I have spent two days walking around Cuzco and thinking about this. I feel conflicted by the following. When colonial powers take what isn´t theirs they do this as kings. When they rule over the people they do this as kings. When they give what they took back, they do it as kings. And now when we travel, we travel as kings.
So i ask myself, what can we do about it. There are already Responsible Tour guides and opportunities to volunteer. Or even grow dreadlocks and a beard and disappear into the jungle. At the end of the day, as westerners we are so loaded with social and cultural capital that no matter what we do, no matter how deep in the jungle we explore, how long we weave baskets with the local Peruvian woman, we can shave the beard, cut the hair, and come back to a world which runs the world. We are truly mobile, our choices are limitless.
I guess i feel like I'm having to come to terms with my own privilege again. I think its important, when traveling to remember this. We were born into a world which calls the shots. And to be honest, walking around with more money in my pocket than a Peruvian makes in a month, makes me feel this clash of culture that much more prevalent.
So what can we do about it? I mean we are fighting the forces of capitalism. And if they keep the majority of tourists happy and spending, i don't think it could be that easy to change.
So there is a lot to be said about people who travel and volunteer in the communities they visit. I wish i could have more time to learn more about the people and the stories of Cuzco. Away from the magnetic forces of the almighty dollar.
More on Cuzco to come in the meantime check out the pics. A beautiful place.
it's very confronting isn't it bro? i haven't even been to any places like that, but to even see how the other side live through a friends eyes is amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time...and you're right - apart from doing those things like volunteering etc - it doesn't seem like there's much else that we CAN do that would actually help such a long-standing difference between our life and theirs...travel safe bro x x x
ReplyDeleteagree with you 100% bro. the sad thing is, even people like us risk becoming inured to these thoughts, feelings, inspirations, after we've visited places often enough. we just gotta always keep our eyes open, and keep thinking, and never ever succumb to the Western way of taking things for granted. as for the locals on the ground making money off you - giving them your trade is probably the least you can do.
ReplyDeleteyou just do what you can, when you can and however is possible at the time. you can't help everyone but you can try your best as you pass by them..
ReplyDeletei'm a big fan of missions like kiva.org.. grassroots style that don't just throw money at a situation, but try to bring communities up to par by getting money into the workers. which means more money for their children's education etc etc.
i've done a bit of traveling to poor countries and its easy to get overwhelmed by poverty. but there's no point. you gotta be optimistic and just find ways to help out. give an extra $5 instead of haggling over 20c.
Hey Ant, yeah, I see what you're saying. I believe that it is these experiences in life which keep us humble and greatful and therefore better people. In theory anyway I suppose, as it just makes some people crazier. I would presume these are all excellent life lessons to take to the classroom upon your return some day....yes?
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Port Moresby I learnt pretty early on in life about inequality and what I can say to you is that it's hard to try and comprehend but it makes you mega appreciative of everything you have...
have another drink, you'll be right tiger;)
ReplyDelete- kat, megan, coxy