A Fine Fisherman

So, this has been republished once already, but way back, 6.5 years ago.  And too quick after it was first published.  The boy must be a young adult now.  But this needed to be shared again and watched again.  Last this one was published on December 1, 2013.  In addition, now over 6 years later, this blog has at least 250 more articles, and now reposting some does not feel so bad, because of the time lapse between them.  Sometimes I have newer photographs and better insight into the events.  So, reposting feels like 'embellishing'.  I hope you think so too, and not that I am being lazy.

I do want to write a post about 'exponential work' how you develop your work slowly.  And, how over a period of time it accumulates, giving a sense of accomplishment and a way to learn and contribute. 

I still remember this boy.  I remember his smile and I remember his voice, like it was yesterday.  While all of that must have changed now--since he is an adult or close to it--(is 21 an adult?) this warms my heart.  I realise it is why I loved cameras and pictures and creating memories and writing journals.  

But i must say that it is important when it comes to journals, if the experiences we're not that great that to write them as they transform you, rather than note them as they hurt you.

This one however is just pure joy--even as I read it, I realised that i had forgotten the details I had put here. I just remembered the little boy, and that 'We do not fish prawns!

___________

Dear Readers:

I am going to start 'reposting' some old entries, to bring them back on the reading list.  Partly because I think they made an impact on me.  Partly, due to lack of time. But mostly because, we tend to not have the time to read and absorb --because we are constantly reading new material.  

However, whenever I do that, I will inform the readers at the outset.  In addition, this won't happen often. So, this practice should not be a cause for concern.  Thanks much.  

Any protests should be freely expressed.  Thanks again.

The following post was first published on March 17, 2013. 

I envy journalists who get to do talk to people on the streets.  They document life it is happening.  

I try to do it in my own way.  Capture the smiles that are overlooked by professional cameras.  

Here, I interviewed a young boy who looked excited to be fishing on an early sunday morning!!  It was the middle of winter.   Mornings were cold, and yet every morning there were a handful of people catching their lunch.  However, sunday morning there was a substantial number of people at the beach.  The ocean was not calm, breeze had a bite to it.  And there were some young people accompanied by adults practicing their fishing skills.  I met this beautiful young boy, whose name I cannot recall now.  I remember telling him that the name was unusual.  He said, 'Its a common name in South Africa.'

Bluff, Durban, South Africa, July 2012

In way, I am glad that I am not writing the boys name.  I did get permission from the older man who, had escorted this young boy, along with his two sons.   This boy was beautiful, so gentle, I could not resist striking a conversation with him.

Showing off skills

In the world outside of the US, the response to 'How many languages to you speak?' is usually more than one.  While there are many attempts to make spanish a second language in the US, being bilingual in a country where various languages are ingrained in everyday life is very different.  The US will take centuries to reach that level.  It does so only via english whose ability to incorporate words from different languages has lent to its versatility.  

In my travels, I am always fascinated by the ease of activities that people's environment allows them, a testimony to the adaptability of us humans.  In South Africa, as in Fiji, I saw young people frolic in water as did children in Botswana on land.  

Here the young boy explained to me, that prawns were not 'fished' but pumped out of the sand bed.  What would I know?  I grew up in a land locked city, where the only river was considered the 'other side' of town. 

But my favorite moment came when I said, 'So you know a lot about Fishing' and he responded. I have been fishing literally 'all my life'"

All your life little boy?  I wanted ask...

He must not be older than 13 years of age.  The sincerity of his answers and approach to his passion, 'fishing' touched me so much. I have watched these videos a few times since I took them. I hope you this will warm your heart, just as it does mine.

And remember, 'We don't fish prawns!!"