Through my lens(eye)

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

SPAIN | Wednesday, 5 October 2011 | Views [557]

This photo shows a contradiction. It was taken in the Saint Eulalia Cathedral in Barcelona in a summer day. The cathedral had to main events that day (as many other days during the summer) a wedding and tourist visiting the cathedral. I can’t imagine having tourist, taking pictures on your special day. But also I can’t imagine that in a country with economic crisis and social problems you should choose such an extravagant place for a wedding. For me this is a semi royal and public wedding.

This photo was taken the day after the police kicked out protesters from Cataluña Square in Barcelona. This place is one of the most important meeting points for both tourists and locals. Taken account the beginning of summer (and tourism season) the police expelled all the protesters that were camping on the square to protest their inconformity with the government and the quality of life in Spain. As always many sculptures and other historic pieces were vandalized, like the one that shows in the photo. Anarchy sings are common in many places in Barcelona. to

< previous

4 of 5

One of the main issues in Europe for the last couple of years has been immigration. Manu politicians have expressed a growing concern over immigrants from Muslims countries. They have been concerns about loosing European culture and gaining an Islamic culture. But I believe (and think and hope this photo shows it) that immigrants travel to improve their quality of life. It’s hard to leave your country and family searching for better future it shows courage. Finally in a place where economic crisis how they should receive these immigrants: With fear? Indifference? Reflect that even when they protest for retiring age and other benefits, all that immigrants’ want is to work in better conditions?

During the summer we saw in Spain and almost all of Europe protests and recession. But we must never forget what is happening in the rest of the world.

next >

Through my lens(eye)

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Share

Photo Galleries

Where I've been

My trip journals