Fascinating sights and delightful sounds!
Yesterday Sharon and I spent a few hours strolling in the center of the city. What was once the rich and vibrant core of this beautiful coastal city is now a rundown decrepit area populated with vacant houses and commercial buildings , broken windows, leaking roofs and much debris. The main thoroughfare is lined with numerous open air “markets” selling tired fruits and vegetables including bruised brown bananas, soft overripe peaches and plums, inoperative cell phones and trinkets of every shape and size. Both vendors and vendees were black with shabby clothing and plastic bags.
As we neared the end of the market area, we became aware of a drift of singing. We followed our ears and soon were next to a group of 12 black teenagers on the sidewalk. Six girls stood in front of 6 boys. They had just finished singing. I approached and asked if they would sing another. For a few moments only blank challenging stares confronted me, and I was concerned that I offended them with my request.
Suddenly a girl in the front row who I had previously thought to be homely became beautiful as she filled the air with melodic passion that blended deep pain and ultimate hope. Her eyes were on fire, her face angelic, as her body embraced her words like waves washing on a golden sand beach. The others joined and accompanied her with equal energy and feeling. What a treat!
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