impressions: Santiago de Compostela

Praza de Cervantes

Once a city reaches the status of take-away coffees and hamburger formulas, some of Spain gets sort of lost there. Santiago de Compostela is the first place - after 800 kilometers along this so hospitable Camino Frances - where I have to pay my coffee right away...
Still, street life is fabulous here. Voices everywhere, people meeting, saying hello.

Once is present everywhere. It's the giant lottery based on the sales of the blind on streetcorners.  Spaniards like to gamble - lotteries, smoking, flirting...

Sunlight and shadow playing everywhere. Old stone is the foundation, in every gradation of grey. Nobody notices a 300 year old fountain. The square has it's own church- of course. The door is open.
The paces are so different. The student rushes, talking into his cellphone. Late, as everywhere in the world. Old men wandering quietly to their daily shop visit. Musicians playing- this is Santiago. Tourist place. Deutsch, Italiano.
An older businessman. Slowing down already. But certain in where he goes. Doesn't have to prove himself anymore, but still likes the excitement. Quick cigar.
Other people asking you for cigarettes. Beggars, homeless people. Into their own world. Still always looking around for chances.
A mother meets her friend. One eye at the children. But they will follow.
And then, the young pretty girl. She knows about the glances. This is one world.