July 29, 2026

Morning markets at the botanical garden

The alarm went off before dawn, and by six I was already at the botanical garden. The path was muddy and longer than the map suggested, but the view at the end made up for it.

Shooting with a 28mm lens meant I had to get closer than I am used to, which was uncomfortable at first. Most of the morning went into watching morning markets; I took fewer frames than usual, but each one felt deliberate.

I underexposed most of the frames on purpose, to keep the mood cold and clear rather than bright. Locals barely noticed me. A man feeding gulls told me the place looks completely different in spring.

By noon the crowds arrived, so I walked further along the path, where morning markets were still undisturbed. Walking back, I found a side street I had never noticed before, lined with tiny workshops.

The café near the botanical garden still serves the same cinnamon buns; I had two and pretended it was research. On the way home the train was nearly empty, so I reviewed the day's notes and planned the next trip.

Next time I want to try the same walk at sunset.