Haze's strangers: No188: Luli  by quietpurplehaze

Haze's strangers: No188: Luli

A trip to Romsey on market day took us to the stalls in the square, in particular one we had visited before which sells a variety of bread, pizzas, samosas, sausage rolls and, not least, a tempting assortment of cakes and pastries.

Ray went to buy samosas, and a focacia for lunch. I left my scooter and asked him to add a Viennese for me. Overhearing this and seeing me wearing my camera (and seemingly reading my mind) the young man working on the stall offered a photo of him serving the Viennese if I bought two. At least that's what I understood but of course I agreed in any case.

A few shots, and I explained my strangers' project suggesting I might use one of the photos for it. It was agreed. I introduced myself. I had trouble understanding his name even when he spelt it out, and so he suggested Luli as an abbreviation. Although his English was beautiful and fluent, he had just a slight accent.

Luli told me he lives in Essex, has lived in England for half of his life and comes from Albania. He works the market stall on regular days in different locations in the area: Winchester, Alton, Alresford, Chichester....

The strict lockdown because of Covid-19 was a lean time for Luli and in the last month, he has also taken on work as a fitter, laying floors, carpets etc. He told me he needs to care for and feed his family.

I offered photos and he gave me his email address. I had a lean time for strangers' portraits so this was a very welcome addition. Thanks to Luli and all the best to him for the future.

to see Luli selling me my Viennese scroll down here
https://flic.kr/p/2jFQmRH
Great portrait. Not looking too promising for things picking up any time soon. You have made me feel so hungry with that list of goodies I am going to get a cuppa and a biscuit.
September 12th, 2020  
@chris17

Enjoy! (Yes, rather worrying but maybe what a lot of us expected.)
September 12th, 2020  
Bep
Another beautiful portrait in your strangers series.
September 12th, 2020  
Great portrait!
September 12th, 2020  
A lovely portrait of Luli and those Viennese slices look huge and very tempting.
September 12th, 2020  
@wendyfrost

I've eaten one but guess I had better save the other for tomorrow! I hope you are doing OK Wendy.
September 12th, 2020  
@quietpurplehaze They do look very filling. I am OK thank you Hazel just trying to get through each day as it comes.
September 12th, 2020  
Another of your lovely portraits and always with an interesting story. It has been a tough time for so many, but you have captured Luli and his wonderful smile so well.
September 12th, 2020  
He has a lovely smile.
September 13th, 2020  
What a nice open face he has
September 13th, 2020  
Wonderful portrait and narrative...
September 13th, 2020  
A most engaging portrait. You captured his smile so perfectly.
September 13th, 2020  
Great portrait
September 13th, 2020  
Lovely capture of handsome Luli.
September 13th, 2020  
Superb portrait and interesting story Hazel:)
September 13th, 2020  
@jamibann

Charming too. No wonder I failed to notice a large obstacle in the background as I took this and therefore had to do a close crop!!!
September 13th, 2020  
Haze it is so good to see you back doing your strangers. Lockdown brought my strangers to an abrupt stop but now i am slowly getting back up to speed regarding taking stranger photos. I think in both our cases it defines our photography. Like you i've met some great strangers , all age ranges, black, white mixed race, male, female and trans. Keep up your good work, it is important our photos embrace the diverse and inclusive society we live in 😀. Keep posting those strangers and the stories behind them. I know they are popular on 365 😀📷
September 13th, 2020  
@phil_howcroft

Phil, thank you for all your support especially when I went through a shaky period with my strangers' project.
September 13th, 2020  
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