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A wierd contradiction happens in Africa. People are so very poor, the only clothes they can get are those given away by charity or sold for a pittance by second hand dealers. Such organisations or traders get their clothes ultimately from the charity bins you and I donate to. Therefore people living in abject poverty wear outfits with brand names emblazoned on them such as: Timberland, Nike or Ralph Lauren. The same names people in the west pay a lot for. Ironic? Yes. Amusing? Yes a little. I came across this beautiful young girl in the ruins of broken lava, homelessness and chaos. She was wearing a light blue dress and carrying a burberry hand bag. Classic.
And there’s a trucker cap.
Hey, doin’ good needn’t mean you can’t be cool at the same time. CLICK HERE FOR THE HAT!
G’day all, my name is Melinda but my mates call me Mel, so feel free. I live by the beach in Elwood, Victoria, Australia. I contribute to a few charities as a Photojournalist, namely HEAL Africa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Any of my Africa stuff’s profits go to them. So far the sales have bought 7 operations and heaps more so thanks for everyone’s support. I also take a mean beach shot (well try to).
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She’s beautiful Melinda. What a magic shot. You must have had an amazing time and journey – it must be odd being back and in the weird world we live in here too.
Hi Robert, thanks. And thanks for your comment on my journal entry the other day. I will respond properly soon. In some ways it’s weird to be back but not in others. I think the key thing is to commit some time and energy to the ‘cause.’ The real tragedy (for me) would be to come back and ‘just’ think it was sad. In fact, probably my biggest impression was one of hope. I guess like most westerners I expected to only see tragedy. And of course you do see a lot of that. But I was surprised how uplifting the experience was as well. When you have ‘nothing’ in terms of physical belongings, all you have left is yourself-your beliefs-your hope and your ‘authenticity". When you see that close up it’s pretty powerful. I see as much tragedy back here as I saw there. Just a different kind.
Melinda, what a gorgeous shot of a gorgeous girl. It’s one of those photos that make you smile while you’re eyes are watering.
Hear hear. Totally agree with that. I am currently researching HIV/AIDS in Africa and although its a tough call the toughest is not what’s hapening in Africa – its the policies of the US and other donors that impact their lives and hopes. I remember walking through townships in Senegal – the vibracy of people’s lives and amazingly georgeous coloured fabrics was such a contradiction to what you’d somehow expect. Life will never be the same again.
Absolutely stunning! The subject and the photograph !
She is too cute!!! Fantastic shot ! Well done
what a cutie pie
awesome shot
What an amazing sight!
This is just beautiful! another very moving photo!!!