I remember over a year ago, I started a new job that I worked at for about 8 months. That job was located in downtown San Félix, Venezuela, about 30 minutes from my house if I took the bus. I never thought I'd grow fond of that place, not so much because of the job I had, because I've never really liked jobs with schedules or routines, but because I used to go out after work or even before work to take photos of some corners of the center, walking aimlessly, looking for those images that captivated me.
Although downtown San Félix is characterized by being a place where we see many businesses of all kinds, it also had its charm as a place to visit. Of course, these were always the fixed points I used to visit, from Plaza Bolívar, to the seawall with its imposing image of the Orinoco River tracing the border between two other states: Monagas and Anzoategui, as well as walking along certain streets to appreciate a bit of the area's colonial architecture. Although many of these houses practically no longer existed, one was still transported back in time.
But something I loved was spending time by the river watching boats go by, or simply watching people enjoying a swim in the river or fishing. For me, it was like a visual poem that always sought to capture each of those subtle scenes and their own magic, thus having more than just a record, it was having those memories of each of those places where I used to be.
When I wasn't in a hurry to go home, after 3 p.m. when I finished my workday, I would take the time to walk around a bit. It was like a relaxing routine after working all day, especially with the intention of taking photos. All of this relaxed me much more before going home. Although sometimes, before going to work, I would also take the time very early to take a few photos or just sit and contemplate everything, something very simple but, in my opinion, something wonderful.
This is how you grow fond of the things or places you love. Time has made me understand this, and although it's been a while since I've been back to these places, I hope to return soon and walk through each of their streets again until I can appreciate the grandeur of the Orinoco River and all its surroundings, a place that harmonizes so much with everything that happens during the day. However, I have never been able to appreciate a sunset in these places, which I've always been told are spectacular, and I truly believe it because the horizon and the view of the place allow the sun to set magnificently. So, that's something I'm looking forward to doing next time I visit this place, which I hold in my fondest memories of my routines from that time.
All photographs are mine.
