A Girl in the World

Photo of the Day: Big City Playground

December 15, 2011

Child on the roof

Big city living in Buenos Aires is a strange brew of high-energy excitement, chaos and commerce. Nearly a quarter of Argentina’s 40 million residents live and dwell here. The city is sprawling, dirty and beautiful. Immaculate apartment lofts coexist alongside open garbage piles. It’s a metro of dichotomies. One day I am dining with friends of ex-presidents and on the next am brought to tears by the humble love of the cleaning lady. I am enraged and heartbroken all at once, often at the extremes of human emotion amidst the poverty, excess and hardship that this city’s streets throw at me each day. I love and hate it here. It is a mirror that forces me to face the demons of my imperfection. Can I be compassionate, patient, open and strong? Will this city, with its anger and apathy, engulf me or will I rise above?

And then like a flash, a moment of pure innocence catches my breath. I am reminded of what is good and true.

Of God.

A little girl squeals with joy playing with her doll on a rooftop cement playground just after a rainstorm.

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Stacey December 15, 2011 at 8:55 am

Wow, what a great photo, and such a well written description! Thanks for sharing…

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Denise December 15, 2011 at 9:31 am

Stacey, thank you! It was such an amazing moment, contrasted against that crazy skyline.

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Symphonie December 22, 2011 at 12:55 pm

Amazing! Your such a great writer! Thank you for posting! This is so beautiful and your adventurous lifestyle is completely inspiring! KEEP POSTING :)

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Denise December 22, 2011 at 7:35 pm

Hi Symphonie. Thanks for the encouragement!

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Coolmon January 26, 2012 at 2:43 pm

You are a talented writer, I look forward to reading more from you soon.

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