Lens-Artists Challenge #288 – Window Shopping
Do you enjoy window shopping? You may become an expert after you see Ritva’s Lens-Artists post. In that post, she says she likes to take “photos of creative window displays,” and she does not limit her subjects to fashion. ”Anything goes, like decorations and even food,” she says.
Did you know that there are, in fact, mental health benefits to window shopping? The main thing to remember is not to use it as a coping mechanism. Window shopping can boost one’s mood as you look at things you have not seen or purchased before. Undoubtedly, it is a good distraction and can even lend to future purchases. Another benefit is exercising. As you go from store to store, you do light exercise. Also, social interaction is another benefit if you are with a friend.
Let’s take a look at some window shopping options.
When you travel, do you like fancy stores and exquisite products? You may like luxury items, such as the ones you can find on a leisure stroll in Florence, Italy. It could be articles of clothing, fashion, or maybe even a new car.
One does not have to visit a foreign country to find luxury brands. You can enjoy window shopping along North Michigan Avenue in Chicago‘s Magnificent Mile. Covering thirteen blocks, the Magnificent Mile has something for every taste, style, flavor, fun, and pocket. There are 460 stores, 275 restaurants, 60 hotels, and more. I bet there is something similar near you, too. I know that Austin, Texas, has an area like the Magnificent Mile.
If luxury brands are not your thing, you may enjoy a local shopping mall or, even better, an artists’ market showcasing local artisans, such as the Mercado Central (Central Market) in Fortaleza, Brazil. It is five stories high and features handicraft work. You can spend hours window shopping there. If temptation strikes you, you can buy things covering you from head to toe. It also has home decorations. You can also taste local food and beverages in various restaurants if you get hungry. It is all under one roof!
Speaking of local flavor, nothing may compare to Lisbon‘s Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa (Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines) store. Even if you do not like sardines – I am in that group – the place is a must-see along Augusta Street. You can buy a can of sardines showing the year you were born. I hope there are no sardines in those cans!
For the discerning window shopper, nothing compares to window shopping in Texas. A store in San Antonio has nothing but decorations made of guns. Pull the trigger, and your living room lamp comes on. Leave it to the USA and Texas to think about gun decorations! If you head to West Texas, Marfa and its surrounding area are a haven for artists. You will be safe window shopping there, from the Chinati Foundation Contemporary Art Museum to other art installations, such as the Target or Prada stores or the movie “Giant” cutout figures. You cannot purchase anything in those places.
However, if you are like me, you will need a different kind of window-shopping experience if none of the above entices you. I am talking about nature window shopping. Whether at the Prince of Wales Hotel at Waterton Park in Canada or the Grand Canyon Lodge in the North Rim, you can sit down and have a delicious meal while looking out the window right next to you. It offers incomparable views and endless trails to explore — all free of charge if you have a park pass.
I had a memorable time with Donna’s Lens-Artists challenge last week. You shared amazing photos with sound. This week, Ritva’s first regular contributor’s challenge gives us room to explore our surroundings while window shopping. Please leave a comment on the host’s original challenge post, and make sure you use the hashtag “lens-artists” in your post.
Join us next week when John will introduce a new Lens-Artists challenge. We look forward to your joining our challenges. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
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Rebecca Cuningham
Austin, Texas is excellent for window shopping, as is the Magnificent Mile in Chicago. Window shopping is fabulous in Granada, Spain, Madrid, Paris, London…
Egídio Leitão
Oh, I bet those cities you mentioned must be wonderful, too. Thanks for your comment.
Tina Schell
Wow Egidio, you went for some MEGA window shopping examples! Loved your Magnificent Mile image, the lighting is wonderful. And the central market is incredible. Great examples
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks, Tina. I was in Chicago a few years ago for a conference and went walking around before dinner. It was just the perfect lighting. As for the Central Market, every time I go home, I go there. It’s a wonderful place to watch people. Thanks for the comments. This was such a fun challenge.
Anne Sandler
Wow Egidio, you certainly have taken a unique path with this challenge. I loved it! Your photograph of the indoor shopping center in Brazil was amazing. And your opening collage was so full of color and was beautiful.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks so much, Anne. I had a great time coming up with these photos for this fun challenge.
Leanne Cole
Some very posh windows there Egidio, looks like a great place for window shopping, I know I wouldn’t be doing anything else. Great images.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Leanne. I was just passing by those posh windows.
Sofia Alves
Great photos, Egídio, a bit of everything. Chicago, what a light there, the World of Sardine is overwhelming, Mercado Central is a wonderful photo and my worst nightmare… 😀
Last ones are my favourites this week. It feels like all the noise from your previous photos is gone and we are at peace.
Egídio Leitão
Sofia, I’m happy that you liked the photos. After all, going back to nature was the best experience.
Rupali
Such variety Edigio. For some reasons I was not able to see all images in reader. Like this one from Florence “[gallery ids="8474,8473"]“
Egídio Leitão
Rupali, thanks for the feedback. There might have been a temporary glitch. Try to refresh the page if you go back to check the other photos.
Rupali
Oops but I still don’t see these – [gallery ids="8474,8473"], [gallery ids="8479,8480"],gallery ids=”8482,8481″],[gallery ids="8475,8483"]
Egídio Leitão
I’m sorry your browser is having those glitches. It seems now you cannot even see more of the photos.
margaret21
Yours was an original take on the challenge, but the Mercado Central in Fortleza exhausted me so much I was glad to retreat to the mountains with you in your last two shots. Great photos all round!
Egídio Leitão
Margaret, the Mercado Central can be very exhausting indeed. Thanks for the compliment.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography
Lovely collections, the Prada was really a nice find. I was amazed by the Mercado Central. Wow. But I have to agree with you, the view behind the windows of Prince of Wales Hotel at Waterton Park in Canada or the Grand Canyon Lodge in the North Rim are amazing.
Egídio Leitão
Ritva, thank you for this very fun challenge. I had a great time searching for photos to meet your challenge. I’m glad you like my collection. Thank you.
solaner
😁, great. Btw I was also in that amazing sardine can store in Lisbon. Really amazing stuff 👍
Egídio Leitão
Thank you very much for your feedback, André.
solaner
you’re welcome 🙂
I.V. Greco
An interesting and wonderful collection for this challenge!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you kindly for your feedback, I.V.
Wind Kisses
I loved every single selection you brought us this week, Egidio. I think I would enjoy getting lost at Mercado Central. Sounds like a fascinating place, with local and cultural finds. The photo is a great presentation. I laughed at the gun deco. Only in Texas and AZ is that so popular, isn’t it? The Prada museum was a nice add. I almost included it myself. I am so amazed by it’s randomness in Maria, better known as the middle of nowhere . And finally, I have sat in those chairs at the north rim, but there is nothing like the view from that large window especially at dinner. Outstanding, Egidio. Love it.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks so much, Donna. It’s good that you shared some of the same locations I posted. You can relate to my feelings and views. Yes, eating a meal at the Grand Canyon Lodge offers a beautiful view. Thanks!
JohRH
Maestro Egidio. Outstanding examples. Last two ‘big shots’ are my faves. Well done.
Egídio Leitão
Many thanks, John. Yes, I like those two last shots, too.
Leya
Gorgeous and a different take on – loved every bit! You grand nature views are spellbinding as always. Sitting in front of those windows…what more can you ask for through the glass?
Egídio Leitão
Ann-Christine, yes, having lunch by the big window at the Grand Canyon is very special. Thank you for your compliment.
Philo
Amazing clicks!
Lot of information!
Magnificent Mile, my favourite! What a beautiful shot!
Egídio Leitão
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and photos. Thanks for the feedback.
pattimoed
What a wonderful post, Egidio. I love your images of nature window shopping the most. And that photo of the gun store…yikes! I’ve also seen the sardine store in Portugal and was amazed at the beautiful display. Your Magnificent Mile shot is lovely. The light is terrific. Thanks for the shopping trip, Egidio, and I hope this is a great week.
Egídio Leitão
Patti, thank you so much for the compliment. Yes, nature window shopping is often more attractive for me, too. Take care and thanks, again.
photobyjohnbo
Egidio, I love to window shop at the luxury car stores. The best part is that I know I won’t make a purchase I’ll be sorry for later. >grin<
I am not a fan of sardines, either. My dad, however, enjoyed a tin with a box of crackers for many an evening snack. I haven’t thought about that in years. Thanks for the memory.
Egídio Leitão
John, I’m glad the post brought you some memories. Thank you so much for the feedback.
Hammad Rais
The Grand Canyon certainly provides a very unique perspective on nature. Lovely captures from there, along with rest of the shopping malls 🙂
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, Hammad. I appreciate the feedback.