Nowadays, children playing soccer or any other game in the street are not often seen in Lisbon, unless we go to particularly quiet areas, with no traffic. By contrast, in some suburban areas, mostly inhabited by immigrants, that's not a rare street scene..
On the other day, as I was walking through a neighbourhood with a high density of African immigrants, my eyes were caught by a little girl drawing a small house in a stone of the pedestrians sidewalk. It was sunday. The street was very quiet. I stopped by the girl and asked her what she was doing. Of course, I knew it well, but I wanted to talk with her. The girl didn't stop drawing, never showed her face to me and kept silent. As I was about to leave her in her own world, an old man - later I understood he was her grandpa - stepped out from a nearby house and told me it was not easy to keep her busy during easter holidays. The family couldn't afford buying colouring books or any other material that might be a good means to entertain her. Therefore, drawing in the street, under the surveillance of grandpa, was the cheapest way...
I was really shocked hearing it from him and a few days later, I went there again and again I saw the girl drawing in the street. I said 'hello' but she never looked at me. Her grandpa was chatting with someone, nearby. As he saw me talking to the girl, he greeted me with a big smile and I handed him a bagful of drawing material for his grandkid. His eyes were bathed in tears...
This is one of the enumerable cases resulting from the implementation of the austerity measures that have been in force in Portugal, a country that has been for a long time in a serious economic crisis that is going from bad to worse...
A beautiful capture and a heart rending story. Bless, you, Belita, for your kindness to this budding young artist!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb, four your visit and words...
DeleteWhat a nice idea, to paint the grey street. Optimistic view on life..making the most of what there is.
ReplyDeleteKindness can make life worth living..actually for both parts. Wonderful post, dear Belita :-)
That's my philosophy and thanks to it, I have not lost my smile...
DeleteYou are such a kind soul, Belita. That was a lovely act of kindness :-))
ReplyDeleteSo many European countries are suffering under austerity measures at the moment, it must be very similar in Greece, Cyprus, Spain, it certainly is even here in the UK, so many cuts in services by the government.
Unfortunately, Portugal is not an exception, though as a small country, the hit is much stronger. A chunky slice of the population is living a hard day's life: very high unemployment rate (20%), very high taxes, drastic cuts in social security, lower pensions, the living cost is soaring up, the daily shutdown of many retail shops and companies. Well, the stage is not rosy at all, yet foreign tourists don't stop coming over here, perhaps to see the 'charm of decadence'...
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DeletePortugal is regarded as a very popular goal for tourists also from my country, and so is Spain, Italy and Greece, all struck by economic crisis. So far I have only heard words of sympathy, none of them surely not enjoying the 'charm of decadence'. If the tourists stopped coming, the economic crisis would become even worse.
DeleteBut of course, people are different, and there might exist tourists like you mention. Awful indeed.
Thanks, Amalie, for your words. Good to know your country fellows who have visited Portugal return back home with not a bad image. The incoming tourism from your country is increasing, mainly due to golfers, which is really excellent. Luckily, golf courses don't show decadence...
DeleteWhat a lovely and thought-provoking story. Things are hard for so many people in many countries in Europe, and here as well, where many are homeless although we are told we are "in recovery". How very kind of you to bring her supplies. I think she will long remember you although she was too shy to talk.
ReplyDeleteI followed my heart and I don't care whether or not she will remember me. I guess she will not as she didn't see my face... I didn't see hers, either...
DeleteVery nice story...it was a very kind of you...And last days i saw on TV that our country has a place which is the next behind a Portugal...Have a nice weekend...
ReplyDeleteNot good ranking, Viera!
DeleteBelita, this little artist paints on limestone blocs.Who knows if one day she will be famous. You helped her in that path.
ReplyDeleteSometimes that's the first step to become famous...
DeleteI wonder why she did not look at you?
ReplyDeleteIf everyone did what you did the world would be a much better place...very sweet and kind!
Probably she was shy or embarassed... I've no idea at all...
DeleteA lovely though lonely photo Belita and heartwarming story. It may only be small but; what a great thing you did for her. I knew you are an Angel.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shayna, for your sweet words!
DeleteHeart touching entry , my eyes were filled with tears , no surprise this was what could have been expected from you Belita , thank you .
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