Social Currency

Three days ago, I received from Google its congratulations on my accomplishing 3,000,000 views of my photos posed on Google Maps. I first began doing that in July 2017 when I wanted to show my appreciation of the excellent service I got from an Ishigaki scuba diving travel agent. And then I thought I should also publish some of the photos I captured and only stored in my hard disks.

From the small data, my photo that was most viewed depicted Fairview Park's round-shaped management office. Fairview Park was my first home from where I travelled to Hong Kong University to attend law lectures from 1983 - 1985. The iconic structure overlooking the artificial lake was then an up-market western restaurant where I took relaxation before and after law examinations.

My next popular photo depicting a hot-spring hotel at Gero Onsen was in fact taken in June 2014, weeks after my retirement from civil service. My wife and I hired a sports car at the Nagoya International Airport and sped all the way for three hours to arrive at our destination, so that we would not miss our prepaid full Japanese dinner. I have since developed the discipline to travel monthly.

Serious stuff aside, I share my photos and reviews on food and drinks, holidays and events on social media timely. When I notice that views of my casual publications mount up by the hour and can reach around 20,000 views per day effortlessly, I have the urge to present more of my world to strangers who share my interests. I believe it would not be long before I can capitalize on my social currency!