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Among the people helping me with the mural project in Zorzor was one of the two professional artists in the community, Gayflor. And, I was lucky enough to have an invitation to his home one day after painting. With that little bit on knowledge tucked away, I wandered back to his home on my last full day in the community.
Gayflor wasn’t home upon my arrival but his mama welcomed me onto the front porch. We shared a plate of potato greens. Now, when I say we shared a plate, there was one plate and one spoon. I felt like a true African and welcomed into the family. This story made my brother's skin crawl. Sometimes, I don't know how we're related. He would not have thrived in Africa as I did.
After the meal, Mama pulled out her coal pot, lit the charcoal and was introduced to chocolate no-bake cookies. It was love at first sight, or, err . . . taste. The whole family loved the experience! And, quite an extended family showed up to sample the goodies.
Okay, having a visiting American on the front porch was certainly a little variety to the regular afternoon activities in Zorzor. And, a tourist with a camera caused even more of a stir. There were certainly a lot of children who knew how to pose for a camera. I really didn't know who they were or how they were related, but that didn't matter. It certainly didn't stop them from asking me to "flash" them. Also, several photographers in town stopped by to eye my camera - and make a few offers.
One family member showed up who didn't ask for her photograph. However, I loved Gayflor's grandmother. It was "amor" at first sight. And, I just had to get a portrait of her. I wasn't sure if it was going to happen though. Sometimes, I'm just a little too shy to ask for a photo. But, I figured out what to do under the circumstances. I asked Gayflor if he wanted me to take a photograph of him with his grandmother.
Of course, he did!
Of course, I was very happy to do that for him.
Of course, now you can see why I wanted that photograph so desperately.
Gayflor wasn’t home upon my arrival but his mama welcomed me onto the front porch. We shared a plate of potato greens. Now, when I say we shared a plate, there was one plate and one spoon. I felt like a true African and welcomed into the family. This story made my brother's skin crawl. Sometimes, I don't know how we're related. He would not have thrived in Africa as I did.
After the meal, Mama pulled out her coal pot, lit the charcoal and was introduced to chocolate no-bake cookies. It was love at first sight, or, err . . . taste. The whole family loved the experience! And, quite an extended family showed up to sample the goodies.
Okay, having a visiting American on the front porch was certainly a little variety to the regular afternoon activities in Zorzor. And, a tourist with a camera caused even more of a stir. There were certainly a lot of children who knew how to pose for a camera. I really didn't know who they were or how they were related, but that didn't matter. It certainly didn't stop them from asking me to "flash" them. Also, several photographers in town stopped by to eye my camera - and make a few offers.
One family member showed up who didn't ask for her photograph. However, I loved Gayflor's grandmother. It was "amor" at first sight. And, I just had to get a portrait of her. I wasn't sure if it was going to happen though. Sometimes, I'm just a little too shy to ask for a photo. But, I figured out what to do under the circumstances. I asked Gayflor if he wanted me to take a photograph of him with his grandmother.
Of course, he did!
Of course, I was very happy to do that for him.
Of course, now you can see why I wanted that photograph so desperately.