That year, we bought two round-the-world plane tickets, packed up two cameras, and set off.
Because of deep questions about life and creativity, we wondered: could the Romani people, who have roamed for ten centuries, have unique answers to the journey of life?
So we came to Romania —— the only place in Europe where Romani “wagon caravans” still roam.
This photo shows a string of small covered wagons. Despite the widespread use of gas and electricity in cities, this Romani family still sells firewood along the road. (Photo provided by Zhou Meiling)
The moment we arrived in this country, all we saw was desolation; unlike other northwestern European nations, there were very few foreigners here, especially Asians, who were almost nowhere to be seen. Perhaps it’s precisely because of this isolated atmosphere that this place remains one of the few in Europe where roaming Romani people can still be found.
To delve deeper into Romani life, through an NGO, we found an interpreter who spoke the Romani language and successfully entered our first Romani settlement.
These settlements are quite unique, often hidden among woods on the outskirts of towns. Not long after entering the woods, the sound of an accordion would soon drift toward us; their world is filled with vivid, bright colors, a mood where joy and hardship coexist, and the poverty and carefree attitude of nomads.
A Romani settlement hidden in the woods on the outskirts of town. (Photo provided by Zhou Meiling)
Our arrival made them curious, as if they were watching animals: first, they had almost never seen Asians, especially Asian women; second, Europeans generally look down on them — they are the legendary pickpockets, swindlers, and thieves; even people from the NGO warned us: why go into their settlement? They’re uncultured, can’t communicate, and are dangerous. At that time, the interpreter blushed but said nothing — he didn’t want to admit that he had Romani blood. But we weren’t discouraged and insisted on entering their village, even bringing along valuables (our cameras), which is considered taboo.
Perhaps because we were women, the women and children in the tribe boldly and happily swarmed toward us. (Photo provided by Zhou Meiling)
Everyone said: the camera might go in, but it might not come out. But we still took out our cameras, and the villagers found seeing images of themselves quite amusing. (Photo provided by Zhou Meiling)
Later, our European friends were very surprised that we could safely go in and out of the Romani settlements. I think, if it wasn’t for European prejudice, it must be thanks to the Romani chief who led us.
This chief was a warm and handsome elderly man. He quickly started playing his favorite accordion, serenading my cameraman, and when he invited us to his home, he even showed a certificate identifying him as a nationally renowned accordion player, proving he was a gentleman.
Later, our European friends were very surprised that we could safely go in and out of the Romani settlements. I think, if it wasn’t for European prejudice, it must be thanks to the Romani chief who led us. (Photo provided by Zhou Meiling)
This chief was a warm and handsome elderly man. He quickly started playing his favorite accordion, serenading my cameraman, and when he invited us to his home, he even showed a certificate identifying him as a nationally renowned accordion player, proving he was a gentleman.