wandering about

I went for a short drive yesterday. I've been watching the world from my high window. On one given moment, there was a children's party, all the children dressed like Princes and Princesses, (honestly, tiaras and all) attended by nannies. A magician was giving his program on a set up stage encircled all around, with colorful balloons. He was good! Food was officiated over by a covey of chefs hovering, poking steaming pots and bright confections as if to see if they were still filled with air. To the left of that was the tennis pro who was teaching his new rooky tourist how to play. beyond them both was the crew building the new pool by hand. rock by brick by hand-slathered concrete. They pour wheelbarrowfuls today, into carefully crafted forms. they work from dawn til after dark, most days.

On this drive I saw the homes of the builders. The builders of the highrises in town, and the pool here. They are made out of sack material, square and small, maybe ten by ten. They must use the lake for water and sanitation. I didn't see any apparent, but then, I didn't go in there. Women and men both work on the crews. I didn't see the children.

I didn't feel sad, though I wish a better lot for them. I have seen people work up like this before, and in a generation or two, they are better off. What I see is a people who will make it. They are working hard to make it. I hope they keep alive their humility, and their ability to see work as a blessing.

On a rig, the men got a bonus for safety. It's shared amongst them. They collectively donated half to build a schoolroom for the children of such workers. Their company matched the funds and they bought a computer with capability to project on a screen, and wireless connections, so they all benefit. They hired a teacher for a year. They are not even men from this place. They live elsewhere, and they did this. It makes my heart glad. When people help each other things can only get better.

At the grocery market little girls came to beg. I was told that it's better to give food, or clothing, as often they work for a syndicate and do not benefit from the money you give. I just don't know yet. In the States we have "panhandling" kids. It's the only way some of them make it, too.

There is a lot of dirt and dust, and bright lovely colors in the midst. The clothing is beautiful with colors and shapes, flowing and lively. I think the people have a good kind of pride. not inflated ego, just pride. ..........I think.

I saw Indian Barbie in the market. She had long black hair, a huge nose-ring and voluminous and brightly sparkling clothing. She certainly is adaptable. :)

The Swarm of Women were playing Mah Jong in half of the dining room this morning. They were noisy and seemed to be having fun. Tables of four, times about seven I think. Many Nationalities represented.