CONTRAST

      We have "Contrast" in art and music so I want to give a balanced picture of what "La Vida" (the Life) is for so many people here in El Salvador.  Daily life for the poor here in the Capital city, San Salvador means long hard physical labor in extreme heat and humidity.  The average city person who works and sells in the central market works from 3 or 4am. until 9 or 10pm. six or seven days per week.  They must get their fruits & vegetables, etc. to the market any way they can which includes carrying extreme weight on their heads or backs.  If they are lucky they have an old wheelbarrow or push cart.  Some carry huge baskets on buses for hours.

                                                                                Flower Lady

                                                                      Market Lady & I

                                                                 Beautiful Flower Lady

     I am amazed at their endurance and ability to survive hard times.  I want to contrast one picture of their hectic city life with the inherent Beauty and strength of the Salvadoran people.  For example, the elderly beautiful woman with a flower was carrying a huge load of flowers & plants on her head to sell at market.  It took my Spanish teacher, Lisandra & I to lift the load off her head so I could buy some flowers from her.