As I move about in my travels I encounter many who seem to be struggling mightily to make a living. Of course these people need to provide food and shelter for themselves and often they have no work permit or any social system that they can fall back on.
How to Survive When Times Are Tough!
Some beg, some aggressively try and sell trinkets or designer knock offs of various descriptions, others offer to take your shopping cart back to the docking station in exchange for keeping the deposit and some make attempts to wash the windshield of your car while you're at a stop light or a highway rest stop.
I cannot even imagine how tough it must be to find yourself in this situation and the rate of rejection and scorn is likely very high. Life is so difficult for so many people!
Credit: Àngel García/PRI Street Vendors in Barcelona
Making The Best of a Difficult Situation!
Last week while in Bra, Italy I heard music from a distance. I followed it and found a wandering minstrel / street musician who was quite skilled with the accordion.
I asked if I could film him and his joy was evident. I thought to myself that perhaps this is one of the more socially acceptable ways to provide for yourself when things are tough. He, at least, seemed to garner a lot of self satisfaction while displaying his musical talent! I gave him a few Euros, he smiled and I wondered what his life was really like.
This man had skill and talent and as he walked about playing he was able to put some money in his pocket.
What do You Think?
- Do you feel sorry, annoyed or both when you see people begging or selling on the street?
- Do you ever buy something from a street vendor that you don't really need just to help?
- Do you think that playing an instrument would be a more satisfying way to survive?
I hope that you enjoyed this article on "When Life's Not Easy. From Street Vendors to Street Musicians!"
Until next time,
