Mermaid Human Statue in Las Ramblas, Barcelona

The Little Mermaid's Day Job

Once upon a time, there was a little mermaid. But this wasn't the Disney version singing happy songs; this was a sad and lonely little mermaid, working nine to five out of the water just to make ends meet in Las Ramblas, Barcelona.

You can see it in her posture. She is slumped over, clutching that little purse made of shells, looking completely lost. She probably only wanted to go swim with her father in the deep blue sea a few miles away from the Barcelona port, but let's face the facts: human money is much better than devaluated seashells in her underwater world right now.

A Fish Out of Water

It is a tough life indeed. Imagine wearing all that heavy silver makeup, your scales getting dry in the hot Spanish sun, and having to deal with thousands of stingy, strange creatures with no tails staring at you like you are the school of fish.

The detail on her costume is impressive—from the silver-braided "hair" to the shell bodice—but the real story is in the fatigue. Yeah, it sounds like a fairytale, but human statues in Las Ramblas are real people with real bills. They need the money, so let's give them some coins to take back home because they really deserve it.

Daily Photo Recommendation

On a side note, a picture I really liked today comes from the City Daily Photo group: Free Parking by Hyderabad Daily Photo, India. I really like the silhouette of the road against the sunset and the incredible amount of cars in that huge traffic jam. It makes our traffic here look like nothing!

Mermaid Captured in La Rambla, Barcelona

Fishing for Sirens on Las Ramblas

I captured this mermaid with my trusty Nikon D70s while going on a little "fishing expedition" for human statues along Las Ramblas. And let me tell you, there were plenty of fishy things in that sea of tourists—mostly pickpockets and trileros (shell-game swindlers) trying to trick people with their cards. Those are dangerous species you definitely want to avoid playing with.

The Modern Odysseus

But this encounter was different. I felt charmed and subdued by her irresistible, silent chant. In the spirit of Greek mythology, I almost tried to tie myself up to that black cast-iron lamp post standing right next to her and cover my ears like a modern Odysseus to resist the temptation.

But it was no use. She pulled out a small jewel box covered in shells, insinuated a silver-painted smile, and I succumbed instantly. One more euro for the catch of the day!