watching European town "wake up"
May 13th, 2007, 02:41 AM
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watching European town "wake up"
A friend mentioned this observation, and I realized that I love doing this too:
Early morning, in small European towns, having a coffee near the center of town, and watching things "come to life"? The shopkeepers opening and cleaning the sidewalks. The suppliers delivering bread, beverages, flowers to the shops. Workers heading to the office.
Sort of a "relaxed bustling"??? I love it. Why does it seem like such a much more relaxed and enjoyable way that they conduct life???
Early morning, in small European towns, having a coffee near the center of town, and watching things "come to life"? The shopkeepers opening and cleaning the sidewalks. The suppliers delivering bread, beverages, flowers to the shops. Workers heading to the office.
Sort of a "relaxed bustling"??? I love it. Why does it seem like such a much more relaxed and enjoyable way that they conduct life???
May 13th, 2007, 02:47 AM
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Hi ek,
Not only small towns, but in large cities too.
>Why does it seem like such a much more relaxed and enjoyable way that they conduct life???<
Because in many ways it is.
OTOH, it can be difficult to get a bottle of milk after 10:00 PM.
Not only small towns, but in large cities too.
>Why does it seem like such a much more relaxed and enjoyable way that they conduct life???<
Because in many ways it is.
OTOH, it can be difficult to get a bottle of milk after 10:00 PM.
. I'm sure they have a Walmart there.
May 13th, 2007, 03:58 AM
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>I'm sure they have a Walmart there.<
Yes, we do. It's a Super WalMart with a supermarket.
We also have a Loews.
A Starbucks opened about 2 months ago.
For fine dining, you can choose among Zaxby's, KFC, McD, Cracker Barrel, two Waffle houses, a Chili's and Pizza Hut.
There are two truck stops, but I don't think they are "fine dining".
Yes, we do. It's a Super WalMart with a supermarket.
We also have a Loews.
A Starbucks opened about 2 months ago.
For fine dining, you can choose among Zaxby's, KFC, McD, Cracker Barrel, two Waffle houses, a Chili's and Pizza Hut.
There are two truck stops, but I don't think they are "fine dining".
May 13th, 2007, 04:33 AM
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Actually, this is one of my favorite things too. I don't drink coffee, but first a tea and then an early walk around some side streets are always some of my best memories.
I think there is something to what Carrybean said about being on vacation. It's probably a lot more picturesque to those of us not heading to the office or making deliveries.
But it's not exactly the same sort of scene I see around home either. There does seem a lot less "out of my way, if I'm late this morning I'm: out of a job/will lose the contract/won't get there before the jelly donuts run out/etc."
I have to admit, I do think most places where I lived (central/southern US) threw away a lot over the years in exchange for cheap goods in big boxes. Low, low prices came with some high, high costs.
May 13th, 2007, 05:40 AM
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Of course it's due to being on vacation. Next time you go to the Jersey or Maryland shore (and I supose any other beachside town), get up early and watch the shops open along the boardwalk. That'll make you feel all fuzzy inside knowing all those suckers' work days are just starting and you have nothing else to do but watch them.
May 13th, 2007, 06:22 AM
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Any German bakery, no matter which city or town, will offer coffee from 6 a.m. So whereeever you are, you'll find a place to see the town wake up.
The main square on market days with the merchants putting up their stalls would be my favourite.
Train stations can be interesting for people-watching early in the morning, too.
The main square on market days with the merchants putting up their stalls would be my favourite.
Train stations can be interesting for people-watching early in the morning, too.
May 13th, 2007, 07:22 AM
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I had precisely the same sensation - albeit with rather less evidence of locals doing any work - walking round central San Francisco at 0730 a few months ago.
Sleepy small towns the world over are pretty much alike.
Sleepy small towns the world over are pretty much alike.
May 13th, 2007, 07:37 AM
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Suze - never having been to Seattle I might have to disagree. You might find waking up early in the Pocono Mountains with the birds calling, the trees rustling and a bear rooting through the garbage a lot more interesting than a local like myself would.
It's just a matter of perspective. That, and the fact that you're not at work!
It's just a matter of perspective. That, and the fact that you're not at work!
