Tell me a story...San Antonio style

[peacetraveler22]

We often create illusions about others, mentally molding them into the person we wish them to be, rather than letting actual words and actions be the guide. In human relations, this can be a dangerous game. I was quite susceptible to it in youth, but now I simply take people at face value. I still get tricked on occasion, and snakes temporarily slither into my realm, if only for a brief moment in time. Soon these slimy creatures are sent back to the dark hole or forest from which they crawled, because people always reveal their true character in small ways, if you're perceptive enough to notice. Too many people prefer to hold on to the mirage, for it's far more beautiful than reality. This is the reason why we have all echoed the words "love is blind" to ourselves, or others. Right? :)

In travels, this game of illusions can be fun. You meet people, often for a fleeting moment. A short smile, a quick exchange of words, a passing glance...however, you know almost nothing about their lives. Sometimes only their name, or a brief fact about their existence. During all trips, I take the time to sit in a local cafe or market and simply watch people go by, snapping photos in the process. These are the results of the experiment in San Antonio, Texas, where I traveled last week for business.

All the photos were taken at the Mexican market, or a local cafe by the Majestic Theatre, where there was a stage production of Cinderella playing during my visit. This appeared to be the biggest event in the city, with princesses of all ages dressed in sparkly heels and fancy dresses, still clinging to the fairy tale dream of a prince and magic kingdom. There's no text with the photos that follow. I didn't speak to any of these people, except the man pictured here - Gilberto. He runs a small stall with hats and boots at the Mexican market. Charming, dashing and distinguished gentleman. :) Usually I'm the one telling you stories, but let's put your imagination to work. Certainly some of my readers must be creative enough to weave imaginary tales about the humans in these photos? So go on, tell me a story...

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What do you think? What's their legend, profession, or passion in life? I've already created my own visions of them. Let's hear yours. As an incentive for participation, I'll send a prize to the reader who fabricates the most original or amusing tale. :)

Comments

[popados.livejournal.com]

На пятом фото - серийный убийца. Он только что зарезал свою 49-ю жертву и раздумывает, где сделать юбилейный rape №50, после чего созвать криминальных журналистов и сенсационно сдаться властям.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You want me to practice Russian today? :) I think the man in photo 5 is a lost, sad soul...or maybe a serial killer. :)) I don't know what has happened to the LJ platform? It's sad. :( I did an experiment like this a few years ago with readers, when I had 1,000 less subscribers. They had a lot of creative, witty and imaginary comments about the people in the photos. Now - no one cares. They'd rather look at tits and ass and scandalous content. Pity. :((

[popados.livejournal.com]

I think, it's a common situation. Just put couple of this photos on FB with same task and look on difference

[perycalypsis.livejournal.com]

My story begins like most Russian tales: Must confess I was a little drunk ...

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I broke my one-year absence from liquor in San Antonio. I could not resist the tasty margaritas with the Mexican food there, so I had a few. But I wasn't a drunkard. :)

[(Anonymous)]

Pic uno: He once established an empire and earned a fortune with crappy folklore souvenirs. Back then he did not shy away from using unorthodox business methods, like many other successful men of his time and used the help of the cartel at times... Now he retired, has 7 children, 9 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren has a highly profitable portfolio of stocks and a couple of immovables all around the world. Now he walks around, all dressed up, chit-chats and shows off - his way to escape boredom.
Numero 9: A babyboomer, still fascinated by the idea of fractals and her good friend and a Roseanne impersonator.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Very good, especially about the first guy. But he seemed to gentle and kind to be engaged in unscrupulous business practices. Yet sometimes those are the precise people who are best at playing these scandalous games, and masters of trickery. :)

[(Anonymous)]

I agree, we are easily deceivable by the looks.

[pin-gwin.livejournal.com]

Very expressive photos!!! Good job!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks, San Antonio is a very bright and festive city. Maybe I'll write a post about it, as I took some photos of the area one afternoon, but it seems there is little interest in this place.

[pin-gwin.livejournal.com]

Your blog is seen as American view on Russia by many, but I do not think it should hold you from telling your story. The world is really bigger than US or Russia... thanks for sharing

[weilami.livejournal.com]

This is my favourite type of travelling pictures - they are so much more interesting to look at than the standard postcard-like views of famous places. I wrote a similar post after my trip to London: http://weilami.livejournal.com/8149.html

The guy on pic.8 reminded me one of my Colombian friends. He is a professional opera singer, but at the moment he is mainly singing in a mariachi band - I'm not sure whether it's because he didn't get very lucky with his opera career or he just likes it more. Anyway, this guy probably plays in bars and restaurants hoping that one day a famous producer will notice him and invite to a TV-show. His girlfriend supports him, but secretly hopes that one day he will give up and get a 'normal job'.

As for the couple on pic.11: they are Chinese, came to the USA for a honeymoon. They are quite wealthy, probably have an apartment in Shanghai, reasonably educated (otherwise they'd be travelling in a group). It's not their first time in the country, they have some American friends and are kinda proud of it. 5 seconds after this pic was taken, the guy posted it on his Wechat (something in between WhatsApp, Twitter and Instagram, but for China) and got about 20 'likes'.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your creative visions! I like to watch, study and photograph strangers, especially in a colorful city like San Antonio! Your people photos from London are also good. Cheers! :)

[modest-so-zvezd.livejournal.com]

The ass on pic 10 very OK!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes! There are nice asses in America also. :))