Day 16 (part 3): An evening on Zionskirchstrasse

After dinner I curl up in one of the chairs by the window with my glass of wine to watch the world go by. I become a voyeur, but only to the degree that my subjects have allowed me. Across the road on the first floor a woman is busily tidying up. Moving things from one room to another. Clearing a space on the table and cleaning it. Constantly in motion. A man momentarily comes into the room with a plate but quickly turns around and leaves again. The motion continues until she finally pauses at the table setting out plates as he returns with a pot and what looks like the same plate as before. To this point they've both been busy bees working independently. She strikes a match to light a candle. They lean in and slowly kiss before beginning their meal together.

Two floors up there is an incessant flashing. A photographer is working in his studio. He appears to be alone. At one point he jumps up as the flash goes off before hurrying across to check the camera. Experimenting? I saw photographers working downstairs by the entrance when I got back tonight. Maybe it's the same person?

Across the street there is a little cafe that looks as if it just happened one day. There is a constant stream of visitors popping in and out or sitting outside. One last coffee on the way home or drinks with friends. There are always people around. I hear the muffled speech and occasional laugh. Friends catching up, lovers spending time together. Clearly a treasured space by those who know.