Around the World in Analogue: Lively León in LomoChrome Metropolis

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Hailing from Spain, globetrotter Lomographer Elsa Fraga a.k.a. elsafraga has lived in eight countries for the past 20 years. She just came from a four-year road trip to the American continent and recently returned to her hometown, León, in February 2021. The Fisheye camera enthusiast shared that despite globalization, her hometown still feels distinctively characteristic: "all true to its fiesta and easy-living", she says. The city and municipality of is León is the largest municipality in the province. It boasts its rich history and culture found within the city architecture, as well as its many festivals that tourism.

Check out her bright photographs with the LomoChrome Metropolis film (loaded on her Olympus Mju II Zoom 80), and read her story behind this series.

After living in the Americas for almost 10 years, I returned to my hometown and I was shocked at how 'medieval' the city looked. Nonetheless, it was founded in the 1st century BC and I guess that explains a lot. Coming back to the old continent from the other side of the Pond always makes me stare at the culture and architectural differences. It was a last-minute trip due to family reasons, so I did not pack my travel-light camera, the Lomo Fisheye which has always accompanied me. I bought an Olympus Mju II 80mm zoom on eBay and some Lomo Metropolis film which I believe dresses my city so well.

During Sunny mornings, I went for solo walks around the old city and its streets. It was interesting to observe how it has changed in the last years, not only the cathedral but also most buildings have been cleaned and restored. There is a local farmers market twice a week in the “Plaza Mayor” (main square). I went there with my mom to buy groceries. Most people are from the neighborhood and we make stops to talk to each other. Everyone has a favorite stall.

I jumped into one of my best friends who also lives nearby. Conversations with my friends are always deep and meaningful: why things are going far from planned, or how we have ended up with this life... it’s mostly about the present and our expectations.

On one sunny Sunday morning, I agreed to meet with my friends in a tapas bar at one of the squares inside the walls of the old city. Spaniards are famous for being unpunctual which is true. The terrace was packed. I was lucky that my friends got there early. It is also very normal going from bar to bar tasting tapas until late at night.

It is still winter but it started to feel like spring in the air. Most tapas bars had set up terraces to enjoy a caña (beer) with a complimentary tapa (snack). Yes, that is right. Along with the price of the drink includes a homemade tapa. Bars compete for creativity and tastiness. When going out with my friends, we always decided where to go depending on the tapas we fancy at the moment. And there is also an annual Tapas contest.

One of my favorite views in León is the cathedral from my room’s window. When I was a child, the trees were not there so I had a full view.

León has become one of the main destinations to escape from the capital Madrid, just two hours away by speed train.

Get updated with Elsa's works and travels by following her LomoHome, Instagram and website.


Want to take us Around the World in Analogue? Drop a line to sunshine.reyes@lomography.com with the subject Around the World in Analogue and share your unforgettable travels with the rest of the community! Read the guidelines here.

written by cielsan on 2022-02-21 in #people #around-the-world #spain #leon #around-the-world-in-analogue #lomochrome-metropolis

2 個留言

  1. kikenzo
    kikenzo ·

    buenas vistas, no me esperaba encontrar una vecina en lomography jajaja

  2. elsafraga
    elsafraga ·

    @kikenzo estamos en todas partes lol, saludos

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