“So tell me”, the host says “about your experience volunteering with Michael’.
I see the red sign illuminated on the desk in front of me ‘ON AIR”. There’s myself, Michael and the interviewer sat around a large semicircular desk with four mounted microphones. We can see through to the other studio where the host is waiting patiently for my reply. I find that I am not too nervous. Perhaps it is that I have not thought too much about the interview, convincing myself they’d only really ask Michael questions, or that no-one I know would be listening, or perhaps because it’s not my language. But someone clearly believes I can do this. I find words and I speak. I tell it like it is.
Staying with Michael has been incredible. It’s been potluck. I’ve been helping out wherever. It’s not possible to predict what will come up, things don’t work like that. I’d never have guessed I’d have sold fruit and vegetables on a market, harvested beans on the side of a mountain, pollinated fruit trees, painted ceramics or give a radio interview. I can only say that the experience has been a positive one. I understand the relationship between peoplei the city and countryside and so many more things beside. Most of all it’s been great to share time with someone who is such a positive force, has so many ideas and the energy to realize them.
I have come with Michael to Radio Vision, Quito’s largest radio station perched on the top edge of the city, high up with a view over its audience. He has organised the interview to raise the profile of the Organic Market. The city authorities although fine with the idea to begin with, now want a piece of the cake or to close the market.
“So what have I learnt at the market”, the host asks me “I imagine you had lots of admirers”… oh Lord I think, and I try to erase the image of the guy who came up three times just to buy one (albeit rather huge) avocado. “Not at all”, I laugh in an over the top and extended manner hoping the question will go away.
I can only tell it like it is, I try to get some serious points in. The market is a great place. It is refreshing to meet so many likeminded people, to see variety and healthy food options, to see producers and consumers in dialogue and relationships established between producers. To see that organic food can be bought by all. Michael is of course a better speaker than I am and does an excellent job of getting the main points in, although he is cut short at the end with still more to say. The host has just had an email through.. an admirer would like my contact.. am I single?!
I remember, so this is radio and I’m in Ecuador and it’s a show and this is the way it goes.. And I continue the interview. And it’s good and I’m glad I got to do it and actually it appears I did have 1 listener. One dedicated mother listening via the means of internet radio.. laughing across continents.
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