Slum loving
Today I read a article in the NY Times about slum tours. You can read the article here (requires NY Times account). In the end a tourist talks about how suprised he was at how friendly people were.
I recently made a trip to the Philippines. During the trip I visited what I would consider a slum in Manila. Unpaved roads, shanty like homes and shoeless people walking the streets. The first thing I thought was “this reminds me of growing up in bed-sty.”
In Manila, what stood out and really hit home were the groups of friends and families hanging out on the streets. Granted I was in a car, but it wasn’t dangerous at all.
It reminded me of growing up in Brooklyn spending late nights in front of my home with my friends and family. Listening to music, the adults drinking and all around having a good time.
Many people believe that poor people have a horrible life, while its not easy, it isn’t bad. In some ways I was envious of the poor people in that Manila slum. More money has not brought me closer to my friends or family. But being poor almost forces you to.
In that sense I miss being poor. I miss friends and family being the richest experience in my life.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Ejovi,
Your the richest experience is priceless.
Is is valuable more than anything.
Mine, as well.
I like this article. thanx!
miss you!
May 9th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
This was a very touching confession. Well, what can I say? Prolly you`re right.
I think that the loneliness is a natural state of the human life though.