Day #4

Milan - we arrive in good humour and good time albeit apprehensive about what we will find. The first day passes well and my subject is excited at the prospect of being interviewed.  She is well prepared and her family have all given advice.  Especially pleasing is the acknowledge that this will be a creative project and some things will be 'made up'.  

It is striking how tiring these interviews have been to both interviewees.  Personal memories are strong; there is an energy and alacrity in their recounting.  In Milan we end two extended sessions both exhausted.  I've learnt a lot; mostly that what I am being given is approximate and selective.  I am also learning to respect these experiences and memories, especially when M finishes by saying, 'when people have nothing, they become hard.'