Mission Possimpible

I prowled around the building like an assassin, seeking out clues and corners of the spaces still untouched. Checking every door, every lock and every cabinet for signs of life. Crawling up the stairs creek by creek, I ducked passed the open archway to safety and caught my breathe in a small unlit room in the corner. What was I going to uncover I didn't know, but I knew one thing: no one was going to stop me from achieving my mission...

It was time for me to visit and inspect my building. Of course, working with a public space hosts its own circus of challenges. Being a studious citizen I phoned first, stated my case and politely asked if access to the building and taking pictures thereof was accepted. I was answered with a cheery "You're welcome anytime!" and thus I began my planning. Scavenging plans, books, pens, a decent camera and my wit I made my way to the building...but little did I know what awaited me...

School kids....everywhere. They were like ants after a piece of pie. And speaking of food, naturally they were munching on their lunch, sending wafts of smells into the air which should never normally mix. After navigating my way through the fog of food-induced smells, I found the entrance and proceeded to make my way to the front desk. Now, keeping in mind that the establishment obviously hires more than one person, and considering the fact that I spoke to a man on the phone and now there were only woman at the desks, I froze. When the lightbulb moment hit me that it was a public space I pushed out my chest and confidently walked into the first space, camera in hand. I mean, who needs permission, right?

It took me about 15 minutes to notice the sign on the wall reading "No photographs in studios". A bit stunned and still recovering from the nausea after the food experience, I decided the only logical thing to do...was sneak around. I opened closed doors, crawled under tables and even made a trip into the men's ablutions. Which, by the way, was nicer than the ladies'. When it was time to head upstairs, I crawled as if my life depended on it, taking all the necessary pictures with stealth and subtlety. And finally, I was done. After a sigh of relief I made my way outside...only to notice a group of tourists nonchalantly taking pictures of EVERYTHING....in front of the desk staff. I mean....its not like I had creeped around the entire building like an undercover agent. Anyone watching the cameras must've had a good laugh...

So what's the lesson I learned out of this whole experience: never ask for permission; it makes life more fun. And when walking past school kids eating...hold your breathe.

Stay quirky...

PS: if you don't understand my title, you obviously have never watched How I Met Your Mother and should subsequently drop everything right now and go do that. It's Legen.....wait for it.....Dary!