If you're in Puerto Plata and you want to meet an interesting character go to Parque Central and look outside the Casa de Cultura during the hours it is open. There sitting on the steps is a tall (6ft.) thin bearded man in his 50's with a polystyrene cup which he uses for donations. Yes he is a beggar and one you might easily pass by. One side of his body is a little frail - the result of a stroke but his speech is unimpaired. And it's unimpaired in 5 languages (Spanish, English, French, German & Hebrew). He's a little down on his luck at present but his spirit is mostly vibrant. A Dominican organisation is helping him to get fit enough to work with some medical and dental assistance but other help is always welcome. For all the tourists and residents who have said to me 'I'd really like to have a conversation with one of these people who needs help but I don't have Spanish' here is your chance. He lived in the US for 35 years which is why he is fluent in English & no, he wasn't deported. I did ask & it was taken as a factual question & he didn't take offense. There is no evidence of drugs or alcohol - psychologically he appears very switched on given the lifestyle he endures. In fact once he knew I was English he immediately told me about a homesick young English girl he knows and wanted me to befriend her as a mother figure. The first time I met him he told me he needed trousers - I went back today with 3 pairs of BushBaby's and he was really touched. The look in the eyes made me feel quite emotional and as those who know me know, that's not easily done.
I won't post his name but I would just say that some of these folks who are down on their luck are not just deserving of empathy but are intelligent, gifted individuals deserving of time and friendship as equals. So, if you have ten minutes but no Spanish go and introduce yourself. You'll probably gain more than you give. I'm not asking you to give him money but time. He needs to build up his self-image back to being a worthwhile person. Course if anyone wants to share their lunch with him, he won't say no.
Thank you for reading this.
Do Yourselves A Favour
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~ Grahame
