to read - Jaltemba Bay Life

Thinking about the formal “tour” of the mines Ihad previously imagined and somewhatexpected, what I was actually seeing offered anabrupt contrast. This was real, this was raw, thiswas life in the moment and as it is.Before leaving Manuel took me to a smallmineshaft that had been converted into areligious altar. On a small ledge were severalburning candles, a cross, a picture of the VirginMary, and prayers to the departed—offerings forthe dreams of hope, for love, family, freedom,and the idea of fulfilling a dream among theelusive opals of Magdalena.I’ve been told that men have been killed inthese hills and that friends, lured by the lust ofwealth, have betrayed each other. I left this minewith a small bag in my hand, but will keep therest of the story a secret.