As you perch yourself above – a 2nd or 3rd floor is just right for viewing and listening pleasure – a genuinely unscripted reality show plays out before you while you sip your morning chai or coffee.
The balcony becomes a private theatre where the ever-changing cast of characters below perform the drama of daily existence.
The view from above offers a sense of detachment, yet connection. You observe the ebb and flow of activity: the hurried pace of neighbours, leisurely strolls of couples, playful antics of children, and the odd quarrel wafting in. It is one of the true delights of city life.
People-watching allows you to become attuned to subtle details: the way someone keeps shouting into his phone, that lady who walks her dog along the same path everyday, the kid who takes a quick look back before he disappears into the corner to be an individual for a while….
The balcony becomes a lab of curious imagination. And you as the silent scientist taking mental notes.