Please Buy?

The hungry, desperate expression in the young girl's face stopped me in my tracks in Sapa, Vietnam. It was late at night, she was hauling her younger sister on her back trudging through the streets in search of tourists to buy her keychains. With just enough English to sell her wares, she followed me for a bit. "Buy. You buy? Please buy!"

Her tired face was almost hopeful looking into mine. But that look died as I shook my head slowly. We were strictly told not to buy from children. When the children come home with money, this reinforces the parents to continue sending them out; rather than ensuring they go to school. The local government was working on getting (and keeping) all children in school. Another girl, with another toddler on her back, ran up in the hope for a sale, too. 

Own a truly unique conversation piece.

Size: 9 x 12 inches watercolor on cold-pressed paper

Size: 11 x 14 inches, framed in a black wood frame, mounted with white mat, behind glass. Wired and ready to hang. Medium weight.