citified hospitality

I’m continuing to think about what “hospitality” really looks like, especially in our pseudo-urban context. This reflection from a woman in Vancouver was a good read, mainly because it’s a story. She says,

“The new reality of city living meant being in close proximity to our neighbours and interacting with them on a daily, personal basis—not just when we want to conveniently say hello.

Although I know those who would disagree with me, I have found it easier to be neighbourly while living in the city than in the suburbs. Since space is limited in the city, I notice that people tend to congregate and cross paths regularly in public facilities such as parks, libraries, community centers, and transit—whereas in the suburbs, people tend to spend more time in the private 'playgrounds' of their homes (basements, rec rooms) and backyards.”

I felt this familiarity last week; a sense that my particular part of Arlington was really a neighborhood. I saw a good friend at the grocery store and an acquaintance on the Metro. Last night I spotted a former colleague in the crosswalk. I like the sense of shared public space here, and I hope it continues to challenge me to share my own space.