This week's Sunday Scribbles was to people watch and find someone who grabs your attention and create a story around this person.
The assignment caught my interest. I enjoy people watching and the idea of taking my observations and creating a story about one person seem like a fun idea. I've always found it interesting how you can describe a person or place and what people imagine will always be different... Unique and personalized according to their own likes, dislikes and experiences.
Watching people and wondering what goes on in a stranger's life is something I enjoy doing especially when I'm alone in a public place. Several questions go through my head, "are they married or single", "where are they from", "do they have children", "what kind of work do they do", "are they leading happy lives or are they suffering alone" and "where did she buy that fabulous purse". My questions go on and on...
Today seem like the perfect day to people watch considering we were going to go to the centre of town to window shop and enjoy the lovely weather. We walked around the city and once Lil' C feel asleep we stopped at a quaint little cafe. Perfect place to sit and watch people go by. But the more I tried to focus in on one person the more distracted I became.
I was overwhelmed. Sensory overload. So much to see, hear, taste and smell and the desire to take it all in.
Did you ever see the scene in Amelie where she walks a blind man across the street while quickly describing the scene around them? Well, that's what I'd like to do for you. Hope the description is as clear as it was for me this afternoon.
Sitting at a small cafe with tables linked closely together while a mild breeze flows through the air. Large umbrellas sheltering you from the sun. Surrounded by locals as they share an afternoon break with friends and loved ones... savoring delicious crepes drizzled with Grand Marnier, huge glasses filled with gelato and sipping espressos and cappuccinos. People laughing and chatting in French. Waiters dressed in long white aprons casually taking orders. Beautiful historic buildings surround you. Looking out into the centre you see a large group of young, attractive Italian men getting ready to ride out of the centre on their motorcycles. There is a mix of perfume & smoke lingering in the air, couples walking hand in hand and kissing as they walk by. A young boy running on the cobbled stone street, dogs barking and the calming sound of the water fountains. As you take your first sip of a rich, dark hot chocolate you smile and remind yourself to enjoy the simple things in life.
Note: My intentions were to post photos of the scenes around me today but I decided against it as posting them would spoil the visual image you create in your own mind. Enjoy! ;)
LOVELY image and a very interesting post.
Thanks.
Posted by: Jerri | 09 October 2006 at 00:07
Italian men and people talking French? I am trying to figure out where you are - Switzerland? I enjoyed reading this description.
Posted by: Catherine | 10 October 2006 at 11:00