Look Closer
Morning in Chinatown
Posted by Viewfinder (Bradenton, FL, United States) on 29 August 2009 in Cityscape & Urban and Portfolio.
We got to Chinatown early in the morning, before the crowds really hit the streets. But still there were the tourists like ourselves, and the curious locals, like this one man I saw here... watching me watch him.
Judy from Brooksville, Florida, United States
Your tour payed off big time in regard to photo ops and this is another 'winner'.
I'm sorry we didn't take this bus tour. :(
29 Aug 2009 5:24am
@Judy: Thank you Judy, for the nice compliment. What was good about the bus tour was it showed us things and places to go back to, because in truth, the bus tour only drove by Chinatown's edges. We did not get out. We got a pocket tour book and went back twice more on our own. Most of these I've posted (including this one) were from an "on our own" return visit where we walked through Chinatown and stopped wherever we wanted.
tyan from Singapore, Singapore
haha,this is an interesting documentary,i cant help but notice the weather is really nice!:)
29 Aug 2009 7:37am
@tyan: It was chilly there, and sunny that day (notice the jackets) in July.
@Craig: Glad you're liking it. Thanks!
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
Life, life and more life in this photo, splendid!
29 Aug 2009 11:29am
@Lorraine: So much life out there, so little time. The older I get the more I realize the truth of that statement. God has given us so much if we'll just stop trying to get more and enjoy what we've received. I think somehow you already realize this.
Betty from Phillipsburg, United States
I LOVE the curiosity of the locals! Wonderful street shot, Glenn!
29 Aug 2009 12:00pm
@Betty: Thanks Betty.
Barbara from Florida, United States
Excellent framing of this scene, the eyes go straight down the perspective of the image.
I chuckle somewhat at what that man may be thinking. Imagining he has no idea about digital, internet and how his face will flash around the world.
His posture and expression add character to the image.
I'm glad you broke away from the restrictions of the bus tour. This is the only way to really step into an area with such culture.
Great shot.
29 Aug 2009 12:42pm
@Barbara: Thanks Barbara. I appreciate your insights. As I said to Judy, I am glad we took the bus tour for the sake of getting a quick "outline" view of what we wanted to go back to see more of. From the confines of the bus, it was clear to me that Chinatown would be such a place. But it was the pocket guide to SF that got us navigated to some of the really cool stuff in C'town and SF in general, after the bus tour was over. It helped to have enough days to spend there, too.
MJ from Delaware, United States
great street scene.. I love the Chinese lanterns.....They always caught my attention everywhere we went in China... It is great how they maintain their traditions.....
29 Aug 2009 12:57pm
@MJ: I like that too. Thanks for coming by.
Chris from South Jersey, United States
I imagine it looks a lot different with the streets full in mid-day......nice view with a lot to look at...
29 Aug 2009 1:58pm
@Chris: Yes, after another hour or so, these streets were teeming with locals and tourists.
John from Eureka, United States
I wonder what he is thinking. Did you talk to him?
29 Aug 2009 4:18pm
@John: Don't know; and no I didn't talk. He just seemed to want to look things over.
@MARIANA: Thanks!
@john4jack: Thanks. Sometimes a tourist (like me) just has to be a tourist. Heh...
Tracy from La Selva Beach, United States
Great shot! The cute little guy in the foreground really makes this special! He gives feeling to the whole image! Great job exploring this fascinating city!
29 Aug 2009 9:40pm
@Tracy: Thank you Tracy. My wife and I had so much fun in SF and the surrounding countryside! I came back with more pix than I could ever show here.
jeff (aka dogilicious) from Millerstown, PA, United States
Excellent street scene. Nicely captured.
29 Aug 2009 9:57pm
@jeff (aka dogilicious): Thanks Jeff. I appreciate your dropping in today.
Marion from Nanaimo, BC, Canada
Your eye really does travel all the way down the street taking in the hanging lanterns and the colorful scene, but not before it pauses at the curious onlooker who is looking at you. I wonder what he is thinking?? Those silly tourists?? Another great street shot Glenn. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. I for one am really enjoying it.
29 Aug 2009 11:40pm
susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
great shot...sure does bring back fond memories......
29 Aug 2009 11:46pm
B. Thomas from Arlington, Texas, United States
Nice shot - fond memories for me too, both of SF Chinatown, and China with the red lanterns, signs, etc.
30 Aug 2009 1:46am
Lee from Fort Frances Ontario, Canada
An old section of the city for sure. But it has such flamboyant color and lifestyle. How can anyone not enjoy a trip into this cultural grid. A great series. Thank you.
30 Aug 2009 2:20am
Ronnie 2¢ from Atlantic Shores, United Kingdom
So much visual happens in places like this . . look at those shadows of the lanterns , too ! Sun must be near right overhead.
30 Aug 2009 8:14am
Nikon D80
1/200 second
F/7.1
ISO 400
42 mm (35mm equiv.)