your ancestors when they were younger.

The seafront faces towards the White Tower.

The seafront faces the harbour.

Panoramic view of the seafront. A collage of two pictures.

Aristotle square.

I have the sweetest memories from my hometown! It’s a beautiful city with so much to explore. When I think back to my time living in Thessaloniki, so many memories flood my mind. The first thing that comes to mind is the smell of fresh seafood grilling on an open flame. The sound of street musicians playing traditional Greek music filled the air, and the taste of warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce is simply unforgettable. I remember the beauty of the sun-washed buildings on the seaside, and the feeling of the hot sun on my skin as I walked along the cobblestone streets of the old city. Living in Thessaloniki was an experience I will always cherish, and I can’t wait to go back and make more memories.