If anyone is shopping for me, I’m a size window-seat in plane tickets. – Unknown
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This week, Ritva asks us to do a little Window Shopping in her first official challenge with the Lens-Artists. BE INSPIRED by her guidance and amazing photos HERE. The photo above was for fun and the quote was spot on to begin my post. It reminded me that my favorite place to window shop is while on vacation. Taking time to meander down tiny streets, or large shopping districts in cities often gifts us with both the local flair and unique culture of it’s space.
The Petit Champlain District in Quebec, Canada is a delightful place to wander. I am sure you will remember the little pig photo from another challenge, but I couldn’t resist sharing it again along with the blue-framed window looking into an olive oil shop.
Shop owners are experts with store-front, design strategies. Their goal is to grab your attention, and lure you inside to have a closer look. I am sure it works more often then not, but with travel I tend to be more of a just looking type. A camera over my shoulder is all I need to capture memories of the places I want to keep.
Hallstatt, Austria known for its breathtaking village, has a history dating back more than 7000 years. It houses one of the oldest salt mining sites in the world. The high mineral content of the natural salt, is believed to have therapeutic benefits. The locals tuck themselves into the charming streets, and they compete with creative ways of catching your eye first.
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In Croatia, we peeked through stone windows to see the handmade jewelry of local artisans. Window shopping is sometimes the art of admiring what you can’t have; isn’t it? And yet, most of the time I feel like the act of looking is more fulfilling than buying.
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There is something for everyone….always. We have discovered the handmade lace of Burano, Italy, and the woven socks of Montreal. In England there are Paddington Bears that need looking-after, and in the nearby pet stores, there are mini golden doodles that need a new home.
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Yes, there is something for everyone.
During a private tour of Venice, we tasked Rocco with taking us where the locals shop, dine, and go to school. In essence we wanted to know what it was like to live there. In our four hours with him, we dined with the gondoliers, had an afternoon coffee with the local firefighters, and bought wine and fruit at the floating farmers’ market. As the day progressed, he stopped at a quiet, bridge crossing and told us to look up at the picturesque windows above us. It was an important shopping space in the day, now closed. What, ask you, could be so high? Apparently, the windows whispered secrets of desire. The women who opened the shutters, tempted the local gentlemen with their beauty and taunted them with their loveliness. After all, the men needed to see what they were getting before the purchase.
Yes, there is something for everyone.
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Wind Kisses, Donna
Are you a shopper or more of a just looking type? I am definitely the latter, for good reason. In many ways, window shopping is a pastime that doesn’t require any money, especially when we travel. Thank to Ritva for this fun look at window shopping around the world. Remember to link to her post here and add the Len-Artists tag so we can find you.
Once again I am blown away by the responses to the challenges. Last week, with the sound challenge I heard you loud and clear. There were so many unique responses, and I am grateful for the ways you all inspired me…as you do every week. Next week John will host the challenge. Visit him at Journeys with Johnbo at 12:00 EST, Saturday.
Perfect choices for the challenge!
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Thank you. Looking forward to what you come up with.
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I had to dig deep!
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What a delightful post, Donna. I especially like the photo, I think it’s the second shot, of the window and also the one from Austria. That pig is pretty darn cute too. Most of all, I enjoyed your narration, as I always do. It brought to mind pleasant times window shopping in Europe and other places. I’m not a big shopper but I do like window shopping sometimes. However, when it comes to bakeries, I prefer to shop inside (and sit outside if possible.). 😉
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Yes. Thank goodness we both love the bakery scenario. Thank you, Janet. We miss Europe for those same moments.
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What a lovely trip you took me with this window shopping post! Excellent photos. The Venice story was fascinating and reminded me of a similar area in Ketchikan, Alaska.
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Thank you Egidio. A fun challenge to put together. Alaska is on our radar. A canceled trip during covid. I am sure we will get there in time. I loved your contribution to this challenge.
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Lovely images Donna, great question. I think I am more looker, but too many times it turns into shopper after time.
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hahaha yes. that can happen too.
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Wonderful bit of window gazing Donna 🥰
We did the same when in Venice, stayed in the back streets and looked for where the gondoliers were having lunch. Local bars were about a 10th of the cost of St Marks, and the locals sat with dogs on their laps in the small bar 🙂
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Oh yes, true about the cost. And the lines to get into the “famous” places near the dock area were way too long. We enjoyed off the beaten path too.
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You were really prepared for this prompt, Donna!
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With the recent travel, it was a little easier. I DO like taking photos of shops. I think they tell a lot about an area.
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And I like that they often reflect what is across the street. I made a jigsaw puzzle out of one shop window in New Orleans that showed the contents of the store as well as the street and stores across the street. It was intriguing.
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Excellent post, Donna. I love the baskets and the Austria one. Nice colours and composition, they would make me stop and look.
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Thank you Sofia. A great and enjoyable challenge.
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Brilliant opening, Donna, and yes, that would work for me too. What a wonderful way to see Venice. Hallstatt is so far back in my travel history that I can’t remember the windows- just that superb setting with the gondola on the water. I always feel a little guilty about ‘stealing’ photos and not making a purchase but I’m not a buyer, either. Just once in a while.
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Yes, I feel the same about taking the photos, and if at a market where people are selling their craft I am a little more careful. Thanks for your note JO.
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A wonderful post Donna. I like the way you start and end the journey through the windows.
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Thank you, Rupali.
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What a cornucopia here! And that last shot is certainly intriguing, with its story. A beautifully put together post.
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Thank you , Margaret.
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Am agreeing with everyone’s comments, Donna, but especially love the first (and the quote) and last photos. Oh yes and those pretty pink mounds of Hallstatt salt, a name and context I know only from Iron Age lectures at uni long ago.
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Thank you, Tish. Yes, Hallstatt has to be one of the most beautiful cities to photograph. I hear it is a bit touristy these days, so I am glad we were there a few years back. the first quote was SO necessary. I am glad you liked it.
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You have such a wonderful way with words Donna. Your posts are a delight to read. I’m another window shopper (and market stalls). When I was living in Ludlow they used to have competitions for the best dressed window for certain events. I was there with my camera and didn’t always agree with the winner.
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Oh, I would have enjoyed that with you. People are so creative with competitions. And these windows we are seeing this week are truly art. Thank you for your kind note, Jude.
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Oh yes, get me a window seat on a plane any time (unless it’s an overnight flight)! I love to see the views on take-off and landing, amd to watch the clouds ⛅ And on holiday I too love to window shop and see how the goods on sale reflect the countries I visit. You’ve captured that experience so well – I especially enjoyed your account of that tour in Venice.
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Thanks Sarah. And I am with you on overnight flights. Takes too much time to recover, and there are things to do.
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Sometimes overnight flights are inevitable. If so I prefer an aisle seat as I rarely sleep and I like to be able to get up and move around without disturbing others
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Yes, Same. Long flights are too long in those seats.
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Well, what can I say other than that you nailed this shopping spree. I loved the the little pig photo , it is so cute as is the puppy in the end of the post. I love wool socks, and baskets and old suitcases so you have captured few of my favorite things here. And there is a slightly different styles in window displays in each county you showcased here.
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This was such a fun challenge, Ritva. I am enjoy seeing the very different shopping in other areas of the world. Thank YOU>
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❤
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LOL for your closing image Donna – only you!! Loved all of your choices this week but the golden doodle stole my heart. I fear I’d have had a hard time leaving him/her behind.
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Yes…my neighbor couldn’t resist and brought him home, so I can enjoy him and not worry about owning him. He is sure cute with all the little kids. Thanks Tina. When I took the photo in Venice. I remember finding it quite funny as our guide was also very matter-of-fact. I wasn’t sure I would ever use the photo. Sure worked out with todays challenge. Thanks again, Tina
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I knew you’d nail this prompt with all the fun travel photos you have. Glad to see the pig made another cameo appearance. I adore the colors in the header photo. I’m a just looking kind of gal as well, especially when traveling. A small token may make me smile enough to purchase it though. I enjoyed seeing glimpses of your travels and chuckled at how sweet you made the last photo appear for us. 💏💋
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Thanks Shelley. It was a fun challenge. Yes, the Venice story was a perfect add here. I wasn’t sure I would ever use that photo and describe what it was, so I enjoyed the chance today. lol.
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You’re welcome.
Just goes to show us, follow the advice and take the photo, you never know when it will come in handy! 😂
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A delightful shop around and story, Donna! I love “just looking”, but with food like spices or bakeware, I am terribly tempted to buy. But then, spices don’t take so much space, and baked goods will be eaten and won’t take any space … at least not in the suitcase. 😉
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True that. I have a sweet tooth myself. My husband was just searching for the m&ms I scarfed. He said he should just get me a chocolate subscription. It would be easier.
Probably.
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There is a French group on Facebook that is striving to get Nutella acknowledged as medicine … haha … I love it.
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haha. I wish. I have heard that. Since it is made with a bit of hazelnut they tout nutrition. Too funny.
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They also claim that it is good for our mental health, which I fully support! 😉
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😂😂😂 Same!
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These are lovely windows, Donna. I want that mini golden doodle. If only they stayed mini sized! 🙂 I am more of a looker than shopper unless there is something I need. Then I want to just get ‘er done.
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I am a list taker. Get the list done. In truth, I have a list of lists everyday. Drives my husband up the wall.
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I am too, and a calendar addict. I have a big calendar for both of us. I have my schedule on my phone, and I just bought a year-long diary with a month calendar and weekly calendar, to do lists, and motivational verses, goals, prayer lists, etc. I try to go over the calendar every day with Vince and have it by his desk for him to look.
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Lol. We only go over MY calendar monthly. That he in my we has a photographic memory and while he does have a calendar, he rarely forgets anything
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haha Vince is smart, but not photographic memory smart! I’m not complaining. Mine is a little out of focus from time to time. 🙂
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lol. Same.
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I am in LOVE with the doodle!! Wonderful variety in these photos. I wonder what they serve in the place with the little pig? Clever display
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Thank you Nora. The restaurant was called Le Cochon Dingue and means Crazy Pig. It was a great find, but we didn’t go in.
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Ha! ‘I’m a size window-seat’. At our age, we have to sit closer to the lavatory. LOVE the pup! CUTE!!!
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hahaha
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Such a lovely gallery this time again. I agree, side streets, “just looking” and so on are a wonderful way to travel.
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Thanks I.J. I enjoyed your take on the time as well.
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Hi Donna, I enjoyed your post. I love to return from travels with tons of photos, a well-worn map of the metro, ticket stubs from museums, and a travel guide that I have marked up and will refer back to forever! ☀️
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Oh, yes. I love paper maps from everywhere. And tickets stubs! Its a great way to remember.
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What a fun post Donna. I hope you had as much fun preparing it as I had reading it. Great photos and narrative. The pig is my favorite.
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Thank you Anne. It was fun to put together.
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Great post again, Donna! Love that pig…and the doodle – so you get to see him/her when you want! (need to,,,)Lucky you. Loved the story of the tower and the beautiful women too. A totally enjoyable post.
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Yes, since my neighbor is socializing the puppy , she never I am out front gardening, over they toddle. It is super cute.
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🐕🐕🐕
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I love your selections, Donna! The blue-framed window is just lovely. the pink pig made more smile. 🙂 A private tour guide in Venice, I envy you! 🙂
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We enjoy a company called Tours by Locals, Amy. They are located in so many cities. They tailor the tours with you, which suits us well. Thank you. A fun challenge.
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You captured some creative windows!
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Thank you Mary.
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Loved the window shopping
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fantastic shots!
love the Croatia image.
love the last image with blue windows!
as always enjoyed reading your narration.
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And oh how I how every reads yours this week. It might start everyone drinking.
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What could that be?
Is this incredibly captivating or potentially distressing?
I don’t know.
I hope for the best.
Thank you, Donna.
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Well, I butchered my comment, sorry, but clearly you knew what I meant to say. It is a fun read…as always, and everyone deserves a good chuckle now and then.
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No worries at all, Donna!
We all have our moments of linguistic acrobatics.
But hey, as long as we’re all on the same page of the Chuckle playbook, that’s what counts!
Who does not love the quirks of communication and spreading laughter like confetti at a clown convention! 🎉🤡
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Indeed.
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Thank you
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I love that opening photo, but my favorite is the shot of the windows in your final image. Great perspective given their purpose.
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Thank you , John.
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These are some great photos! Each one I was thinking “Oh, that’s cool!” Loved the street shot, the pup (of course) and the brothel was a fun reveal.
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Couldn’t resist the brothel. Or the puppy for that matter. Thank you.
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I love to window shop – we used to have a toy store in our small downtown and they would have scenes in their windows – pirate ships and castles made of Legos and stuffed dinosaurs on the attack. Loved it – alas it did not survive the pandemic. It’s empty windows make me very sad.
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Yes, we have found the same. It was the small town shops that seemed to struggle the most. Yes, sad.
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Fun to window shop with you!
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Thank you for stopping by.
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These are really amazing, Donna. Especially from Austria and Croatia.
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Thank you, Hammad.
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Cute puppy! It reminded me of that song, “How much is that doggie in the window?” 🐶
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Yes! That is true isn’t it? My husband, who doesn’t sing ANYthing, always taught that song to our kids and grands. It reminds me of him. lol.
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