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Impressions from Barcelona...

I never did sit down to recount my trip to the famous "Pulpit Rock". But I was there and I bought the t-shirt (literally).
Now I'm sat on the hotel computer in Barcelona where I'm having a holiday and taking in impressions from this big city. It reminds me a lot of Rio de Janeiro...a lot due to the temperature, but also the people, the feel of the city, the smells, the noise and the appearance. I suppose it might be due to the fact that South America has had a lot of influence from this part of Europe.
As we were walking in the old part of the city today I walked past a woman begging. But it was unlike other beggars. She was wearing peach coloured clothes and her head was covered. Sat on the pavement with her head leaning towards the wall, looking away, the only indication that she was begging was the hand that was open and stretched out to indicate a request for some change. It was a strange sight. As if she was desparate, but maybe beyond desparation and had in a strange way given up, although she was still trying. Pondering her situation I kept walking, but the memory of her kept lingering as I continued to investigate the city and try to get a feel of what Barcelona is like.
After a lovely meal at a cafe recommended in Lonely Planet (the trusted turist guide), we were walking back along the very same street as before. The begging woman was still there. Still begging. And still with her whole body and gaze turned towards the wall. Again I felt that nudge to do something, and not wanting to give money, I mean how much of a difference would some change do anyway, I decided to see if she wanted some food maybe. Kneeling down next to her I gently tapped her on the shoulder and asked her in broken Spanish if she wanted some food. The positive response led me to go to a snack bar near by and buy a sandwich and some juice which I took back to her. She gratefully accepted it and after saying "God bless you!" (in broken Spanish) I left her and continued on my walk of the city.
I have no clue what, if anything, my gesture meant to her, but it makes me think about what kind of support there is for these kinds of people in this city. I am sure there are projects and people seeking to reach out to them. And I am sure that for many of the poorer people this time of year is the high season with lots of tourists who clear their consicence by doing as I did, giving some change or food.
Still I keep thinking about this woman. The way she sat turned away from everyone and everything. And I wonder- what is her lifestory?

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