Bird Lady

Much too late into the year I befriended Elena, my favorite person to watch in all of Santiago. Of all the many, many times that I have enjoyed la Plaza de Armas, she is there more than any of character in the grand theatre that is la Plaza.

I really have gone in the past simply to watch her.

Elena is very kind. I know limited amounts about her because she unfortunately mumbles more than I do, making it very difficult to understand. So difficult that often times I give up asking "what?" out of embarassment.



Elena is 70-years-old and sells bags of pigeon feed (mainly corn bits) to anyone who is willing to put down the 100 peso fee...or 20 cents. She knows the majority of the regulars in la Plaza, and like them, has her own spot. She is generally on one of two benches between the water fountain and the gazebo, depending on the position of the sun and the temperture outside.



When I took these photos Elena was arguing about the cleanliness of the pigeons with another lady. She has been selling seed for one year now. Her hair and outfits are always interesting - leading one to believe that she cuts her own hair and someone else chooses her clothing, the opposite of how society normally dictates it.



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While these two photos are almost identical and taken only seconds apart, I find that them to be very intriguing. I think they demonstrate the many types of life that surrounds each and every one of us.
Elena has one son who lives in Osorno to the south.