Footscray is a suburb in Melbourne I lived in, nearly 30 years ago. We’re staying here, as it’s close to a caravan and camping show but also for me to revisit an area I thought I remembered. However there is so little here that stirs any memories at all. I don’t recognise anywhere.

In comparison, Melbourne and longer ago, Glasgow ( university days), are still deeply familiar and I recognise streets, houses, parks, with a strong sense of connection to place.

I wasn’t here for long, and it wasn’t a very happy time in my life, so I wonder if memory is fluid ? Maybe the memories formed when at peace and content in a place become more permanent.

Footscray is a hard place to photograph, a very Vietnamese suburb with many other ethnic backgrounds as well. Low key, close to the city, heaps of cafes. I didn’t explore or really experience the place when I lived here, maybe that’s part of the reason I haven’t kept any long term memories. Dinner last night was a lovely fusion Asian/ Australian meal in the middle of a busy street, followed by a walk past a couple of alternative Gay pride clubs, a thumping night club, kebab shops, Little Africa, a brewery, Vietnamese shops and cafes beyond count. I could see myself visiting this area frequently, if I lived here now; the diversity is invigorating.

Memory is fluid. I have so little memory of this place, yet vivid memories of the end of a relationship that took place here. I remember the house we lived in, but not the streets, cafes and atmosphere of the place; all of which gives a place its soul.

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