The energy that children possess is truly magical. There is nothing like watching the face of a child on realisation of an answer. The amazement you can bring to the eyes of a child, with a couple of marracas, is incredible.
To be greeted with a cuddle and a smile is just lovely. The children and some adults here are genuinely really affectionate and to be truly honest, I love it. The love between the children is clear too; they often hug and kiss. This is one element of the culture here I wish was transferable to our culture. I very much loathe the distant nature of friendship in London.
The power of a smile is often underestimated. It’s an amazing asset in a foreign county where the absence of communication can leave you dumfounded. Communication is a vital component of life. The absence of just one sense sets you back in life. I’ve had personal experience of this having a speech defect myself. It can be so frustrating not to be able to say what you want to say, especially when you are putting all your heart and soul into it and there is no reward and you feel the people you are talking to just can’t be bothered and are wanting to get away. Soul crushing.
Helping a blind boy understand the concept of colour is near impossible. It is heart-rending to think that he will never be able to see sun set over the sea or experience the sight of a beautiful woman. Tears built up in my eyes as I looked into his sightless eyes. To experience this boy’s aggravation brought light to the fact that each sense plays an essential role. The joy it brought when he shook a maraca made me so happy. I wonder where he will be in a few years. Florianopolis is far from accessible to disabled people, with uneven roads and traffic with, it seems, no speed limit. The disabled people who live here must have an enormous daily struggle. However, the friendly atmosphere would help very much.
Fortunately my disability has not prevented me from enjoying the cultural delight of samba dancing. Although, as of yet, far from an expert, it is immensely fun.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment