Yesterday, I posted four pictures of Santarem, Brazil, similar to those found in a guidebook.They showed the attractive waterfront, the town square with church, and a smiling tourist. Today, as a seasoned city blogger, I feel compelled to develop a more complete image.
All three street scenes may convey poverty as we know it, but, relatively speaking, these images are fairly typical and do not represent, by any means, even remotely the lowest level of existence around here. I feel that sometimes it is better in a post to encourage the viewer to look at the details. I think some of you may say that these photos may remind you of places you've been, like Mexico for instance. What may be worth considering is that these people and neighborhoods have electricity, running water and are relatively clean. A majority of people in the world have none of the above and would gladly trade their situation to be as rich as we see before us. Tomorrow I hope to share several pictures describing the commercial district and then on to the Amizade project.
There are parts of San Bernardino not too far from here that look more rundown than that. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteI guess if we take the time to look around our own areas, we could probably find some that look like this -- or worse. I am so enjoying your photos and your posts! It's great being able to follow along! Thanks for keeping us updated! Take care!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Great comments to put it in perspective and good to see more than a tourist view.
ReplyDeleteLee:
ReplyDeleteI am closely following your Adventure. I love the way you paint -- both with photos and with words. Stay safe, and keep on blogging.
david
We certaintly shouldn't judge how other people live--If they are happy and as you said 'clean' who are we to say any different. I lived off grid for awhile in a tiny cabin and loved it. I was happy--It was my way of life at that time.
ReplyDeleteAwaiting more photos. MB
Interesting observation about what does appear to be impoverished. The two-wheeled cart is quite nice, but I'd guess you have to unload the goods before you disengage the horse. All interesting, as usual.
ReplyDeletevery creative homebuilt cart - using whatever is at hand.
ReplyDeletea comment about street trash - clean streets are definitely something that society imposes and is a learned behaviour. I remember as a kid in Croatia, when my uncouth American aunt came to visit, she told us how Americans don't throw wrappers on the street but put it in their purse/pocket until they have chance to throw it in a trashbin. I still remember thinking this a very strange thing to do. The streets were relatively clean, but there were street sweepers with the oldfashioned bristle brooms employeed to clean up in the center of town.
Interesting photo of the woman with the cigarette.