Nota Bene calendar 2020 — International Street Paper City Guide.
Street papers are sold all over the world united by INSP - International Network of Street Papers. Each street paper has its own independent team, its own name, what unites them though is an idea of helping homeless to return home again and/or keep roof over their heads. The Big Issue UK started a series of articles in which a seller from different city /country would give a guide around their city. Slovak street paper NOTA BENE supported the idea and this is how the calendar “International Street Paper City Guide” came to life.
Each month — different city. Discover cities around the world through the eyes of street sellers and learn about their stories!
Watch a real Csaba Setet, seller from Copenhagen, calendar page - November, to introduce himself and his city. Video by Marcel Pazman for NOTA BENE SK.
January — Chicago
A.Allen has been a vendor for seven years and now is being a mentor for a beginner sellers. One of his favorite places in Chicago is Millennium Park, where many free events take place, including a Blues festival. A little further on, you will find a sculpture by British artist A. Kapoor. "It's officially called Cloud Gate, but we all call it the Bean. People love the Bean, they are always take pictures with it. "
Tip: For good and affordable food, go to Valois Restaurant on East 53rd Street. As well as Allen, Barack Obama, who has a house nearby, also likes to stop by there.
A.Allen (60), Street Wise seller
February — Sydney
Bob lives in Sydney, sells a magazine and works as a guide. The rent he pays absorbs 80% of his salary. They call him Tutu Bob as sometimes you can see him selling magazine wearing a tutu skirt at a market in the Kings Cross neighbourhood.
Tip: Instead of taking a tour of the opera, walk across the Harbor Bridge for free. A walk through Barangaroo Park and on the cliff tops of Bondi Beach is also worth it.
Bob C. (68), The Big Issue Australia vendor
March — Cardiff
"Welsh people are great people," says Maurice, a native of Cardiff. Maybe that's why the city attracts people from all over the world, around the bay live more than 50 different nationalities. When a big rugby match is played, there is a great atmosphere on the streets and at the Millennium Stadium.
Tip: The Central Market Square Cafe has the best bacon eggs. If you eat the whole portion called Ultimate, you don't have to pay for it.
Maurice Richards (59), The Big Issue vendor
April — Prague
You will not find in the usual guide that the most beautiful view of the Prague Castle is from Jiraskovo nabrezi and from the courtyard of the University of Economics on Italská Street. Or that when you visit Vršovice, in the middle of Prague you suddenly find yourself in a village.
Tip: In old Hrdlořezy there is an old house with a First Republic sign with the inscription: Nothing serious has happened in this house so far and we believe that nothing will happen in the future.
Vaclav Maly (62), Novy Prostor vendor
May — Bratislava
Peter's favorite part of Bratislava is his point of sale at Suchý mýto near the Presidential Palace. "There are the best people here, I look forward to see them every day. We charge each other with energy.” He goes to the Next Apache café for coffee, where he gets free coffee and a pleasant conversation with the owner Ben. He likes to walk along the Danube embankment and at Koliba, where he goes to Nota bene traditional grill party.
Tip: “The Pisztory Palace hosts the ERROR International Festival of Homeless Theaters every November. I was there and I recommend! "
Peter (57), Nota Bene vendor
June — Ljubljana
In addition to selling the magazine, Spela is also a guide in the so-called Homeless tour, where she takes people to places in Ljubljana that are related to homelessness. Ljubljana was named the greenest capital in 2018. Spela loves walks in the Tivoli Park - great place to think about life.
Tip: Visit part of Metelkov - it is an alternative cultural center, a city in the city. There are many craftsmen and artists, there are clubs, bars and hostels.
Spela (35), Kralji ulice vendor
July — Athens
Michael's favorite places in Athens are the classic ancient monuments of the Acropolis and the non-stop Gianniotiko Café with great souklaki in the bustling Omonoia Square, where people from all over the world meet to talk.
Tip: “Omonoia Square is a place where immigrants go to sit and talk. A few years ago, I didn't like seeing refugees there. Now that I know their stories, I understand them much better.”
Michael Samolis (61), Shedia vendor
August — Milan
Aldo lost his job and has been living on the streets for two years. He became, in his words, an "invisible traveller" and slept at Milan airports. Among his favorite places belongs the Sormani Library. In addition to books and internet access, he appreciates the opportunity to use the toilet and warm up.
Tip: The city museums at Castello Sforzesco and the Natural History Museum offer free admission twice a month.
Aldo Scaiani (67), Scarp de’tenis vendor
September — Seoul
Yeong-su Moon, a vendor of The Big Issue Korea has been selling the magazine in front of Sindori station for 13 years. His favorite place is Deoksugung Palace, where you can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is a famous path between the stone walls - legend has it that couples who walk it together always break up. The beautiful Rak-Hee Street is known as the "Silver Quarter" because most customers are seniors.
Tip: Yeonseo Traditional Food Market is a popular meeting place. The atmosphere is so relaxed that it's no problem to talk to anyone.
Yeong-su Moon, Big Issue Korea vendor
October — Copenhagen
Csaba was born in Hungary, but he knows Copenhagen better than anyone because he has lived his entire adult life on its streets. Its most popular place is Kultorvet Square. He likes to observe the stars at the Round Tower, where the oldest functioning observatory in Europe is located.
Tip: The Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebroje is a secret oasis that many locals use as a park. Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard are buried here, and there is also a cemetery of homeless people, where many of Csaba friends lie.
Csaba Setet (56), Hus Forbi vendor
November — Inverness
Daniel was born in Inverness, where he has been selling the magazine at the train station for six years. He enjoys advising tourists. He is most often asked about the way to the castle and the cathedral.
Tip: Visit the Maccallums and Gunsmiths pubs, where you can listen to live music, or grab a cup of coffee for a pound and quarter at Wetherspoon’s.
Daniel MacKenzie (38), The Big Issue vendor
Loch Ness monster
December — Budapest
In addition to selling the magazine, Maria lectures on homelessness in schools and co-founded the advocacy organization A Város Mindenkié (City for All). Her favorite places in Budapest are Margita's Island with the Singing Fountain and the city district of Józsefváros - a rough neighborhood that people are afraid to visit for bad reputation.
Tip: The public transport ticket is also valid for boat transport during working days. You can take a boat trip with views of the Parliament and the surrounding area.
Maria Csurika (47), The Fedél nélkül vendor
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