“an unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by walls or buildings, typically one forming part of a castle or large house.”
In the midst of a city jungle, a place that opens the door to nature and fortresses our purest joy and peace, gathering our spirit in a way that transcends the unworldly, this is my memory of a courtyard.
Yesterday, I visited my partner’s workplace. It is located beside the central train station, consisting of two large hostel buildings with a courtyard in the middle, and the reception set right by its side. It’s rare to see a space that is so open to the outside in a city like this. At first, I was a bit confused by it’s roughness, it kind of reminded me of school, but then, as I sat down comfortably on a chair, a sudden feeling of déjà vu came over me. I couldn’t quite remember what it was.
The hostel I work in is a modern, industrial-style space in a high-rise, fully enclosed building. Our reception desk doesn’t have a window. It is cozy and comfortable all year round, but somehow it lacks fresh air, or even just a view of the outside world.
So when I felt that almost too familiar feeling deep inside my heart, the joy that sparks me were almost singing way too loud that I couldn’t react, after a long return back to the crowded society where people has to be in manner, this fragment of the memory came back to me.
Over the past two weeks, while going through my massive folders of photo booth pictures for my gallery, I came across a photo I had chosen: a dear friend of mine, sleeping peacefully on a table in a hostel courtyard at midnight, with empty beer bottles scattered beside him. I can almost remember the loud music, people chattering, laughing, having deep conversations, playing games all night, and eventually coming to rest in an open space like that. What a wonderful feeling. The man lying on the table was filled with freedom and joy.
When I came to Melbourne in 2021 to visit a friend who was staying in this hostel, we randomly met a group of people from all over the world, from different age groups. In those isolated COVID days, connecting with people seemed almost impossible, we were naturally guarded, living in fear and alone in enclosed spaces. So when we all stepped into the courtyard of the hostel, it felt unbelievably amazing.
As a solo traveler at that time, nothing felt better than having someone to share things with, to share your random thoughts, your creative ideas, the music you were into, your life story. To sing the songs we all knew and loved, dance however you felt like it, to enjoy food together. You never knew who might pass through the courtyard while you were just sitting there alone, and somehow it created a powerful connection that no one even expected. Human connection ignites new inspiration.
Conversations can come in various ways, mirroring and challenging our existing beliefs and ideas. The right person will cross your path when you need them most. The courtyard creates a space for these possibilities, supports us as we journey through life. It offers a space that feels both safe and open, allowing us to be ourselves naturally, to express emotions that are gently absorbed into the air we breathe.
When strangers came together like a family, we spent most of our precious time in the courtyard. We would drink and dance all night, celebrating for no reason, staying up until we fell asleep. We could never have imagined how strangers could trust and love each other so deeply despite our differences. Somehow, we all became one, as if the courtyard was holding us, nurturing us.
Even though the same moment never lasts, the love we felt remains in the courtyards of memory. Even when we feel completely closed off and alone in this world, a courtyard takes the roof off our minds, reminding us that we are free to share, to open our hearts to nature. Reality is often brutal, yet intimate; fear is the force that isolates us. But it’s never too late to raise a glass and laugh about the world, to share a song, to dance with friends and strangers, to offer yourself to the open world. Isn’t it?
12th April 4:00pm Memory Fragment 02 – Court Yard
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