Today I found a loverly little antiques shop only two blocks away from my apartment. The item that first grabbed my attention was a box of old photos of airplanes right by the door. Next, it was a bowl of old playing cards (which I collect) that caught my eye. The store was filled with old, well worn leather suitcases and bags, old fashion cameras, dish ware, chairs, paintings, and jewelry. Every wall was covered from floor to ceiling with things on shelfs stacked on top of each other.
I had to wonder how most of the goods got there, from the child's rocking horse to the hand made glass vases. But despite the shear volume of stuff everywhere and a few tight spaces, it was not cramped nor did it feel claustrophobic. Actually, after spending almost two weeks dragging my luggage with me everywhere, it was reassuring to find this store full of vintage items. It is seems to be an old habit that people in general cannot seem to shake, acquiring stuff.
This is not to say that hoarding should be encouraged or that material possessions are better to own than experiences. However, while traveling by my self over the last few days and in meeting others with nomadic fever, I have come to learn that our belongs say quite a lot about us and the life we lead. What we take with us and leave behind even more so, as well as our reasons from taking or not taking an item.
The shop was full of things old owners left behind for new owners to take away. So what do my newly unpacked bags say about me? Hopefully, that I am prepared for and open to whatever may happen over the next few months. And what do the things I left behind say? That I'm not a nice enough sister to leave my clothes that my little sister most likes to barrow.
The store was not very different from an American second had shop. In fact upon walking in I was immediately reminded of shopping in Austin, Texas. The United States and Australia, I think, are similar in both their desire to collect and to be nostalgic for the past.
