An Urban Farmer

There is a certain bar not far from where I live where the owner is always smiling. Lets call him Manolo. People have been heard to mumble that Manolo has every reason to smile because he is making so much money. But the truth is his attitude contrasts sharply with that of some of his customers.

I saw Paco in there the other day. "No work," he mumbled looking downcast and unshaven at his shoes. "Perhaps I'll get some leaflets printed to advertise the business...It's the only thing I can think of, you know?"

Meanwhile various workers in blue overalls, non of whom were Paco, busied around the bar putting up new light fittings, installing new signeage and giving the outside a lick of paint. How could the owner afford all this? Surely takings must be down in the current economic climate? With half his regulars suddenly unemployed even Manolo must be feeling the pinch?

"Will you be taking part in the Fería de la Tapa this year?" I asked him.

(The 'Feria de la Tapa' is local fiesta that involves going from bar to bar sampling free delicacies with your drinks in which the bars strive to outdo each other in culinary expertise.)

"Of course! We've got some great new dishes lined up to tempt the clients," Manolo enthused, "And we'll be doing a bit of extra advertising to make sure people don't miss us out."

"Leaflets?" I asked.

"Maybe," he mused, "but I was thinking of something with a bit more impact!" He winked conspiratorially.

Now Manolo is not, as far as I know, a man who spends much time with his hands plunged in the earth - though he does conspicuously support the use of local produce - but he's clearly someone with his feet firmly planted.

Manolo recognises that to eat tomorrow, he has to be up very early sowing today. He also realises that if this year's excessive and uncharacteristic rainfall means its too wet to plant a certain crop, he'd better waste no time in thinking what to plant instead. And if that crop requires a bit of extra investment, then Manolo will find a way to gather that cash somehow.

Manolo, it seems, is a man who knows that We Are What We Grow. It's about time a few more Paco's out there realised it as well.

Photos:
10/10: Headline Collage by MyEyeSees
Happy Tapas by Mat Hampson