Neighbourhood
in Africa
motivated from another blog – „
Mein Apulien“ here the story for you.
Separated with white walls but not
isolated to the neighbours. As everywhere on the world,
neighbours are watching each other. In this small village are also foreigners
as owners, so it is more interesting. Down on the side of
the garden you can see thehouse of “ Fathou”. On her side her
cousins family.His voice is rarely to hear but
M`Bayes voice often, when she is
talking to her children giving some
orders, what they should do,then she is cleaning the sandy
place, the house and is lookingfor washed clothes. Always she is
busy and always moving.An African woman, tall and slim
with power. Now somerooms are rented to some craftsmen
, who are in this area for
some time. In the evening I watch
them, sitting outside with the
usuall “ schai” . The light at “
Fathous” house still is on.
The neighbours on the right side,
always new owners, I do not
see , because they are not living
here same time when I am here
for some weeks. The housekeeper and
his family, the same as
every year, we are connected.
On front on the other side, a big
compound of a French, when he
he was present, always many
visitors with cars and laughter and
music, now it is empty, sold. Of
cours I am missing Ibrahim, who
always was my special friend, after
finishing his work there , he
came for a visit and can share my
problems, a serious nice guide.
He lost his job now and last time
could not find him any more.
Another big house from the rich Senegal
man I can see the housekeeper
sometimes, everything proper and
clean, always lighted, so for me it
means security. On the right, the
house rented, Mammadou who is
responsable for the compound is not
a foreigner, because for some
time he was busy in the hotel, I
know him for long time.
So everything is fine, of course,
neighbours are watching me too.
When I arrive, they are looking if
I am alone, who are the visitors,
talking loudly to Abou, when wen we
have problems, or if I am
listening to music, or painting, or
leaving with a taxi, or having
“schai” in the late afternoon
together with Abou.
It is very important to know your
neighbours, for security or even
if you need some help. Not too
close, but of course when I am absent,
it is their living quarter and they
will have a look to my side.
wonderful artwork of an african artist.... 
