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RE: the low down
Totally agree. Happy to make anyone smile these days.
I think for the most part the farmers are proud of their land so it brings them a little joy to know that others find their space so photogenic, right? Does it feel that way over there too @jennswall?
Really I think they smile at the foreigner, but as I learn more of the local language the smile becomes softer and more genuine. I even get tips now on where to go for beautiful views in the mountains. But there is definitely still an air of desperation in the locals here with the depression just starting to lift after 2 decades. If a foreign photographer makes them smile then I am happy to give it to them.
Fun! The smiley stranger. I like it.
Curious about a two decade depression, I assume you mean economic, what has changed recently? Are you anywhere near Catalonia?
Yes it was mostly economic. But a system in decline, in particular after the civil war in the mid 1900s (which happened after WWII, so there wasn´t even any recuperation after that) has left this country devastated. Just 2 years ago the banks started giving loans to young house owners again. I´m in Andalucia and although there is beautiful land here to farm, we are one of the poorest regions. Not in culture though and that´s where the Andalucian vs American smiles come into play.