eyes closer

eyes closer happened on the Paredao - the coastal promenade - of Estoril, Portugal. An habitué is on his morning stroll along the sea, certainly enjoying the fresh sea brise and the morning sun. His eyes seem not yet fully accustomed, apparently in need of some wake up. 

The picture is rather unspectacular at first sight but particularly captive at a closer look. Our eyes find pleasure at resting on the contemplating atmosphere, sensing the fresh, yet already warm morning temperatures, the smell of the sea, the taste of the cortado in the nearby waterfront café. We detect the fine graphics reflected in the jacket and the trousers of our protagonist, his slow movement dynamics and the walking stick well pointed forward to meet the vertical lines of the balustrade. We wonder where he might head to next.

The reduced, warm colours are a nostalgic reminiscence to former more galmourous days of the Portugese Golden Coast - days when our protagonist probably spent his days rather on the surfboard, evenings in the Casino, mornings in bed. Today Estoril is more of a retreat for elderly, still a very enjoyable place to be.