Today was our last full day in Montevideo. With my companion’s leg problems and that we were both feeling the fatigue of traveling, we tried to take the day easy. So we bought two T-shirts at the Museo Torres Garcia and had lunch next door on the second floor of the bookstore Feltrinelli.
Before we headed back to the hotel, my companion needed to rest a bit on a bench near the Puerta de la Ciudadela. I took the opportunity and captured today’s image. Suddenly I heard a male voice behind me. I turned around to find a man with unkempt hair and somewhat soiled clothes asking for help. I looked at my companion, didn’t know what to do. The man then focused on him, telling us about his misfortune, about only having three dollars left at home. He said he’s a poet and can write something in exchange for money. The whole time my companion kept quiet, an embarrassed smile on his face, and only shook his head slightly hoping this man would move on. When he started to search in his shoulder bag, presumably for pan and paper, my companion got up from the bench and said “let’s go” to me. While we walked away, I heard that man said:
“You’re a heartless man.”
I felt sorry for that man, but most of all I felt bad for my companion. I tried to study his expression, but couldn’t tell if he heard that final comment.
We know we were targeted because he could tell that we weren’t local. He also speaks English perfectly, which makes us wonder where exactly he is from.
Every city, every country has poverty problems. It’s just part of the reality. When confronted with situations like this in a foreign land, I suppose there’s never a correct way to handle it.
