In many European towns and through Mexico and hot climates countries, the centre of town can be found at the town's fountain.
Often the first and only place to gather water, all things spiral out from this spot.
The old town squares were built up around these fountains and wells.
(images: Prague, Heraklion-Crete, Paris-France)
There is often lore attached to these.....for example in Prague, King Wenceles had several attempts on his life around wells and windows, it is now the custom to not go too near or to touch the wells, and never lean out open windows. :)
( images:Heraklion-Crete , Oviedo-Spain )
Not enough guide books comment on this and I had to learn this as I went so....
...psssst.....
tuck this away....find that fountain or well, and have a good look around then freely wander and get lost in those side alleys that are so alluring, safe in the knowledge that you can find your way.
A word of warning though...don't get too close or you just may end up ummm...
wet!
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Sorry to miss this post! I keep forgetting you have 2 blogs now. Sowwy.
ReplyDeleteHere in America the same holds true- a clear sign of how we took so much from our ancestors. Think of the fountains in major cities like NY, Chi, LA, Vegas (though those are transitory), etc.
We have a big gorgeous fountain in K-zoo, and it is the center of town in a lovely park that is always filled with people. It is one of those places you can find everyone from the homeless sleeping under a bench, the office workers on break, the slackers just hanging out, the beggars, library patrons reading under a tree and others just chilling in downtown, but no one seems freaked out by, or taking steps to avoid any other group. Nice place, and stays vandal-free for the most part too. Everyone respects the fountain park. So cool.
As for "queing" (however you crazy foreigners say it-) I am not as chatty in them, but I have never been in one in an interesting place, and I will take your advice when finally I am!
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