It's quite common here for Roma (gypsies) of all ages, from the very youngest to adults, to beg for a few coins while cars are stopped at traffic lights. Some are quite imaginative with their begging, like this young boy who did a handstand, hoping to elicit some sympathy.Saturday, March 28, 2009
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PEACEFUL--kind of
A utility boat of some sort floats carefree on the Danube...ignoring the fact that about 200 meters downstream (60s era hotel) Hotel Yugosl...
24 comments:
My 1st thought was "What in the world am I looking at?" Very unique post - I guess sharpening knives and fixing umbrellas is not as lucrative any more.
Since my friend had her billfold stolen by such in Paris, I'm thinking that I hope you had yours safe and sound.
V
We have similar beggars at intersections, too, but none have stood on their heads for me. Great photo.
I am going to have to start bringing my camera with me. Apparently I am missing all kinds of things out there. LOL
Such an incredible shot that it no longer matters to mention we used to have Gypsies begging at crossroads too. Great, great photo!!!
What a wonderful and creative photo! At first I thought it was someone who was caught in traffic and was bored...
you would have a good laugh if you saw my skywatch post this week. Yours is much better!
thanks for stopping by & your comments the other day. I know I too never get around to all the blogs that I'd like too. I just wanted you to know about the giveaway. It would be great to have a meet up in NY. There have been several meet ups of daily photo bloggers already in Manhattan & unfortunately I have had conflicting obligations, but I am still trying. I love my blogger friends.
: )
For a second there I thought I was looking at an enhanced version of the Chinese Fire Drill!
Very cool photo, Bibi!
Must admit, I'm a bit torn about the Roma. On the one hand, there's Manitas de Plata—and the Gypsy Kings. On the other hand, some years ago my parents were set upon by gypsy kids in Paris and lost money, passports, and more.
BTW, I think it would be very cool if you and Lily Hydrangea and I could all get together when you come to NYC.
Hi! Thank you all for your comments.
Alexa and Virginia,
I have heard about incidents int he West where there are groups of roaming children who besiege passers-by and manage to separate them from their belongings. Believe it or not, I can't recall ONE such incident here. It's usually the other way around, where the gypsies are attacked by skinheads, for example. People here are generally not intolerant of gypsies, seeing them as members of the overall society, doing even a service (recycling!), etc. It's true though that on the other hand, no one wants them living next door, which makes relocation a problem, in the event that they are squatting on prime real estate.
Really great shot in the mirror. He is an imaginative young man to come up with this though I'm not sure how safe it is!
omg what a wonderful shot, it's one of those 'right time right place' shots.
My goodness, you had your camera handy, Bibi. What a shot. This young guy is imaginative.
Sorry for lack of comments. Mistral dying made me miles behind on things but now catching up. Always love your photos.
Wow! you're pretty quick with your camera!
Great photo,
I just wish begging is not needed anywhere in the world!! I feel very sad about it :(
Matchless!
in Serbia is quite unusual to have sympathy for the romas. I visited some slums in Belgrade's outskirts long time ago and conditions were really bad. Not as in Italy where you'll find "civilised" camps.
Btw killer shot!
@Ms Larsen
Not everyone is the same, so you can't make opinion on all Serbians based on group you know (if you know any).
I live in Denmark, and not everyone is the same as our friends.
Mirjana I'm sorry if you got me wrong. In 1998 situation in Serbia was "quite" critical especially for the Roma minority. I know this for sure because I was there, and even in 2007 it was not completely changed. I used the word: "civilised" about camps in Italy just because they have electricity, water and someway they are protected by the government.
I have nothing to say about Serbians, because part of my family comes from Kragujevac.
LOVE this photo!
@Ms Larsen
I understand that, but Italy and Serbia are on far apart in regard to economy, and you can do how much you can. Serbia had very hard time, I lived there when the supermarket was empty and in 1998 and we all had hard time.
I don't know when did you last time visit Denmark and I didn't see 1 Roma person here. But "civilised" way here works for immigrants and well masked behind the trees and for me that is wrong. See photo:
http://www.sbi.dk/sbi_images/old_images/kvarterloeft-oeget-a.jpg
Welll this ticks so many phototographic boxes. I know so many photographers who stage manage events like this, but you can't beat the real off the cuff moment. He worked for his money I'd say.
This is a stunning capture! Very interesting blog, beautiful photos. Ciao!
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