Phone Photography Contest 111 | Waiting Room

This week, I was going through my photo archive and came across these images... Yes, at first glance, they are just simple tables, chairs, and a television in the background—it doesn't look particularly special, though it is certainly pleasantly elegant. The point is that this place ended up meaning a great deal to my wife and me, as it served as a gathering spot for meeting with people we hold very dear. I particularly remember spending various occasions sitting here—whether scrolling through my social media feeds, posting on Hive, or chatting with someone I deeply appreciate.

This is a small lobby which—during the time I visited it—was almost always empty, so it felt like an extension of my room. In fact, I had time to take several photographs in the area; although I have shared them in the past, only these four remained, and I think they are perfect for this photographic memory box into which I have transformed my Hive blog. I feel that every photograph I take has a great story behind it (or perhaps it is just me—with my way of looking at life—making the stories more interesting than they actually are)...

I was the first lucky one; I received a visit from a pianist friend who, at the time, was living in Alicante. She came with her husband—whom I had only recently met—but this encounter cemented the affection I felt for them both. The photos above may look like nothing more than simple sofas and chairs, but it was right here that I was able to talk until well past midnight with that dear friend—a time I knew I had to make the absolute most of, for, as it turns out, arranging a second in-person meeting with them has proven quite difficult. What I remember most about those conversations—held while we were "trapped" in this waiting room due to the rain—was the inspiration they both sparked in me. They are truly wise and experienced individuals—the kind of people I enjoy spending time with these days, and who motivate me to become a better person. A second meeting will surely come, but in the meantime—and in true sentimental fashion—I cannot forget that, back then, this place felt nothing short of magical to me.

The following day was one of goodbyes, but also of reunions. A young woman we hadn't seen in quite a few years traveled all the way from Portugal just to meet up with us. It still saddens me that they all had to make the trip, but—as you know—my work is as beautiful as it is chaotic; and so, with heavy hearts, our plans for that Good Friday afternoon had to change. Consequently, we only managed to steal a little time with this blonde friend of ours—we shared hugs and tears of joy—and she had to wait until that evening to continue our conversation. Even so, we were able to see each other again the very next day at our concert in Madrid. The waiting room effectively turned into a gift exchange, for when people care so deeply for one another, there is always some thoughtful gesture that surfaces during these whirlwind reunions.

Time passes, yet the affection remains the same—even if our daily routines seem to keep us apart. I make the most of every day, living it to the fullest as if it were my last; that way, if I were to pass away suddenly, I would die happy. Still, I hope God grants me a long life so I can enjoy it and share it with the people I love—because life is truly worth living! 🙏 Take it from me—someone who speaks with such fondness even about a lobby as simple as the one in these photos! 😅 This post is an entry for the Phone Photography Contest 111. I had actually shared the photo featuring my friend from Alicante, as well as the very last image in this post, are ones I’ve actually shared before; but I’m including it again here just to round things out. I hope you all enjoy it, and I wish you a wonderful weekend! ❤️