The Rituals of Remembering: A Private Autobiography
Everyone has their own ritual for remembering. For instance, some capture the essence of a city through scents, while others collect coffee cups from every corner of the globe. In fact, listening to these personal stories is a joy in itself. Ultimately, I have come to realize that my collection of objects is actually a personal travel autobiography. These items are no longer just souvenirs; they are ‘Personal Relics’ that preserve one’s footsteps and fleeting moments of the past.
Collectively, they form a private autobiography that only the owner can truly decipher. I often find myself dreaming of weaving these fragmented stories together into a book, capturing the unspoken history of a life traveled. Each object on my shelf is not just an item, but a living chapter of my existence.
The Unfinished Longing and the Flea Market Soul
Travel itineraries always feel fleeting. Consequently, they leave behind a persistent sense of unfinished longing. Even after returning home, I find myself suspended in those moments, flipping through digital galleries. Most people settle for simple trinkets like fridge magnets, which often feel like small, metallic regrets.
However, I eventually realized that my personal taste had quietly gathered itself through a different path. I have always believed that flea markets offer the most intimate glimpse into the soul of local life. Somewhere along those dusty aisles, my keepsakes began to take the shape of well-loved glass dishes and weathered teapots.
The Aesthetics of Culture: Mirroring the World
This narrative begins with the bronze teapots I unearthed at London’s Portobello Road Market. These pieces were chosen not merely for their aesthetic appeal, but because they embody the quintessential British culture. Their weight seems to hold the stillness of a foggy afternoon, capturing the very essence of London.
While the types of objects I collect—teapots and plates—remain consistent, their designs, colors, and patterns are subtly different. Each one mirrors the unique atmosphere of the country I discovered. Instead of seeking a simple souvenir, I looked for items that shared a soul with their surroundings.
For instance, the plates from Boxhagener Platz Flohmarkt in Berlin reflected a quiet, orderly life through their disciplined forms. In contrast, the treasures I found at Barcelona’s Els Encants, after circling its vast, mirrored expanse, carried the vibrant energy of the Spanish sun. These objects are the physical manifestations of the cultures I have walked through.
Beyond Objects: A Continuous Journey
Ultimately, these objects have transcended their identity as mere decor. They possess the power to vividly summon the weather of a specific day, the frantic energy of a market, and the very scent of the air in a foreign land. They are the living breath of my travels. By surrounding myself with these “chapters,” I turn my daily routine into a continuous journey. My home is no longer just a house; it is a living book of where I have been.
If you are planning to visit Seoul, you might discover your own travel relics here.
[Dongmyo Flea Market] ➔ ➔