Now as we travel the world, we cannot count how many street performers we have seen. From the standard singers, drummers, schtick performers, to genuinely talented musical groups, B-boy dancers, to the unique young performers, painted mimes, and the gimmicky stunts...we have seen them all. Until tonight. Wasn't sure what the crowd was watching until we got close. This man was doing an impossibly difficult yoga position and holding it until the sand in the upturned bottle of booze emptied out. Every time someone threw a coin in, he would kindly 'clap' his feet together. His eyes were so red, tears dripping out, he looked in SUCH PAIN. He was using a bright, hot light set up to light up the castle wall. I felt a deep, deep respect for him...he was working harder than any street performer I've seen around the world. It wasn't until after he was finishing up that I noticed he had written his incredible story on a board set up beside him. A 30 year alcoholic, he simply decided to end his misery and be healthy. Just like that. The bottle he used as his sand glass timer is actually the last bottle of booze he drank over six years ago. He began using yoga as his method to take control of his life. And now, as he later told me when I spoke with him, he holds this position for four hours a day or more. That and performs in a brightly colored flower costume in the same square. I was so moved by watching him...it inspired me so much. God bless you Jerzy, and best of luck always!
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