Went to the fishing harbour today to look for some photos. The first fellow I spoke to pulling weeds outside a workshop, didn't want me to take his photo, so I told him I respected that and tried to move on - but he kept me talking asking why I was taking photos etc. Despite my frustration and wanting to walk away without being rude, it turns out it was a good thing because I was then just at the right time as some of the workers on board a trawler were coming down the gangway for their tea break. This guy had no front teeth and kept asking me in Afrikaans for some cooldrink because it was so hot. All the others had food and drink in their lunch boxes, but he didn't, so I think I will take some cokes in screw cap returnable bottles tomorrow to give him something. At least if it is a returnable, he can get some money from the bottle instead of tossing it into the ocean like I saw the others tossing paint cans over the side :(
What a poignant story and shot, sadly not only in your neck of the woods. I imagine he will be delighted to receive a drink and some cash from returning them bottle. Helping others is a vexed activity; there's much to consider so that individual's integrity is not in any way compromised. Thank you for caring...and sharing.
@s4sayer Thanks Margo. I returned today with some cokes in returnable glass bottles, but the crew weren't working after all. On principle I won't give money to anybody - if they don't want me to take their photo, or ask for money in return, then I would rather just move on.
@narayani Yes there are many elements of sadness, and I am thinking at the moment that if I continue this journey, I need to change direction, at least in the short term. I am discovering that when I start engaging with strangers I am hearing things I don't really want to hear and it is taking me out of my comfort zone. I don't know yet whether this is a good thing or not, or whether it is something I can even handle...
