Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Slums and other things

Yes, of course, they do have slums but also poverty housing is everywhere. We have seen housing that looks like some we have seen in Mexico. We have seen tent cities that look like they are camping. The slum houses are sooo close together and very tiny. However, the trip leader says some people are not "poor". Many people in the homes all with jobs. No overhead, no electricity (they have it because they steal it) TV's, etc. And this is just the way they live. There are thousands of stores everywhere all jammed up together sometimes literally about 10 feet by 20 feet and the congregate - all the pharmacies, auto repair, phone grouped together. And then there are the street vendors that sell everything - food, drinks, juices, trickets. You name it, they have it. Cows are everywhere because they are sacred - laying on the road median. Have seen camels pulling carts. Several herds of sheep and goats. Barber shops under a tree. There are many, many concrete cisterns with water that are bathing spots for the men. You will see men around the cistern washing themselves. Most have a towel or their shorts on. Only one with his back turned (thank goodness). Have seen only a couple of naked children. Men have the world for a bathroom and use it freely. *sigh* Air is somewhat dirty - I could "smell" it yesterday. Good thing though is now that I am away from Texas, my allergies have cleared up :-)

No comments: