By Night

I remember, with increasing difficulty, the walks I took as a teenager and young adult. Back then, daytime walks were rare, mostly when I met girls eager for romance; otherwise, the real walks happened at night. If it was a rainy night, then it was the best.

I was angry and frustrated most of the time, and walking in the rain did me good, a mixture of self-flagellation and redemption.

Many nights and many rains have passed over me...

Now, in my old age, I rarely walk at night in the rain. My old bones can no longer withstand the cold and damp.

And yet, from time to time, and not because I want to, I still take a walk at night... with rain that is now less welcome.

Usually, almost always, night walks and walks in unfavorable conditions are due to an obligation. Most often because of shows that end late at night and for which I bought tickets long before, without knowing what the weather would be like.

Now it was the same. We went to a concert by a band we really like, a Romanian band called Byron. A symphonic rock concert.

It was a nasty evening weather-wise. Rain and cold. When it rains in Bucharest, all the streets fill up with cars, making it difficult to get anywhere. I was late for the concert, arriving after it had started and losing my reserved seats. I had to sit far from the stage, but what at first seemed like bad luck turned out to be a blessing. I was able to film and take photos (with my phone) without being disturbed.

The concert ended late, and I took a long walk on Victory Road, my favorite walking spot in the city center. One of the rare walks in the rain... at night!

We passed by the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Art.

The late hour and the rain made the city seem deserted in an area that is always crowded.

Only we, who had just left the concert, brought more movement and more people.

The water also got on the phone's lenses, and the photos became increasingly blurry...

Later, at home, I noticed that the photos were alternating, some becoming increasingly blurred...

... but also some pretty good ones, so here's a mix of images that I hope won't bother you.

I looked for better pictures to show what the city looks like at night, on a late-autumn night. Totally different from the hustle and bustle of summer nights.

Images like those from movies about lonely people.

I remember my adolescence and early youth. That rainy, cold night.

I used to walk on nights like this when I was upset, when I was suffering, among other things, from unrequited love!

I always start with photos when I want to write a blog. Photos remind me of places, events, and feelings that turn into words.

A wise saying goes that an image is worth a thousand words.

Everything depends on the beholder.

Make a point of looking around and up to see what you can find to get shots of that; otherwise, you may miss it.

_{This is one of the recommendations made by @tattoodjay for those who prefer walking and are used to sharing impressions and photos in his community, Wednesday Walk, every Wednesday, like this one today.}