noun. a distinction drawn on the basis of contrast.
That is my one word description of present day East Biloxi.
- The Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino looms large on the coast of the Gulf with a gorgeous view of the water. A big beautiful V shape - a buzz with activity and tourists. Half a block away and across the street is a 20 story apartment buliding. Blown out and abandoned.
- In the heart of East Biloxi is The Volunteer Village. It is alive with volunteers who have travelled many miles to join with the residents in the rebuilding effort. Across the street is a little corner store. We asked not to frequent the store - drug deals go down there on a regular basis.
- The police request that we not walk in the neighbourhood alone at night. If we go out in a car after dark, go in a group and let someone know you are leaving. Yet, we spend our evenings in the homes of beautiful people who live in the immediate area. Each night they invite friends, family and neighbours and we enjoy visiting and sharing with each other.
- From the porch of a home we are working on I look across the street at a beautiful field and enjoy the open space. I am told that before the storm the field was full of homes. One half of the neighbourhood completely gone, wiped out - now an open field.
- Across the street from one of the homes we are working on is a modern looking school building. But, after a few days we realize we have never heard or seen any kids playing. As we pass by at recess we see only a handful of kids outside playing. Where have all the children gone?
- The waterfront on both the Bay and the Gulf are nearly completely rebuilt. Casino after casino - the image of opulence. Yet right across the street is a blown out and abandoned home. One block away is a home we were working on. The family and people they have taken in - all crammed into a couple of small FEMA trailers and dreaming of being in their home by Christmas.
No comments:
Post a Comment