The People Of Oaxaca — Part Two

The Many Jobs They Do

“Blind Guitar Player” — Image by Author

I appreciate all I see of what the local inhabitants do to make a livelihood. To put food on the table and clothes on their back. For many here this is clearly no small task.

I also see plenty of evidence of those on the other side of the economic divide, though not all that often in the Centro district. When I have lived in the neighborhoods surrounding Centro, the wealth becomes hard to miss. The cars, the clothes, the jewelry, are blatantly obvious. Also the pride.

I see this guitar player above often. He seems a fixture in Centro. He has several favorite locations, and he can always be found in one of them.

I see him walking on familiar streets. His guitar slung over his back, finding his way with his guiding stick. He always appears quite confident in his ability to find his way.

He is also an accomplished guitarist, playing in a rhythmic style while he sings softly. People often gather around to listen, and put coins in his cup.

I have photographed him on a number of occasions. I always leave a twenty peso note in his cup. I always come away with a new portrait, and a gentle joy in my heart.