September 19, 2007

Mermaid Captured in La Rambla, Barcelona

Full-body shot of a silver-painted mermaid street performer sitting next to a lamp post on Las Ramblas, holding a small shell box and smiling.

Fishing for Sirens on Las Ramblas

I captured this mermaid with my trusty Nikon D70s while going on a little "fishing expedition" for human statues along Las Ramblas. And let me tell you, there were plenty of fishy things in that sea of tourists—mostly pickpockets and trileros (shell-game swindlers) trying to trick people with their cards. Those are dangerous species you definitely want to avoid playing with.

The Modern Odysseus

But this encounter was different. I felt charmed and subdued by her irresistible, silent chant. In the spirit of Greek mythology, I almost tried to tie myself up to that black cast-iron lamp post standing right next to her and cover my ears like a modern Odysseus to resist the temptation.

But it was no use. She pulled out a small jewel box covered in shells, insinuated a silver-painted smile, and I succumbed instantly. One more euro for the catch of the day!

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