Life for some and life for others in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
"Before the Bridge"
I was out and about when I decided to visit the man who lives with his dog behind his cardboard wall.
"Under the Bridge"
So I stop at the butcher shop and pick up a chunk of beef shoulder, return home to grill it for a bit, collect a handful of coins and go walking off toward the walled street home bearing friendly offerings.
When I arrive the man is nowhere to be found, where he resides are his dog and another. Wondering where he could be after dark, I walked a bit in each direction looking to see if he was sitting on a corner or looking through some of the area dumpsters.
"By the Bridge"
Curious as to his absence I abandon my search and return to the dogs behind the cardboard wall.
Just as I approach another woman steps up with two dishes of cooked lentils and meat. She commences to unwrapping her gifts for the dogs while speaking in spanish to me. I reply my usual, "No habla espanol," so she smiles and continues her task.
As I hand the meat-and-bone treat to the man's dog, I venture to question the lady, "No maestro (no teacher)?". She replies with a saddened look, "No, no; es enferma (no, he is gone sick). Pneumonia."
Instantly I felt sad, and hope for his health to return.
I wished the woman a good night, told the dogs I would see them later, and returned home with my jar full of coins (set aside for the day I cross paths with him again).
"Well After the Bridge"
ALL IMAGES' original source files taken or made by me. Though not the same location or time of year as those written in this story, these photos do express the "diversity" of the rich and the poor here in Buenos Aires. The first and second photo ("Before the Bridge" and "Under the Bridge") were literally taken less than 200 meters apart.
Thank You!