It was one of the first warm, summery spring days during my semester abroad in Pamplona, Spain. And also one of my last days before returning to Germany. I met up with a few friends on the cobbled plaza, which offers a beautiful view of the lower part of the city. Early evening sun, Spanish red wine, and olives, all in a group setting.
It was one of those days when you forget all your worries, when the world stands still for a few hours. We talked and laughed. We drank to the friendship we'd built over the past few months. Even as I left the house that day, I had a feeling it would provide a beautiful memory, so I had my Polaroid camera in my bag. Whenever I want to capture special moments, this replaces the iPhone selfie. For me, the Polaroid photos have emotional value. They're not just photos, but beautiful memories, vivid moments, or captured moments. At the end, we shared the Polaroid photos of that special Pamplona moment among ourselves. Every time I hold the photo in my hand now in Germany, I feel the Spanish sun on my skin and the carefreeness I felt back then. I feel safe, accepted, and honest—just as authentic friendship should be.
