Sharing a secret...(long)

Cliffnotes at bottom for the literary challenged...

My secret is this: I haven't seen a picture of the Grand Canyon for as long as I can remember. In 10th grade, Mr. Phillips, my English teacher, assigned an article about "authenticity" and "real experiences". The author's main point was that it is impossible to truly experience something, without starting from a blank slate. Its kind of like how seeing the previews for a movie ruins the surprise and splendor of finding out what it is all about on your own. For this reason, I've refrained from looking at pictures of the Grand Canyon for all of my "adult" life.

The author used the canyon as an example of something that cannot be fully experienced, unless you -- yourself -- are present. I think that's why I chose the Grand Canyon as something I did not want to see any pictures of. He continued by saying that pictures fail to provide an accurate representation of ANY event because the photography process inherently involves inauthenticity. He believes that when we look at photos we are essentially forced to interpret how others see an event, since they are the ones framing the photo and providing it to us "through their eyes". Thus, in order to see something yourself --- to have an authentic, original experience --- he argues that, you must be present and somehow manage to "forget" the pictures and perspectives of others. I agree with him to some extent - certain experiences can be ruined if you already have information about it. (i.e. a murder mystery is no good, if your friend already told you who the killer was) But, many experiences are unaffected and are actually enhanced by learning about the experiences others have had (a trip to your 'homeland' to visit the place that your ancestors lived would mean very little, if you had no sense of family history). And, pictures - I'm beginning to believe - tell a worthwhile story. Just like other works of art - like paintings - they include a valuable perspective; it tells the story not just of the event, but of the individual who took the photo or painted the painting - and that is cool.

So, tying this together a little - A few years back my family took a trip to the Grand Canyon. I didn't tag along and now I feel like I missed out on something. At the time, my excuse for not going was steeped in romance....haha -you'll all love this. I said something to the tune of "I want to go to the Grand Canyon with my wife someday so that we can experience it together for the first time". I still believe that it will be a great experience when I go with whoever I marry. But, I don't think it will matter whether it is the first time for me or not; who knows, my future wife might have been to the Grand Canyon already, leaving me as a complete NOOB.

And, I'm starting to think of things a little differently. I've met a whole lot of strangers on this trip and learned a lot from observing them. Without a doubt, the people who are most happy are those who attack life. They take on any opportunity before them, just because that opportunity is worthwhile in and of itself. Sure the 70 yr old man biking across country is living this maxim, but it doesn't take someone doing something so incredible to live this way. I met a cafe owner who is just dominating at life; she loves her job and has a way of providing a great place and experience for her community, as well as strangers like me who are just passing through. So, how is this related to the stories I told above? Well, I'm going to the Grand Cayon today...and this is how I see it: I know that the girl that I eventually marry will be an "attacker of life" and will want me to do exactly the same...in the past, in the present, and in the future. Our experiences and stories together will enhance the ones that we will make going forward. That is why I've made a 180 degree turn on my decision of when to go to the Grand Canyon, despite having little clue who that lucky girl will be. I believe that my experience at the Canyon will be original just because it is mine, regardless of whether or not I've been infiltrated with pictures of the place. The ending of the Grand Canyon cannot be ruined by seeing a few pictures.... Now, I'm beginning to believe that pictures tell stories and that those stories, when incorporated into one's life, are valuable. They allow you to have fuller experiences and ones that actually matter.

PS: I definitely took some flack for my "I want to go with my future wife someday" comment. I fully expect (and will embrace) more flack for this slightly romantic post and my additional "future wife" comments. Hahaha...

Cliff Notes:
-Haven't seen a picture of the Grand Canyon in years
-Thought it would prevent "an authentic experience"
-Passed on opportunity to go to Grand Canyon with family, citing romantic reasons
-Going to Grand Canyon today
-Starting to believe that pictures are cool
-Made another outlandish romantic statement
-Tried - slightly unsuccessfully - to tie it all together

Ok, I'm tired after writing all that - pictures soon!