Not much is happening any longer on the beach before me. The Greeks abandoned their summer exile on the ocean. Only a few people are left to enjoy the still hot late summer sun on the laconic bay.
Here, everything is the same as 10 years ago. That is part of what makes the place such an idyll. However, this year something is still different from other years: African vendors run al over the beach at regular intervals. It is a little Kenya in Greek.
The vendors carry huge boards with jewellery pinned to them. Cheap stuff, probably imported from far away. They do not speak very good English or French – and they certainly speak no Greek. The beach is empty. Only very seldom, a gallant gentleman buys a small trinket from his mermaid.
In the past, I never saw beach vendors from Africa on this beach. Consequently, it makes me thoughtful: are the Africans part of the emigration process from Africa to Europe? Is there a chance for the coloured beach vendor to survive by himself in Europe? Or will he only be permitted a short breathing space before being deported again?
And: what organization initiated this newly installed sale of rubbish at my beautiful beach? Is the business blooming? How much profit is in it for the businessman or the organization and how much will the beach vendor get?
RMD
(Translated by EG)
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